Tiger in Her Bed

“Our deadline is winter, next year. Of course, we’ll run a beta. Northmen 2 is designed to have a faster universal render engine that will work on all platform devices. It’s a groundbreaking technology we’re trying to push through since the original saga.”

“I heard a lot about this universal render engine tech at Comic Con last year. A friend of mine held a Northmen Saga workshop and he always gushed about it. Players are spoiled by ultra HD graphics usually reserved for cinematic trailers. Did you really design this tech?” asked John.

“No, no way. I can’t take credit for it myself. We have a dedicated team in Animatrica who developed it. Everyone’s worked really hard on this.”

Quinn disagreed. “Vanessa is too modest. She worked about seventy percent from the concept to the completion. She rarely takes credit. Others have been taking advantage of her.”

Vanessa turned sharply to him. “You noticed?”

“Naturally.” Quinn put down his fork and knife. “I know what’s going on in the company. Otherwise I wouldn’t know how to run it profitably and efficiently. You didn’t think I would notice?”

“Ah. You surprised me, that’s all,” she muttered.

He looked very smug, and she wanted to fling a piece of steak at him.

“I’m curious,” Quinn’s mom chimed in, “how long have you two been dating? Quinn never told me anything and I’m his mother. I wished many times he’d keep me in the loop. How did you two meet?”

Vanessa looked at Quinn, asking for his help.

“We just starting seeing each other recently,” Quinn answered for her. “Are you going to turn this into an interview, Mom? Please don’t. I don’t want you to scare Vanessa away.”

“Me? Scaring her? Why, I never.” Savannah was scandalized. “Do I scare you, dear? I don’t, do I?” Savannah patted Vanessa’s hand. “Like I said, I’m just curious. A mother has a right to know what is going on in her son’s life. I swear, your father, bless his heart, was just like this. He was so tight-assed; it would take more than a gallon of prune juice to make him open up.”

Vanessa choked on her salad. For a socialite, her vocabulary was colorful. Quinn’s mom was eccentric. Trent laughed heartily.

Savannah waved nonchalantly. “I just mean, I wished your father would’ve shared what was on his mind once in a while during our marriage. Now that Quinn is the head of this family, I’m hoping he won’t be like his father. Are you two serious? It’s great if you are. Quinn isn’t getting any younger and he should have had an heir years ago. And I wouldn’t mind a cub or two to spoil.”

“Here we go again,” sighed Quinn.

Vanessa caught Quinn’s eyes. “Cub?”

Quinn motioned at his mother to quiet down. “She hasn’t been enlightened.”

“Enlightened?” asked Vanessa, growing confused.

“I’m sorry.” Savannah became guarded. “It doesn’t matter right now. Vanessa is the perfect young girl to join our family. I’m thrilled that he finally settled down, that’s all.”

What were they talking about? Quinn and his mom spoke in riddles.

“Not to worry. Vanessa and I are taking it slowly. Rest assured, we are planning to have a big family. Aren’t we, Vanessa?” Quinn patted Vanessa’s shoulder fondly. His smile was unnatural, showing too much teeth. Jesus. This guy was messing with her.

Vanessa had no choice but to play along. “Yes.”

“We had a lengthy discussion about it. Since both of us grew up in full houses, she wants, at least, four children. I think two boys and two girls are a good start. Right, Vanessa?”

Don’t make up stuff by yourself. Vanessa shot him a warning glare. Cut it off. She pinched Quinn’s arm underneath the table.

Quinn seemed to be on the roll. He took Vanessa’s hand and kissed it like a love-struck boy. “She even already picked the name for our firstborn. What was it again, babe?”

“Coco?” she offered.

“That’s the name for the dog. Don’t you remember?”

“Right. I’m sorry. Austin?”