Mix'n Business With Pleasure

by Hadley Raydeen

  “It’s my job to keep him on track and organized. He was going through some… things but we worked it all out.”

  “Is he okay? I mean… I shouldn’t ask. I know his personal business is his business. I’m just concerned. None of this affected the project, did it?” She squeezed the young assistant’s hand.

  “Everything is fine, Ms Thomas. Jaxon can go through a whirlwind of things and still come out on top. The end result is the proof.” She looked around as indication of her claim.

  “Okay, you have a point. The place looks wonderful. So far so good, from what I can see. Are any of the others here yet?” Bevin asked, needing to change the subject from Jaxon. She walked toward the elevator.

  “No, no one from your team is here yet… But there is something you should know before they get here.”

  The elevator doors opened and she stepped through knowing Tamara had more to say, but she knew it was about Jaxon and she would just rather see him and get it out of the way before the others arrived. “Okay I’m going to head up.”

  “But… Ms. Thomas!”

  The elevator doors shut as the young girl tried to call after her. She attempted to push the elevator open button, but that didn’t work. She pressed the large button for the only other floor in the office building. Whatever Tamara had to tell her, would have to wait. She just wanted to see him. It had already been too long.

  Chapter 26

  “Jaxon?” she called out.

  Where is he?

  She had stepped out of the elevator on the top floor. Looking around at the lavish surroundings, she knew this is where the executive staff would sit. She couldn’t wait to see her office and what he had in mind for her. She walked down the hall looking in the different rooms as she passed. He had gone above and beyond with the luxury setting. Tamara had sent her pictures, but this exceeded her expectation and she couldn’t wait to see him and tell him her thoughts. She walked down the very end of the hallway past smoked mirrors. She memorized from the drawings and pictures that this would be the board room. It was then, she heard his voice and she couldn’t help the smile that split her face. She missed his voice just as much as she missed him. The low sultry tone drew her in, making her crave him and his touch. But his tone this time was different. He sounded irritated, frustrated… She couldn’t put her finger on what she heard in his tone this time.

  “Damn it … stop playing, Sara. I need you—”

  “What do you need, Jax baby? It’s been so long, but I’m sure I could figure out what it is you need.”

  “Damn it,” he growled. He stepped toward her grabbing her by the wrist. “Stop this bullshit. You know whatever we had personal is done.” He lowered his voice to her ear so she was the only one that could hear his anger. “We haven’t worked together in a long-ass time. It’s bad enough all this going on with this company and Gregory that we have to be in each other’s presence again.”

  “Seems to me you wanted it that way, love.” The term of endearment oozed from her lips like venom and he wanted to ring her snow-white neck.

  “There is a reason for it all, Sara, and you know it. You shouldn’t even be here. You need to stop this. We both have jobs to do. Let’s do them and move on.”

  “Oh, no no no. There is no reason for what went on with us and how ended. We could have been so good together.” Her clear, blue eyes glared at him. “You’re right. I shouldn’t be here, but I couldn’t resist the chance to work with you again, handsome face. I knew your new little fling would be here, too and you know what, Jaxon? I love to see you squirm.”

  Bevin heard the woman before she saw her. She remembered meeting her briefly that night they’d gone to dinner. His girlfriend. The sense of entitlement oozing from the woman made her sick. Why in the world would she be here, in this building, with him now? Maybe this is why he had been so distant lately. Maybe they reconciled. The thought made her sick.

  She wanted to call out his name, but she didn’t want to interrupt him and cause a third wheel situation. He should have told her they were back together. It would have hurt like hell, but it would have saved her from running around this building after him. She peeked around the corner and caught sight of them standing near each other. He whispered something in her ear. She couldn’t hear what, but that is all she needed to see. There was something intimate about the way he leaned in and spoke to her. She turned to walk away needing to get out of there, but she hesitated when she heard the woman

  “You outdid yourself on this project, Jax. It was… for her, wasn’t it?”

  He shook his head. “I give my all for every project, Sara. Don’t bring Bevin into this, please.”

  “Stop,” she said, putting her hand to his chest. “I’ve seen your other projects, personal and professional… but this,” she said, looking around, “this is some of your best work. You did it for her.”

  He took a step away from her, running a hand through his hair. “Okay, you’re right. I did design this for Bevin. I’m sorry if that hurts you or upsets you. I don’t want to fight with you anymore. We have been broken up for some time now. We can be adults and move on.” He looked at his ex, searching for some glimmer she agreed with what he said. “I’m sorry we ended up the way we did, Sara, but it’s for the best. We would have made each other miserable. It’s time to let this go.”

  “Yes, the way we ended hurt. I spent a long time hating you. Hell, right now, I still have some resentment when I see you. But you’re right, things have changed. I’ve moved on, too.” She put her hand to her stomach. “I just found out something myself and…” He looked at her and down to her stomach.

  “Sara? Really?”

  “Two months. Crazy, right? I’m happy, really and I just want the same thing for you; wherever that path may lead you.” She reached in for a hug, releasing him slowly. “No hard feelings between us? I’ve always had your back with this Gregory debacle.”

  “We are good, and thank you,” he responded.

  The heat rose from Bevin’s toes to her forehead. She wasn’t normally the type to feel jealousy, but today was an exception after witnessing them hugging and sharing whispers. When she saw the woman rub her belly and Jaxon’s look of surprise and then the smile that warmed his face… She felt sick to her stomach. Like a train wreck, she continued to watch, not sure if she was a glutton for punishment. She should make them aware she was there, not wanting to be a stalker. She cleared her throat, but neither of them noticed. They continued to speak and this time, Jaxon leaned in and embraced Sara. The woman ran a hand up his back and held on to him tight. Bevin squeezed her eyes shut. Really, Jaxon. Is this why you stopped speaking to me? You are back with your ex? She’s pregnant… He backed away looking down at Sara. Bevin saw his lips moving, but couldn’t make out what he was saying to the woman. He ran a hand over her arm and moved back from her. They both chuckled at whatever he said. Bevin’s heart felt heavy. She knew the tears were forming. She wanted to yell, scream, throw something but no audible sound would form. She heard the ding of the elevator down the hall, but didn’t turn to see who approached her. She backed away from the door, unable to witness any more of the intimacy shared.

  Chapter 27

  “Bevin? Are you okay?” Russell came up behind her and looked into the room she’d just backed away from. Her shoulders slumped and she gazed downward. She could only hear the concern in her boss’ voice. “Who is that with Jaxon?”

  She cleared her throat and looked up at her boss. She knew the barrage of questions that would follow if her boss saw her upset. She made sure her tone was even before she answered. “Her name is Sara. I believe she is a friend of Jaxon—”

  “Oh, Sara Cain, her team is inspecting the project.” Russell laughed nervously. “I hope everything is okay. Have you gotten the results yet?”

  “Inspector?” She knew what an inspector was and what they did. She hadn’t realized that is what Sara was. That would make sense why Jaxon had her here.

  Russell looke
d her over. “Yes, the inspector. Her team comes in after large building projects to make sure everything was done properly and to code. Jaxon didn’t tell you today was the final inspection of the property?”

  She shook her head no, not able to verbalize an answer. She needed water and to sit down. Her head was throbbing. She felt like an idiot in front of her boss for not knowing a vital part of this project.

  “Are you okay, Bevin? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  She would be just fine as soon as she got the hell out of this building. “I’m fine, Russell. I must have missed the inspection date on my last report.”

  “Well, no worries. I’m sure Jaxon can update us on where we are with the project.” He stepped around her into the spacious conference room making his way toward Jaxon and Sara.

  “Jaxon!”

  He turned at the sound of his name booming across the room. He watched Russell close the distance between them, but looked over his shoulder and caught sight of Bevin standing in the doorway. How long had she been there?

  He shook hands with her boss, and watched as Sara shook his hand, offering a warm smile. His gaze wandered back to her as she came into the room slowly. She looked upset and wouldn’t make eye contact with him. It had been sometime since he’d seen her last, and she was a sight for sore eyes. He wanted to go to her and wrap his arms around her, pulling her into him. But present company and the look on her face kept him planted firmly in place. He could feel Sara and Russell watching him, but he didn’t care. He could only watch her and he needed to speak to her.

  “Well, then,” Russell bellowed. “Are we ready for a tour? How did we do on inspection? Give us the 411, Jaxon.”

  A few of the other executive team members filed into the conference room behind Bevin and moved to the chairs around the conference room table. He wanted to step from the room and take Bevin with him, but they were waiting for an update.

  “Bevin, how nice to see you again,” Sara spoke up.

  He quickly looked in Sara’s direction arching a brow, sending her a glare that spoke volumes. What in hell are you doing?

  He could see Bevin tense at the sound of Sara’s voice. He was sure the fact that Sara was even in the building was grating on her nerves, let alone the fact she felt the need to call Bevin out in front of her colleagues and her boss.

  “Oh, I didn’t realized you two had already met,” Russell piped in. “Bevin didn’t seem to realize you were the building inspector when I saw her in the hallway.”

  She was in the hallway. Fuck. For how long?

  The sound of her voice made Bevin want to scream. Shut up, bitch! She knew that response would be petty and completely unprofessional. She winced at the gut reaction to ring her around her pearly-white neck. She instead rolled her shoulders back squaring them before walking in their direction.

  “Hello, Ms. Cain. I didn’t expect to see you again. I didn’t realize you were the inspector on our project.” She hated the sound of her tone the minute it came out, but she couldn’t help it. She wanted to claw the smug look right off her well made-up face. Jaxon’s ever looming presence was not making the situation better. She should have known better. She would have never fallen for this man, the smiles the compliments… the caresses. If she only knew. He wouldn’t make her look like even more of a fool in front of his baby’s mother and her boss and colleagues. She cast a glance at him not expecting the look in his eyes. Something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Regret? Apologies? She didn’t know. Frankly, she didn’t care. She looked away from him quickly, and instead narrowed her gaze on Sara. The woman met her halfway, flashing a fake, but full smile.

  “Bevin, how nice to see you again, really. I’m sure it would have been nice to be updated about where we were on the project. Jaxon, I really would have expected more. You should have told Ms. Thomas I was your building inspector.”

  “Yes, Mr. Stewart, I haven’t heard from you directly about the project in over a week.” Bevin looked in his general direction not quite making eye contact. She refused to look at him and didn’t want to hear anything he had to say. She continued speaking before he could respond. “Well, now that we have been reacquainted, tell me, Ms. Cain, what is your final report on the building?”

  Sara tapped her clipboard. “I have my notes here. Would you like to tour the facility?”

  “I can take you on the tour, Bevin.” He finally spoke and stepped into her line of sight forcing her to look into his eyes. Their time together in bed, the way he would look deeply at her as he moved inside of her, crossed her mind. She closed her eyes briefly blocking out the thought. She wouldn’t let him get to her again. Not in that way.

  “That is alright, Mr. Stewart. The inspector will take us around. I’d like to hear her thoughts.” Russell stepped in before Bevin could even answer.

  “Very well. Follow me.” Sara’s chipper voice sent another wave of annoyance sweeping over Bevin. Russell followed after Sara and Bevin tried to follow him, but Jaxon caught her arm.

  “We should talk.”

  “I have nothing to say to you.” She snatched her arm away.

  “Then let me talk and you hear me out,” he whispered as her coworkers filed out behind Russell.

  “Okay, I do have one question to ask.” She crossed her arms in front of her.

  “You can ask me anything, Bevin.” His eyes were pleading and the look was not lost on her.

  She waited until the room was clear and they were alone. Taking a deep breath, making sure she could say the words in a calm voice and not the shrill tone she felt rising from the back of her throat, she spoke slowly. “Are you back with her?”

  “No.”

  “Is she pregnant?”

  “How much of that conversation did you hear, Bevin?” he asked stepping toward her.

  “Answer me please, Jaxon.” She held up a hand.

  “Yes, she is.”

  “My God.”

  “Hey, wait, no. It’s not what you think. She is—”

  “A building inspector…” She shook her head chuckling. “Is that how you two met? She’d inspect your projects then you’d inspect a little something on her?”

  “Bevin…”

  “You can be truthful. I’m not mad.”

  “You sound pissed off.”

  “What happened to you the last few weeks, Jaxon? I waited for your calls, emails, and updates on the project. You fell off the face of the earth and let your assistant update me. You should have had her tell me your baby’s mom is working with you on the place that I have to go to work every day; that she’s the reason you stopped talking out the clear blue.”

  “It’s not like that at all. I just found out she was the inspector on this. She isn’t generally a commercial inspector. She does residential properties. I was just as surprised as you are she got this job. She works for Gregory’s construction firm; that could be the only reason. Bevin, please look at me.”

  “I went against everything I said I would and took a chance on you and me. I don’t date men I work with. I keep work and my personal life separate, as they should be. It looks like I should have kept to my rules.” Bevin turned from him.

  “I’m glad you took a chance on us. It meant the world to me when you let down those walls to let me in, Bevin. I’m grateful you allowed me a chance to get to know you. I don’t want to stop that. I had a lot going on here with family and this project and I was stubborn, yes, got in my feelings. I know I have should have reached out. But I did miss you. Look… you don’t owe me anything, but I wish you would give me a chance to prove to you that you didn’t make a mistake on me.”

  “You are right about one thing, Jaxon... I don’t owe you anything. “

  She left him standing in the middle of the large board room, mouth agape. That conversation had not gone as planned. And he had such a feeling she still believed Sara was pregnant with his child. He went after her, blocking her in the hallway.

  “Please don’t walk away like
that. You don’t owe me anything, for sure, but I’m asking you to believe how I feel about you.”

  She turned and looked at him and the tears welling in her eyes stopped him in his tracks. “Baby, no, don’t cry.” He cradled her face with both his hands using the pads of his thumbs to wipe away the tears starting to fall. He looked left, down the hallway to see if anyone was approaching them. He stared back into her eyes, hating he was the cause for her tears. “I’m sorry, Bevin. I know I promised you I would keep you up to date on everything that was going on here. I should have. I just had things going on and… I was distracted.”

  She reached out and swatted his arm. “Do you think this is just about the project?” She shook her head.

  “Well, you made it clear you were concerned about—”

  “Jaxon, I missed you too. I wanted to hear about your day. I just wanted to hear your voice.” She shrugged.

  “I apologize.” He reached for her, sneaking her hand when she wiped away a tear.

  “Tell me about Sara, Jaxon. I need to know about your relationship with her before there can be anything further between us. She is a building inspector. She works for Gregory… Whoever that is. I get it… that is how you met her?”

  “Gregory is my mother’s husband.”

  “Your stepfather?” she asked. He cringed. “Okay…your mother’s husband, I get it. How long after your father passed, did she remarry?”

  He didn’t want to lie to her, but he knew this would be too long of a story to get into right now. “She and Gregory have been married for about ten years.” Before Bevin could respond, he continued on. “And Sara and I met through Gregory at school. We both interned for him, which is how my mother met him.” He shook his head. “Our internships consisted of me in business management. I managed Greg’s construction business. Sara was a part of that crew. When I got sick of being under his thumb and I had enough money, I opened my business. Sara led the group of inspectors and it appears she still does. I didn’t know Gregory would send her here today, though. We went to dinner a couple of times, hit it off…we dated for a while.”