For Money or Love

by Heather Blackmore

  But why? That was the burning question. If TJ’s assessment was correct and Magnate’s marketing performance record was that of an industry leader, why hide that fact? Why would Jess practically parade around the office as if her brain weighed that of a newt’s? Why wouldn’t she take pride in delivering such repeatedly positive results?

  TJ wasn’t particularly underhanded, but she was scrappy. When she put her mind to something, she didn’t concede defeat until she had explored all avenues. If TJ was correct that Jess was far more deliberate and knowledgeable about the marketing aspects of the business than she purported to be, TJ was determined to get to the bottom of it.

  As she drifted off to sleep, she contemplated how to go about getting Jess to come clean. TJ had the feeling that if Jess knew she was being observed for signs of intelligence, she’d play dumb.

  *

  “What do you have for me?” Jess asked as TJ took a seat in her office. It was Friday, the day TJ was to report on her first marketing project.

  TJ handed across the USB drive Jess had given her and set her laptop on the desk, turning the screen so both could see. Realizing this wasn’t ideal positioning, TJ suggested they sit at Jess’s conference table.

  She pulled up the slide deck she’d prepared. “I went in a different direction than we discussed earlier, though that’s a project I’d like to get back to. I’ve come up with two different initiatives that are doable within the respective budgets. They’re both centered around the philanthropic aspect of Magnate. You didn’t give me a timeline for landing new clients, only that I use the lists. This route should yield the most clients, albeit over a longer period. The budget dollars should stretch farther under the assumption that some of the media outlets and the creative agency would donate their services.”

  Slide after slide, TJ presented her ideas, careful to leave the minutia out of the deck and reserve it for any questions Jess had. Jess did ask several questions, to which TJ responded as best she could, acknowledging that given her limited marketing knowledge and the short time frame of the project, she’d left some aspects of her proposal too vague. Once the slide show ended, TJ awaited Jess’s assessment. As seconds ticked by in silence, TJ focused on breathing evenly and projecting confidence, sitting back and holding her head high. Jess’s opinion mattered to her in a way it wouldn’t have at the outset of the week, before she’d come to realize Jess’s competence.

  When Jess finally spoke, she said, “It’s obvious you’re biased by your graduate program in that you went after the philanthropy angle. And you’re making fairly large assumptions as to the pro-bono services you can expect to receive. I’m doubtful your budget will stretch as far as you’ve proposed.”

  TJ firmly believed she was on the right track with highlighting the things Magnate’s founder was known for on the charitable-giving front. If a client could expect to achieve not only above-average returns but also get good press for choosing a firm that cared about social issues, it was a no-brainer.

  TJ nodded, having expected to be admonished for the very things Jess called her out on, yet not expecting it to feel like she had failed to meet expectations. She’d delivered a proposal she believed would appeal to Magnate’s clientele as well as celebrate the charitable goals of its founder. It was true her propositions relied heavily on procuring catchy ad creative that would garner media attention. Perhaps she’d been too hopeful or naive that the initiative would bring in Hollywood types willing to donate time.

  “That said,” Jess continued, “your instincts are sound. We’ve actually used similar initiatives, and one in particular is ongoing even today. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come close to sticking to a two-million-dollar budget, but you get high marks for the concept. I’m impressed. What you’ve put together in four days would easily rival the best ideas I could expect from any of our agencies, and you’re not even a marketer. Good job, TJ.”

  Warming as if descending into the Earth’s core, TJ let out a breath. “Thank you.” Jess’s words felt better than a hot bath after an especially trying shift at the restaurant. She wanted to ask Jess why she pretended to her colleagues that she was incapable of or uninterested in leading Magnate’s marketing efforts when it was clearly not the case. Part of her also felt fortunate to get this one-on-one time with Jess. Marketing wasn’t the focus of her class assignment, but at least she was learning something from a master in her field. TJ worried that if she called Jess out on her front, Jess would revert back to the same antics TJ had seen during her first week in some kind of defense mechanism. Defense against what, TJ wasn’t sure. But something made Jess act differently in front of others, and for now, TJ was content to enjoy the glimpses of who she was discovering to be the real Jessica Spaulding.

  As TJ studied the warmth in Jess’s eyes, the obvious pleasure Jess took from TJ’s work on the project, TJ realized she was enjoying more than glimpses. Today Jess was wearing a simple sleeveless black dress. A clip made her blond hair fall behind her back that, along with the V-neck of the dress, exposed the smooth planes of her neck and shoulders. Hit with a sudden memory of Jess’s light perfume when Jess had hugged her after dropping her off after the hospital, TJ focused on the creamy skin at her collarbone. She imagined catching that delicate scent while she trailed her mouth along Jess’s throat and under her chin, imagined hearing Jess moan softly beneath her touch.

  TJ raised her eyes and saw from Jess’s expression that she’d been caught daydreaming. The image of such an intimate interlude was so clear, it was as if she’d projected it onto every wall of Jess’s office like a drive-in movie. TJ’s lips curled under in an unsuccessful attempt to hide her smile as she felt a blush blossom in her cheeks.

  Seemingly amused, Jess said, “I’m not sure where you went just now, but I’ll gladly purchase a ticket. One-way, please, as I don’t think I’ll want to return.”

  The fact that her boss dated men wasn’t sinking in the way it should. How could TJ get herself to settle down and focus? “What do you have in mind for my next project?”

  “City treasurers,” Jess said without skipping a beat.

  That did it. The remark might as well have been a polar-bear-club plunge. “City treasurers,” TJ repeated unenthusiastically.

  “You said yourself it was a project you’d like to get back to. They’re responsible for millions in assets and are on the lists I gave you.”

  TJ nodded.

  “I know what you’re doing,” Jess said.

  “What’s that?”

  “Stereotyping. Thinking they’re boring people who carry slide rules, sniff paste, and tell tax jokes at parties.”

  “No. I’m thinking they don’t party. Ever. The most excitement in their week is when they feed the fish in their aquariums.”

  “Don’t underestimate the face-off over those flakes. Those fish can get a little American Gladiator.”

  “Wow. Who knew city treasurers liked to stir up so much trouble? And we’re thinking of putting said financial officers together in one room?”

  “Make sure to budget for security.”

  Chapter Ten

  Jess took a sip of wine as her eyes settled on their quarry: Muriel Manchester, the frequent target of money managers seeking to put her substantial assets under their control.

  Jess admired Muriel, a capable and ruthless businesswoman who suffered no fools. Muriel liked her women young and handsome and didn’t try to hide that fact. The good-looking brunette holding court with her was no exception. Jess smiled. She appreciated Muriel’s openness about her sexual orientation. That her parents continued to invite Muriel to social functions was less a testament to their acceptance of gays and more of their endless pursuit of new assets to manage. Less clear was why Muriel continued to come to these gatherings, though they did have a number of mutual friends.

  Tapping the toe of her Manolo Blahniks, Jess realized the band’s rendition of Sammy Davis Jr.’s “Love Me or Leave Me” was putting her in the mood to swing. Chad wasn’t a
good lead, which made her sit out more often than she wanted. Muriel and her date were on the dance floor, but it became quickly evident that even Muriel’s considerable skill couldn’t overcome her companion’s inexperience. Instead of swinging, they broke apart and danced next to each other. Jess briefly toyed with the idea of cutting in to give Muriel the dance she wanted.

  Brooke leaned forward and spoke to her sister. “Her dates seem to get younger and younger. She’s like a lesbian cougar.”

  “She’s got a lot going for her. Brains, wealth, power, looks. And let’s face it: she can dance. What woman doesn’t appreciate that in a date?”

  “Well, I certainly didn’t appreciate their behavior during that last slow dance. Must they paw each other in public? Get a room.”

  “They weren’t acting differently than any of the other couples.”

  “No one wants to see that. Live and let live and all, but don’t subject everyone else to it.”

  Jess glared at her sister.

  Brooke’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t tell me the intern you couldn’t even get to show up tonight is pushing that agenda on you?”

  Jess took another sip. Brooke was a barracuda who wouldn’t let anyone out of her grasp once she bit. In that respect, she was glad TJ had apparently decided not to come.

  “I take it back. Tell me the intern’s shown up, and that’s her,” Brooke said.

  Quickly pivoting, Jess followed Brooke’s line of vision to the only other same-sex couple in the room. Her mouth dried at the unsettling sight, and she turned away from the approaching TJ, heart hammering. Not only had TJ unexpectedly donned a dress for the event—a short-sleeve side-ruched black number that fell just above the knee—she wore it impeccably and assuredly. It was simple yet stunning, showing off her figure in a way Jess was surprised TJ was comfortable with, even down to the muscled calves it revealed. TJ was nothing short of gorgeous.

  No less unsettling was TJ’s date, the emergency-room physician who had treated Kara. Of course TJ would nab a doctor—an elegantly dressed, svelte one at that. Why should it rattle Jess? After all, she had her pick of them should she choose—Lilith practically stack-ranked them by specialty. She faced her sister and assumed an expression of indifference. “The very same.”

  Brooke lowered her voice. “Muriel’s going to love her.”

  TJ stopped at their table and glanced between them. “I hope we’re not interrupting?”

  Brooke stood and offered her hand. “Not at all. Brooke Spaulding. You must be TJ. Very nice to meet you.” She turned to TJ’s date. “Hi. I’m Brooke.”

  “Rebecca Stanfield.” The women shook hands.

  Jess abandoned the idea of taking a large swig of wine before joining the pleasantries, making an effort not to dwell on how good TJ looked. She wished she wasn’t wearing a dress because she needed something to do with her hands instead of reach out for TJ. She had a full-blown crush and thought it aptly named. It was overpowering, as if a strong force were pressing against her chest, making it difficult to breathe. “Dr. Stanfield, so glad you could join us. Jessica Spaulding.” After their greetings, Jess nodded to TJ. “TJ. Welcome.”

  “Thank you.” TJ turned to Rebecca. “Care to dance?”

  “I’d love to.”

  And they were off.

  “You did good, Jess. This has got to score us points with Muriel.”

  Jess wasn’t in the mood to care about landing new business. She felt dirty, like they were the owners of some sideshow, only instead of exhibiting their freaks, they were showing off perfect examples of the female form. It sickened her to think she’d asked TJ to take part in such a spectacle. She finished her wine and wanted another glass. It was a feeling she’d carry through much of the evening.

  The next hour dragged like a small predator trying to tame its larger, fallen prey. TJ and Rebecca made a captivating couple, Jess admitted. She hadn’t picked up on any intimacy between them at the hospital, but they were getting along swimmingly this evening. TJ’s hand often rested solicitously on Rebecca’s lower back while they mingled with other guests. Jess wondered why she noticed and was irked with herself for being annoyed. She plastered on a practiced smile when she saw them approach.

  “I’m afraid I’m needed at the hospital. I wanted to thank you for having me this evening. I’ve really enjoyed myself.” Rebecca extended her hand. “It was great to meet you, Jessica. I hope to see you again soon. Please extend my thanks to your family.”

  “It’s been our pleasure having you,” Jess said. For all her disquiet about Rebecca, she seemed genuinely likeable, which irritated Jess like a sunburn.

  Rebecca addressed TJ and held out her hand. “Walk me out?”

  “Certainly,” TJ said as she took the proffered hand and tucked it under her arm.

  When TJ returned, Jess was speaking with another couple, who soon headed to the dance floor.

  “Dr. Stanfield seems lovely. How long have you been seeing each other, if you don’t mind my asking?” Jess asked.

  “She’s quite lovely, and I told you, I don’t date.”

  Jess laughed. “Interesting way not to date someone.”

  “Her uncle was in the hospital the first time Kara got hurt. We were both worried about loved ones and kind of bonded. She’s become a friend.” TJ glanced at her watch. “That page was from her husband, planned ninety minutes into our arrival. Since she was all dolled up, they decided to make a date night out of it.”

  “Wow. You seemed so…close.”

  “I told her the situation and asked if she’d mind my hands on her. She said, ‘Hell, no’ and wished her husband was attending so I could do it in front of him—thought it might help her get lucky tonight.”

  “In that dress? She’d have him at hello.”

  TJ smiled. “Yeah.”

  “Thank you for, gosh, doing all that. That’s certainly going above and beyond.”

  The band started playing Madonna’s “Hanky Panky.” TJ inclined her head and raised her voice to be heard over the music. “Dance?”

  Jess loved the song but wasn’t comfortable doing the random-moves thing TJ had done with Rebecca. “No, thank you.”

  “You don’t like to dance?”

  “I love dancing. But not your way. I like to swing.”

  TJ brightened. “Let’s go.” She escorted Jess to the dance floor. Suddenly TJ’s right hand was on her shoulder blade and their hands touched lightly. TJ led her through basic moves with practiced ease. Although Jess had been tense when they began, it melted away with each step, and soon she was in a zone, enjoying the music. They transitioned seamlessly into the next tune, the Stray Cats’ “Rock This Town.” TJ didn’t improvise much, but she was a good leader, providing sufficient direction and space.

  Since Jess had been relishing the opportunity to let go and dance her concerns away, the music ended too soon for her taste, and the band shifted to a slow ballad. After thanking TJ, she made it only two steps before she felt a hand on hers.

  At TJ’s raised eyebrow, Jess understood she was being challenged. The safe route was to exit the floor, and Jess wasn’t much of a risk taker.

  “It’s why I’m here,” TJ said, tugging Jess closer.

  Jess was out of her comfort zone. But at TJ’s words, she reminded herself this wasn’t a date. They were colleagues working toward the goal of changing Muriel Manchester’s opinion of the firm, however slight the chance. Decision made, Jess stepped forward and embraced TJ, whose arms enfolded her waist.

  It was uncomfortable, this lack of distance. And damn it—exhilarating. TJ’s gray eyes searched hers as if questioning her ability to handle the situation, which was absurd. Because what was scary about a slow dance? Spinning it to herself that way helped relax her somewhat.

  TJ was taller, but Jess’s heels were higher, making them nearly the same height. Jess studied the face she’d only been this close to once, when TJ tried to dismiss her in Zelda’s. At the time, TJ’s eyes had been fierce and penetrating.
Now they were kind and welcoming. Her lips glistened. The recent exertion added a little color to her cheeks, and light perspiration beaded her forehead. Inches separated them, and for a moment, the distance felt too wide. Jess tamped down the desire to be closer, dismayed to enjoy having her arms around TJ’s shoulders.

  “You’ve surprised me,” Jess said.

  “I could say the same thing. But I have a work question first.”

  The last thing on Jess’s mind was work. It was a good reminder that TJ was here as an employee, someone with a duty to perform. Whatever Jess was feeling, it was inappropriate and unprofessional. Casually, she added a bit more space between them. “Of course. What is it?”

  “Are we on the clock?”

  It didn’t sound from TJ’s tone that she was concerned about getting paid. Interested in following the conversation where TJ wanted to take it, Jess replied, “No.”

  “I’m glad you have a boyfriend.”

  How nice of TJ to help with the calling-Chad-to-mind thing. Which she really should be trying to do. But rather than saying, “Me, too,” she asked, “Why’s that?”

  “Because otherwise I’d be tempted to do something really stupid, like tell you how beautiful you look and how much I’ve enjoyed dancing with you. Instead, I hope you’ll take it as a compliment that I think your boyfriend’s a lucky guy, and that by saying so you won’t be uncomfortable around me at the office.”

  Definitely not what Jess was expecting. “I don’t think I could ever be uncomfortable around you.” As soon as she said it, she realized it wasn’t true. Her core had warmed a good twenty degrees at TJ’s words, and an image flashed to mind of how it could be cooled. Eventually. She had no intention of sharing it. “And thank you for saying that. My sister’s the one who usually gets the compliments.”

  TJ found that hard to believe. When she had entered the mansion’s elegant ballroom, she’d immediately searched for Jess, certain no one else would give her the time of day. At Jess’s table had been a beautiful blonde with features similar to Jess. Though more traditionally pretty than Jess, the woman exuded an ego the size of Alaska, which tainted her otherwise flawless appearance.