by Apryl Baker
“Thank you. I know how hard that probably was for you,” she sasses as she places her briefcase and purse in an empty chair.
“Yes, and I owe her…we will have my nephews in few weeks,” I say as I pull a chair out for her.
“Sounds fun to me.” She sits, taking in everything.
The plates and everything are sitting out, and champagne is chilling. I pop the top off the bottle and fill our flutes.
“A toast…happy birthday to the sexiest woman I know. Happy birthday, Jesse.” We clink our glasses.
“Thank you.” She takes a sip and moans in delight. Down, boy…
I place my flute on the bar and grab the food from the warmer. Veal parmesan, spaghetti and breadsticks. I place a serving of everything on our plates. I grab a couple bottles of water from the fridge and sit down to eat.
“How was the rest of your day?” I ask between bites.
“Decent. My last meeting went better than I thought it would.”
“That’s good.”
“Yes. Dad thought the client would fight my suggestions, but he didn’t. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t later.”
“True.”
“I’ll take this as a small victory.”
“I would too.”
“How was your day?”
“Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. It’s taking time to adjusting to the position. I’m used to having several people answering to me a day, but it’s only Sam now. I mean, I’m head of the department, but I work directly with Sam unless something is up.”
“I understand how that could take some getting used to.” She puts her cutlery down. “That was so good, but I’m full.”
I pop the last bite of my breadstick in my mouth. “I’ll put it back in the container and save it for later.”
“Sounds good.” I stand up and clear off the bar, placing everything in the dishwasher or trash. Jesse tries to help me, but I make her sit back down. It’s her birthday.
I take her hand and lead her into the living room.
“Are we watching a movie?”
“No.” I press a few buttons on my surround system and the music playlist filters through the speakers. “Will you dance with me?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
I offer her my hand and she places hers into mine. I pull her in close to me, placing my other hand on her hip, and sway with her to the rhythm of the music as it consumes us. I never liked dancing, but dancing with Jesse is different. I’m so glad Mom and Dad made Leigh and me learn how.
We dance one slow dance after another, and I feel Jesse’s body melting into mine. She’s tired but she won’t say anything. When the song ends, I turn off the surround system.
“Bed?”
“Umm…”
“For sleep.”
“It’s only seven.”
“You’re tired, let’s go.”
“Okay.”
I follow her up the stairs, admiring her fine ass and curves. She kicks her heels off once she’s in our room before she turns on the light. I walk up behind her, holding her to me. I turn her around and help her out of her dress. A white silk slip keeps her covered, and I don’t offer to remove it. I bend down, roll down her thigh highs, and stand up, kissing her gently on the forehead.
I walk around the bed and turn down the covers. She removes the slip, standing before me in her underwear and bra, and removes them both before slipping under the covers. I close my eyes, willing my cock to behave. I remove my shoes, socks, and suit, hanging it up before I remove my tie, shirt, and undershirt. I leave my boxers on because if I feel the heat of her on me, I’ll be hard in an instant.
Jesse turns down my side of the covers and I get in, turning off all the lights except the one on my nightstand.
“Roll over,” I instruct her.
She sighs and places her back to me. I turn off the light, and I turn to pull Jesse into me. Her apple scent consumes me, and I want to make her mine, but I won’t. I caress her silky soft skin, causing goose bumps to appear under my touch.
“Happy birthday, my beauty. I hope you had a wonderful day. I love you.”
“Yes, I did. Thank you. I love you too, Aedan.”
She snuggles into me and I want to let out a groan, but I don’t. I suck it up as I continue my gentle massage, and I fall asleep thinking of how wonderful it would feel to be inside of her.
Chapter Five
Jesse
After today, I’ll ask Stella not to let me overbook myself with client meetings. Seven meetings in one week are too many for meeting clients and learning their needs, on top of a new client taking more time than an established client. We have one meeting today, and once we are finished, I’m taking a long weekend. The Fourth of July is next week and I’m taking a break from work. Sleep is sounding good, and I’m sure Stella will enjoy the time away from me.
She has been amazing, and she knows exactly what I need before I do. Nadia did an excellent job of training her, and I couldn’t ask for a better assistant. I need to check and see when Administrative Professionals Day is and make sure that I remember to show her how much I appreciate her.
As I walk down the stairs, I hear Aedan and Sam talking. As I get closer to his office, I realize they are talking about which one of them is driving today. Why today is any different than the rest of the week is beyond me, but I try to be noticed as I listen to their conversation.
“I have a feeling, Sam. I need to be with her today.”
“If your feeling’s right, H., you’ll need to be ready with the team. It’s my job to be with her. I’m expendable. You’re not.”
“Like hell you are. You’re just as important to this team as I am.”
“Trust me on this. It would be better this way, because it would help rule out who they are coming for.”
“Fine. Make sure you keep me in the loop where you are every step of the way. Do not leave her or McCoy.”
“Under no circumstances.”
“Good.”
I knock on the door and push it open. “I’m ready.”
“Okay, Ms. McCoy. I’ll be driving you today. We will pick up Mr. McCoy on our way.”
“Works for me.” He walks out of the office, leaving only Aedan and me. “You left me alone.”
“I didn’t sleep well, and I didn’t want to stay in bed tossing and risk waking you up.”
“You should have.”
“No, your meeting today needs your full attention.”
“So do you,” I say, rubbing against his body as I stand on my tiptoes to kiss him.
“Are you trying to tease me, Ms. McCoy?”
“No trying about it. You know I am because we don’t have time to do anything.” I grab his cock through his pants. “Me and you tonight. Don’t be late.”
“I wouldn’t think of it.” He pulls me into him, kisses me hard, and I close my eyes as he consumes me.
I reluctantly pull away. “I need to go. We will resume this tonight.”
“You can bet on that.” I turn from him and he swats my ass.
“Ouch!” I rub my backside.
“That’s for being a tease and leaving me with hard-on.”
I smirk. “It’s worth it.” I blow him a kiss and turn to walk out of the office. I pick up my things, which I had left in the kitchen last night.
“Ready, Ms. McCoy?”
“Yes, let’s get this meeting over with.”
We walk out to the garage and Sam helps me into the backseat of the black SUV. I pull out the files on the client we are visiting today. Tucci Marketing was one of Dad’s first clients, so we treat them with extra care. As I scan their files, I see sitting capital that can be priced differently and allocated to fund new investments. I’ll earmark that and talk it over with my dad once we pick him up. I want to make sure I understand what the client wants for his company.
We pull of out the driveway and while Sam c
oncentrates on driving, I dive into the files. Mr. Tucci has capital sitting there and if he acts now he can grow his business. I pull out my phone and look up failing marketing companies. After a few minutes of research, I found one down the street from Tucci’s company. I pull out my calculator and crunch some numbers. This would be a win/win for both companies.
The side door opens and my father slides in next to me before the door closes. I didn’t realize we were here already.
“Good morning, Jesse. Ready for today?”
“Morning, Dad. Yes, I have some questions about these files and want your input.”
“What do you have?”
“I was going through the file and if Mr. Tucci would move the capital that he has available here,” I point to the file, “and move it here, he can allocate it for a new investment. I did some research, and there is a marketing company, Concerto Markets, he could buy, retain the employees, and make more money than what he would spend buying the company. I ran the numbers, and it would be huge for the customers of Concerto.”
My dad looks over everything. “Do you have the details on the company?”
“Yes, let me email them to you.” I grab my phone and text the URL to him. His phone dings with the new message. He opens it and reads what I’ve sent.
“Excellent work.” He takes a deep breath. “Jesse, this is the last meeting I’ll be attending. You know this business almost better than I do. I have no doubt that you will be very successful, and the company will thrive under your leadership.”
“Oh, Dad. I’ll miss you.”
“I’m a phone call away.”
“Does this mean that you’re going to Idaho?”
“I haven’t decided yet. I’m going to travel for a few months and look for a winter house since I have the ranch for all of the other seasons.”
“Just you?”
“Yes, I’m finished with Chantelle. I had divorce papers drawn up and they will be filed this afternoon.”
“Seriously? I’m so excited for you.”
“I know you don’t like her, but she kept me happy for several years. After a while, it became all about her. I’m too old for her shit.”
“Whoa, Dad. I’m proud of you.”
He laughs, a hearty belly laugh I haven’t heard from him since I was a teenager. “Thanks, Jesse. Let’s get in there and get this meeting over with. If it works out right, I can be in Vegas by three and teeing off by five.”
“You and your golf.”
“You’ll learn to love it. You’d be amazed what can be accomplished during a round of golf.” He winks at me and turns to get out of the SUV as Sam opens the door.
My dad helps me out and I smooth my skirt before we walk into the building. It’s time for my dad’s client to meet his new advisor. I’ll make sure that he gets everything he wants and more.
***
Aedan
Nearly two months have passed since the shooting at Jesse’s graduation party, and we are no closer to finding Wade or Chet. Nor have we found anything that would support our theory of them working together here in Denver. The team is exhausted from their nonstop efforts to find a single lead on top of their normal security duties. We’ve retraced all of Paul Wade’s steps in the month leading up to the shooting and found nothing. We did the same for Chantelle.
Wade was on Chantelle’s detail for twenty-one of the thirty days before the shooting. They both were in New York when the threatening call and emails to Jesse came through. The same phone that bounced from the Midwest to New York. Chet could have bought the phone in Indiana before he moved to New York and met with Chantelle and Wade. While in New York City, they could have worked out further details of their plan, and then came to Denver. They all had time to work together before the shooting to get their plan in place. What they are hoping to accomplish still isn’t clear to me. Money isn’t enough to kill someone over, and between them, they have millions already.
The search for Wade and Chet has consumed me, and it’s time to take a step back. After the Fourth of July holiday, I can come back refreshed and reevaluate everything that has been collected. He needs to make one little mistake and we will be on him, at which point we’ll deal with him in the appropriate manner. I push the files aside and I sit back in my seat. Jesse needs a break as much as I do.
This week has been crazy with meetings for both of us, and I can’t wait for the weekend. I’ll take Jesse out for dinner tonight, and we will spend the weekend away from the city and come back home from the holiday with friends and family. I’m unsure what she has planned, but I haven’t noticed anything about her making plans for out of town. Even though we live together, we only see each other in bed, because one of us is usually working when the other one gets home.
Where can I take Jesse that isn’t in Denver? I pull out my phone and look through my contacts. After the first couple of people populate, I have a plan. I call my mom.
“Hey, sweetie. How’s it going?” she asks, answering after the second ring.
“It’s going. I have a question for you. Can you make those scones Jesse likes and bring them by the house?”
“Of course. I have some in the shop today. I’ll drop them by on my way home.”
“Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. Doing anything big for the holiday?”
“I’m going to surprise Jesse with a trip to Big Bear.”
“Oh, good luck on finding a place if you haven’t already reserved somewhere.”
“Thanks. I have a buddy who lives up there and he owes me a favor. I’m certain he can hook me up with something.”
“That sounds nice. Maybe hook your mom up,” she teases.
“You name it.”
“I couldn’t ask that of you.”
“Mom, just let me know.”
“Well, maybe I can surprise your dad with a getaway before school starts.”
“That sounds good. You two deserve it.”
“Thank you. I’ll let you go. Have fun and tell Jesse we say hi and we love her. We love you too.”
“Will do. Love you.”
I end the call and look through my contacts for Alex Espinoza. He owns a gym in Big Bear City and he would know the best places to stay.
Me: Hey, bro. Long time. Hope all is well. Gotta question for you.
Alex: Hola, mi amigo! It’s all good. What’s up?
Me: I want to bring my girlfriend to Big Bear for the weekend. Best place to stay since it’s last minute.
Alex: Whoa. Girlfriend. Use my place. We are leaving for Mexico in the morning. When do you want to come?
Me: Tonight work?
Alex: Of course. I’ll have my old lady go to the store to make sure you have plenty of food. She’ll cook dinner tonight too. You know how she is.
Me: I do. Sounds good. Just let me know how much I owe you.
Alex: We’re even. I can cancel my house sitter now.
Me: Works for me. See you later, bro.
Alex: Adios.
I look though the plane schedule and don’t see any flights out, so I pick up the phone to call the pilot, Ian Dunn. The phone rings.
“You’ve reached the voicemail of Ian Dunn. Please leave a detailed message. Beep.”
“Hey, Ian. Aedan Hughes. I know this is last minute, but can you please get a flight plan together for Jesse and me for Big Bear? Any time this afternoon, evening works. Thanks.”
Hanging up the phone, I go through my work email to see if anything immediately needs to be addressed. There are several emails from Craig and I skim through them when my phone dings with a new text.
Ian Dunn: Flight Plan Big Bear City. EST take off 18:05, ETA in Big Bear at 19:15. Weather looks good for the flight and the wind is in our favor. See you this afternoon.
Me: Received plan. Looks good. Thanks.
I smile as my plan falls into place and I get back to reading my mail. I read line by line the security threats report Craig sent me for June, and no breaches were mad
e but he suggests updating servers in the upcoming months. That shouldn’t be an issue and I make a note to write up the proposal for Jesse to review. I go back to reading the report and my phone rings, interrupting my train of thought.
“Hughes.”
“H. I need you to come to McCoy’s condo, now,” Lyndsay stammers.
“What’s going on?”
“Bring Craig and his forensics guys too.” She’s not acting like her normal self.
“Fuck, Lyndsay. What the hell is going on?” I shout.
“I’m not sure, but you need to get here. Now. Lots of blood.” The phone goes silent.
I quickly go through my contacts and find Adam Craig. I shut down my computer and grab my jacket from the chair in front of my desk.
“Questions about my report. H?”
“No, I need you and your forensic team at the condo,” I say as I rush through the hallway.
“Body?” he asks as I can hear shuffling in the background.
“Not sure. I’ll be there in ten if I don’t get stuck in traffic.”
“Give me twenty and the team thirty. When you evaluate, call me so I know how to tell the team to prepare.”
“10-4.” I hang up as I walk by the front desk. “Hold all calls and cancel all appointments for Jesse and me until you hear from me,” I tell Nadia and Stella.
“Yes, Aedan,” Nadia replies. I forcefully open the glass door—luckily, it doesn’t shatter—and I press the down button in the elevator bay.
The elevator pops open, I press the L for lobby and repeatedly hit the close door button. The doors close and the elevator whisks me down to the lobby. As the doors open, I rush out and without running, I exit the building and head to my car. The car roars to life and I gas it out of the parking space and down the city roads to get to the condo.
I pull into the private parking area for McCoy, and Lyndsay is standing by the black SUV, smoking. Something I’ve never seen her do. This has to be bad. I quickly turn off the car and get out.
