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Chapter Seven
Wesley
The turnout ofDragon Rockfans exceeded Wesley’s expectations as hungry fans clamored to hear about the newest upgrade to the classic level-up elemental dragon phenomenon. Wesley wrapped up his presentation, including a hint of what would come, after several game giveaways were rewarded to diehard fans. Handing the microphone over to his publicist Regina, he stepped aside, scanning the crowd, feeling a flutter of apprehension in his gut.What if he couldn’t deliver what these fans wanted?A week had gone by since he’d laid eyes on his muse, and his drawings were inferior to what they had been when she was living and breathing around him.
The ancient dragon kingdom became his most outstanding creation. It took a team of dedicated friends and colleagues to bring it to fruition. It consumed his life. But this future phase was just as important. His debut game put him on the map, but this would secure his place there, giving his enthusiasts someone to follow, increasing his fan base around the world. Completely invested, he’d devoted nine years of his life developing it into the franchise it was today.
In the sea of eager, excited faces, one woman stood out. He’d never forget those green eyes flecked with amber, though he couldn’t see into them from this distance. Wesley took a step forward as if he could just leave and go straight to her.
He had not forgotten one single moment of their time together, still remembering the smell of her hair, her sweetly guarded laugh, the way she’d looked at him in the moonlight. Ava Baxter was a hard-nosed, independent woman but he’d seen a rare glimpse of her softer side, a side he longed to know more about. Since meeting her, she’d filled his visions, making him think he’d been too long without a relationship. He could have spent the night with her at Brock’s wedding. Even if Ava hadn’t consumed too much alcohol, something had held him back.
He pondered why he saw through her façade, detecting her wounded soul. Why he wanted to soothe that soul baffled him.
Through hundreds of faces, had he picked her out because of some cosmic connection? Or because her expression was in complete contrast to the rest of the vast room, a mask of annoyance? He grinned, remembering she didn’t like crowds.So, what was she doing here?
Regina thanked everyone for coming and promised they would have their minds blown once the new game went live. Cheers and whistles went up.
Wesley exited the dais, waving to fans and staying behind the security ropes. He continued in the direction he’d seen Ava in. As fans pressed closer, calling his name and clamoring for autographs, the security detail held them at bay.
Ava became lost in the sea of people. Hope plummeted when he couldn’t see her any longer.
Then he heard her voice, loud and clear.
“Excuse me! We need to get through.” Ava elbowed past a large group of teenagers wearingDragon Rockmerchandise. One teen lifted his overgrown bangs to get a good look at the smoking-hot chick brushing past him.
Wesley tapped the closest security guy and pointed to Ava. “Help her.”
Regina had turned the mic over to the celebrity host, following right behind Wesley. She gave instructions to other security and staff congregating around them. So, within a minute, Ava and her son were ushered through the crowd.
“Ava! I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Hey, Wes.” Ava placed her hands on the boy’s shoulders. “This is Jack. My son.”
“Hi!” Jack said with reverence, staring in awe.
Wesley still wasn’t completely sure how Ava felt about him—it seemed she liked him well enough to continue their acquaintance and introduce her kid. “Welcome, Jack,” he gushed, feeling flattered.
“Jack’s a big fan.”
Wesley shook his small hand, making the kid’s smile grow. “Nice to meet a big fan. Who’s your favorite character in the game?”
Jack’s smile faded as a line of concentration appeared on his forehead. “I don’t know. I really like Draco Terram, the earth dragon. But I also like Draco Glacie, the ice dragon.”
The security guard escorted them down an empty hallway and into a small conference room so they could continue chatting in privacy. Wesley engaged Jack while his gaze continuously drifted to Ava. She didn’t say much at first, seeming nervous or at best uncomfortable. The more he talked, the more she became relaxed. He even got an occasional smile. He loved the way her mouth tugged in the corners when he got a rouse from her. She looked as beautiful as his memory served him—and in order to draw her, he had memorized every line of her lithe arms, the swell of her hips, the delicate angles of her cheekbones, and the perfect pout of her lips.
“I’m doing a school project about you.”
Closing the road on his wandering thoughts about Ava, he focused on Jack. “Really, about me?” He noticed Jack had his mother’s eyes but his were not yet secretive and jaded.
“Well, a famous person,” she clarified. “The kids have to research someone whose actions have made a difference in their lives. Jack claimsDragon Rockwas the video game that made him love playing.”
In five minutes of talking with Jack, he sensed the boy was a sweet kid. Despite Wesley’s own success, he’d had his share of obstacles, growing up with the world on his shoulders. He’d learned from a young age what hard work felt like. He valued what he earned, proud that his gaming ideas opened doors and gave him opportunities. He wanted to give back, help kids who had relatable backgrounds. Raised by a single mother who struggled, she managed to lead him down the right path. Wesley empathized with Ava, though he related to Jack. He felt an overwhelming sense of wanting to help them.Dare he bring up his previous job offer?He could start by winning over Jack.
“I’m happy to help. How about a personal interview?”
“Really!” Jack’s huge eyes turned to his mother.
She seemed to exhale her worry away. “That would be great.”
