“Really? That’s not how it looks.” Jamison said as he moved towards the table.
Lacy ran in front of him and covered her sketches. Something he needs to see, just not quite yet. He turned and stared at the bag hanging on the wall.
“What’s this?” Jamison said as he reached for the zipper. She was happy to see that Maria put it back in the bag before she left the room. Giving her a little more time. She stopped his hand and motioned for him to sit.
“I know it’s been a long time, and you have questions on my I called, just give me a minute to get my head on straight.” She pulled her chair out and slid onto the black leather. She cocked her head and took a good look at the man who stole her heart and destroyed her dreams so many years ago. His ice blue eyes met hers and her body ached for his touch. She tried to relax but he held her gaze. She pushed her chair back and stood.
“Are you going to run again.” He asked.
Lacy turned her back to him. Willing her internal strength to come forward. She needed all the help she could get. She sucked in a deep breath and turned back towards him. “I never ran from you. I was never yours in the first place. Your mother made sure I knew that from the beginning.”
Jamison opened his mouth and Lacy raised her hand to stop him. She had to continue while she had the strength to stand before him.
“Let me get this out.” Her heart lodged in her throat as she chocked on the past. “She crushed my dreams when I was seventeen, and you did nothing to stand up to her. You just let her belittle me in front of the judging committee.” Jamison jumped up and she stepped back.
“I went to the judges. But I was just a kid. My Uncle dealt with my Mother while I ran after you, but you disappeared.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Lacy said as she moved around the table. “That was years ago. I just have so much pent up aggravation that I felt the need to get it off my chest.”
“Are you done? With all your pent-up anger I mean?” His voice was low and purposely seductive. Something her heart was having trouble fighting.
“No, not yet.” She quickly chastised herself for her childish tone.
“Okay then, let’s get everything out. I’ll start.” Said Jamison “I was young, I’m sorry. I should have stood up to my Mother. Once I got off from under her control I looked for you, but you disappeared. I even hired a PI. Then you walked back into my life last year.”
Lacy was confused and paced. Her stomach knotted, and she stiffened under his withering glare.
“I realized that my mother had no idea who you were. She bragged about her young marketer that was winning over difficult clients. But everything changed the night of the masquerade ball. She recognized you when your mask fell off. That’s what led her to announce my engagement.” He sighed heavily. His voice filled with anguish. Lacy closed her eyes, her heart aching with pain.
“It was fake, a set up. I wasn’t that night, nor have I ever been engaged.” His voice echoed the words her heart had longed to hear. But she needed to know one thing.
“When did you realize it was me?” Her voice wavered as she waited.
“The minute you walked into the room. I fell in love with those mystic eyes years ago and would recognize them anywhere.” Jamison stepped towards her and she chocked back a cry. He spoke words she longed to hear, but her mind raced back to his mother and a swell of pain engulfed her heart. She inched back, putting space between her and heartache. Then her eyes widened as she remembered their last encounter. The club. She backed into the wall and froze.
“Is there anywhere else you remember seeing me?” Her mind told her to resist, but her body betrayed her as he closed the distance between them.
His arms encircled her, and his hand rested at the small of her back. “I do remember seeing those eyes behind a black mask. I believe you were wearing a long black cape. And we will need to talk more about that, but not right now. I have something else I want to do.”
Crushing her to him, he pressed his mouth to hers. The touch of his lips sent a shock wave through her entire body. She opened her lips, welcoming his tongue as it danced along hers. His hand lowered and her body betrayed her as shivers of delight followed his touch. A moan of ecstasy slipped through her lips as his arousal pressed firmly against her. His tongue traced the fullness of her lips sending flames of desire racing through her. His lips left hers, searing a path down her neck. She felt her knees weaken as his mouth descended upon her shoulder. His hand moved under her sweater and eased the lacey cup of her bra aside. He fondled her sensitive swollen nipples and she squirmed beneath his touch.
“I need you.” Her voice barely above a whisper as she fought to catch her breath. His mouth covered hers hungrily. His hands seared a path down her waist to the edge of her skirt. He lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Melting into the curve of his body. She arched forward, his groan fueled the fire racing through her.
“Lacy, I have to have you.”
Her legs slid down over his hips and she kissed him, lingering, savoring every moment. She pulled on the edge of his belt, loosening it, lowering the zipper. She released him and circled the head with her finger tips. He groaned and gripped her panties, dropping them to the floor. He slid his hand across her bare hips and lifted her. She wrapped her legs around him and thrust forward. His hardness electrified her as she soared to a blinding ecstasy. She bit her lip as she tightened around him. Her body began to shudder as she squeezed him with each thrust. He pulled back and lowered his mouth on to hers. The kiss was urgent as he pushed forward, she gripped him tight as he exploded inside her. He lifted his mouth from hers. Resting his head on hers. They fought to catch their breath as her heart rate slowed.
“I’m sorry.” He said breathlessly. “I came here with intentions to talk.”
“Is this how you start all your conversations?” He slapped her butt and she laughed.
“Only with you.” This felt right, but her head warned her to stay cautious. She melted into his warmth when there was a knock on the door. She froze.
“Lacy, are you in there?” Maria asked through the locked door.
She shoved him and jumped down. He was putting himself back together as she searched the floor for the only item of clothes they managed to remove. She looked under the desk and stood up, finding her bright pink lace panties hanging from his hand.
“Can I keep these?” she shook her head and grabbed them from him
“No, and fix your shirt.” Lacy nervously looked around. How could she let this happen? What was she thinking?
Jamison pulled her close. “Breathe, It will be okay. Now who’s at the door?”
“Maria, a marketer on my team. And my best friend.” She dropped her head on his chest and blew out the frustration that flooded through her.
“I’m going to sit here, in front of these drawings, and you can let her in. We are just having a meeting. Don’t worry.”
“Lacy, I need to see you, now. We have a visitor.” Maria’s voice broke and Lacy’s hand shook as the panic engulphed her. Something was wrong. She cleared her throat and swallowed her fear.
“I’m just finishing up some drawings. Is it someone who can wait?” Lacy waited, trying to make out the whispers outside the room.
“It’s Mrs. Michaels, Lacy. And no, I can’t wait. I feel we need to have a moment together.”
Lacy smashed her hand over her mouth and bit back the scream that threatened to break free. Tears flooded her eyes and she couldn’t believe the nightmare she was about to let in.
“Hey, look at me.” He lifted her chin and a tear broke free as her eyes met his. “I can see what you’re thinking. Just relax and promise me you won’t run. I have something I need to talk to you about. Something big, it will change your future.” He lowered his head and kissed the tear that fell across her cheek. “I’ll hide behind the door as you open it. Step out, take her to the boardroom. I’ll wait a few moments then follow you there. I will show up like I just got here.
She won’t suspect a thing.”
She wished she had his confidence but knew what she had to lose if his mother found out. She smoothed out her sweater and adjusted her hair in the mirror. She gripped the handle, ready to face the woman that always seems to be one step ahead of her achieving her dreams. She peered back, and Jamison gave her a confident smile. But not today. She was determined to hold on to her dream, and the man that will come with it.
6
Lacy stepped out and closed the door behind her. She straightened her back and cleared her throat. “Mrs. Michaels” Lacy extended her hand. “It’s so good to see you.” The older woman brushed some non-existent dirt off her tailored jacket and dismissed her hand. Lacy lowered it to her side, determined to not let her see the fear racing through her.
“Are you ill?” Mrs. Michaels asked.
“Um, no. Why?” Lacy glared up at Maria who raised her shrugged her shoulders.
“Your face is red, like you have something contagious. I don’t think it’s very responsible of you to infect the office.” Lacy opened her mouth but was stopped just as her voice broke. “I don’t plan on being here long enough for it to matter. Can we go in the conference room? I need to speak to you. And where’s Rickter? Is he with my Son? I saw his car outside.”
Lacy mentally slapped herself for not being more careful. How could she give into his charm like that? She knew he was off limits where his mother was concerned. And she could not afford to lose her job. Not with an opportunity of being a part of Fashion Week within her grasp. She needed to stay in control.
“Mr. Rickter went around the side, doing come measurements.” Maria said as moved to Lacy’s side. “Your son must be with him. We haven’t seen him in here, have we?” Maria elbowed Lacy.
“No. I haven’t. But I’ve been locked up in the conference room. Putting the finishing touches on the Dalton contract. I can check with Chelsea. She might know.” Lacy held her breath, waiting, hoping she wouldn’t push for more information.
“I’ll text him. He can join us when he’s finished. Now let’s step inside.”
Lacy stepped forward, motioning for them to move down the hall. “The conference room is a mess. Paints, markers, papers everywhere. I think we will be more comfortable in the boardroom.”
Mrs. Michaels icy stare sent chills through her, but she stood tall. Determined to give Jamison time to get out. “Doesn’t matter what room we have this conversation in. I’ll head down, bring me a cup of tea. Earl Gray, one sugar.”
Lacy gripped her fists tight at her condescending tone. She grabbed Maria by the arm and drug her into the kitchen. She ripped open the cabinets and moved around the boxes of tea, and coffee. “Do we even have Earl Gray? All I see is Lipton.”
“Just give her the generic shit. She will never know. And why is your face all red? I know it’s not from the fumes from all the paint, and imaginary markers you lied about.” Maria shoved her aside and jerked the box of Lipton from the cabinet. Stuffing a tea bag in the cup. Shoving it in the microwave. “Now spill it. You have a minute and a half.”
“I didn’t want her to see what we were working on, not yet, and she has always made me nervous. That’s all.” Lacy stared at the microwave as the numbers counted down.
“I call bull shit.” Maria said as the microwave dinged.
“Oh look, out of time.” Lacy grabbed the cup and headed to the door.
“I want the truth when you get back.” Maria yelled as she stepped into the hall.
There was no way she was telling her friend She just got laid in the conference room by the boss’s son. The one who was off limits to everyone on this side of town.
Jamison pulled open the door and peered around the corner. Muffled voices could be heard from the end of the hall. He eyed the front door. No one in sight, so he rushed towards it, freedom in hand. He reached, and it opened before him. Rickter stepped in with a girl dressed in ripped blue jeans and a low cut bright purple sweater. Not usually his type.
“Mr. Jamison. Your mother stated you had business here today. Have you finished?”
Jamison shook his head in disbelief. His mother must have told Rickter of her plans to get rid of Lacy. He can’t wait to see the surprise on their faces when he announces the changes he made to the Fashion Contract. “I just got here, I was going back to my car for the files I will need.” Jamison stepped back eyeing his friend. “And who do we have here?”
Jamison recognized her from the club. “This is Amy” Rickter stated. “She said she worked with Lacy and was here for a meeting. I was utilizing her for some measurements since she was an employee.”
Jamison leaned towards her. “Her meeting is with me. Do you need anything else, Rikter?”
“No, I have everything. I’m going to head back to the office. I’ll message Mrs. Michaels on my plans.”
He turned, and Jamison stood, gripping Amy’s arm until the door closed. He drew in a breath and glared down at her. “I know where you work, and it’s not here.”
She ripped her arm free and flipped her hair away from her face. Showing off her smug grim. “I take it you’re a regular at my club. And I am here to talk to Lacy. Where is she, and who are you?”
“I’m the Michaels on the front door. Now I’ll tell Lacy you were here. I’m sure you can have your meeting elsewhere.” Jamison opened the front door, silence loomed over them as she stood firm.
“I’m not leaving. We have an issue to settle, and I’m going to resolve it today. The sooner you tell her I’m waiting, the quicker I will get out of here.”
Jamison fumed as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Lacy is going to be tied up all afternoon. I will tell her to call you when she finishes.”
He motioned her towards the door and she stormed out. His instincts told him she was bad news and a person he needed to discuss with Lacy. Now to find out where she was and save her from the clutches of a woman who was about to get the surprise of her life when she opens her copy of the new contract.
Lacy opened the boardroom door and pulled it closed behind her. Mrs. Michaels stood in front of the big bay window. She was talking on her phone. Discussing some news conference. Lacy sat the cup on the table and leaned on the back of the leather chair. She finished her call, and turned, glancing down at the cup.
“My dear, we do not drink tea from a coffee cup. But I guess someone like you wouldn’t know that.”
Lacy gripped the chair as old feelings of inadequacies came rushing back.
“Sit, I have a few things to say, then you will be done.” Mrs. Michaels placed her phone on the desk and pulled a file out of her bag. “I am sure you’ve heard about our opportunity to do the marketing and design for Fashion week.”
“I have, and we are all excited about being a part of such an event.” Lacy said as Mrs. Michaels sat down.
“I’m sure you are. But we are only going to need a few and those have been chosen. I will who they are at the News conference tomorrow.”
Lacy was confused. “I must have received the wrong information. I heard we were going to be told on Friday during the marketing meeting.”
“That’s the information I chose to release. I moved up the News Conference. I do like to keep an element of surprise.”
“Do you need me to get anything ready?” Lacy asked.
“Oh dear, you cannot even make tea correctly. I have a team coming in later today to get this place set. Now, in regard to you.”
The door swung open and Jamison walked in. He stepped towards the desk. Squeezing her shoulder as passed. He reached his Mother and bent forward. Kissing her on the cheek.
“Mother, I heard you were here. I was with Rickter. He finished up and said he would meet up with you at the office.”
“I know, he sent me a message. And I’m glad you’re here. I was just telling Lacy about the Fashion week plans, and news conference tomorrow.”
Lacy sat up straight as Jamison turned, his back to her. His arms stiff to his side and they spoke
in a tense whisper. She strained to listen, only to hear that he was not privileged to this information either.
The tension mounted, and Mrs. Michaels pushed Jamison aside. “Lacy let me be frank. Tomorrow morning, I will receive our contract for Fashion Week. I am going to come here along with the Mayer, and other city officials, to inform the city of the contract and announce the team who will run it. Since this house is a city landmark I will also inform them that I am going to return it to them for restoration. It’s a win, win. I get rid of this eye sore, and no longer need to be in this part of town. And look great in the council’s eyes.
Lacy was in shock. If they return the house, where will her team go? A sick feeling rushed through her and she glanced up to Jamison, hoping for a boost of reassurance, but his face was cold, emotionless as he stood by his mother’s side.
“I’m sure the council will be grateful for such a generous offer. Are you moving the marketing department?” She gritted her teeth. Moving to corporate is not what she wanted but would do whatever she had to keep her job.
“I am.” Said Mrs. Michaels. “We have a new facility being built. It will be done at the end of the month. Until then the team will be at the corporate office.”
Lacy loosened her fists and shook out her hands. “We shouldn’t have any trouble with the transition. What do you need me to do?”
“Pack.” Mrs. Michaels stated in such a non-cholent manner. “Don’t you agree, Jamison?”
“I’m not sure I know what you mean, Mother. We talked about a news conference Friday, and getting contracts signed. Nothing about a move.”
Her hideous laugh filled the room and Lacy swallowed past the fear in her throat.
“Well, I do like to keep things interesting.” Her voice laced with sarcasm. “Lacy, I am moving everyone but you.” Mrs. Michaels slid the file across the table and Lacy caught it.
“In that file you will find information about your other career. One that should never have passed our PR investigation we do on all new employees. And I’m not the heartless monster you think I am. You will also find names of a few of my competitors. I have placed calls to them. I’m sure you won’t have any trouble finding employment with ether one.”
Seduction in a Suit: An Office Romance Collection Page 28
