“Maybe not to some,” Andrew said with a slow exhale of breath. “But I certainly believe it’s important to know everyone I might be working closely with.” Another snake of a grin slithered onto his lips. “I can assure you that your clients are aware of the clout and decision authority you have on their contracts.”
Jennifer was smiling before she even realized she had glanced away. She was unsure of how to handle the direct praise. With effort, she cleared her throat with a wimpy cough, taking brief solace as a patch of hair dropped into her eyes. She was here to help interview. Not receive compliments.
Pushing the hair from her face, Jennifer began to shake her dangling foot. It was a terrible nervous habit, but it helped to still the uneasiness blossoming within her gut. She met Andrew’s dark eyes. “Flattery won’t get you brownie points, Mr. Wiles.”
A deep laugh erupted from his chest. He shook his head. “Not even a little bit?” A spark ignited in his eye.
They shared a chuckle this time. As the moment passed, Jennifer continued, “My position with Melone isn’t as prominent as you say.”
Andrew frowned. “It most definitely is, Ms. Rhodes,” he nodded with assurance. “To win female clients, Melone has to assure female board members that he’s comfortable working with women in positions of power.”
Jennifer felt her heart sinking. A bright smile remained plastered to her face. All this time she thought James had valued her intellect, wit, and charming breath of fresh air and perspective to the scene. She had never considered that having included her so deeply within the company was just another profitable business move for himself. Then again, that was something James Melone would do. He was a shark—a business shark, and he sealed the deal every time, all the time. She sighed, her ego deflated.
“Speaking of Melone, will he be joining us this evening?” Andrew raised the glass to his lips, tasting the smooth liquid one more time. He stopped and stared at the wine for a moment.
Jennifer looked at her watch. 7:07. James was beyond officially late. More heat rushed Jennifer’s face. She slipped a hand into her Givenchy clutch bag.
Her phone had a 7-inch screen as a necessary for reviewing documents, project evaluations, and proposals. She swiped at the large screen with the pad of her thumb. No message, no email—nothing. She bit her lip as her eyes darted quickly to Andrew.
“He should be,” she said with a smile. They couldn’t order the food until Melone arrived. Jennifer eyed the folder to her left. She could always waste a few more minutes until he appeared.
Grabbing the folder, Jennifer placed it into her lap. She flipped through Andrew’s resume and portfolio composite, whistling and exaggerating her expressions. Andrew chuckled at the show.
She had done her homework like a good girl and had read the information twice, and conducted a thorough search of his work on the internet. As far as his credentials were concerned, he was a prime candidate for sure. She had no idea what James had in mind as far as a buy-in into the company though; he hadn’t shared that with her.
“You’re resume and experience is beyond outstanding,” Jennifer began, closing the folder. She didn’t even think she actually read anything that time, but she was sure it must have filled at least another minute. She leaned forward and balanced the folder on the edge of the table.
“I can see why James is interested in you as a partner.”
James smirked. “Is that what he told you?”
Jennifer paused. She felt like she must have missed something. James thought it was incredibly funny. She couldn’t tell if he was smiling at her or the situation. The confusion gave way to anger. She bit her lip and decided to continue.
“You have extensive experience helping small businesses achieve incredible revenue streams.” She uncrossed her legs, her eyes steady with James. “What’s your interest with us?”
Andrew opened his mouth to speak, but Jennifer quickly raised a finger to cut him off. She reached into her clutch bag to grasp at her buzzing phone. With a quick flick of her thumb, she answered and shot her eyes towards Andrew. “Please excuse me, Mr. Wiles,” she stood from the table and retreated towards the doors leading to the inside dining tables. Raising the phone to her ear, her voice because a hard, rumbled growl. “Where the hell are you?”
There was silence on the other end for a moment before an answer came to her. “Katie and I are through. She’s been cheating on me.”
Chapter Three
Change of Plans
THE FACT THAT the news didn’t upset Jennifer should have bothered her a bit; albeit that bit was buried beneath a rush of feelings and fantasies at the potential future. For a moment, all Jennifer could do was stare into the distance at the news with a smile creeping onto her face. James’s voice brought her back to reality.
“Is Andrew there?”
Jennifer flipped back into business mode. “Yes. When will you arrive?”
“I’m not going to.”
Her stomach dropped within her. She clutched her gut and put her back to the tables enjoying the Chicago night.
“You have to,” was all she could manage in a strained gasp.
“No. I’m leaving. I’m taking a trip to Jersey.”
Jennifer squeezed her eyes shut, knowing the room would start to spin if she didn’t. She felt for the open doors between the outside deck and the soft ambiance of the indoor glow.
She needed something to keep her steady. Her mind raced with possibilities and settled on nothing. They had a flight to Denver on Thursday and the Benefit tomorrow night. His presence was desperately needed, and more than anything, she knew he was hurting. She couldn’t console him if he were in Jersey, running away. Not to mention that Jersey could only mean one thing: Melony Richards.
Forcing her breath to calm, Jennifer felt her insides moving to tranquility. She brought her voice back to an even level ad began to speak calmly.
“James, just breathe.” He tried to interrupt, but she continued to talk to him, “You can’t make decisions while you feel this way.” She exhaled, happy that she had been able to calm herself down. After silence, James spoke.
“Are you done with that?” His voice was hard and angled. Frowning, Jennifer started to begin to say more, but James continued, this time with a softer voice, “I know you, Jennifer. You can do this. She’s been cheating on me. I don’t know how long—I don’t care. I already bought my ticket. I’m sorry to drop this on you. You’ll have to step in.”
The anger was back. Jennifer’s hands started to shake. She wanted to say more, but she knew that tone all too well, the tone that reminded her that he still paid her salary to tell her what to do.
“What the hell do you expect me to do?” She said through clenched teeth.
After another pause, James answered. “He’s qualified. I know he is. How is he? Do you like him?”
Jennifer tried to blink back tears of frustration. She looked up at the sky, trying to take the advice she had just given and took big gulps of forced air into her lungs. Hanging low through the Terrance were meticulously placed Chinese lanterns. Their warm glow blurred as she sought to latch her eyes onto something. She found the anchor by settling on the John Hancock beacon.
The blurs and swirls slowed and then stopped. After several more seconds, Jennifer looked towards her table. Andrew was finishing the rest of his glass. Once the last of the wine fell into his mouth, he leaned forward to set the cup down. As he sat back, leaning against the loveseat, he turned his eyes to her. They locked, and neither looked away.
“I think I could like him,” she said softly into the phone.
“Then tell him he’ll have a test run in the partnership. See what he knows about our clients in Aurora. Get him a ticket and still plan to leave Wednesday,” there a moment of brief silence before he added, “And take him to the benefit.”
“Your speech,” her words were strained, but even she heard the silent plea and beg within her vocals for him to reconsider. There was another paus
e.
“You give it.” The line went dead.
Jennifer’s jaw tightened and locked. She clenched the phone in her head, looking away from Andrew, aware that he still looked in her direction. He couldn’t know that anything was wrong; but, he could likely already guess that things weren’t going according as planned.
She put her back to him again, facing the clear glass doors of the establishment. A few waiters glanced at her but, knowing who she was, kept their distance. She hadn’t caused a scene, and the ambiance was still perfect with soft music in the background and a gentle hum of voices from other guest and patrons.
Jennifer closed her eyes and forced several more breaths. She wasn’t sure how much time had elapsed and didn’t care. After the compliments Andrew had just given her, she didn’t want to destroy her image with him. The interview went both ways.
In a second she turned and pulled up a smile, meeting Andrew’s eyes readily. He looked her up the length of her full frame as she approached the table. The closer she neared, the more he smiled. It was a sexy smile that hinted of experience he could share with her.
“Please forgive that interruption, Mr. Wiles,” her voice had returned to the silky smooth liquid it was known for.
“You can call me Andrew,” he responded, voice still as deep and alluring as before her phone call, only now, the sound seemed to stretch towards her very soul and smooth the wrinkles in her anger out. “Everything all right?” He watched her carefully.
She nodded and broke the eye contact. Using the brief moment to replace the phone into her clutch, she tapped into her game face, the one she wore when it was time to put her little girl aside and play with the big dogs. She met Andrew’s gaze and she wet her lips.
“We were speaking about your interest in the Melone Group. Tell me about it,” she picked up where she left off and took another deep, calculated intake of air.
Andrew didn’t miss a beat. “I’ve been tracking the Melone Group for quite some time. I know who your partners are and your biggest competitors keeping you from hitting the firm’s real potential.”
Jennifer smirked and raised a brow. “That’s a killer line, but be more specific.”
“Dolls Kill, Adore Me, and Rocket Panda,” he paused, smiling as Jennifer’s smile faded. “They’re your biggest and Seogen in Denver will finally help you crack that half a million dollar ceiling of retained clients.”
A chuckle rumbled from Jennifer. She didn’t even try to hide it. Andrew had definitely done his research on the firm. She wasn’t easily impressed, having sat with many men who thought they were just as fancy as the previous peacock. With a firm nod, Jennifer allowed the soft chuckle to grow into a full smile.
“How do you feel about joining me for our bi-annual benefit tomorrow and then again on Wednesday for a flight to Denver? We’d like you to be present at our meeting with Seogen on Friday.”
Andrew’s face hardened. He looked past Jennifer towards the door. “Melone isn’t coming is he?”
Jennifer swallowed and shook her head. “No, I’m afraid he’s not.” She took a deep breath and cursed the fact that James hadn’t given her more details.
After a stalled second, Andrew sighed; a flicker of annoyance crossed his face. “Just like Melone,” he grumbled.
“Is this going to be a problem?”
He shook his head quickly. “No,” his smile returned promptly to his gorgeous face, “not at all.” A passing waiter stopped and immediately began to refill both glasses. A look towards Jennifer was a quiet question of whether or not they were ready to select an order.
“We’ll take the menus now,” she said to the water. They nodded. She reached for the hardback bi-fold menu, using the structure to shield her eyes momentarily from Andrew so she could breathe. His intellect was something the company could use, but James would have to get his act together to keep this self-made man around she mused. He was something to look at and the way he gave her his full attention made her senses tingle.
“Do you know what Melone has in mind?” James asked after ordering. His voice was the first to break the silence once the waiter retreated.
Jennifer re-crossed her legs and looked towards her manicured nails. She knew the company was worth at least a quarter million in stocks and investments, but beyond that, there was no telling how much James would want the partner to pay for a buy-in. Did he really expect her to seal the deal by herself?
“A trial run.”
“With the biggest client to lay eyes on the Melone Group?” Andrew frowned. “Is he serious?”
Jennifer swallowed tact in her throat. She couldn’t agree more with Andrew. James was making a huge mistake ditching the biggest meeting the company had ever seen. She needed to think of a lie, but nothing came to mind.
Instead, she swallowed again and reached for her glass. Her eyes stayed with Andrew’s as she tried to wash the gritty sand down from her throat. When she finished, all she could manage was, “I have faith in James.” She gripped the handle of her glass tightly. “I’m sure he’s already discussed his inability to attend the meeting in person with the board.”
Andrew’s face changed under the dim light. “You’re sure?” He asked with a smirk. “Sounds like you don’t know.” His tone changed suddenly, “Does James make a habit of this?” Jennifer found the strength to produce a smile and shook her head. “And the benefit speech?” He asked. Jennifer forced the smile to grow, showing clenched teeth and a taut jaw.
Andrew barked out a laugh and shook his head in what Jennifer could only assume was disbelief. He took a deep breath, his shoulders heaving up and down. “You must be one hell of an assistant.” He ran his eyes over her body, taking his time before he met her eyes. After a moment, he asked rather curiously, “Will I get one as beautiful as you?”
The question threw her off guard. She choked on the thought and sputtered. Leaning forward, she sat the glass in her hand down quickly.
Andrew laughed again. “I didn’t mean to fluster you,” he said quickly, watching Jennifer regain her composure.
She fanned her face and glanced around. Her eyes darted to the glass doors separating the two sections of the restaurant. A part of her still hoped that James would be just around the corner. After a breath of pause, she let out a visible sigh. No one passed through the doors except the maître d’ escorting a couple to a table.
Turning back to Andrew, Jennifer let her smile drop. “Do you like to fly?”
Chapter Four
Perfect at Everything
HER FINGERS TINGLED, and her face flushed with heat as she read the letters from her most recent text: [I can’t thank you enough for this. You’ll be great. Talk to you in Denver.]
Not only was James taking no responsibility for the way he penned his benefit speech on her, but now, without saying it, he was requesting that she no longer initiate communication until she—they—landed in Colorado. Jennifer’s jaw clenched so tight, her fingers squeezing the phone so hard, that her knuckles turned white, and she would have sworn she tasted a hint of blood in her mouth.
With a shaking hand, she slid the phone into her clutch and sat up, startled by the sudden eruption of applause from around her. Someone touched her elbow.
“That’s you, Miss,” a directed whisper shot into her ear.
Seconds later, Jennifer felt the heat from several hundred eyes staring at her. She stood, her eyes taking in the length of the hardwood floors of the loft at the Ravenswood Event Center. Another round of applause began once she stood. Without hesitation, she lifted a hand, nodding with the approval.
Jennifer left her clutch on the chair and made her way past the throng of immaculately decorated tables and waiting catering staff to the constructed stage. She took the three steps that rose to the raised platform slowly, feeling her heart beating wildly within her chest. This wasn’t a part of her job description, and she didn’t appreciate one bit.
The announcer, one of the organization’s board members, clapped o
nce Jennifer’s stilettos touched the stage. Over the roar of the audience, his clap alone seemed to assault her ears the most. He pulled her into a strategic hug and kissed her cheek politely before handing her the microphone.
Jennifer turned to watch the man go. Just to his right, below the stage, she searched for a technician’s eye and nodded. He made a movement with his arm, signaling someone, and a large white projector screen began to descend, the electrical hum audible over the crowd.
Facing the crowd, Jennifer smiled. With the lights on her face, she couldn’t single out any specific face. She blinked beneath the light, her gut tightening. Her mind was a racing blur of thoughts she couldn’t quite make sense of. She would have liked to see at least one familiar face, but there was only a strange shroud of blurred faces staring back at her. She took another heaving breath and decided to begin.
“I must offer you my deepest apologies that the creator and founder of Hope’s Foundation, James Melone, is unable to grace you with his presence directly,” Jennifer felt the wobble in her voice. Her palms were sweaty. She blinked and struggled to swallow back dryness caking to her throat. Her eyes began to adjust to the lighting. “While the tech crew prepares my presentation, I want to talk a bit about Mr. Melone, his vision, and the purpose of this benefit.”
Jennifer glanced over her shoulder. The screen was half down. Turning back to the audience, she considered making use of the podium. Instead, she gripped the microphone in her moist hand and began to walk slowly to the right side of the stage. She stopped scanning the audience and focused on the row of tables closest to the stage.
“I first met Mr. Melone about six years ago,” she began. “Back then, he was just another young man with a lot of money and too many women knocking on his door.” The crowd laughed. Jennifer lifted her head; her smile began to poke through. “We bumped into each other at a coffee shop—of all the places, and no,” she chuckled, “it wasn’t Starbucks.” The audience rumbled lightly with another wave of delight.
Millionaire Romance: In Love With My Boss - A Contemporary Romance (Millionaire Romance, Contemporary Romance, Comedy Romance Book 1) Page 2
