Secret Gifts (Steamy Version) by Elena Aitken

the coffee table. “It turns out there’s going to be a big party here in a few days and guess who’s in charge?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “Oh, and guess who the guest of honor is?”
    Gage groaned and ran his hands through his hair. “No.” He shook his head. “I don’t want a party. Especially not here.”
    “First of all,” Megan said. She pointed at him with a pen. “You’re a superstar. You get parties—it’s what you do. Accept it. Second of all,” her smile faded a little when she continued, “you don’t have a choice. Neither of us do. Orders came down from the big guns. So deal with it.” She was trying for stern, but it came off really cute, and the fact that Megan delivered the news definitely did help soften the blow.
    “Since you’ve been working all day, why don’t we go grab some dinner? It’ll be kind of like an apology for being a jerk and running out on you.”
    “Sort of like an apology?” She tilted her head.
    “Okay, an apology. What do you say?”
    “I’d love to. But I can’t. We,” she emphasized the we , “have an appointment at the Lodge to meet with the party planner.”
    Gage groaned and dropped onto the couch. He was pretty sure he couldn’t think of anything he’d like to do less than meet with a party planner for a party he didn’t want to go to, let alone be the guest of honor at. “No way,” he said. “I’ll stay here and watch a movie.”
    She laughed and the sound did something to him. He wanted to hear it again.
    “That’s not happening,” Megan said. She grabbed his hand and yanked him to his feet. “You’re coming with me. Especially after the disappearing act that you pulled today. Besides, I have a surprise for you.” There was a look in her eyes that Gage was pretty sure meant trouble, but he was completely unable to resist her pull.
    “I hate surprises,” he said as he got to his feet and followed her out the door.
    The surprise was waiting for them when they got to the main building. Jeff Michaels, the horse handler from the set of Tumbleweed , grabbed Gage in a man hug and the two men slapped each other of the back.
    “Jeff,” Gage said, when he released him. “What the hell are you doing here?”
    “It’s good to see you, too, man. I told you the Lodge was practically my home. I’ll take any excuse I can to come for a visit. And this is a pretty good excuse. Gage, this is my girlfriend, Eva.” Jeff pulled forward a very tall, very beautiful blond woman.
    Gage shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Eva. All Jeff ever does on set is talk about his gorgeous girlfriend, and now I see why.”
    “Well, all Jeff does at home is talk about this smooth-talking actor he works with, so I guess he’s pretty accurate with his descriptions.”
    They both laughed and Gage knew instantly he was going to get along with Eva. He grabbed Megan’s hand and pulled her forward. “This is my…” He stumbled over the introduction.
    “Megan,” she said. “We spoke on the phone, Eva.”
    Gage looked at her in awe as she handled the situation with grace, and shook first Eva’s and then Jeff’s hands. He wasn’t sure he could be a bigger ass if he tried.
    “So,” Jeff said. “Eva’s in charge of the big party this weekend and since I know I’ll make the invite list, I figured I’d tag along.”
    “Well, I’m certainly glad you did. I’m not looking forward to the party, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss everyone from the show. It’ll be good to get together again and see everyone before the premiere.” He gestured towards the women who were already chatting and were busy poring over a clipboard Eva had. “Are we expected to help, or can we go grab a beer?”
    Jeff chuckled. “Are you kidding me? The only helping I’m ever expected to do is gather things and put them together. Isn’t that right, darlin’?”
    Eva looked up and smiled. “I’ll let you know if you’re needed. Why don’t you guys take off