Covet (Splendor Book 1)

by Janet Nissenson

  “So watch yourself around him, sweetie pie,” Kevin had cautioned. “Especially since you’re a whole lot prettier than Sarah was. A shark like Jason Baldwin would eat you up alive.”

  Tessa had frowned upon hearing what had happened to Sarah. “I don’t understand why Sarah was the one who had to leave. Didn’t she complain to HR or Mr. Gregson? I mean, it sounds like she had grounds to file a sexual harassment suit.”

  Kevin had shook his head. “Don’t you know? Jason is part of the Gregson family, at least through marriage. His father-in-law is Richard Gregson, the co-CEO of the company. No way is the old man going to have his grandkids’ daddy put out of a job. Rumor has it that this isn’t the first time the company bigwigs have swept this sort of thing under the table for lover boy Jason.”

  “He’s a married man?” Tessa had been aghast. “And he flirts like that with all these women?”

  Kevin had assured her that she was far from the only attractive female in the office that Jason had targeted. He’d hit on both Alicia and Gina multiple times, but the two of them had been careful never to let things progress beyond a very mild flirtation. Kevin had gone on to share the conjecture that Jason slept off and on with Morgan Cottrell, in addition to other women here at the corporate offices.

  Kevin had laughed at her outrage. “Sweetie pie, I’ve really got to meet this husband of yours one day soon, because I’m not at all sure that you actually have one. You have got to be the most naïve married woman I’ve ever met. Yes, Jason is definitely married and has three kiddies. Doesn’t seem to stop him from hitting on most anything in a skirt and high heels, though. Too bad he doesn’t play for my team, ‘cause he is awfully cute. Reminds me of David Beckham, minus the tattoos. Though of course he still doesn’t hold a candle to the boss man. Then again, I can’t think of too many men who do.”

  The fitness room was nearly empty when she walked inside a few minutes later, occupied only by a couple of women who were using the elliptical trainers. Tessa headed for the Stairmaster, exchanging a polite smile with the other women as she did. She worked out for over an hour, switching over at some point to the stationary bike before using the free weights, slant board, and pull-up bar.

  She’d always liked to exercise in some form or another, even though her mother had never been able to afford the various fees and equipment involved in playing organized sports like soccer or softball. Not to mention the fact that Gillian could never be counted on to actually pick Tessa up from practices or take her to games. From the time she had been a small girl, Tessa had more or less been responsible for getting herself to and from school, in addition to all of the other daily tasks she’d had to perform for herself.

  At least she’d had the good fortune to attend some highly rated public schools over the years, all of which had offered excellent physical education classes and facilities. P.E. had always been one of her favorite classes, perhaps because it was one that she excelled at, and didn’t feel far behind all the other students in class. Whether it was swimming, tennis, basketball, modern dance, or running, Tessa had looked forward to her P.E. class every day.

  Having this room at her disposal was a godsend, for there was no way she could have afforded a gym membership with the exceptionally tight budget she and Peter had set for themselves. She was extremely disciplined about working out, rarely missing a day. She planned to research hiking trails and walking paths in her new city so that she’d have someplace to walk or jog on weekends, and was hoping to find a yoga class that wasn’t too exorbitantly expensive.

  She took a hot shower after her workout, reveling in the spacious, tiled stalls that were so much bigger and nicer than the ancient one at the apartment. She’d already discovered that the water pressure at their new place was almost nonexistent, and that the water temperature never got much above warm. The office even had dispensers of shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel inside each stall, as well as thick, fluffy towels, and all of it was of a much higher quality than the stuff she had at home.

  It was already twilight by the time she got off the bus a block away from the apartment, and she quickened her pace, remaining alert and aware of her surroundings as she did so. It was going to take some time, she realized with a sigh, to get used to her new city and how different it was from anywhere else she’d ever lived. In this neighborhood in particular there were people of numerous different ethnicities, both old and young, some who looked to be working people like herself or even students, but unfortunately quite a few who appeared to be either mentally unstable or vaguely threatening. Peter had cautioned her multiple times so far about not venturing out at night alone, and also about keeping their front door securely locked. The crime statistics in their neighborhood weren’t terrible, but they weren’t the best, either, and she resolved to exercise caution whenever she went out alone.

  The apartment itself was dark and silent when she entered, little surprise considering that Peter was half a world away right now. He’d sent her a quick email when his plane had landed in China three days ago, but she hadn’t heard from him since. Tessa told herself it was just because he was so busy, that this was his very first assignment, and he was especially anxious to do a good job. They had already ruled out the possibility of calling each other during his trips, the expense more than they could afford, though Peter had promised to check out the cost of Skype for future trips.

  She ate her solitary dinner – a chicken and broccoli casserole that had lasted her three nights already and would likely be enough for one more. Her cooking skills had improved by necessity over the years through a lot of trial and error, though making anything much more complicated than baked chicken or beef stew wasn’t in her repertoire quite yet. After cleaning up the kitchen, she watched TV for a bit, thankful that it was a weeknight with some good programs on the basic cable channels that were all they could afford.

  But it was when one of the shows that she usually watched with Peter came on that the loneliness she’d held at bay all day swamped her. Tessa scolded herself, knowing she was being the worst sort of needy, insecure baby, and that she was being selfish for wishing that Peter was here with her right now. He’d already given up so much for her over the years, had postponed following his dreams in order for her to get the sort of job where she could support herself. She was happy for him, truly she was, and hoped that he was enjoying the experience of his first assignment. She would get over this, she decided firmly, wouldn’t let all of her old fears get the better of her. She was in her own apartment, locked in securely, and it wasn’t at all the same as being back in the shelters or sleeping in her car or living in fear that a social worker would pluck her away from Gillian and stick her in some awful foster home. She wasn’t going to give in to her fears, not to mention the depression that always seemed to be hovering in the background of her head.

  When the show was over, she fixed her lunch for the next day – a turkey sandwich and an apple – and then began the more difficult task of deciding what to wear to work the next day. Tessa wanted to look extra nice given that she would likely be meeting the daunting Mr. Gregson for the first time. Not to mention the fact that just yesterday she’d overheard Gina mocking the simple cotton skirt and blouse she had been wearing, with Alicia pointing out that Tessa’s well-worn pumps were scuffed.

  Tessa told herself firmly that she didn’t care what those two gossipy cats said, laughing out loud as she realized now who Gina and Alicia reminded her of – the sneaky, conniving Siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp. She’d only seen the Disney movie once, probably when she was around five years old, but those two sly, scheming felines had frightened her enough to cause a nightmare or two over the years.

  She perused her modest wardrobe, automatically passing over the black skirt and white blouse she’d worn for her interview with Andrew. Not only had she already worn that ensemble to the office twice since then, but it was a little too prim and proper for – what? The impression she hoped to make on Ian Gregson? Tessa shoo
k her head, annoyed at her train of thought. Someone as busy and important as Mr. Gregson would likely only spare her the briefest of glances, maybe a quick handshake, and a few seconds for an introduction. Then he would go back to all of the far more meaningful items on his to-do list for the day, not giving his newest team member a second thought. So it really shouldn’t matter what outfit she wore tomorrow, because she had little to no chance of making an impression on her formidable new boss under any circumstances.

  Still, pride demanded that she try and look her very best, so she pulled out the prettiest of her work outfits. The fitted red sheath dress with its narrow black patent leather belt was new, something she’d bought from an online retailer. It had cost less than forty dollars, but the dress fit like a glove and Tessa thought it looked far more expensive than it really was. She’d wear a coordinating pair of black patent pumps, curl her hair, take a bit more care with her makeup. And even if Gina and Alicia giggled about her behind her back, or Ian Gregson barely acknowledged her presence, at least she would feel pretty and try very hard not to care what anyone else thought of her.

  Chapter Eleven

  It was just past seven o’clock when Ian arrived in the office, not in the least surprised to notice that no one else had arrived as yet – even Andrew, who was usually always the first to arrive. But his supremely efficient PA hadn’t spent the last two weeks on the East coast, and wasn’t trying to get his body clock re-adjusted to California time. Ian had already been to the gym this morning, putting himself through a grueling workout with weights, push-ups, sit-ups, and core work before swimming laps for a half hour. He was wide awake, and filled with energy, ready to tackle the numerous items on his agenda for the day.

  Things were always especially hectic right after he returned from visiting the hotels. Not only did he have his normal daily responsibilities to get caught up on, but there were notes and reports that had to be typed from his meetings, interviews, and reviews at each hotel he had visited. He kept Andrew and the management support team on their toes for days and even weeks after these trips, and this time would be no exception.

  As he powered up his computer and began to unpack his briefcase, Ian wondered vaguely how the newest team member was getting on. Andrew had forwarded her resume to him, but he’d been far too busy on this trip to look it over. He trusted Andrew’s judgment almost as much as he did his own, however, and felt assured that his PA had hired someone capable and qualified.

  Just before seven-thirty, Andrew poked his head inside the office. “Good morning, Mr. Gregson,” he said in his usual polite but impersonal manner. “I trust that the rest of your trip proved uneventful?”

  Ian nodded. “Aside from the issues at the Toronto property that I already emailed you about, everything else went smoothly. But there’s quite a lot that needs to be done, more so than usual given the problems I uncovered in Toronto. I assume everyone from the team is due in today?”

  “Yes, sir. I rarely allow any of them to take vacation or personal days right after you return from a trip. All six of them are expected in at their usual times. Including our newest member. She’s working out exceptionally well so far, Mr. Gregson. In fact, I’m pleased to report - “

  Ian’s personal cell phone rang with an incoming call, and he held up a finger to Andrew when he saw that his father was calling. “We can continue this conversation after I speak with my father. You can bring your newest protégé in to meet me at eight forty-five this morning.”

  As Ian took the call, Andrew merely nodded and disappeared from sight. The conversation with the elder Gregson only took a few minutes, and then Ian was plowing right back into the considerable pile of work on his desk. He gave Andrew the slightest of nods when the PA placed a steaming mug of tea on his desk around eight o’clock, his concentration remaining focused on the report he was reviewing.

  Ian considered himself an extremely disciplined man in all facets of his life – his workout regime, eating habits, personal hygiene, even his wardrobe. He rarely if ever fussed or made a scene, seldom expressed emotion, and never, ever lost control. He stuck to his routine almost religiously, and his ability to block out distractions was one of the traits that had contributed to his success with the company. It was something he had learned many years ago when he’d first begun to box, and honing that particular skill had been a major factor in his unparalleled success in the ring during his school days.

  Here at the office he did not appreciate interruptions to the demanding schedule he adhered to so scrupulously, and both his administrative and managerial staffs knew better than to interrupt him without prior consent. Ian knew there really wasn’t a need for him to work such insanely long hours, or take on so much responsibility himself. Both of his brothers delegated a considerable amount of these responsibilities to their other managers, and Hugh also employed an assistant regional director to shoulder some of the work. Ian, however, with his almost paranoid need for control, was hesitant to do either. And, admittedly, the long hours at work helped to filled the emptiness of his life. He joked sometimes that he was married to his job, but that actually wasn’t all that far from the truth.

  He checked several items off his to-do list for the day, satisfied at the progress he had already made. But the day was going to be a busy one, chock full of meetings, conference calls, emails to answer, and work to assign. He didn’t have more than a few minutes here and there to spare, and knew he’d be spending the better part of his weekend catching up. A quick glance at his desk clock revealed that it was nearly eight forty-five, the time he’d instructed Andrew to bring the new support team member over to meet him. Ian had no doubt that Andrew would arrive right on time, and hoped that this very brief meeting would be exactly that.

  There were very few things that could rattle him these days, or threaten to disrupt the iron control he typically wielded over his emotions. If he were to explain this particular mindset, he would likely point to the years he’d spent in strict, rule-abiding English boarding schools. As a boy of ten he might not have approved of the discipline imposed on him by his teachers, but as a grown man of thirty-seven he was able to fully appreciate the guidelines that had been instilled in him so long ago.

  In the high-profile position he held within his family’s company, Ian made crucial decisions, dealt with multiple levels of managers within his region, and met with patrons and potential new customers of his hotels on a daily basis. It was during these times that he was most grateful for what the years in boarding school had instilled in him – supreme self-control and the ability to mask his emotions when needed. He seldom if ever lost his temper, but it typically only took a slightly raised eyebrow or the merest hint of a frown to signal his displeasure, and those barely imperceptible gestures were often all it took to get his message across loud and clear.

  But no amount of schooling or years of experience dealing with argumentative employees or difficult customers had prepared him for the very unexpected – and very compelling – reaction he had to the young woman who now stood framed in the doorway of his office.

  During the years he’d boxed at Oxford, Ian had always been at the top of his game, something he credited to training extremely hard, listening intently to his trainers, eating a proper diet, and having been gifted with superior height, strength, and coordination. Very, very few of his opponents had ever successfully landed a punch, and he had been both a dominant and feared opponent. Therefore, he’d never felt the effects of a sucker punch to the jaw, or a jab to the solar plexus, or a blow to the gut. And yet, never having known how any of those physical sensations must feel, he was experiencing all three of them – and more – as he met and held the very wide, very blue gaze of the gorgeous girl who continued to hover uncertainly at the threshold.

  Andrew ushered the girl inside the office, but Ian paid scant attention to what his assistant was saying. Instead, his gaze was fixated on the arresting face and figure of the stunningly beautiful blonde who was approaching his desk
hesitantly, hanging back behind Andrew shyly.

  “Mr. Gregson, may I introduce you to the newest member of our Management Support Team?” asked Andrew briskly. “This is Tessa Lockwood, sir. She’s just transferred here from the Tucson resort two weeks ago.”

  He rose to his feet smoothly, automatically, and extended his hand across the desk. The smile he pasted on his face was, he hoped fervently, one of polite welcome and nothing more obvious.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tessa,” he told her gently. “I trust you’re settling in here without any difficulty?”

  Tessa placed her slim, smooth hand in his rather tentatively and returned his smile sweetly. “Yes, sir. Everything has been just fine, thank you. I’m – it’s an honor to be working here for you.”

  Her voice was breathy, a little high-pitched, and astonishingly the sound made him instantly and uncomfortably aroused. Their gazes remained locked, her hand still clasped in his, and he wondered if the noise he heard in his head could possibly be bells ringing.

  Ian was shocked at his uncharacteristic reaction to this girl, and he drew his hand away almost brusquely. “Well, I’m pleased to hear that. And I’m certain you’ll be a fine addition to our team here.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Gregson. I’ll do my very best, I promise,” she told him in that sweet voice that went right to his groin.

  There was a somewhat awkward silence for a few moments, until Tessa glanced down at the carpet uncertainly. “Um, well, I should get back to work,” she mumbled awkwardly. “Thank you for your time, sir.”

  As Andrew began to steer her authoritatively out of the office, Ian called out to him, his tone uncharacteristically stern. “Andrew. A moment, please.”