by Tania Joyce
Brooke will schedule a meeting to hand over all necessary documentation and sign the Termination Notice.
Nate Somers
President of Global Development and Operations
Somers Hotels and Residential Towers
Jessica read the email several times just to make sure she’d understood it correctly. Her hand flew up to cover her mouth and her body trembled all over. She simply could not keep her emotions contained any longer and burst into tears. She wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. Nate had sent his message loud and clear—again. He wanted nothing to do with her. Not only had she lost the man she cared for, but a massive client for her company.
Suddenly, a roar came from the hallway.
“Jessica!” Alex yelled as he stormed into her office. “Explain to me how this happened? How did we lose this account? Budget redirection, my ass. Somers Hotels is loaded.” Alex was red in the face. “What could’ve possibly gone wrong? Did the team screw up? Did we not deliver something we promised? How can … How can you lose a major client so close to a launch?”
“The team did nothing wrong. It was me. I screwed up, okay? Big time,” she mumbled through searing tears.
Alex pulled up short. “But I thought everything was going so well. Just last week all the final schedules were done, the entertainment is locked in, everything is all systems go. Why would Nate Somers pull the account now?”
“Because of me,” Jessica whispered as she yanked a tissue out of its box.
“You? What could you have possibly done?”
“The one thing you said not to.”
Alex looked at her with a blank expression.
“I slept with him.”
Alex mouth fell open as he gasped. “You what?”
“You heard me.”
Jessica had never broken down like this in front of Alex. Ever. Not even after her divorce from Graeme. But no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t stop crying. She felt foolish and childish but her world had come crashing down around her like a house of cards.
Alex came to her side and hugged her. “Jess, sweetie. I don’t know what’s being going on, but we’ll work it out. We always do. But for now, go home, and sort yourself out. I’ll come over after work. Okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Jess, go. Now.”
* * *
Monday morning, Nate packed up his laptop and gathered the last of his belongings for his return flight to Australia. He paused to look out over the sullen city before him. Rain droplets zigzagged down his window like the painful cracks that laced across his heart. He jumped when the phone rang. It was Mindy informing him the car was ready to take him to the airport. He wished it was Jessica wanting an explanation for the termination. He wanted to hear her rant and rave, just to hear her voice again. But the call never came.
He replayed their last conversation over and over in his head. How could she have believed the gossip with Rachael? Was it wrong of him to expect better of her? But then how could he, considering the way he left her. Why did he loathe the idea that she’d kissed another man? He hated to admit it, but deep down Nate burned with jealousy knowing Jessica had been in another man’s arms. Especially Troy, given their history together. He’d never known himself to have a possessive streak before.
So much had happened in a matter of a few weeks. Lucy’s broken leg, the insanely long hours in meetings, and the gossip with Rachael. It dawned on him that yes, his communication with Jessica had broken down. There’d been too many missed calls. Too many missed messages. Jessica was right. How could she not have drawn the worst of conclusions?
Nate took a moment to remember her long legs wrapped around his waist, her eyes closed as she called out his name as he buried himself within her. For weeks, he’d struggled to function properly without her. His feelings for her were so unexpected. So new. So different to anything else before. But no. No more. It was time to put this mess behind him and move on. Before meeting Jessica he’d been content in his life, so surely this heavy feeling inside his heart would pass in due course. Because his feelings for her didn’t matter anymore. He had to keep telling himself that.
He had to refocus because the hotel opened its doors to patrons in two weeks’ time and the launch for November now had to be reworked. He had one final handover meeting to get through with Jessica and then his life could return to normal.
Chapter 15
Numb.
It was the only way Jessica could describe how she felt as she worked from home on Tuesday. Preparing all the documentation to hand over to Somers Hotel was exhausting. As she backed up the files onto an external hard drive she was saddened by the fact that she wouldn’t see the end of the project. It was the first time in her professional career she felt like a failure, and she had no one else to blame but herself.
The following morning she managed to hold her composure as she entered her office. But the sullen look on her employees’ faces nearly made her crumble behind her facade. By now they all knew they’d lost the Somers Hotel account, thanks to an email from Alex. But she was still not looking forward to facing her team and bearing their disappointment. God, she’d let so many people down.
By mid-afternoon, she was finalizing all the artwork and source files for the meeting with Somers when she noticed that the graphic designers had provided the wrong files. With the boys offsite at a meeting, it was going to take a few hours to rectify.
Jessica quickly reached for her phone.
“Brooke, it’s Jessica. We have a delay on pulling some files together for you. And I would appreciate more time to calculate all the costings. I won’t get everything finished in time for our meeting at five. Can we please reschedule for first thing in the morning?”
“Don’t stress, Jess. Nate’s been delayed in Singapore and won’t be back until later tonight. I was only moments away from calling you. We’ll sort everything out tomorrow. What time can you meet?”
“That would be great.” Jessica clicked on her calendar. “How’s 10.30 am?”
“Excellent. All booked. We’ll see you here in the boardroom.”
* * *
Alone in the office at nine o’clock, Jessica heard her phone buzz with a message. She was finishing up for the evening and desperately wanted to head for home. She shuffled several papers around on her desk to find her phone lying underneath them all. She looked at the screen.
I would like documentation tonight. Are you in the office? Just landed. Can I drop by and pick them up? Nate.
Jessica’s heart ached as she read his text message. How could she face him after everything that had happened?
Consequences. Who would have thought her affair could have led to losing the launch? Just one more meeting and then he would be out of her life forever. I’m strong. I can do this. I’ll just hand him the files in reception and get him out of the office as quick as possible. Done!
She replied to his text.
YES.
Everything was bundled together ready for Nate. All she needed was this one final document to print. The fifty pages seemed to be taking forever. She was tapping her fingernails against the side of the machine, urging it to speed up when the reception door buzzed. Was that Nate already? He’d arrived at the office a lot quicker than she was prepared for. As she headed down the corridor, she ran her hands through her hair, straightened her skirt and her posture, hoping to look presentable at this late hour of the evening.
After opening the door, the very sight of Nate took her breath away. He looked fresh, even after a long flight. She remembered how soft his hair felt, how his lips tasted, and how it felt to be wrapped in his arms. But now, just looking at him sent arrows through her heart. He was no longer hers. Not that he ever was.
“Hey,” she greeted him, unable to look him in the eye.
He slowly stepped inside the foyer. “Evening.” The word sounded as if it caught in his throat.
“Look, it’s been a really long day,�
�� said Jessica. “Let’s get this over with so we can both get home.”
She turned to lead him down the hall. The main building was dark. Only a few dim spotlights lit the way toward her office. But they hadn’t made it halfway down the passage before Nate grabbed her by the hand, spun her round and pinned her up against the wall, kissing her hard on the lips.
“Jess.” The sound of him whispering her name sent an explosion of desire coursing through her body. Pressing his groin into hers, he kissed wildly down her neck and slid his fingers through her hair.
“What are you doing?” His actions weren’t making any sense. She pushed against his shoulders even though her body was aching to belong to him again.
He lifted his head to look at her. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been trying to convince myself that we were through and to walk away from you. But the moment I saw you, I knew it just wasn’t possible. I’m crazy about you. I never meant to hurt you. I beg of you to forgive me.”
Breath escaped her as she heard his words. His eyes fixed on hers; she saw his pain and sorrow reflected her own emotions. His lips found hers again as he pushed her harder back against the wall, forcing her breasts to arch into his chest.
She yanked his tie free from around his throat and ripped opened his shirt as his hands hooked up her skirt and tore off her panties. Tears streamed down her cheeks as he released his belt, opened his trousers and thrust into her fevered wetness.
He drove into her again and again—up against the wall. Passion and desire took over, wiping away all hurt, pain and stupidity. Nate wailed as he exploded inside of her. She held on to his shoulders as he shuddered against her, savoring the feel, the smell and the touch of his body next to hers.
Panting, they sank to the floor in a pile of entwined limbs. Exhausted. Gasping for air.
“Nate, I thought …”
He took her head between his hands and kissed her lips tenderly. “I don’t know where to begin. I’m sorry for everything that’s happened or didn’t happen. Everything got all screwed up. I know this is crazy considering we only have a few months together, but I want to spend it with you. If you’ll have me. Out of all this mess there is only one thing I know for certain. And that is I’m … in love with you.”
Jessica couldn’t breathe as she drowned in the depths of his eyes. His words wrapped around her heart, filling her with a warmth that she had never experienced in her life. She rested her head on his shoulder. “I’ve been losing my mind over the way I feel for you. Because I love you, too.”
“I don’t know how you can after what I said.”
“I can honestly say I have never felt like this about anyone else in my life.”
“Me either.” Nate’s smile made her heart melt. “But what about Troy? Do you have feelings for him?”
“I do care for him. But I don’t love him. It’s been hard dealing with him back in my life, but you have to believe me, nothing’s ever going to happen there.”
“I do. And you’re going to have to believe me that nothing happened with Rachael. You’re it, Jess.”
In that spilt second she knew Nate had her heart and everything that had been clouding her mind became crystal clear. She knew she wasn’t in love with Troy. Too much water had gone under the bridge and their worlds and ambitions were too far apart. She had fond memories of her times with Troy. He was her first love—but a past love. Nate was her present love, now and for at least a little bit further into the future.
Nate’s fingertips brushed away her tears and he pressed his lips against hers. “You also have to know that it was my father who interfered, as always, and wanted to scale back the launch. I couldn’t bear the thought of you thinking the cancellation was personal.”
Jessica nodded, listening.
“So here’s the thing,” he continued, “I did a lot of thinking on the flight, and I ended up missing my connection because I was rallying support from the board. I want to proceed with the opening. As planned. No changes.”
“Are you defying your father’s wishes?”
“Yes.”
Jessica smiled as she pressed her lips to his.
“So, do you think we can get up off the floor and tear up those termination agreements?” said Nate.
“Absolutely.” Elation filled her as he stood and offered her hand to help her to her feet.
“After that, how about heading back to your place for the night?” he suggested.
“I’ll lead the way.”
* * *
“Are you free this Sunday?” Jessica asked Nate while they were packing up their things after their meeting the following week. The rest of the staff had returned to their desks, she was alone with him in her boardroom. Her stress levels were once again manageable with the launch now back on track.
“You know that’s the day before we open to guests, but I can make some time free,” said Nate. “What did you have in mind?” He moved around the table to stand in front of her, sliding his hands around her waist.
Jessica stepped away and waved a finger at him. “Not in the office.” She couldn’t help but feel her cheeks flush.
Nate playfully pouted. “I thought you didn’t want to sneak around anymore?”
“Yes, but we agreed to keep things low-key.” A select few people like Zoe, Brooke and Alex now knew about their relationship, and that was more than enough in the workplace. Outside of work, Jessica didn’t really see any problem. “It’s my birthday and I’m having a few friends and Conner over for a barbecue. I’d like you to join me as my date.”
“A date?” He ignored her futile attempts to push him away as he moved his hands around onto her bottom. “So we’ve snuck around for ages doing unimaginable things to each other in private, and now you want me to come out and meet your friends?” Nate’s eyed sparkled with cheekiness.
“Well, half of them already know we’re seeing each other. I know it’s a big step being seen together, but it’s only within the confines of my home.” She shrugged. “Besides, I want to show you off a little. Come on, it will be fun.”
“So you just want to use me and parade me around in front of your pals.” As he whispered in her ear she flinched as goosebumps shot down her neck.
“I didn’t think it’d be a problem for you.”
“No. None whatsoever. I look forward to escaping from the hotel for a few hours.” Nate leaned in and kissed her on her mouth before she had time to think.
* * *
Early October saw the grass in Jessica’s small garden lush and green again. Roses and gardenias lining the fence filled the air with their fragrance. In the distance the harbor waters glistened in the sunshine. As Jessica set the outdoor table, she realized she hadn’t celebrated her birthday in years. Usually it was just dinner somewhere with Conner. So this gathering of family and friends was a real treat. A simple backyard barbecue sounded so much better to her than some outlandish cocktail reception like she was always throwing for her clients.
Nervous about her friends meeting Nate, Jessica wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans as she went to answer the door. Maxine and her husband, Patrick, and Alex with his partner, Dylan, were the first to arrive. Jessica’s eyes widened with surprise as Alex had brought a case of her favorite wine, and Max presented her with an incredible-looking chocolate torte birthday cake.
“Where do you find the time to make a cake like this?” Jessica asked Max, as she placed it down on the kitchen bench, sneaking a taste of the delicious icing.
“I am a superwoman and don’t you forget it,” said Max. “Pat was working on a case last night and the kids were having sleepovers at friends. I had a bit of time on my hands.” She shrugged her shoulders as if it was all too easy.
Conner and Becky rocked up, along with two other couples—friends of Jessica’s from Conner’s school days.
Then the doorbell rang, sending off a flutter in Jessica’s stomach—this would be the first time in years that she’d introduced her friends to a new partner. Mild panic
set in.
She opened the door. Nate stood there with flowers, champagne and gift in hand.
“Happy birthday,” he greeted her with a lingering kiss on her lips.
She closed her eyes and inhaled the fine, spicy scent of his cologne before she turned her attention to the beautiful bouquet of pink roses he held in his arms for her. “Thank you. These are gorgeous. Come with me. I’ll get a vase.”
The flowers filled the kitchen with their sweet perfume as she placed them on the counter and dug out a vase from the cupboard.
“Here, you have to open this, too!” He held out a black Chanel gift bag on the end of his finger and jiggled it in front of her.
His blue-gray eyes took her breath away as she accepted the gift from him.
“Open it,” he said quietly.
She beamed up at him. “Now? Okay.” Inside the bag was a rectangular case covered in black velvet. She flipped it open to reveal a simple gold bracelet with the famous Chanel logo as the clasp. “Nate, it’s beautiful.” She grinned from ear to ear. “Here, can you help me put it on, please?”
Nate’s fingers fumbled with the clasp as he clipped the bracelet around her slender wrist. When he’d finished he kissed her palm.
She detected he was maybe a little anxious about meeting her friends as well. “So, did you buy this or did Brooke?” she smirked.
“I did, thank you very much. And yes, it is beautiful, just like you.” Nate kissed her lips softly.
“And what’s this?” Jessica held up an access card with the Somers Hotel logo on it.
“Tomorrow we’re opening our doors for the very first time and I would be honored if you stayed with me for the night. In the presidential suite.”
Jessica’s could feel her smile broaden as she nodded. “That sounds amazing. I’d love to join you.”
