Beloved

Chapter Eight

For the third night in a row, I’ve slept like complete shit. I tossed and turned all night, tormented by images of Jackson and me rolling around in my bed. It was pure heaven. Then I woke up and realized none of the amazing things he just did to me were real. Now I’m all keyed up and have to go to a meeting where I’ll spend the majority of my time trying not to stare at his gorgeous face. I groan and roll over, punching my pillow, wishing that I could call in sick today. But I’m no chicken shit, so I throw my covers off and head into the bathroom.

I strip out of my clothes and enter the waterfall shower, turning on the side jets. The hot water relaxes my muscles as my mind wanders to—who else?—Jackson. I need a plan on how to handle him—he makes me feel too much. He’s even taken over my subconscious while I sleep. Last night’s vivid dream of Jackson touching me, licking me, and claiming me rushes back, rekindling my need for relief. I close my eyes, letting the steam envelop me as I start to remember the way he played with my body, as if he’d been doing it for years.

The warm scent of my vanilla body wash relaxes me as I gently rub the soap over my curves. I lean back against the cold shower tiles and slowly move my hands to my breasts, circling the soap, imagining it’s his mouth on me. My nipples harden as I tease myself. I start to gasp and moan, fantasizing that his hands and voice are coaxing me on, telling me how much he wants me. The demand to release becomes stronger as I get lost in the sensations. My hand slides down my slick skin until it finds my clit, circling the bundle of nerves, pushing me further and further into ecstasy. My muscles clench as I envision Jackson’s fingers, his body covering mine and entering me. I insert one finger, climbing higher, higher, moaning and quivering. My release comes fast and hard as I increase the friction, finally erupting. I’m panting as bursts of light blur my vision.

Eventually, I come down from my euphoric state, finish my shower, and manage to dress myself without any major catastrophe. Hopefully the release will alleviate some of the tension in my body and make it easier to deal with Jackson. I make it to the train without a minute to spare, but at least it’s nice and quiet. I’m hoping I can hold on to this blissful feeling all day.

Once I arrive in Manhattan, a new set of emotions overcomes me. Raw strength and determination flow through me. There’s something about working in New York City. You can almost feel the power in the streets. It’s a breeding ground for success. Being here, working here, living here—it’s invigorating.

Standing in front of Jackson’s building, I see my reflection in the glass. I certainly look the part. I have on a soft cream blouse tucked into a pair of high-waisted gray suit pants. My long hair is pin straight, my dark brown eyes look soft with only a wisp of mascara, and sheer lip gloss accentuates my lips. My black heels elongate my tiny frame, making me feel tall and bold. With my posture straight, I enter the office, heading up to face Jackson and start kicking ass.

The same sweet receptionist guides me back to the conference room where my initial meeting was held. I’m a little early, so there isn’t anyone else in the room yet. I’m removing items from my bag when I hear the door click open. Jackson’s voice floats through the space.

“Yes, I’m aware of your opinion on the matter. However, I’ve made my choice.” He sounds irritated.

A second voice responds, but I can’t make out what they’re saying. It’s a female, though, and by her tone I can tell she’s trying to make him listen to her.

“I don’t care or agree with you,” he responds to whatever the comment was. Another long pause as I strain to hear her response. The door inches open a little more.

“Well, Ms. Carlson, it’s a good thing I’m the CEO.”

Shit! Piper! My blissful mood drains away.

The door opens and Jackson steps aside to let Piper come in first. She looks up and grimaces when she notices me standing here. Jackson enters. It’s as if the world stops moving. His presence would cause the energy in any room to shift, but I can’t help wondering if I feel it more intensely than everyone else. It’s—he’s—intoxicating.

He looks over at me and smiles. “Good morning, Catherine.”

“Good morning, Mr. Cole.” I smile and look at Piper. “Good morning, Piper. Nice to see you in a color other than nude.” The last thing I wish for her is a good morning. However, pleasantries are necessary, and I refuse to let her to take yet another thing from me. But I allow myself the small dig.

She snorts and rolls her eyes.

Bitch.

Jackson doesn’t notice her catty behavior. He sits at the head of the table with Piper to his left and me in the chair on his right. He’s so close. I can feel the heat radiating from him.

“Okay, let’s get started,” Jackson says.

We spend the next hour debating and discussing the best way to present the soon-to-be-released makeup line. Piper tries to undermine my opinion at every turn, but I hold my ground. Jackson sits back and interjects only when he feels the need. It seems more like a volleyball game than a meeting. After another hour, she’s finally done arguing and agrees with my vision on how to get the company on track.

“Well, ladies, I think we’re about done here. It’s been rather entertaining.” Jackson chuckles and stands, gathering his papers as he does.

Piper leans over to him, trying to keep her voice down. “Mr. Cole, I really think we should talk privately about our options.”

A flash of irritation cross his face as he gruffly replies, “Piper, again, I’m well aware of your opinion and the answer is no.” Jackson meets my eyes and grins.

I sigh and flush with embarrassment.

“Mr. Cole—”

He raises his hand to stop me. “I asked you to call me Jackson.”

Piper stands there slack-jawed with her arms crossed.

“Yes, sorry. Jackson, I’ve arranged everything for Friday’s trip—”

“My secretary will send you the details. I’ve already arranged to have a car pick you up and take you to the airport. You won’t need to worry about anything.” He tucks his materials under his arm and pushes in his chair to leave. As he approaches the door he stops, turns to me, and smirks. “Expect to have dinner while we’re there.” He winks and exits.

Dinner. Of course. I’m never going to avoid this man. He’s going to take full advantage of our time together in Virginia. There is no escaping him. If he’s persistent enough, I may not be strong enough to resist him. I’m barely hanging on as it is. Except there’s the small problem that he’s my client, and I could lose everything I’ve worked for if anything happens between us.

A cough breaks me from my thoughts and I realize I’ve been staring at the door. I look to see Piper glaring at me. “Are you dating him?” she asks in a condescending tone.

“Excuse me?” I stand so I’m eye level with her, looking at her incredulously. Surely she isn’t talking to me like that.

“I asked if you were dating Jackson Cole.” She walks toward me and places her hands on the table, leaning in. She raises her eyebrows, waiting for my response.

My eyes widen at her challenge. I glare right back at her with unadulterated hate. “You’re insane—and a whore, but we’ll revisit that in a minute. Are you seriously talking to me right now?” I’m seething. My body is shaking at her asinine question. She slept with my fiancé and now she’s going to stand here and give me shit? I don’t think so.

“I’m just surprised, Catherine. Is that how you beat out Neil for this account? His numbers were flawless. He deserves to be here, not you,” Piper states, tilting her head to the side as she narrows her eyes accusingly.

“Well I’m glad you think so because Neil stole my figures!” I step closer to her, radiating anger. First, she has the nerve to insinuate that I won the account because I’m sleeping with Jackson. Then she brings up Neil’s stellar figures. “I seriously can’t believe you have the balls to address me, let alone accuse me of something. It’s none of your business—any of it—but for the record, I got this account because I’m the better choice!”

She huffs and rolls her eyes. “Well I guess I was the right choice for Neil.”

“Wow, Piper, you want to go there? Good, have him! After seeing what he’s capable of, I’m glad we’re done.” I clench my hands, desperate to punch something or someone, like the blond bitch in front of me.

Her eyes flash and venom fills her voice. “You think you’re so fucking smart, don’t you? You think I give a shit about what you think or what you’re happy about?” She steps toward me, grinning. “I fucked your fiancé for four months and you had no idea.”

My hand flies to my throat. “Four months?” The words slip from my mouth. My stomach plummets and I grab onto the chair for support. Four months of Neil sleeping with her and then sleeping with me? I’m such a fool. I thought it was a one-time thing, not an affair! My chin quivers as I drown in pain and betrayal, but I won’t let her see me cry.

“Not so smart now, huh?” A victorious smile spreads from one cheek to the other, and I want to slap it off her arrogant face. That’s all it takes for the tightly pulled thread of my control to break. What the actual fuck? Where I was upset a few moments ago, right now my blood is boiling. I won’t break down any further in front of this piece of trash.

“I’m not going to stand here and listen to your shit. The only thing you should be saying to me is, ‘I’m sorry,’ not this bullshit. You went after a man that wasn’t yours! You were my friend, or at least I thought you were. Then you try to give me crap about going after Jackson? Fuck you! I’m done here.”

“Well I’m not done yet,” she sneers.

There’s no way this bitch is going to call the shots. “I have nothing left to say to you, and I couldn’t give two shits about whatever you want.” I take a step toward her and smother the urge to choke her. “I won. I got the account and you got Neil—which was the best fucking thing that could’ve happened to me.”

She lifts her bag and turns to me, her eyes narrowed. “Just so you know, Neil came to me. Not the other way around. I didn’t need to go after him. He obviously wasn’t happy with what he was getting at home. I think that says something, don’t you?” She raises her brow and takes a few steps toward the door. Without looking back, she says, “I wonder how long until Jackson gets bored with you.” Then she shrugs and strides out of the office. I guess she couldn’t resist digging the knife in a little deeper.

I’m crazy to think I have any shot with a man like Jackson, not that I’m trying for anything with him anyway. If I don’t get out of here now, I’m going to break down. I know I shouldn’t let her affect me, but she managed to remind me of every insecurity I’ve ever had in a matter of five minutes.

I grab my belongings and rush out the door only to crash into a hard chest. All my papers fly out of my bag and flutter around me. As they settle, I let out a sardonic laugh and hear a deep, familiar chuckle, letting me know I’ve run into Jackson yet again. Will the humiliation ever end? I look up and see his captivating eyes change as he takes me in. I haven’t had a chance to school my features, so I have no idea what he’s seeing right now. He’s close enough that I can feel his chest rise and fall. I can feel his warmth. Neither of us has spoken. He hasn’t said anything obnoxious. He’s staring at me inquisitively.

“Are you okay?” he asks in a soft voice as he crouches down to collect the papers. His concern makes my heart ache. “What was that about?”

Oh God, did he hear what Piper said? I clear my throat, bend down across from him, and try to force the conversation with Piper—and all the emotions that came along with it—out of my mind. “Yes, I’m fine. It was nothing I can’t handle,” I say as I pick up the last paper.

His penetrating eyes lock onto mine and he cocks his head to the side, trying to determine if I’m telling the truth. Giving me a half smile, he silently hands me the papers he gathered and we both stand. I stuff them back in my bag and return my gaze to Jackson’s. Deciding to break the awkward silence, I speak first. “Well, thank you for helping me. I should go.”

“No thanks needed.” He looks like he wants to say more but is debating internally. Without another word, he grabs my bag off my shoulder and places his hand on the small of my back to guide me. “I’ll walk you out.”

When we arrive at the front desk, he hands me back my bag and smiles warmly. “I’ll see you in a few days.”

I grab his arm, stopping him in his tracks. I’m not sure why—I couldn’t let him walk away. Quickly, I try to think of something to say to justify my behavior. “I … I meant to ask you about …” I stumble over my words, feeling more and more foolish. “You know what? It’s fine.” I smile awkwardly, hoping he lets it go.

Jackson leans forward, dropping his voice so only I can hear. His eyes give away nothing, and I can only imagine the myriad of emotions my own eyes show. “I was having a hard time walking away from you too.” He leans back and grins at me as his words float into my brain.

“Yeah,” I say breathlessly. Wait, what? That isn’t what I wanted to say! Dammit! I had a great come back and that is what comes out of my mouth? Shoot me now, please.

He raises his eyebrow and gives me a full mega-watt smile, enjoying my discomfort. “This trip is going to be fun. I’ll see you soon, Catherine.” His voice drips with the promise of things to come.

I smother my groan and decide to try to play it smart and casual. “Good-bye, Jackson.” I turn and walk to the elevator, hoping he’s watching as I sway my hips a little more than normal. I look over my shoulder, smiling when I see his eyes are exactly where I want them to be.