by Lexy Timms
“Hey, Jimmy.”
“Ashley? Is that you?” he asked.
“Yeah.”
“Hello. Sorry. I’m ... a bit shocked to hear from you,” he said.
“Don’t worry. It’s understandable. Don’t take it for more than what it is, though.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it. What do you need?” he asked.
“What makes you think I need something?”
“Because I’m not reading into more than it is.”
“Fair enough. I wanted to talk with you more about that severance package and scheduling a time to sit down with Ross and talk him through everything,” I said.
“Perfect. I was hoping you would take me up on that. Even with Ross unpacking what he already has now, it’s taken us days to get through four documents.”
“Interesting. That’s fine. When do you want me to meet with him?”
“We’re busy all day today, but I do have something important I wish to discuss with you,” he said.
“What about?” I asked.
“Would it be possible for you to meet me at my apartment this evening?”
“No.”
“I would bring you into my office, but this isn’t something I want others to overhear. It’s a personal project Ross and I have taken on, and I’d like your input. As a consultant. I’d be willing to pay you for your time.”
Well, going over to his house wasn’t him taking me out to dinner, and if he was offering more money, I could sure as hell use it.
“Okay,” I said with a sigh. “What time?”
“Seven sound good to you?” Jimmy asked.
“Sure. I’ll see you then.”
“I’ll leave the door unlocked.”
I rolled my eyes as I hung up the phone. I couldn’t shake the idea that he was trying to get me alone, but part of me was excited to go over and see him. I walked inside, shut the door behind me, and then proceeded to piece myself together. I left plenty of food and water for Chipper in my room, so he could curl up on my bed with his toys. Then I headed for my car.
It took effort not to speed all the way to Jimmy’s place.
The moment the elevator doors opened, I groaned. Jimmy was cooking. Why the hell was he cooking? I walked to his front door and opened it up as the smell of homemade lasagna hit my nostrils.
What was the man thinking? Why was he cooking for me?
I loved his cooking.
He knew I loved his cooking.
“Hope you don’t mind,” Jimmy said. “I got hungry and figured you might be too.”
“I’m sticking with water tonight,” I said.
“Lemonade okay?” he asked.
“You made lemonade?”
“I did.”
“Sure. Lemonade’s fine, then.”
I walked back into his kitchen and found his table set for two. I shrugged my coat off and threw it over the chair before sitting down on my side of the table.
My side.
The side I’d always taken up during our morning coffee ventures.
“Do you want a salad or garlic bread?” Jimmy asked.
“Why can’t I have both?” I asked.
He set the food down on the table, but I only picked at my salad. The food smelled delicious, but I wasn’t in the mood to eat it. I could feel Jimmy’s eyes on me as he ate his food, the silence between us at an uncomfortable high.
“What do you need me to consult on?” I asked.
“First off, I need you to hear me when I tell you I believe you about Markus.”
“I know,” I said.
“I’m sorry for everything I said to you. It was uncalled for, and no amount of stress should’ve ever led me to say those things to you, Ashley.”
“I know,” I said.
“I’m investigating Markus myself. Well, Ross and me and a PI.”
“What?”
“Yeah. When Markus was hauled out in handcuffs, Ross’s primary concern was that Big Steps wasn’t the only company hit. That’s our main company, but we have several subcompanies we’ve started over the years,” I said.
“Jimmy, what are you saying?” I asked.
“Ross and I have been pouring over files all week. He had his hands in a couple of our subcompanies, but the PI did some digging of his own. You know Ace-Landic and Harold & Lace.”
“You couldn't have thrown two more opposing companies at me,” I said.
“I know, right? The PI acquired some of their balance sheets and financials as well, and he’s been doing it to them too. The transactions. The small amounted debits. The altered final numbers. His initials. It’s all there, Ashley.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“I’m not going to lie, I didn’t think Markus would’ve had multiple companies in his claws like this,” I said. “How long has this been going on?”
“As far as we can tell, at least four years, but you're the one who figured out this was happening for all of my main company’s life.”
“And it’s the same thing?” I asked.
“The same thing. Ross and I aren’t sure if we can add to his charges already. And I’m not really sure if it’ll make a difference.”
“Why the hell wouldn’t it make a difference?”
“With the charges he’s already got on him, he’ll lose everything before he gets out of jail. His company will sink, his reputation in the business field will be forever tarnished. No one will trust him with anything, and he’ll come out close to penniless.”
“Why does he even have to come out at all?” I asked.
“What good would that do?” he asked.
“This is a big thing, Jimmy. A massive, massive plan he’s been building for years. That takes meticulous planning, manipulation, and a borderline psychopathic mind. Jimmy, don’t you see that? He’s hurt your subcompanies. And worse! Big Steps is paying for it. These other companies need to know what he’s doing. This needs to get out there. If this is what he’s done in the few years he spent in Miami, think about what he could’ve possibly done while he was in Alberta. It’s possible this affects other countries, Jimmy.”
“How could I have trusted a man like him?” he asked.
“He needs to pay for what he’s done. All of it. And companies have a right to know his name so they can look at their own financials if they’ve ever come into contact with him. He’s a con artist, Jimmy. He’s a professional at swindling people. You can’t beat yourself up over something like this.”
“I know you’re right. Ashley, look at me.”
I looked into Jimmy’s eyes and felt my heart skip a beat.
“I know you’re right. About all of it. But what if I was saying all of this about your mother?”
“My mother wouldn’t be capable of something like this.”
“Not as you know her,” he said. “That’s the lens I was looking through with Markus. As I knew him, he wasn't capable of something like this. Ever. My world has been—”
I resisted the urge to reach out for his hand as he slammed it into the back of his head.
“He was a father figure to me, and he slapped me across my face,” Jimmy said.
“Then use that anger,” I said. “Use it to fuel the fire you need to turn him in.”
“I can’t do this without you, Ashley.”
“Jimmy, you’re stronger than this. You don’t need me to hold your hand.”
“Not to hold my hand, but to stand next to me. To guide me. You knew this. You saw this. And I was the idiot who didn’t believe you. I fully own up to that, but I can’t keep an unbiased opinion of my company and the people inside of it. You can.”
“What are you asking me, Jimmy?”
“I want you back,” he said. “But not only for me. For the company.”
I reached out for my water and took a big gulp as he stared at me.
“I don’t know, Jimmy.”
“Will you let me prove it to you? Will you give me the chance to prove to you what’s go
ing on and how much this company needs you? How much I need you?”
“What did you say?” I asked.
“I need you, Ashley. Professionally and personally. Give me the chance to show you that. Even if you don’t take your job back. Which is still on the table if you want it.”
I felt my heart stop in my chest as I clutched my water in my hand.
“I don’t know,” I said.
“Just a chance. That’s all I’m asking for,” Jimmy said.
“You’ve thrown a lot at me.”
“Then break it down into whatever you want. Whatever makes you happy, Ashley. That’s what I want,” he said. “But I don’t think you’re happy, and I want the chance to give you some of that happiness back.”
I tossed my gaze out the window as his words settled into my head. My old job? An office down the hall from him? Back with the investors?
Back with Jimmy?
“Okay,” I said.
“Okay to what?” he asked.
“I’ll give you the chance to prove to me that you need me,” I said. “But I still don’t know about my job. I would like to take you up on the offer of talking Ross through all that stuff, though, should I choose not to take you up on your generous job offer.”
“You deserve more than generous, but I’m willing to start with that,” he said.
He held out his hand for us to shake on it, and I took it. Electricity shot up my arm, pressing goosebumps down my back. I held back the shiver shaking my legs as our hands moved up and down, my eyes locked on his. I missed his touch and the way my body came alive in his presence. I dropped his hand quickly and cleared my throat. Then, I picked my fork back up.
“So,” I said. “What was I supposed to be consulting on?”
And the chuckle that fell from Jimmy’s lips pulled a grin across mine.
Chapter 7
Jimmy
I was sitting at my desk combing through files on a Saturday that Ross told me needed a second look. Yet more proof that Markus was the lying asshole Ashley said he was. It made me sick. With the basic tallies Ross was able to do in the margins, even if the police dissolved all his accounts to pay back what he stole, we would still never get all the money back.
I shoved the files off to the side and raked my hands down my face.
A flash on my computer screen caught my attention. I toggled over to my email and saw I had something from Ashley. My hand began shaking as I opened it up, my mind going a thousand miles a second.
And I rejoiced when I read her words.
Mr. Sheldon,
I’ve given your job offer some thought, and I would enjoy coming back to my previous corporate position as Account Representative for the investors of Big Steps. But understand, this is strictly a business relationship.
Ashley Ternbeau
It was fucking better than nothing. Having her back at the company ensured our success. I shot her an email back, asking her if she wanted to go get dinner to hammer out the details of her reemployment, and her quick response back was a resounding no.
But when I promised her it would be strictly business since the company would be paying for the work dinner, she agreed.
I packed up the files and stuck them under Ross’s door. I changed my shirt and tie in my office, and prepared to pick Ashley up at her place. I was shocked she had agreed to let me pick her up, but I was also glad.
Even though this was strictly professional, it would still feel like old times.
I drove to her apartment, and she was waiting outside for me. Her beautiful auburn hair was blowing in the wind, whipping around her gorgeous face. She was clutching her purse as her dress fluttered around her, a dress I hadn’t seen on her yet.
It draped over her body fabulously, and it would make it hard to keep this professional.
“Thanks for picking me up,” she said.
“I’m surprised you agreed to it,” I said.
“One of my headlights is out, and with it getting darker, I would’ve surely been pulled over.”
“Then I’m happy to assist. I would ask where you wanted to go, but the company does meetings at a restaurant that’s known for its privacy,” I said.
“Doesn’t matter to me. Lead the way,” she said.
We drove through town and pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. It was one of the few places in Miami that had barred the media and paparazzi from its establishment. Any business dinner or clientele meeting initiated by myself was done at this place. The staff was paid well to keep their mouths shut, and unsavory characters usually weren’t allowed inside.
It was the perfect place to talk to Ashley about her coming back to the company.
“So, a few things. I know you’ve been gone from the company for about a week and a half, but you’re still going to see a regular paycheck,” I said.
“Why?” Ashley asked.
“When you quit your job, my gut reaction was to find any way to get you back. You’re a serious asset to my company, and you’ll have a massive hand in righting the financial ship, so to speak. I cashed in some of your paid vacation days hoping I could convince you to come back.”
“So I haven’t technically even been terminated,” she said.
“And you’ll see no dock in pay.”
“What would you have done had I not come back?”
“You would’ve seen regular paychecks for three months before official termination papers were mailed to you.”
“Even with the severance package on the table?” she asked.
“The severance package wouldn’t have been confirmed by me to be given out until the termination was processed.”
“Okay. So, there’s really nothing to discuss here.”
“There is. Your office is still there. Do you want it?” I asked.
“I figured that was where I would be returning, yes.”
“Because with our prior personal relationship, there are plenty of other offices on that floor that don’t face me as well as offices on other floors with great views.”
“That office will be fine, Jimmy.”
“Okay. I wanted to make sure. Also, your perks. Using paid vacation time during this lapse means you’re down to two and half weeks of paid leave, two weeks of paid medical leave, one week of unpaid medical leave, and one week of unpaid sick days. Is that still an okay deal? Or do you want to negotiate?”
“No, Jimmy. I don’t want to negotiate,” she said.
“You seem upset. What’s wrong?”
“You really meant professional, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I did.”
I could see her professional facade cracking, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
“Fine. If we’re keeping this absolutely professional, then I do have a bone to pick.”
“Okay,” I said. “What’s wrong?”
“I figured out a billion-dollar lawsuit, and you treated me as if I had no idea what I was talking about. How do we go about figuring out how much respect I deserve in the office?”
“That’s a fair question,” I said. “What I can give you is a contract.”
“A contract on respect.”
“No. A contract outlining all the details we’ve spoken about. It’ll outline all the areas that are deemed within your professional right to have expertise in. Ross has the same type of contract,” I said.
“And what does this contract do?” she asked.
“In the event of something like this, where you’re right and I’m wrong and I don’t believe you’re right, you can sue the company for any fallout that happens because of my inability to trust you.”
“I can what?”
“When you quit your job, it was a direct result of the emotional turmoil because I didn’t believe you. I didn’t respect you as my corporate employee because I was viewing you through the lens of a personal relationship. This contract protects you from something like that happening again. I have one in place, Ross has one in place, so it’s only fair y
ou have one in place.”
“Why didn’t I have one in place before?” she asked.
“Because you were promoted quickly without going through the rigmarole we’re going through now. Since you’re coming back, we’re going to do this right.”
“Fine. That sounds good to me.”
I grinned as her glass of wine was set in front of her. She was squirming, but she was trying not to make it look like she was. This was me in a professional environment, and she had never witnessed that before, not so personally and boldly. I could tell she was getting used to things, but I saw a glimmer in her eye that made me think she was second-guessing herself and this “strictly professional” relationship.
We ordered our food before I settled back into my chair. Ashley’s eyes were attached to my chest, seemingly digesting everything I had thrown at her, but a movement behind her shoulder caught my stare.
And I felt the blood drain from my face.
“Jimmy, what is it?” Ashley asked.
My eyes connected with Nina as Ashley turned around.
This was the last thing I needed, running into this woman. I watched Ashley’s back straighten as Nina’s eyes danced between mine and Ashley’s. I waited for her to approach us, to make some snarky comment I couldn’t defend Ashley from because she was simply my employee now.
Instead of approaching us, she looked down and left the restaurant.
“Uh, what was that about?” Ashley asked.
“It looks like Ross’s restraining order took,” I said.
“Ross’s what?”
“You’ve really been out of the loop.”
“Seems like it. When did this happen? I thought she was in jail.”
“She made bail and that was when Ross hopped on a restraining order. We had the manager from our date night and the manager from that night at the bar testify to her aggression, and I guess it worked.”
“Well, I’m glad she’s finally backing off you,” she said.
“Me, too, Ashley. Me too.”
“What else have I been out of the loop on?”
Her eyes looked up at me from beneath her lashes, and it tugged at my gut.
“Markus has tried to call me a few times from jail.”
“Are you serious? Can he do that?” she asked.
“He can. He’s allowed one phone call a day, and he apparently seems to keep making it me.”
