It Must Be Love

by Nicki Night

  Jewel looked away. “Not always.”

  Chris sighed. Just then his desk phone rang. “That’s Dad now.” Chris snatched the receiver and placed it against his ear. “Hey, Dad. Yes...” Chris looked at Jewel and mouthed, “Are you hungry?” She shrugged and then nodded. “Yes...that sounds good...okay. We’ll be there...okay, bye.” Chris turned his attention back to Jewel. “Dad wants us to join him for lunch.”

  The two of them stood and started toward the door. “Listen.” Jewel stopped and swung around to face Chris. “This is between you and me. Got it?”

  Chris held his hands up in surrender. “Got it.”

  Jewel headed to lunch with two things weighing on her mind: the idea of going on an actual date with Sterling and whether or not this COO opportunity would be worth what she would give up to take the position. She wished she could call Sterling to get his opinion on the latter. Jewel shook her head. Here she was wishing she could talk to him. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, he’d already gotten past many of her defenses. Would her standards be the next thing to tumble like a row of dominoes?

  Chapter 16

  Sterling stood by proudly as Alex led the demonstration of Chandler Food Corp’s new software system. The company’s top executives were seated around the conference table, including Mrs. Chandler and Jewel’s two sisters who worked in other divisions of the empire. With only standing room left, the rest of the employees covered the space from wall to wall watching the presentation describing what their new systems were now capable of doing. The state-of-the-art hardware and software would ensure the company’s systems would now run much more efficiently in every area of business.

  Keeping his focus mainly on Alex, Sterling’s gaze would periodically slide in Jewel’s direction. They even locked eyes once or twice. Sterling simply smiled. He’d missed her and their weekly chats in her office, but after the day her father came in unexpectedly, he thought it best to keep his distance. That was a wake-up call for Sterling. Never before had he carried himself so comfortably with a client. That kind of behavior wasn’t good for business and he definitely didn’t want to cause any issues for Jewel. He knew how bad she’d wanted that promotion. Sterling had to settle for the texts and phone calls. Those interactions weren’t as satisfying as seeing her beautiful face, but they had to suffice.

  Now that their work was complete and Mr. Chandler had written a stellar recommendation letter, he felt free to pursue Jewel. As soon as their presentation was done, he was going to ask her to dinner. He already had the perfect place in mind.

  “And before we take questions, I’d like to call the owners of SB Tech Solutions to the front. Please help me welcome Sterling and Stephan Bishop.” Alex nodded and initiated applause.

  Sterling was humbled by this elaborate introduction. It wasn’t quite necessary for a breakfast presentation. On the other hand, Stephan bowed when he reached the front. Laughter erupted throughout the room.

  “You can tell which one of us was the class clown in school,” Sterling said. Stephan pretended to secretly point to Sterling and there was more laughter. With hands clasped together, Sterling continued, “I want to thank you—” he tilted his head in Mr. Chandler’s direction “—Mr. Bob Chandler for giving our company the great privilege of taking on this project and trusting us. We’re glad that you are pleased.”

  Sterling presented Stephan with a wave of his hand.

  “We strive to be the finest in the business and deliver the best in product and customer service. It has been a pleasure working with the entire staff here at Chandler Food Corp.” Stephan picked up where Sterling left off.

  After a few more words, Mr. Chandler stood. “And we thank you for a fine job. We’re excited to be able to do more, faster.” He turned to Jewel. “And to my daughter Jewel. Thank you for all of your hard work in managing this process.” He turned his attention to the room of employees. “I’m excited to introduce you to Chandler Food Corp’s new vice president of operations.”

  Sterling watched Jewel’s expression turn from momentary confusion, to shock. She stood, looking rather polished in her black business dress and multicolored pumps. To Sterling, Jewel was as sexy as she was professional and he wondered how she managed to pull that off.

  Sterling joined in the applause as she made her way to the front of the room and stood beside Mr. Chandler.

  “I hope you will do us the honor of signing this offer letter.”

  Jewel took the paper and hugged her father. “Thank you. Of course I will.” She turned to the others in the room. “And thank you all for being such a pleasure to work with.” Applause exploded throughout the room once again.

  All of the employees cleared out, save the crumbs that had been left from the breakfast. Sterling let Stephan, Alex and the rest of the crew head back to the office without him. He had one more thing to take care of before leaving Chandler Food Corp.

  “Congratulations.”

  Jewel looked up. Her doe eyes gleamed. Her fire-red lips against her fair skin made her look even more radiant.

  She smiled and Sterling felt warmth pool in his groin. It had been a long time since a woman had this kind of effect on him.

  “Thanks.” She nodded humbly. They drank each other in for a moment, maintaining firm eye contact. “I guess this is my last visit, huh?”

  Sterling stepped toward her confidently, slowly erasing the distance between them. “It doesn’t have to be.”

  Jewel raised her brow and her lips eased into a wide sly grin. “Really?”

  “Yes. Really.” Sterling’s voice dipped lower.

  Jewel eased back against her chair, crossed her legs and folded her arms over her chest. “Okay. Yes.”

  “Yes what?” He enjoyed the game Jewel was playing. Her coolness made her even more desirable.

  “I’ll let you take me to dinner.” A confident smile played at the corners of her mouth. Sterling almost didn’t notice the slight dance on her pretty lips due to the intensity in the way she looked up at him.

  Sterling wanted to take her face in his hands and kiss her right then and there. He became sharply aware of his own heartbeat. It thumped at every pulse point.

  “Want to name the place and the time, too?” He parked himself on the edge of her desk.

  “No.” He was amused by the self-assured way she wiggled her head. “I’ll leave that up to you.”

  “What about tonight?”

  “Tonight, huh?”

  “Yes. Tonight.” Sterling stood and headed for the door. “Clear your calendar. I’ll pick you up at seven thirty.”

  The sweet sound of Jewel’s laugh followed him out of her office. Seven thirty wouldn’t arrive fast enough.

  Chapter 17

  Jewel tried her best not to act anxious but she couldn’t deny the fact that she was excited about her date with Sterling. Her phone rang and she snatched it off the vanity in her dressing room.

  “This is Jewel.” She answered formally since she hadn’t bothered to look and see who was calling.

  “You’re going, right?”

  “Ha! Yes, Dom. I told you and Harper that in the car.”

  “I know. I just wanted to make sure the fumes from that rush hour traffic didn’t affect your mind. You’re really going to go out with him?” she asked incredulously. “I’m impressed.”

  “Yes. Now let me get ready,” Jewel said in the same whiny fashion that a teen would say to her mother.

  “Okay. What are you wearing?”

  “A little black dress. Perfect for any scenario.”

  “How little?”

  “Dom!”

  Dominique’s laughter poured through the phone. Jewel pictured her friend bent forward, holding her sides.

  “Okay. Okay!” She snickered. “Now go have fun with that fine specimen of the male kind and when you get home, call me and
Harp to tell us all about it. Okay?”

  “After this, I no longer want to hear anything from your and Harper’s mouths about my being superficial.”

  “I’m already zipping my lips. Have fun.” Dominique hung up.

  Still amused by her friend’s behavior, Jewel chuckled to herself as she finished dressing. She looked in the mirror again, standing with one hand planted on her hip and her head cocked to the side. The three dresses she’d tried on so far lay across the white settee in the center of her dressing room and she was still deciding if this fourth one would make the cut. The strapless number, with a ruffle along the top, hugged her curves just right, yet was comfortable enough for her not to feel overdressed. Sterling hadn’t mentioned where he was taking her. Looking forward to being surprised, Jewel hadn’t asked, which made the decision about what to wear that much more difficult.

  Jewel walked over to the wall housing her shoe collection. Taping a finger to her chin, she squinted as she scanned the shelves looking for a perfect pair to complement her outfit. Stilettos would make her appear too dressy. Flats wouldn’t be dressy enough. Finally, she settled on a sandal with a low heel that could go either way. Jewel slipped her manicured feet into the strappy sandals and twisted sideways in the mirror. She nodded her head at her reflection, approving of her final choice.

  “Now—” Jewel spun on her heel and walked to the other side of the dressing room “—what bag should I carry?” The doorbell rang as she perused the custom-built cubes where her purses were stored. She looked at the studded clock on the wall. “Darn it.” Seven thirty had slipped by minutes ago. “Coming!”

  Jewel raced down the steps, peeked through the blinds and saw Sterling’s frame at her door.

  “Good evening, Mr. Bishop.” Jewel batted her eyes and smiled, turning on her feminine charm or her “girl powers” as her aunt Ava would say.

  The wide smile on Sterling’s face let her know that he appreciated what he saw.

  “Good evening.”

  “Come on in.” Jewel turned, gesturing for him to follow her through the foyer. “I’ll need just a few more minutes. Can I get you something in the meantime? Water—a stiff drink. Ha!”

  Sterling laughed, too. “I may need one, but I’ll start with water.” Jewel was aware of his eyes on her as he followed her to the kitchen. “You have a beautiful home. It’s just you in this big house by yourself, huh?”

  “Just me!” Jewel pulled a bottle of water from the door of the refrigerator and handed Sterling a glass with ice. She picked up a small remote and hit the power button. Music flowed from hidden speakers. “Be right back.” Jewel disappeared up the steps.

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  At the top of the stairs, Jewel paused, closed her eyes, inhaled and let her breath out slowly. Sterling looked gorgeous in his all–navy blue attire. His look carried the right amount of sex appeal. She shimmied to the bedroom.

  Jewel picked a red purse adding a pop of color to her ensemble and outfitted her lips with a similar hue. She waved off the pile of possible dresses lying across the settee. She’d address those later. After a few squirts of her favorite perfume, she took one last look in the mirror and fluffed her hair before heading back downstairs.

  “Ready.” Jewel popped into the kitchen, startling Sterling just a bit.

  “You look amazing.” His gaze washed over her from head to toe and back to her head.

  “Thank you.” A playful smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

  Sterling placed his glass in the sink, walked over to her and offered his elbow. Jewel slipped her hand through the opening and together, they walked arm in arm to the car.

  “Now where did you say you were taking me?” she asked once they pulled away from her house.

  “I didn’t say.”

  “Just checking.” She lifted her chin and nestled into her seat.

  Sterling laughed and shook his head. “You’re a character.”

  “I know.”

  “I like it.” Sterling winked.

  Jewel tittered. Sterling was about to find out just how much of a character she was. As a woman who loved a good time, she didn’t hold back and wondered if Sterling could handle her level of zeal. It didn’t really matter, she thought, since this would be their only date. With his playful nature, brilliant mind and chart-soaring sex appeal, she knew she’d enjoy his company, but nothing long-term could ever come from their union. She decided that she’d at least like to stay friendly with Sterling. He was easy to talk to and he was good for bouncing ideas off. Jewel was sure they’d make great friends. She’d even flirt with him—often.

  “So are you going to give me a hint?” She went back to trying to get information from him about his plans for the night.

  “Yes. We’re going to...have a great time.”

  Jewel swatted his arm. “That’s not fair.”

  “Cheating the other week on the golf course wasn’t fair either,” Sterling teased.

  Jewels mouth dropped open. “I did not cheat!” She turned to face him as he drove. “It was a fair game. You just underestimated me! You should never assume. Ha!”

  Sterling’s laughter was robust, filling the inside of the car. It was contagious, causing Jewel to join him. She decided she liked the sound if it.

  His laugh rolled on while he shook his head at her. They eased into stimulating banter while he drove for the next few minutes before pulling over near a pier by the Long Island Sound. Sterling exited, rounded the car, and opened Jewel’s door, helping her to her feet. Keeping her hand in his, he led her along the pier to the dock where a sleek yacht with script letters spelling Sweet Grace awaited.

  A gentleman expertly suited in captain’s attire gave Jewel a courteous smile, tipped his hat with a nod and helped her on the vessel. Sterling followed closely behind. Onboard a slim woman wearing a smart nautical-inspired dress and navy bow tie greeted them with flutes of champagne. Other than these two, they seemed to be the only ones on the boat.

  “Oh! I love being on the water.” Jewel’s hand instinctively went to her chest. “I want to check out the boat.” She looked to Sterling.

  “Let’s do it.”

  They walked from the cockpit to the deck and up to the flying bridge where the captain sat to steer.

  “I haven’t steered a boat in years.”

  “Perhaps after dinner, you can give it a go, madam.” The captain looked at Sterling as if he were seeking his approval.

  “Cool!” Sterling lifted his brow.

  “Wonderful!” Jewel squealed.

  Next they went inside the cabin. Jewel fingered the wood grain walls, taking in the traditionally decorated space with burgundy leather sofas and wing chair. Fishing memorabilia hung along the walls. In the center was a table set for two.

  “We’ll come here if it gets too chilly for you outside.”

  “That’s sweet of you, Sterling. I should be fine. I love watching the water.”

  The Captain peeked inside. “We’re ready to sail.” With a nod, he tipped his hat. Sterling nodded back and the captain disappeared.

  Jewel wondered where the woman had gone, but abandoned her mental search when she felt Sterling take her hand again. His touch sparked more than just her attention. The tingle surprised her.

  “Let’s go have dinner.”

  Their table had been set with a mixed green salad. The candles in the center flickered an amber glow. Jewel still hadn’t seen the woman. It seemed almost magical that the food was there. The boat began moving just as she sat down. Sterling took both her hands in his and bowed his head for a quick silent prayer. Jewel was impressed. She closed her eyes and lowered her head as well.

  “Bon appétit,” Sterling said as he lifted his head. He snapped his napkin and laid it across his lap.

  In perfect timing, music began to flow from hidden speakers. Jewe
l swayed to the rhythm as they talked and ate. The woman appeared to replace their salad plates with an entrée of fish over risotto with chopped asparagus. Jewel moaned at her first bite.

  “Sterling, this is absolutely delicious.”

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Wait until dessert. It should be ready in time for the sunset.”

  “You’ve thought of everything.”

  “You try to make all the right moves when you have a beautiful woman to impress.”

  “So. You’re trying to impress me?”

  “Maybe.” Sterling shrugged like it was no big deal. “Why? Are you impressed?”

  “Maybe.” She shrugged, then smiled.

  The music changed to a popular upbeat song, which happened to be one of Jewel’s favorites. She swiped the napkin from her lap and set it on the table.

  “My goodness. I love this song. Let’s dance.”

  Immediately, Sterling stood and held out his hand. She placed her hand in his and caught his eye. Sterling winked. They rounded the table and began moving in time together. They danced, song after song until their bodies grew warm and their meal became cold. Jewel didn’t mind at all. They were having way too much fun. The song switched to an older song that went along with a popular dance from their teenage years.

  “Oh! Remember this?” Sterling laughed.

  “Goodness, yes! This was my favorite. What was that dance that went with this?” The two laughed for several moments trying to remember.

  “I think I remember.” Sterling moved one leg in a circular motion and then shifted into a stance that looked like he was about to take off flying.

  Jewel bent back holding her belly, releasing a wild laugh into the wind. “No! Wait! It went like this.” She mimicked similar movements barely finishing her attempt because she was laughing so hard. “Oh my goodness.”

  They laughed through a few more old dances for the next few songs and the music changed again. A sultry love song shifted the atmosphere. Jewel stood still, suddenly more aware of Sterling’s manner of sexiness. Dim evening light settled around him like a halo. His skin glistened from the sheen of sweat they managed to work up. A strong, taut chest peeked through the top of his shirt where a few buttons at the top were left open. He watched her watching him. Jewel swallowed, but kept looking right back into his hazel eyes. She sensed a hunger erupting.