Falling for Love

by Addison M. Conley

  Walking through the parking lot, Jordan tried to process the various sensations and emotions that flooded her body. The rollercoaster from tense to cautious and then to happy had looped a couple of times but one thought stuck with her: Wow, it may be rough, but things are changing for the better.

  While putting the groceries into the back of the SUV, the sheriff parked next to her. She always parked near the end to get exercise. Thank goodness, it meant no one else was around. She couldn’t handle any more surprises today.

  “Gorgeous day.” He tipped his hat.

  “Yep. I take it, you’ve got news.”

  “Yep. Sure do.” He grinned. “Darrell has left. Gone back south. You shouldn’t worry about him anymore. But if anything happens, and I mean anything, I want you to come to me right away.”

  “It’s only been a few days. How did you do it?”

  Sheriff Johnson stretched tall and put his hands on his hips. “I scared the livin’ shit out of him. He knows he doesn’t have two nickels to rub together, and I reminded him that extortion is a felony punishable by one to five years’ imprisonment. Plus, I’m sure he came around to common sense once I made him understand that I can have the town gossiping about his criminal record faster than a one-legged man in a butt-kickin’ competition.”

  They both laughed. “Thank you.”

  When she put her hand out for a shake, he grabbed it with both hands. “We all have a little trouble, and we all make mistakes from time to time. You all were kids years ago. You moved on to make something of your life. Darrell chose a darker path. Forget him and forgive yourself.” She nodded. His green eyes twinkled in the sun. “Now, I’m a good lawman, but if you happen to start a discount program for our fine young deputies, then I’d be much appreciative.”

  “Consider it done.”

  He tipped his hat again and left.

  ****

  Jordan bounded up the steps two at a time, her arms full of groceries.

  Emmy sauntered into the kitchen wearing her plush bathrobe that showed off her sexy legs. “Almost packed. Goodness, are you fixing an entire buffet?”

  “A hearty late breakfast will last you until dinner tonight.” Jordan winked and scooped Emmy up for a passionate kiss. Their tongues intertwined and Jordan’s hands began to wander.

  Out of breath, Emmy broke it off. “My, my, someone has a cheery disposition. We’d better stop before we catch fire to the house.”

  Jordan beamed and smacked her bottom. “If we must but you coming out half-naked doesn’t help.”

  “Why are you in such a good mood? You seemed anxious about my trip last night.”

  Jordan told Emmy about the events at the grocery store and the news from the sheriff. “It feels like everything is moving in a positive direction. And your trip…well, I know it’s crucial to your consulting business, but I will miss you terribly.”

  “I’ll call every day and text. The time will go by fast.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot, I did get an email from the state department saying my new passport will arrive soon. So next time, let’s plan a romantic getaway. Now stop distracting me with your gorgeous body and go get some clothes on. Besides, you need this breakfast. Who knows what they’ll serve you on the plane. You will come back to me?” Jordan’s words were half joking and half serious.”

  “Yes, silly. Life is about more than making money. I’ll be back in no time.”

  Jordan’s hands lowered from Emmy’s back to her butt. Emmy smacked them away. “If you keep doing that, we’ll never get to eat and I’ll miss my flight.” As she stepped away, she casually opened her robe and flashed her breasts.

  “Well, if you do that, you’ll never make it to Scotland because I’ll keep you in bed.” God, she is hot, and her sly grin is adorable.

  Emmy’s voice dropped to a sultry tone. “All right, I’ll get dressed but you know I’ve got an affection for desserts, and I want something special afterward.” Before stepping into the bedroom, she dropped the robe.

  Jordan threw back her head. “You’re killing me. Get dressed, and I promise you’ll get your just desserts before we go to the airport.”

  ****

  After breakfast, Jordan checked the traffic. A bad accident had shut down the direct route to the airport in both directions, and they had to leave abruptly. On the way, the alternate route was also choked with traffic. The added stress left them with less than two hours to get Emmy checked in. The line was long and word of a computer problem filtered back through the grumbling passengers.

  By the time they got to the counter, the ticketing agent had verified Emmy was on the flight, but apparently, the business class had been overbooked. The agent made several phone calls and typed furiously while apologizing profusely.

  “All resolved. I’m sorry about this delay and confusion. I see you are a loyal customer with platinum status.” Not wanting to inflame the situation, Emmy nodded. The woman handed Emmy the boarding pass along with her passport and turned on the charm. “I want to thank you for your business and hope that today’s experience has not tarnished your view of our service. To ensure your satisfaction, I’ve booked you into first class at no additional charge. Do you have any further questions?”

  She thanked the woman for the upgrade, and they rushed toward security. There was little time to say goodbye. That didn’t stop Emmy. Near the entrance with the security line jammed with people, she dropped her bags and took Jordan’s hands. “Your eyes are the most amazing deep brown, and your lips are so soft. I’m going to kiss you right here and now in front of all these people because I love you. I don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks and neither should you.”

  Pushing her fear aside, Jordan eased into Emmy’s long and sensuous kiss. The announcement of Emmy’s international flight broke the moment.

  With one last hug, Emmy grabbed her bags and took her place in the TSA PreCheck line, which was as long as the regular line. She shouted over her shoulder, “I’ll call when I arrive to let you know I’m safe and to whisper some sweet words to wake you up.”

  Jordan was bursting. Nothing could wipe off the satisfied grin on her face. She wanted to yell out, “That incredible woman is mine!”

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  Scotland

  Emmy spotted Calvin Thornton across the restaurant. He was a private man, extremely wealthy, yet generous and kind. It was Calvin who had boosted her career in finance when he picked her to manage his stock portfolio.

  She enjoyed his odd humor and company. He could be a royal ass when he was fixated on a harebrained idea. Luckily, he listened to her advice most of the time. When he didn’t, he always accepted the blame if things went badly. While he paid her well, he could be time-consuming and demanding. Now was one of those times.

  Upon seeing Emmy, he rose, kissed her cheek, and poured her a glass of Scotch. It was pointless to launch immediately into personal business discussions. Drinking over a delicious meal with small talk and a bit of politics beforehand was more his style. To her surprise, he did the opposite tonight.

  “I bet you’re wondering why I called you here.” Calvin beamed at her like he held the secrets of the world. “I’ve run across some tips in the energy market in the North Sea. Production is expensive, and the price reduction per barrel hasn’t helped the market—”

  “Stop right there. You’re not serious. Your portfolio has a tiny energy segment. And that is not entirely in North Sea wells, which by the way has been declining for several years. On top of that, deep sea drilling is not exactly environmentally friendly. Also, why am I here? You could have sent me the company balance sheets and statistics via email.”

  He leaned over, the sparkle still in his eyes. “Aberdeen North Sea Oil and Gas Company has found a field worth triple the reserves of the Forties Oil Field. It’s the richest in quality to date. They’ve also come up with a version of horizontal drilling that is more cost effective and reduces the chance of accidents. They are looking to brief potential ne
w investors but only in person. We have an appointment with them on Saturday.”

  “You’re joking, right?”

  He sipped his Scotch with an impish grin and didn’t reply.

  “My God, I can’t believe you’re serious. You don’t have some crazy idea about touring an oil platform, do you? It’s still winter and unnecessary. I’m sure they have excellent videos.” She eyed him suspiciously.

  “Ah, Lassie, where’s your sense of adventure.”

  She rolled her eyes. The last thing she wanted was to freeze her arse off standing on top of a floating oil rig. From past boating adventures, the swaying rhythm of ocean swells made her susceptible to seasickness. Plus, storms this time of year were unpredictable and could turn brutal within hours.

  “Calvin, I’ll go to the company for their boring pitch, but if a visit is extended, you go alone. To do my job, I have to see the company’s quarterly and annual earnings reports, a future outlook report, their earnings per share and their price-to-earnings multiples, info on the percentage of their market share, and their balance sheet. A list of their executives and bio sheets wouldn’t hurt, but I need at least a couple of weeks to look everything over.” She took a drink and smirked, confident that her exhaustive request would slow him down.

  He reached down and grabbed a black leather briefcase. “Everything is in here. It’s the usual combination.”

  If Calvin had already amassed this ridiculous amount of data, he was serious. Energy was not a smart move now. “So how much stock are you thinking of buying?”

  “I’m looking to sell twenty-five percent of my portfolio. Three-quarters will go into Aberdeen North Sea Oil and Gas Company.”

  She choked on the Scotch. “That’s insane. And the other amount?”

  “Well, that little tech company in Glasgow you’ve had your eye on for the past ten years? I think you might have been onto something. They’ve got a new line of personal electronic devices. I saw a new laptop computer that blows away the competition, but they’ve hit a rough spot in financing. Our visit is scheduled tomorrow before the oil company. Oh, that info is also in the briefcase.”

  Now this one interested her. Her own portfolio had a minor investment in Campbell Computers. The company had been fairly stable even without major stock gains. Still, her head was spinning from his crazy interest in the North Sea oil industry.

  “Calvin, that’s a lot of your portfolio to liquidate on a whim.”

  He looked her straight in the eye. “I believe this is a lucky break and need you to formulate a plan with a couple of options. I’m bullish on both opportunities. Of course, if you want nothing to do with it, then I will find other means.”

  The proclamation shocked Emmy. The contingency plans were to shift toward less risky options. The oil industry was a high-risk venture but emotions overruled her brain. You need him. You can’t lose his business.

  “I’ll keep an open mind and see what I can do to review the material and update your options. Just keep in mind that it will take some time to go through the company data.”

  “That’s my Lassie.”

  Emmy methodically sipped her Scotch. Calvin was more than capable of outdrinking her and everyone else at the restaurant. She didn’t know how he did it, but she could not lose control. When the food arrived, they eased into more enjoyable topics.

  “So, my Lass. What have you been up to? I couldn’t help noticing that you’ve spent extra time at your auntie’s house. Anyone special in the good ole’ USA?” He looked at her with a twinkle in his eye.

  Emmy broke into a smile as she thought of Jordan. “How is it that you always worm your way into my private life?”

  “Because I’m charming, loaded, and a friend besides your number one client. I care about you, and you deserve some happiness. Who is the lucky woman?” He waggled his eyebrows. “I can see she’s special. Your eyes are filled with joy and some deliriously wicked thoughts. Why don’t you amuse this old friend and tell me about her? And don’t leave out any details.”

  “I never thought I believed in love at first sight, but I’m crazy about her. Jordan’s a beautiful person—stunningly gorgeous and a kind soul.”

  “Blond, brunette, redhead, tall, average. Spit it out, girlfriend and don’t leave out the juicy parts.” He winked and took a swig of the amber liquid.

  “Are physical looks all you care about?”

  “And sex but I know you won’t reveal that. Although, I can already surmise that you’ve consummated the relationship. That damn look you’re sporting gives it away.”

  Emmy shook her head with a laugh as she swirled the full-bodied, smoky, rich Scotch. She envisioned pouring it over Jordan’s body and licking it off. He snapped his fingers in front of her face, shaking her out of her daze.

  “Details, love. Details.”

  “She’s taller than me, fit with silky black hair and gorgeous dark-toned skin. Her father’s Spanish and she has a grandmother from Central America. Her brown eyes and soft hands,” Emmy paused, emphasizing the latter, “melt me in an instant. She’s smart and talented and owns her own restaurant.”

  “Oh no, long hours.”

  “Yes but she’s made time for us. Oakville is a small town with a seasonal tourist base.” Emmy’s face glowed, and her lips curled up into a mischievous smile. “And yes, the sex is great.”

  “Sounds perfect. I’m happy for you. No hang-ups? I’m sure West Virginia is not the capital of lesbian wonderland.”

  “She recently came out to her family and a few friends.”

  “Oh, my. Did it go okay?”

  Emmy’s smile softened. “It went better than expected except for one brother who’s overly religious.”

  “Um. If he’s anything like our religious fanatics here, I understand the apprehension. All those wankers ever do is waste precious time.”

  “He’s a homophobe. Mostly all blow. He’s brought heartache and sadness, but Jordan has stood up to him, and her mum and younger brother are brilliant. They’ve accepted us with open arms.”

  “And the rest of the family and humble townsfolk?”

  “There’ve been some ups and downs, but many have surprised us with support.”

  “So how are you going to handle a long-distance relationship? Looks like your job and West Virginia are several hours apart.”

  “I haven’t felt this way since Heather. The feelings are different but stronger. I’ve moved in with her. And speaking of long distance…” Her tone had become harsher, and she tapped the side of her Scotch glass. “I quit the job at the bank. They did a bait and switch on me and demanded I quit my private financial management business. I couldn’t do it. The work would have killed my relationship with Jordan, and I didn’t want to cut ties with you and Becca.”

  “I thought you already signed a lease on a flat in Washington DC.”

  She swallowed hard and stared into the strong Scotch. “I can do consulting by spending two or three days a week in DC and New York. After I expand my client base, Oakville will be my permanent home. If I take a hit on the rent then so be it.” She gave Calvin a serious look. “I would appreciate some help. Two or three more accounts would be great. Could you please steer some of your connections my way?”

  “Of course my dear,” he replied without hesitation. He reached out and patted her hand. “Those wankers at the London firm held you down and never appreciated your talent.”

  The night flowed on with brighter conversation and drink. Emmy eventually talked Calvin into calling it a night around 11:00 p.m. After calling Jordan, she felt the blessed warmth of finding love again and fell asleep quickly.

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Glasgow, Scotland

  So far, the tour of Campbell Computers was running smoothly. Their new thirteen-inch ultraslim notebook had specs that beat all competitors, even the Americans. After going over the details, the development team let Calvin and Emmy play with the standard model. The speed and ease of the interface was like a dream come
true.

  Although impressed, Emmy toned down her excitement. “Tell me how you can offer it at that price?”

  “Our profit margin is slim, but we’ve broken into the student base with the previous model. This model has an option for a high-end graphics chip for gamers and an option more aligned toward business applications. Grabbing a larger share of the overall market will increase profits over time. This is our shining achievement, and now is a critical time for growth.”

  “You haven’t lost much during bear markets, yet growth in bull markets has been lackluster. My client Mr. Thornton is considering investing a considerable amount in this company. Why should he do so?”

  The company spokesperson looked toward the back of the room. A sharply dressed woman who had been sitting quietly throughout the presentation gave him a nod.

  He cleared his throat before continuing. “We have been working with content providers on a new mobile app that will stream exclusive music and video at a discounted rate at record speeds. Research shows consumer costs reduced significantly. The combination of entertainment with state-of-the-art graphics, speed, and storage will make our product extremely sought after for several years.”

  The woman in the back of the room stood and moved to the front. “I’m sorry for coming into the briefing late. I’m Maggie Walker, Chief Technical Officer here at Campbell.” She reached out to shake hands in a warm and gracious manner and met their eyes with a look of confidence. The redheaded, green-eyed beauty was young for the company’s CTO, perhaps in her early thirties. While she was pressing the charm, Emmy was taken.

  “I can’t break ethics and give you any illegal insider information. You can only take my word for it. We have partnered with top software developers on several innovative new apps. Our negotiations with two of Europe’s top content providers should be closed soon. These deals will give us exclusive rights to provide premium data at cheap rates.”