Jill was quiet for a moment as she thought. “No. At least he and I are friends. I need to get ready and pack. It’s getting late. Will I see you again before you leave?”
“No. I’m leaving as soon as my rental car arrives.”
She frowned, then stepped into his arms. She squeezed tightly like she didn’t want to let go and kissed him on the jaw. As she stepped back, a mischievous smile lit her face. “That’s good. You don’t want to keep Ivey waiting.” She walked away laughing, slipping out the door before he could respond appropriately.
Chapter Seventeen
Jill jumped when Camden snapped his fingers right in front of her face. She even squeaked a little.
“Earth to Jill,” he said, his tone full of laughter.
“Was I zoned out?”
“I’ll say. And from the smile on your face, I have a pretty good guess what you were thinking about.”
Jill blushed, thankful that there was no way he could know exactly what she was thinking, since she’d been remembering every last detail from her goodbye with Blake that morning. She hated to think that he was hundreds of miles away from her by this time, but little spurts of excitement would slam into her every time she thought about him. And as much as she liked and trusted Camden on a work level, she didn’t feel comfortable sharing about this situation.
“I was thinking about the difference on the purchase orders for ingredients. A few years ago, when Trevor took over, they switched suppliers for a lot of the key ingredients, and the prices stayed the same. So why the switch? And it seems to me that there is a common theme of the switch being for inferior quality. Not that I know much about making chocolate, but that’s what it seems to me.”
They were seated together in Trevor’s office, but had been alone for the better part of the afternoon, only interacting with the facility staff for help digging into reports and files that had not been digitized. Jill was especially keen on gathering information from those because she hadn’t had access to them in Dallas, and she had a gut feeling that they were important. After all, for a product based on two generations of expertise, the current standards had obviously gone down.
The suspicion that had been blooming in her thoughts for weeks now had concrete arrows pointing in a specific direction. Talking it over with Camden helped her to make the last connection. “It’s the supplier,” she said suddenly.
“What do you mean?”
Jill stood up and walked to the door, opening it and looking around to make sure no one was outside listening. “Why would Trevor go to a new supplier when there was no change in the cost of goods and a drop in quality?”
“Because he’s stupid?”
“No, because he’s getting a kick back from the supplier.”
Jill stood and paced around the room. “Camden, let’s keep this between you and me for now, okay? I need to figure out what to do.”
“Why don’t you tell Mr. McDaniel? He might know.”
“No. He’d freak out instead of taking the time to find out exactly what’s going on. He’ll fire Trevor and shut this place down. The employees out there don’t deserve that. And for all we know, Trevor hasn’t even done anything wrong. We have no proof.”
“How are you going to get proof?”
Before Jill could respond, her phone pinged with a notification. Looking at her screen, she saw Blake had sent her a message and her thoughts scattered like startled birds. Her chest burned like a star had taken up residence there, but the logical part of her knew this was no way to focus on the complicated task in front of her. She told herself to look at it later, but that lasted about three seconds. His message was only two words though, so it didn’t take long to read.
Miss you.
Where was he right now? In his office? In a meeting? Wherever it was, he was thinking about her.
It had been years since she had experienced an attraction like this. When Brian had broken up with her, she’d reacted by putting away that part of her. Her profession made relationships difficult anyway, so she didn’t try. She never had trouble finding a date or a someone to enjoy a light flirtation. Maybe it was odd that she’d never been tempted to take it further, but the goodbye was always implicit from the beginning, so it was never a problem. But with Blake, she had been shocked at her undisciplined reaction to him even though he drove her nuts. So what the heck was she doing? There was still a goodbye at the end of this.
Miss you too.
She hoped she was doing the right thing in not telling Blake. Of course, he wouldn’t know anything about it until she made a full report so it wouldn’t be a problem.
Trevor came in then, his perfectly fashioned smile in place. “Jill, I’m so glad you’re still here. How’s it going?”
“Great! We’re about ready to wrap everything up, and all I’ll have left to do is write up my recommendations.”
Trevor sat on the edge of the desk, the picture of GQ coolness. “That’s great. You’re not only gorgeous, you’re great at your job.”
Jill smiled. He had no idea how good she was at her job.
She wanted so much to smack the self-satisfied smile off his lips. Her statement had reassured him. No doubt he believed that she would be making a ruckus if she’d discovered his money laundering deal. Now, he was clearly set to charm her and keep her complacent. If she was being impartial, he was an attractive man. He probably had no trouble getting the female attention he so obviously wanted. But it was all tarnished for her. Instinct told her exactly how she to get the proof she needed.
“You still want to take me to dinner?” she asked, letting her tone become more of a purr.
Camden turned around and looked at her in surprise, but she ignored him. She’d clobber him if he messed this up.
Trevor stood up again. “Absolutely. I know this place where we can get a private table and…talk all evening if we want.”
“Sounds perfect. Pick me up at the hotel around seven?”
“I’ll be there.”
***
Jill walked out of her hotel room, wearing a date-worthy red dress and her nude heels, knowing full-well she looked her best. Unfortunately, she only made it a few steps before the door across the hall opened and Rick stepped out, falling into step beside her.
“Where are you going?” she asked, suspicion deepening her voice.
“I don’t know, Jill. Where are we going?”
Jill stopped and faced him. Poking a finger in his chest, she said, “I am going out to dinner. And I do not want a bodyguard along.”
Rick shrugged and stared down at her, his face devoid of expression. “I never said you did. I’m going to dinner too.”
“Where?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
Jill growled and moved to the elevator. There was no way she could physically stop this mountain of a man from following her. She had to convince him somehow. When the elevator door opened, she went in and hit the button to the lobby, then leaned against the wall to make room for Rick’s broad shoulders. “You have to know…” She paused, still trying to figure out how to approach this tricky subject. “I mean, you were there when Blake and I—”
“Tried to suck each other’s faces off?” He wiggled his eyebrows and grinned.
Rolling her eyes, Jill considered rephrasing this, but decided it didn’t matter. “Yes. So, you know I’m not going to dinner with Trevor because I have feelings for him.”
“Yes. I also know the creep has an interest in you, and my boss doesn’t like him. Me neither, actually.”
“I understand that, believe me…but, I have a plan tonight, and I don’t want you there to see me put it into action. Blake wouldn’t like it, and knowing you’ll tell him all about it will just make me feel awkward and self-conscious.”
Rick’s eyebrows shot up. “What exactly are you planning to do? Seduce the guy?”
Jill gasped. “No. Are you crazy? I’m not like that.”
“Then why would Blake care?”
/> “I do mean to lead him on a little, maybe let him think he’s got a shot.”
“Hmmm. I think I’d better tag along. Don’t worry. He won’t know I’m there and I won’t give Blake a full report.”
“Great. Do me a favor and don’t let me see you either so I can pretend you aren’t there.”
“Sure.”
But as Jill walked through the lobby and out to the parking lot to meet Trevor, she wondered how on earth a six-foot three man weighing at least two-hundred and fifty pounds hid himself in a public restaurant. Still, that was the least of her worries. Mostly she had to figure out how to make her flirting convincing without looking as nauseated as she already felt.
A sleek sports car pulled up and the passenger door window slowly lowered. Jill bent and looked in to see Trevor behind the wheel.
“Hey, gorgeous. Ready to go?”
If Jill had needed anything to convince her that Trevor was laundering money, this car was it. She carefully lowered herself into the leather seats, keeping her knees together and her dress pulled down, determined not to give Trevor a show. It didn’t escape her notice that he hadn’t offered to open the door for her, but she wondered if he was oblivious or didn’t think her worth the effort. Either way, it was another knock against him.
The only sign Jill had that Rick was, in fact, shadowing them, was the flash of headlights coming on their rental as Trevor drove out of the parking lot. Trevor reached over and turned on some schmaltzy music, then, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, lowered his hand onto her knee. Jill might be willing to lead him on to some extent, but touching was out of the question.
She picked up his hand and moved it saying, “Remember what I said the first time you took me to eat?”
“Yes, I just thought—”
“Well, let’s see how things go first, shall we?”
That was the last time Trevor tried to touch her all through dinner, though Jill could tell he was more tightly wound because of her rejection. She’d tried to soften it with lingering gazes, enthusiastic smiles and laughter. She’d even referred to his good taste when choosing an entrée from the limited Italian menu.
“So,” Trevor said, leaning back and putting his napkin on his empty plate.
“So,” Jill answered, taking a sip of her lemon water.
“I admit I’m confused.”
“About what?” This wasn’t good. She didn’t want him confused. She wanted him mellow and easy to beguile.
“I can’t figure you out. Sometimes I think you might have the hots for McDaniel. Sometimes, I think you might be more interested in me. But usually when that happens, I’ve at least gotten to third base by now.”
Yep. There went the nausea. Great. On a full stomach. There was nothing for it but to lie. “Let’s just say that it’s good for business to be close to my boss. But my personal life is another matter.” Wow. Hopefully Rick wasn’t grating his teeth to nubs somewhere if he heard that.
“You aren’t exactly a needy woman though, if you know what I mean.”
Jill leaned back and played with the pendant of her necklace. “My needs are rather different than most women.”
“Maybe we would get further if you’d let me know how I can satisfy them.”
Jill peeked up at him through her thick lashes. “Let’s just say I like…security.” She took a deep breath, aware that it likely brought his attention to her slight bit of cleavage, but her brain needed the extra oxygen. “I’ve consulted on dozens of businesses you know, and I’ve gotten quite good at knowing when there’s an opportunity for someone with ingenuity to ensure a little extra security for themselves.”
Trevor watched her cautiously, his head turned slightly to the left. “I surmise you found such an opportunity with Gourmand’s.”
Jill shrugged and dropped her pendant back on her chest. She didn’t miss the fact that Trevor’s eyes followed it. “Mmmm. Yes. And you strike me as a man with plenty of ingenuity.”
“Maybe more than you think.”
“I’m counting on it. I’ll be turning in my recommendations next week. There’s still plenty of time to make…adjustments.”
“You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“I hope so. Hopefully, more than business.” Then, almost hating herself, Jill bit her bottom lip, and slowly released it. “I have to go back to Dallas tomorrow, but you’re coming back for the Children’s Charity Ball, right?”
He nodded. “I planned to since I need to attend the meeting next Friday anyway.”
Jill made sure her voice had a little extra purr to it. “We can go together and see how the evening ends.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” Trevor said calling for the check.
Now Jill just had to figure out how to survive the look in Rick’s eyes when she saw him back at the hotel.
Chapter Eighteen
Blake had been working harder than he ever remembered working, partly to get caught up from his four-day absence, but mostly to keep his thoughts from drifting to Jill. Friday was one of the longest days he’d experienced since his mother’s scandal broke. Those days had been interminable, but with nothing to look forward to. At least now, there was definitely a reward at the end of the wait. He knew not to expect her until sometime in the late afternoon, but the tension settled in his shoulders, making them ache.
The distinct sound of heels rang through the tile hallway, approaching his office door. He looked up sharply, all too aware that his pulse had revved into high gear. He glanced at his watch. It was three o’clock. Jill could be back from Mississippi by now. He pushed back from his desk and stepped around it, determined to take her in his arms, regardless of where they were. He ached to have her in his embrace again.
But when the door opened, it was Ivey who appeared, not Jill.
Caught awkwardly in mid-stride, he stopped and released a long breath, trying not to look as disappointed as he felt. Especially to Ivey, who had been all too glad to have him back in the office. “Yes,” he asked, as neutrally as possible.
“I have some papers for you to sign.”
Blake went back behind his desk and sat down, picking up his ballpoint pen. “Give them to me.”
Ivey handed the papers across to him, and leaned over his desk while she waited, her hands braced on either side of the papers. Blake looked up, surprised, and found himself staring into the deep ravine of her cleavage. A hint of black lace peeked out from the open neck of her blouse. Uncomfortable beyond words, he signed the remaining papers as quickly as possible, then pushed back from the desk, leaving the papers for her to pick up.
“I heard something interesting from Camden just now.”
“Camden? They’re back?”
“Yes. Just a few minutes ago. He said that Jill went to dinner with Trevor Walton last night.”
Blake felt as if someone had slugged him in the stomach. “Did she? And?”
For a moment, Ivey fumbled for words. “I just found it interesting, that’s all. When I heard that you were leaving her behind with three attractive men, I admit that I wondered who she would spend her time with.”
Gritting his teeth, Blake crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m still not sure why you’re telling me all this.” He knew her game, but he wasn’t going to play it with her. Besides, he wanted her to leave so he could go find Jill. Did it mean something that she hadn’t come straight to his office? Anxiety ate at him.
“Oh, well, no reason I guess, if you don’t care. By the way, I’m still available the night of the charity ball. We haven’t had a chance to discuss it again.”
“Thank you, but I have someone else in mind. I prefer to keep my dates more personal. You understand.”
“Of course,” she said before pressing her lips tightly together and slipping out as quickly as she’d come in.
It looked like a change in his PA would be necessary in the near future, but he didn’t have time to worry about it now.
Why had Jill gone to
dinner and why hadn’t Rick told him anything about it?
Leaving his office, he strode past his secretary’s desk, then stopped and turned around. “Have you seen Ms. Harris? I heard that she’s back.”
“Oh yes. She brought me this chocolate. Wasn’t that so sweet of her?”
Blake glanced down at the pile of chocolate on her desk and realized they were the left-overs from their sample trial. The memory of tasting that chocolate when he’d kissed Jill for the first time made him smile. “Very sweet.” He cleared this throat. “And do you know where she is?” he prompted again.
“She headed to her desk.”
“Thank you.” Blake walked away, sure that his reputation for always being in control was in danger. At least he knew where to find her. Now he just had to figure out how to keep himself reined in when he saw her.
But she was not at her desk.
Looking around, he couldn’t see her at any of the desks in the area. Was she in the bathroom? She had just gotten back from a long trip. Blast it. He couldn’t just hover around her desk like a heartsick loser. Thrusting his hands into his pockets, he swiveled around on his heel and decided to take a walk around the office, maybe chat with a few of his employees. That would be good for morale, right?
But all thoughts of talking to anyone fled when he glimpsed a tall, beautifully proportioned brunette passing by on a perpendicular hall to the one he was in. There she was.
Picking up his stride, he rounded the corner and looked around for her. She now stood over Camden’s desk with a binder in her arms. He walked toward them, and Jill looked up. Their eyes met and a warm smile flashed over her face, until she bit her lip, trying to control her reaction. He kept his gaze on her as he closed the distance between them. The faint blush spreading across her face was not lost on him. Even if she had gone to dinner with Trevor the night before, her reaction to seeing him proved where her interests were.
“Jill, can I speak with you for a moment?”
“Absolutely.” Then she waited expectantly.
That wasn’t what he meant. “Somewhere more private.”
The Truth about Billionaires (Southern Billionaires Book 2) Page 12
