Beloved (The Belonging Series)

by Corinne Michaels

  “Ms. Pope, thank you for joining us. Danielle was impressed by your presentation. I asked to have a call with you since I was out of the area and couldn’t make it to the meeting yesterday. I wanted to speak with you and the other candidate before I make my final decision.” The strong, sexy timbre of his voice exudes confidence.

  “I’m more than happy to go over any questions you may have.”

  The call continues for about thirty minutes as we discuss my professional background and the company’s growth expectations. The sound of his voice pulls at me, though I can’t quite place it. With each question he asks, I field and answer appropriately, reaffirming that I’m the right choice.

  Mr. Cole breaks in right before we’re about to wrap things up. “I’d like to know one more thing.”

  “Ask away.” I smile, hoping it shines through the phone.

  “Why should we hire you?” he asks point-blank.

  I anticipated this question. It’s pretty typical and I honestly love to answer it. There’s no real reason other than what I always answer. “Because I’m the best. I work hard, and I don’t fail. Ever,” I say confidently.

  His deep voice vibrates through the phone. “We’ll be in touch by the end of the day with our final answer. Thank you, Catherine.”

  When he says my first name, a familiar feeling washes over me. Though I’d love to take the time to analyze why that is, my professionalism prevents me from dwelling. “I look forward to hearing from you. Have a wonderful day.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Pope,” Danielle replies.

  Then the line goes dead.

  And I wait.

  Again.

  After taking a long shower, I stand in front of my closet debating what to wear. The warm water helped ease my residual anxiety from the phone call, but I need something that will make me feel sexy and strong. It’s still warm out, so I opt for my navy blue empire dress and pair it with my dark crimson heals. I smile at my reflection in the mirror—I look good. I decide to take some extra time on my makeup and hair. Large barrel curls soften the ends of my dark brown hair, and I leave them hanging loosely down by back. For my makeup, I choose a really soft smoky eye, which gives me that coveted mysterious look. Not bad. This is the Catherine Pope I know and remember.

  Once I arrive at the office, I settle into my desk and … feel useless. I don’t know if I won the account yet and my last two clients finished last week. I cleared out most of my emails at home, so I have nothing to work on. My ambition and work ethic won’t allow for me to sit around, so I decide to look at the open bids board and start mock-ups for a pitch. I have no idea if I’ll get the Raven account and I don’t want to waste any time getting to work on the next possible account coming in. Plus, my coworker Elle is the only other person competing with me for the upcoming promotion. I can’t let her get ahead, so I need to focus and act as though I’ve lost this one.

  I head over to the board to see what’s there, and Elle looks up, grinning broadly at me. “Already looking for a new account, Cat?” Her high-pitched voice pierces through the room.

  I give her a fake smile. “No, just looking to see what came in. What about you?”

  “Oh, you know, I’ve got some new models coming in for a shoot. Atelier Clothing wants to do a tour with hot guys. You should stop by and see the eye candy I have coming in!” She’s practically bouncing. I have no desire to see the “hot” guys she has lined up. She has the worst taste, especially when it comes to the way she does ads and press releases. I can only imagine what the guys will look like. I’ll never understand her choices. They always seem overdone to me.

  “Oh, I wish I could.” I feign disappointment and stifle the comments rolling around in my mind. “I have a few things that need my attention, but I’m sure they’re drool worthy.” I can’t stop myself. “You sure know how to pick ’em.”

  She smiles, thinking I’m complimenting her. “I know! I love the one I found today. His name is Colin, and he’s just … wow!”

  I smile and look back to the board. “Good luck, Elle. I gotta get back to work.”

  I add my name to the next best account on the board and head back to my office. When I get there, I send Taylor an email to be in my office in fifteen minutes to start research.

  I hear a knock on the door and look up.

  “Hey. You want to do research for a new company looking for representation?” Taylor is standing against the doorframe looking baffled.

  “Yes, we can’t have all our eggs in one basket,” I reply and gesture for her to sit in the chair.

  “Okay, but doesn’t that seem hasty?” she asks tentatively. “You should hear back by the end of the day, right?”

  “I don’t think so. It’s been over three hours since the call ended, and I haven’t heard anything. For all I know they’ve offered Boyce the account and are waiting until they settle the deal before they call me. I can’t sit here and do nothing. You know me.” I shrug with a smile. “Anyway, the promotion is still up for grabs and I refuse to let Elle get a leg up. Are you ready to get to work?”

  “Of course. Let’s dig in.” Taylor smiles and we get to work on researching the new company.

  We’re immersed in our iPads and computers and have completely lost track of time when I look at the clock, realizing it’s almost five. I start to stretch but jump midway as the phone rings, startling me.

  Taylor runs to her desk, grabs the receiver, and pokes her head around. “Cat, it’s Raven. Want me to shut the door?”

  “Yes. Thank you.”

  This is it. I grab the phone and take a deep breath before pushing the blinking button that will finally end the waiting.

  “Hello, this is Catherine Pope.”

  “Hi, Catherine. It’s Danielle. I wanted to let you know we’ve made our decision.” Her voice is steady, giving nothing away.

  “Wonderful, I hope you’re calling with good news.”

  “Yes, we’d like CJJ to be our new PR firm. Congratulations.”

  I let out a huge breath and stop myself from dancing around the room. “Oh! Thank you, I’m glad you chose us. I look forward to working with you.”

  “Us too. We’re very excited about your vision. I know this is last-minute but Mr. Cole arrived back in the city today. He would like you to meet him tonight at the office if possible,” she responds hesitantly.

  I’ve already stated I would be available for this project, and even though I want to celebrate, I can’t wait to get started. There’s a new feeling of determination and excitement coursing through my veins. I could probably run the forty blocks to Raven Cosmetics with all the energy I have right now, but not in these heels. I want to hit the ground running, impress him and everyone else, and then land the promotion.

  “Yes, that would be fine. What time would he like to meet?”

  “Can you be here around six? I have to leave the office to head to our production facility tomorrow, so I’ll be heading home to pack, but I’ll leave your information with security.”

  “Perfect. I’ll be there.” We say our good-byes and I can’t help the smile stretched across my face. I message Taylor to come into my office.

  She enters with a tentative smile, as if she wasn’t listening at the door. Inside I’m doing cartwheels—I needed this. I feel strong, confident, and again—I beat Neil. Even though I don’t want to think of him, I enjoy this victory and relish the fact that despite his efforts to sabotage me, I still won.

  My smile widens, if that’s even possible. “We got it! Oh my God, Tay! We got the account!”

  “Ahhh! I knew it!” she squeals with as much excitement as I’m feeling and rushes over, giving me a huge hug. She pulls back, keeping her arms on my shoulders. “I never doubted you! So what happens next?”

  “I have to meet Mr. Cole at six. Can you call and have a cab or a car waiting? I want to make sure I’m on time.” She nods and zooms back out of my office. I only have thirty minutes to get there, and it’s at least a twenty-minute cab ri
de with the traffic at this hour.

  I start to pace. The adrenaline and excitement is starting to ebb—I’m anxious because now that I have the account, I have to implement all my ideas and gain the trust of the CEO. Nervous energy fills my body and I grab my iPad to start taking notes on all the things I want to lobby for.

  Taylor buzzes the intercom. “I have a cab downstairs. Good luck and congrats again. Now go kick some ass.” She giggles and disconnects.

  I grab my purse and rush out of the office, throwing a quick good-bye over my shoulder. Throughout the ride to Raven Cosmetics I go over my key notes, examine some of my earlier sales figures, and plan to spend the next few days really honing in on the company’s core values. When I get there, I hop out of the cab, prepared to make one hell of an impression.

  Entering the building, I make my way over to security. The guard hands me the badge that Danielle left for me and calls Mr. Cole, letting him know I’ve arrived. I’m told to head straight to the office, where he’ll be waiting for me.

  Luckily the elevator is empty, so I have a minute to mentally prepare. Taking a few deep breaths, I start to form some ideas on how to best sell him on my plan. I also wonder about the man himself. I’ve met a lot of executives, but there’s something about his voice. The deep, raspy sound has me curious as to what triggered the familiarity. I haven’t really had time to think about it until now. Surely I would remember if we’d met or spent any significant amount of time together. I’m pretty good at remembering people and small details; it’s part of why I excel at my job. As the elevator ascends, so does my anxiety.

  Before I have another second to think about it, the door opens. My eyes immediately lock on familiar blue-green ones and the breathtaking face of the man who I’ve dreamed of for the last week.

  My free hand flies to my mouth in disbelief.

  “Jackson,” I say, barely audible.

  Jackson stands there looking absolutely magnificent—he’s everything I remember and more. He’s wearing a crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up—the top two buttons undone—and dark gray, perfectly tailored dress pants. His hair is disheveled, like he’s been running his hands through the dark brown locks. He steps forward and places his hands on the elevator doors to prevent them from closing. His eyes haven’t left mine, and the cocky grin I remember is present as he processes who I am. He shakes his head back and forth in disbelief and gives a small half laugh. I look down and shift my weight, afraid to speak and unable to move forward.

  He clears his throat, forcing me to look up. He finally speaks first. “You’re Catherine Pope?” he asks, sounding amused as he tries to smother his grin.

  I nod my head in response.

  He extends his hand, inviting me to exit and reminding me that I’m still standing on the elevator. I place my hand in his and the electric current, which I’ve tried to convince myself I’d imagined, buzzes through my entire body, energizing every nerve from head to toe. Jackson pulls me forward, still unspeaking.

  He’s unbelievably sexy and try as I might, my eyes refuse to look away while he measures his next words. Jackson steps back, pulling me with him toward the office. What are the odds? I never thought I’d see this man again, and now he’s standing in front of me, smiling and shaking his head, almost mirroring my own response. Of all the accounts and all the men he had to be Jackson Cole.

  Jackson clears his throat again, breaking into my thoughts. “You’re even more beautiful than I remember.” He looks down at our hands and the shift in his attitude is unmistakable, as if he’s considering the current relationship we now share.

  I remove my hand from his and pull myself together. He’s my client. I’m a professional.

  “Thank you, Mr. Cole. CJJ is proud that you chose our vision to take your company forward.” I smile and mentally high-five myself for saying that without stuttering.

  He chuckles at my attempt at professionalism. “Oh, let me assure you, this project is quickly becoming my favorite,” he says with amusement, looking me up and down. His deep, sexy voice travels straight to my core. “The more I think about it, the more I think I’m going to enjoy working with you.”

  I lick my lips as I stare at his mouth. I need to get it together. This is my job. He’s just a man, a very sexy and fuckable man, but still—he’s my client. I’m not about to be seduced by his gorgeous face or ripped abs and defined arms—nope, not going to happen.

  Bring on the delusions.

  I smile tentatively. “Shall we get to our meeting?” I ask as my voice shakes, betraying my nerves.

  “We’re going to play it that way, are we?” He smirks, obviously amused. “Okay, Ms. Pope. Right this way,” he says as he looks directly into my eyes, saying so much more with his body than with his mouth. His perfectly formed, totally kissable—

  My thoughts are scattered. I want to run back into the elevator and tell him to give the account to Boyce. I don’t know how I’m going to be around him for days on end. We’ve spent a total of five minutes together and he already has me in hyperdrive.

  “Thank you,” I mumble.

  He extends his arm, showing me where to go. I shift my purse on my shoulder and begin walking. When he places his hand on the small of my back, I shiver inadvertently. I feel his warmth through my shirt, burning my skin. I’m mentally berating myself for acting like this.

  “Are you cold?” he asks with humor in his voice, somehow aware his touch is wreaking havoc on me.

  I turn and look directly in his eyes, hoping to convey my own message of strength and defiance. “No, I’m fine. Thank you.” I was strong and confident this morning, but now I feel like I’m on the edge of a cliff. I smile and straighten my back, trying to walk past him as he stands in the doorway. He’s left me very little room to get through, though, so I shift to the side, scooting by without touching him. Of course, it’s impossible and my arm slides against his, causing goose bumps to form in the wake of our skin-to-skin contact.

  His office is nothing like I would have imagined. It has a feminine feel to it. He has a glass desk table with a high-back chair. The walls are cream and the couch is a light lilac color. There are no photos, no personal touches throughout the room. I fight the urge to laugh—this is definitely not a man’s office.

  Jackson clears his throat again and I wonder if it’s a nervous habit of his. Could he be as nervous as I am? “I just moved into this office,” he begins, pausing as if carefully weighing his next words. “The person before me was obviously a female. Danielle was the acting CEO for the last ten months. I haven’t had time to change anything.” He closes his eyes, looking almost pained. I have the strangest urge to comfort him, but I resist.

  “I understand. But for the record, purple’s not your color.” I sit in one of the chairs in front of his desk and start to get out my mock boards and planning sheet.

  “No? And what color would you recommend, Ms. Pope?” Jackson asks, smiling.

  “Hmmm, I’d say pink.” I look around before returning my gaze to him. “Definitely pink.”

  Jackson comes around and sits in the chair next to me instead of behind the desk. His cologne assaults my senses as I inhale, breathing in all its masculinity. It’s even better than I remember and so much stronger.

  I open my eyes to see him staring at me with a wide smile. He shifts in his seat and props his arm on the back of mine. “Pink, huh? Well only real men wear pink, and I assure you, Catherine, I’m all the real you’ll ever need.”

  I cough, trying to regain my focus as his eyes bore into me.

  “So, fall on any more men at dinner lately?”

  And there it is.

  “Actually, no. Thanks for being concerned, though.” I laugh while shaking my head.

  “Good to know. I’d be jealous if you had.”

  “Anyway, I brought the mock-up and I emailed Danielle the video.”

  “I saw the video. It’s the reason you’re here now and not the other company.” His compliment washe
s over me. He didn’t hire me because he knew me, no. It was because of my vision and my plan for his company.

  “I’m glad I impressed you.”

  Jackson shifts in his chair and crosses his leg, getting closer to me. “I’m hoping there are many ways you’ll endeavor to impress me.” His tone is light and joking, but his eyes suggest the truth in his words.

  He can’t touch me or I’ll crack. I try to move back in my chair, but there’s nowhere to go. I stand and start to pace. I’m nervous, wound up, and out of my element.

  “Mr. Cole—”

  “Jackson. You should call me Jackson. We’ll be together a lot,” he cuts me off. I turn to look out the window, trying to gather my thoughts.

  I’m freaking out. I can’t do my job and work with him. I can’t think straight around him—he’s too much. Too sexy. Too intense. Too all-consuming. How am I going to do this? I can’t focus around him and if Jackson touches me, I’ll crumble. On the other hand, if I walk away from this account, I’ll never get the promotion. Shit. I could lose my job. Wouldn’t that be the icing on Neil’s cake? He would get the account and I’d be unemployed. No. No way. I can do this. I have to be strong.

  I really need a vacation from my life.

  I turn and he’s standing so close behind me that I almost collide with him. “Mr.—Jackson, I think we should go over your company’s goals and make a plan. It’s getting late.”

  Jackson walks over behind his desk and sits in his chair. I follow, returning to the chair I was in before, thankful for the desk between us. If I can maintain distance and space with zero physical contact, then I can keep the account and my job. Let’s see how long this plan will last.

  “How about we grab dinner?” he casually says.

  “Dinner?”

  “Yes, you know that meal that comes after lunch. I haven’t eaten yet and you probably haven’t either.” His eyes don’t waver from mine.

  “I can’t. I have to do—”

  “I’m pretty sure the stipulation was that you’re available whenever I need you.” He raises his brow as he taps his fingers on his desk.