Free Torn (Jay Gunner, #1) by Gerald Greene Page A

first two weeks in August. Now with three cracked ribs, it hurt her to get out of bed and walk as far as the bathroom.
    “Jay we’ll have to cancel our vacation plans. I can’t go out with my eye and nose all puffed up. Everyone would think you beat me.”
    I didn’t laugh at her little joke. “Sweetheart, it’s your ribs I’m worried about. You groan every time you move. I know even with pills you’re in pain. If you pop any more, you’ll become a junkie.”
    “I need them. I can’t stand pain. My ribs are killing me. At least my eye is healing and I can breathe through my nose again.”
    “Your eye shouldn’t be a problem. You could always wear sunglasses. You would anyway. You know how cool you look in those $350 designer shades.”
    “I don’t feel so cool. Damn those thieves. Stealing our stuff and ruining our vacation before it even started.”
    “Just try and get well. We’ll still go to Bali. Even though we’ll have to wait until December. Markets pick up from September to the first of December. That’s my busiest time of year. Christmas and New Year in Bali would be good; a real blast. Let’s plan on that.”
    The rest of the week I felt stressed. I tried to help Amanda as she recovered from her wounds. I found I wasn’t a good caretaker. I tired of fixing meals, fetching juice and water, bringing pills, and taking her to doctor appointments.
    Joy was great about filling in at the office, but the interruption to my trading routine was upsetting. And expensive. I didn’t dare make new trades while under such stress.
    Amanda had a low tolerance for pain. Her constant bitching was depressing. I realized I liked Amanda better as a part time girlfriend. Life was more balanced and pleasant when she traveled half the time.
    The best thing about the remainder of the week was I didn’t hear from the FBI. I thought that unpleasant business might be over. Agent Cooper seemed satisfied I knew nothing about the break in and missing computer. I hoped he thought my contact with Brian was causal, and had nothing to do with stolen government files. 
    Near noon of the Friday New York trading day Joy and I were about to call it a wrap. It was approaching midnight in HK.
    “How’s Amanda doing?” Joy looked like she was concerned.
    “Better, thanks. Another couple weeks and she’ll be fine. She still hurts when she moves around, but the ribs are healing.”
    “I’m glad.” As I sat at my desk Joy came behind the chair, wrapped arms around shoulders, kissed my cheek and caressed my chest. My reaction to the awkward embrace surprised me. I had an instant hard on.
    Sensuous memories of the night spent together swept over me. I tried to suppress thoughts of her naked body next to mind but could not. A raging fever burned; one I must take care of.
    “Joy, I don’t want you to think me an animal, but I want you; right here, right now.”
    “We’re here alone, and the office door locked. What’s holding you back tiger? Can’t decide if its love making you want or some strange?”
    “I don’t want to lie. Thanks to you I feel confused about my relationship with Amanda. Maybe I love you both. Trying to figure it out.”
    “Maybe you don’t love anybody but yourself. Just like fucking. Ever think of that?”
    “That hurts. Hope I’m not that cold. I care for you. And my feelings are growing stronger. But I live with Amanda. I thought I loved her, but now I don’t know.”
    Joy asked, “So do I have a chance? I’m crazy about you.” 
    I melted under Joys gaze. She made me crazy hot. I said, “I’ve been trying to control my desire. But it’s hopeless. I want you.”
    “And I want you. I’ve been dreaming you take me on the conference table. It might seem a little strange but my fantasy has a good ending. Are you up for it?”
    “Joy one of your kisses gets me up for anything you want. As soon as you touched me, I was up and ready.”
    “Let’s stop talking and start doing.” Joy bent over