by T. N. King
He slid the back of his fingers against her jawline and smiled. “No need to worry yourself, love. I have my best guys on it.” He noticed that it didn’t do any good. She looked just as worried as she did when she asked about it. He leaned back. “Do you know what we need?” he asked in a much lighter tone.
Megan took a small breath. “What is that?”
“A holiday.”
“A holi… when?”
“How about this weekend coming up?” he asked, bouncing himself to the edge of the couch. He turned toward her and took her hands. “I will make all of the arrangements. We will take off early on Friday and make a long weekend out of it. How about it? It will be a blast.”
“I don’t know.”
“Come on. My birthday is coming up and I could use it. I know you could too.”
“Your birthday?” Her eyes brightened up. “When?”
“The first of November.”
“Is it really? How old are you going to be?”
“I will be 29.”
“Then we should definitely plan a holiday. I just hope I can take the time off. I haven’t been working there that long.”
Jensen’s mood soured at the thought but Megan tried to ignore it. She knew Jensen didn’t care for Tristan. She knew they were rivals in the business. She also knew it stemmed from way back in their college days, but she wasn’t sure of the whole story.
“I will ask him. Offer to work late to get ahead if I need to.”
“Sure.”
Chapter 3
Megan walked to her office Monday morning, whistling a tune and nodding a hello at anyone she passed. She moved like she was on a cloud and nothing was going to take her glory away. Tristan stood just inside his doorway looking over a new client and noticed her when she walked by. He kept his eye on her as she sashayed down the hallway past his office, more than curious as to why she was so high-spirited. He gave her a few minutes to settle in then went to her office directly.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning,” she beamed.
“You are certainly chipper on a Monday morning. I take it you had a good weekend?”
“I did. And I am hoping it is just the beginning to better things.”
He walked in and toward her desk, sitting on the edge, close to her like he often did when he wanted to chat on a more personal level. It always made her feel more intimidated but she was in too good of a mood for anything to squash her attitude.
“Do tell.” His complete attention was on her and she didn’t know what to say to him. She knew he was interested in her and she knew Jensen and Tristan weren’t on the best of terms.
“I… have been seeing Jensen again.” She watched his face change from full attention to a look of worry. “I’m sorry.”
“Ooo,” he made a seething sound with his mouth. “Megan. I want you to be careful with him. I told you about….”
“I know what you told me,” she interrupted. “But I just don’t see it. He has been nothing but a gentleman with me.”
“It is his trade mark. He is very good at it. Trust me. I know a lot of women who have been heartbroken because of him.”
“Well, maybe you just see it wrong. I think this is going to work out.”
“Just be careful,” he said standing up and shaking his head. “You are such a sweet girl. I don’t want you getting caught up in his web of deception.” Before he left her office, he turned and looked at her. “Are you sure you know what you are doing?”
“Of course. Why?”
“I am just worried about you. I have known Jensen a lot longer than you have.”
“Tristan….”
“I am happy for you. I am,” he said, putting his hand up and cutting her off. “Just be really careful around him. He isn’t who you think he is and I would hate for you to be hurt like I have seen others get hurt by him.”
She didn’t say anything. She honestly didn’t know what to say. Everything Tristan has said to her about Jensen seemed to be about someone completely different.
He gave her a sympathy grin and disappeared from her doorway leaving her to question her actions again.
“No,” she said out loud, shaking her head. “You are wrong. Jensen is amazing.” She smiled when she recalled the way he touched her, the way he kissed her and the dominating way he made love to her. She wasn’t going to let Tristan get her down about Jensen again.
Maybe he resents Jensen, she thought. Maybe there is more bad blood between them than what I initially believed there was. She vowed to stop taking other people’s advice and go with her gut instinct. She was usually always right about that.
She buzzed through her morning and quickly got her work done, trying not to let Tristan’s warning stay on her mind. She wanted to start her work for the next day to get ahead but wasn’t sure what her itinerary was going to be and getting that from Tristan would be a difficult task without having to answer questions. She was nervous about asking him for the day off on Friday. She wasn’t sure if he would let her if he knew why she wanted it off.
The flowers she received during her lunch break gave her the courage she needed to ask. A large bouquet of red roses and lavender irises sat on her desk when she came back from lunch and when she read the card she couldn’t help but to smile.
Thinking of You. ~ Jensen
She pulled her phone from her purse and texted him.
Thank you so much for the flowers. They are stunning and just what I needed.
She smelled them and marveled over their gorgeous color. Her phone bleeped and she looked at it and smiled.
They are nothing compared to you
She replied: I would love to see you tonight if you aren’t busy
I can change my plans
How about a movie?
Sounds perfect. I will count the minutes until then. I will pick you up at six.
I will be ready
She sat in her chair, happier than anyone has ever made her. Tristan was wrong in so many ways.
She quickly walked to Tristan’s office before she lost her courage. When she got to his door, she took a deep breath and knocked lightly on his door.
“Tristan?” Her voice was quiet as she poked her head in his doorway.
“Mmmhum?” he mumbled, still keeping his eyes on his computer. She walked in and went to his desk trying to keep her voice strong.
“I wanted to ask you a favor.”
“Nice flowers,” he said before looking up at her. He smiled and took the pencil out from behind his ear. “What can I do for you?”
“I know I haven’t been here for very long, but I wanted to know if it would be okay if I took Friday off.” Before he was able to answer, she quickly continued. “I can work later during the week to make up for it if I need to.”
“It’s fine,” he said quickly, putting his attention back to his computer.
“Really?” She was surprised he approved it so quickly and without question.
“Yep. You work hard, your work ethics are amazing and honestly,” he hesitated, looking at her. “I really couldn’t ask for a better PA.”
She felt her cheeks get warm. “Thank you, Tristan. I really appreciate that. And thank you for letting me have the day off.”
“Something special going on?”
She nodded, pressing her lips together. “I am going away with Jensen, a little holiday over the weekend.”
He nodded, not smiling, not saying a word. Megan couldn’t read him. She couldn’t tell if he was really okay with it or if he had a problem with her dating Jensen again.
“Thank you again.” She quickly turned around and left his office before he had anything more to say.
He continued to stare after her, angry that they got back together so quickly and easily. He was even more angry that their relationship was working out so well. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy but he was determined to ruin him one way or another.
“I will get you Dean,” he mumbled “and your s
oon to be whore of a girlfriend too.”
He gave it some thought then grabbed a folder. He printed off his itinerary and notes for tomorrow’s meeting and grabbed his pen. After a few minutes of scribbling notes on it, he threw them into the folder and went into her office, opening it and going through it as he walked up to her desk.
“I am going to need these retyped and printed for our meeting in the morning. If you have any questions, just ask.”
“Okay, thank you.” She took the folder from him and looked at the contents as he turned and walked toward her door. “Tristan?”
“Yes?” He grinned and turned back around toward her.
“Are these the notes I got ready this morning?”
“Yes, they are. We had some additional thoughts afterwards.”
“I see. I am definitely going to have questions. I can barely read the added notes.”
He sashayed back toward her and sat on the corner of her desk, waiting for her to ask away. His eyes cascaded down her long hair and into her blouse as far as her top button would allow him to go.
“Like, this first one?” She pointed to some hen scratch on the left margin, completely oblivious as to where his eyes were looking. “Does that say… important…” she shook her head. “I’m sorry, I can’t read it.”
He leaned down very close to her and turned so his breath hit her cheek. “It says important notation.”
“Ah, okay.” She felt his breath and moved away from him a bit as she read down through to the next illegibly written note. “And this one?”
He got closer to her again, his breath on her again. “What is that perfume you are wearing, Megan?”
She leaned back and set the paper down. “I’m not… wearing any perfume.”
“If that is your natural scent, it is driving me a little crazy.” He leaned in to kiss her neck and she got up from her chair quickly, moving around to the side of her desk.
“Maybe I can just email you my questions.”
“I’m sorry, Megan. That was completely out of line. It’s just that, I get a little out of sorts when I am around you. I always have. I have to admit that I am a little jealous that Jensen won you over me.”
She glanced up at him as saw that he was staring into her eyes. He really was gorgeous, but she wasn’t interested in him that way. He reached his hand out to her and smiled.
“I’m sorry. Come, sit. Let’s finish this.” She reluctantly took his hand and let him lead her back to her seat. She sat down on the edge and picked up the notes again. Before she was able to ask her next question, his hand was on her shoulder. She tried not to let it get to her, but she couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.
She quickly scanned down through the added notes and asked him a few other questions as he rubbed her shoulder.
“Thank you. I think that is all I need. I will get this back to you very soon.” When he didn’t get up right away, she leaned away from him, grabbing a piece of blank paper and crumpling it up in her hands. She rolled over toward her trash can, away from Tristan and tossed it in.
“Thanks, Megan. I knew I could count on you.” He winked at her, then stood up and left her office.
She took a big breath and rubbed her forehead. “What the hell was that?” she quietly asked herself.
Five o’clock didn’t come soon enough. She quickly shut her computer down and cleaned her desk up. She got to the elevators and as she waited for the doors to open, she thought about Jensen. She couldn’t wait to see him again and in just an hour she would.
The elevator took her to the lobby and as she walked through, she saw Black standing just inside the front doors.
“Hello,” she said, smiling. “Didn’t you get the memo? You don’t have to stalk me any longer,” she joked. “Jensen won. We are back together.”
“Actually, I am here to escort you home, to your apartment.”
“Why?”
“Request from Mr. Dean.”
“I’m a big girl. I can find my way home.”
“He would rather I take you. The public transport isn’t safe.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“No,” he said abruptly.
She narrowed her eyes at the thought of Jensen controlling everything in her life, then she smiled as she walked past Black and out the door. She kind of liked the idea that someone cared so much that they worried over every little thing she did.
“Okay then.”
He led her to Jensen’s car parked just down the road and opened the back door for her.
“So, this is going to be an everyday thing?” she asked, stopping next to him.
“More than likely.”
“And you don’t mind?”
“I do what he asks me to do.”
“Does he always get what he wants?”
“When he pays as well as he does, yes.”
Megan climbed into the back and watched the door close. She wondered if he expected the same from her.
Black dropped her off at her apartment and she quickly ran in after thanking him for the ride. She only had a few minutes to get ready for her date and she wanted to look her best. She quickly showered and dressed in her favorite jeans. She opted a form fitting sweater that contoured her curves and a set of fake pearls she bought with Jensen’s credit card a while back. She threw her hair up in a messy bun and curled a few strands that escaped. After stepping into a little pair of strappy sandals she looked at her image and was satisfied at what she saw. Just as she was headed into the living room, the doorbell chimed and she smiled.
“Hello,” she said after opening the door to his beautiful face.
“Hello right back.” He leaned in and kissed her.
“Would you like to come in?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“Have you eaten yet?”
“No. I just got home about a half hour ago, thanks to Black,” she said, raising her eyebrow.
“Good. I’m glad my orders are being carried out properly.”
“You really don’t have to….”
“It’s already done.” He looked at her in a way she knew he would scold her if she fought his requests.
“Okay, then. You win.”
“Good. Let’s grab a quick bite to eat before the movie starts.”
They walked out, her arm in his and he opened her door for her like a true gentleman. Just before she got in, he stopped her, his hand on the back of her neck. He looked into her eyes with a sizzling stare and kissed her with an intensity she would never forget. When he pulled back to look at her again he smiled and stepped back.
“What was that for?” she asked a little heated.
“I’ve missed you.”
She hesitated as she enjoyed the heat he produced in her belly, then got into his car, watching him shut the door and run around to the driver’s side. He climbed in and pulled away from the curb.
After a quick dinner in the park at a food cart, they got into the theater just as the previews were starting.
“Two tickets to The Purple Rose of Cairo, please?”
“I’ve got this,” Megan interrupted.
“What?” His voice was playful.
“I’m working now. It’s time for me to treat you for once.”
He smiled and backed away, holding his hands up in surrender. “Never argue with an independent woman,” he said to the attendant. He watched in delight as she ordered the tickets and paid for them with her own money.
“Are you getting the treats too?”
“Yes I am,” she said with her head held high. He stifled a laugh and let her order first. When they got what they wanted they walked hand in hand toward cinema five and got comfortable in a couple of seats front and center. As the film started, she cozied up to him and let her head rest on his shoulder.
The theater was not completely full, but there were several people there to enjoy the film. Everyone had their eyes on the screen. Everyone but one woman who sat ne
ar the top of the theater until Megan and Jensen chose their seat. When Megan’s head rested on Jensen’s shoulder, Kristina got up and moved closer, sitting a few rows behind them and off to the side so she was able to keep a clear view of them. She narrowed her eyes and seethed at Megan every time she kissed him or touched his arm.
Chapter 4
Megan woke up the next morning to a text from Jensen. She smiled a sleepy smile and opened her phone.
All you are going to need this weekend are bikinis and sun lotion
“Mmm,” she said rolling over. “Fun in the sun.” She texted him back.
Good morning lover. Where are you taking me this weekend?
I have exclusive access to this amazing private beach for just you and I. You are going to love it.
Megan got excited at the thought of spending an entire weekend with him in complete privacy in paradise. She lay there and re-read his text. “Bikinis and sun lotion,” she said. She lost her smile and sat up quickly. Looking at her closet doors, she bounced out of bed and ran into Lorena’s room. “Lorena!”
Her roommate jumped awake and looked at her with wide eyes. “What? What’s wrong?”
“I have nothing to wear!”
“You are kidding right?” she asked in a low tone.
“I mean for the weekend, with Jensen! He said I needed bikinis and that was all. Lorena, I don’t even own a one piece.”
Lorena smiled and sat up. “Looks like you need my help. We are going shopping after work today.”
Megan smiled and hugged her. “What would I do without you?”
“You would die.” They giggled and Megan danced out of the room and into the bathroom to get ready for work.
Her day dragged on as she tried to stay focused on her work. It was only Wednesday and the only thing keeping her going was her thoughts about her weekend with Jensen and shopping with Lorena. When her day finally ended, she was on her way out the door when her phone buzzed notifying her that Tristan needed her. She froze and looked at the lit up button. She looked at her door then back at the phone. She quickly snuck out and went down the hallway the other way, away from Tristan’s office. When she reached the end, she looked back and smiled when the hallway was clear. She darted around the corner and took another elevator down to the lobby, smiling as she ran out of the building. She met Black outside and he whisked her away back to her apartment.
