by Marian Tee
Her fingers stilled, and she gnawed on her lip as she reread her unsent message. Did she need to tack another ‘boss’ to the label?
Standing up, she knocked on the cubicle next to her. “Sandy?”
The other woman looked up. “Yo.”
“Can I also call the CEO as the boss of my boss’ boss?”
Sandy started flicking her fingers out then shook her head. “That lacks one level.”
“I was thinking the same thing, but I wasn’t sure. Thanks.” Jane plopped back in her seat and retyped her message.
Jane: What did you tell the boss’ boss of my boss’ boss?
Yes. That sounded about right.
She was about to press Send when Sandy poked her head past their shared wall, asking, “Since when were you friends with the CEO?”
Jane almost dropped her phone in her shock. “Jesus!”
“Oops. Sorry.” But Sandy’s grin was sly.
“I’m not friends with the CEO,” Jane muttered as she hit Send. Looking up, she tried to explain, “He only knows someone I know.”
Sandy looked disappointed. “I was hoping for something juicy.”
Jane forced a laugh. “Do I look like I’d have something juicy to share?”
Sandy sighed. “You’re right.”
Jane’s phone vibrated as Sandy retreated back to her cubicle.
Christian: I told him I asked you out and that you turned me down.
Jane almost dropped her phone again. What the-—Did Christian Ravenhearst understand the concept of TMI? What if they were thick as thieves? What would that mean for her job if she chose to say no to his proposition?
Christian: He’ll join us for dinner later, by the way.
Jane glared at her phone. Wasn’t he even going to try asking her out first?
Christian: I’ll pick you up 5PM.
Jane angrily jabbed at the screen of her iPhone.
Jane: NO.
Jane: HELLO?
It took her an entire minute to realize that Christian probably wasn’t ignoring her. Most likely, this was what he had warned her about.
Jane: Okay. I got it. You’re with your other girlfriend.
She put her phone away, along with all distracting thoughts about Christian Ravenhearst, and focused on her work.
At exactly five in the afternoon, she was outside AMC and rehearsing her speech for Christian while she waited by the steps. He was to ask if she wanted to have dinner first. Her life didn’t revolve around him. If he couldn’t accept that, then he could go to hell.
Fifteen minutes passed.
Jane sighed. Since he didn’t strike her as someone petty or irresponsible, did this mean he was still busy with the third party?
“Hello, Ms. Cooper.”
She jumped, literally, at finding the CEO walking down the steps, and for one moment she was confused.
Didn’t the CEO always get in his ride at the basement for security reasons?
Then she saw his arched expression, and she flushed, realizing she had failed to return his greeting. “Good afternoon, sir,” she said hurriedly.
They looked at each other.
She asked uncertainly, “Shall I look for your chauffeur, sir?”
His lips curved. “I’m guessing Christian forgot to tell you.”
Oh. So she was right, and Christian was busy with his other girlfriend!
“Thanks for letting me know, Mr. Westland.”
Jane’s rueful tone surprised AMC’s CEO. Most women would have thrown a tantrum by now or at least said something scathing about Christian and his work.
“I apologize on my friend’s behalf,” Jared heard himself say.
The unexpected words made Jane immediately protest, “It’s really okay, Mr. Westland. Christian let me know from the start that the third party was a non-negotiable presence.”
Jared frowned. A third party? This was the first time he had heard about such a thing, and it was completely unlike his friend to have one.
“So...” Her voice trailed off, Jane realizing she might have just babbled. She took an awkward step back. “Thank you again, sir.” She turned away to beat a hasty exit, but the CEO’s next words stopped her.
“Where are you going?”
Jane reluctantly faced the CEO again. “Home, sir?”
Jared laughed. “I must apologize again. I made you misunderstand. What I meant about Christian neglecting to tell you was that he asked me to take you to the casino instead.” He glanced past Jane. “And perfect timing...my chauffeur’s here.” He gestured towards his limousine. “Shall we go, Ms. Cooper?”
As Jane stepped inside the car, she absently looked back at AMC’s—-
Merry glared at her from the second-floor windows.
Jane almost tumbled inside the limousine in her haste. Shit. Merry was never going to forgive her after this.
When the car started moving, the CEO drew her attention back to him as he murmured, “So, Ms. Cooper...” He paused. “Who’s this third party you were talking about?”
“Someone called H,” she said a little sheepishly, “and according to the latest stats, she divides her attention among twenty million other men every day.”
A startled chuckle slipped past Jared’s lips when he finally understood what Jane Cooper was talking about. It was none other than H, the latest and so far most successful game Christian Ravenhearst had developed. H could either stand for ‘heaven’ or ‘hell,’ with the game also allowing players to explore both types of worlds, with a little help from augmented reality.
“Twenty million, was it?” Jared’s tone was thoughtful. “Is that an accurate figure?”
“It must be,” Jane said, “since Forbes says so.”
“You must feel neglected to have so much competition.”
“Not really.” And Jane was surprised to realize she did mean it. “We...haven’t known each other too long, but I’ve seen the way he makes time for me, and when I know he’s caught up with work—-” She paused. “I just can’t make myself mad, you know? I think it’s incredible that he’s able to create something like H—-”
Jane broke off.
She had babbled again!
Jared leaned back against his seat, silently contemplating Jane’s unexpectedly revealing words. When he had learned about Christian’ insane plan for marriage, a part of him had been cynical, and he had been more than a little prepared to find fault with Jane Cooper.
She had all the makings of a gold digger—-
Or so Jared had believed.
“I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten you walking down the aisle already,” Jared finally said. Once Christian put his mind to something, it was his friend’s style to not let up until he had gotten what he wanted.
“He’s given me a week to think about it.” Jane wrinkled her nose. “Initially, he thought a day would be enough for me to think it over.” She couldn’t help rolling her eyes at the memory.
Jared was doing his best to contain his surprise. She had asked for a week...and Christian had actually given it to her? The Christian Ravenhearst he knew only exerted monumental effort in his work. Anything outside it that gave him trouble was immediately and ruthlessly eliminated from his life, and the women his friend dated had never been an exception.
Until Jane Cooper.
Jane started to squirm when she saw the CEO train his dark gaze on her.
“You must be special.”
She vehemently shook her head. “Not at all. Christian...he...just thinks I have special skills—-”
Jared smirked. “Is that so?”
Realizing how she might have been misunderstood, she said hastily, “Outside the bedroom, I mean. He thinks I’ve got a personal touch—-”
“Is that so,” Jared drawled.
Shit.
She was digging a deeper grave for herself without even trying.
“May we please talk about something else, Mr. Westland?” She was completely red-faced by now.
“Of cour
se.” Jared slowly smiled. “But only on one condition.”
She was going to be his underpaid slave at the office now, Jane thought gloomily, and she only had herself to blame.
“What’s the condition, Mr. Westland?”
“Call me Jared.”
Chapter Six
Keine Rückkehr Casino
Jane had never been to a place like the casino where she, Christian, and AMC’s CEO were supposed to have dinner. Its interiors were opulent, with brocade-covered walls, golden columns, and a domed ceiling that used digital magic to create a sky that changed from morning to night in moments.
The women that went around the casino serving food and drinks wore halos and wings, and the long, white silk gowns wrapped loosely around their bodies dipped low in the back and had slits on each side, revealing silky long legs. The dealers, on the other hand, were dressed like—-
Demons, Jane couldn’t help thinking. Their faces and bodies were completely painted in red, bold black lines underlining their eyes, and they even wore horns and tails.
Something about it seemed strangely familiar, and her steps slowed.
Jared touched the small of Jane’s back when he saw her expression cloud. “Is anything wrong?”
“This place...”
Ah. “Does it look familiar?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Could it be in a particular video ad—-”
Jane’s eyes widened. “The future update of H!”
He was about to answer when he heard Christian Ravenhearst say from behind them, “I’m pleased you recognize it, pet.”
Jared’s face became expressionless as he watched his friend draw Jane possessively towards his side. The look that Christian directed towards him was grim, which didn’t surprise Jared. Actually, he preferred it this way, too. It was better when everything was out in the open.
“Thank you for bringing my woman to me,” Christian murmured.
Jared bared his teeth in a smile. “It was my pleasure.”
The undercurrent in the air crackled with tension, and Jane’s head slowly turned from Christian to Jared. Was it just her, or was something seriously wrong here?
And then Christian looked down at her with smoldering azure eyes, and Jane forgot her concerns as she found herself succumbing to the sensual promise in his gaze.
Christian’s head lowered and she didn’t even think of resisting. Her lips parted, and his mouth closed over hers. The stroke of his tongue was bolder than usual, rougher, and more possessive.
She loved it, and she wanted more.
When he lifted his head, she couldn’t help thinking dazedly, Wow.
Christian turned to his friend with a cold smile. “Shall we go?”
“Of course.” Jared’s voice was tight.
Jane was bemused. These two were friends, so the animosity that she sensed between them—-
She mentally shook her head. She must still be imagining things, she decided, a late effect of her sexual hangover.
After taking hold of Jane’s hand, Christian led them all the way to the back, where a short hallway connected the casino to an annexed building. This turned out to be the restaurant, and Jane let out a small gasp of appreciation. This time, the interior transformed the place into a majestic Roman bath, and the servers were all dressed like gladiators, with olive wreaths around their heads.
The table setup was equally impressive, with silk tablecloth and expansive crystal chairs.
Jared surprised Jane by pulling out a chair for her the moment they reached the table, and she stammered, “Thank you, Mr. Westland.” She could feel Christian’s gaze boring through hers from the back, but it wasn’t like she could do anything. His friend was still the boss’ boss of her boss’ boss.
“Jared, remember?” The CEO’s voice was unnervingly husky. “You promised...”
Jane cleared her throat. “Jar—-”
“Let me place the napkin on your lap, pet.” Christian’s silky voice cut her off.
“Umm, sure.” She turned towards Christian as the napkin settled on her lap—-
His fingers cupped her knee, squeezing.
Oh!
Jane tensed in her seat. The tiny touch was more than enough to make her senses burn alive, and her dismayed gaze flew to Christian. What did he think he was doing?
A waiter-slash-gladiator approached them then, and she murmured her thanks as she accepted the menu with its white leather folder. She opened it and gulped. After a few moments, she heard Jared and Christian give their orders, and Jane gulped again.
“And for the fräulein?” the waiter asked.
Jane reluctantly lowered her menu, and she felt her stomach squeeze as she found all three men gazing at her.
“What would you like to order, Jane?” Jared asked.
“Would you like me to order for you, pet?” Christian asked at the same time.
Be herself. She cleared her throat. But...what if it was always hard to be herself? What did that say about her?
“Is it bad,” she heard herself say, “if I can’t make up my mind—-”
Both men arched an eyebrow at her, and she wondered absently if they knew how identical they were.
“Because...” She took a deep breath and then finished in a rush, “I need to use Google Translate to understand the menu.”
Silence.
“It’s in German,” she exclaimed. “It’s not normal for an American and an Englishman to understand German, okay?” Her tone was now defensive. “It’s just not.”
The two men said at the same time, “You’re funny.”
Jane was taken aback. “That’s creepy and hilarious at the same time.”
The two men scowled at her and then stared grimly at each other when they realized they were still unconsciously mimicking the other.
Jane wondered if she should be insulted. Were they being sexist, or was it a bromance thing? She received a glare for doing nothing, and yet the most they could do was stare into each other’s eyes?
“Fraulein.” The waiter’s hesitant voice made Jane glance back at him. “Perhaps I could translate?”
Jane beamed. “Are you sure? I thought I couldn’t ask you to do that because it’s...” she lowered her voice, saying confidingly, “...a social gaffe.”
The intimate tone of Jane’s voice flustered the waiter, and he stammered, “I would be more than happy to translate.”
“Translate away then,” Jane said cheerfully.
As he translated each line, the waiter’s thin chest began to puff with pride when he saw the attentive way Jane listened to him.
Christian and Jared watched in stark silence as Jane unknowingly had the boy falling under her spell.
What a bewitching witch she was, Jared thought broodingly. If only Christian Ravenhearst had not discovered her first.
As soon as the waiter confirmed Jane’s orders, Christian dismissed him imperiously, “You may go.”
For one moment, the younger man had the insane idea of refusing. But then he saw the ruthless look in the man’s eyes and knew he wouldn’t stand a chance.
Christian’s iPhone vibrated against the table at the same time Jared’s did.
She watched them reach for their phones and read their messages in the exact same manner and did her best not to laugh. They might not want to admit it, but only guys who were exceptionally close friends with each other could be that similar.
Jared put his phone down. “What do you think about Caruthers’ network?”
“It’s worth considering.” Christian paused. “If he’s to be trusted.”
“But you don’t.”
“No, I don’t. He’s the kind that would stab us in the back the first chance he gets.”
“I think the same,” Jared acknowledged. “However, he’s also one of the few who has the server capacity you need to provide backup.”
Jane sat back and listened in quiet contentment as the two men continued with their conversation. As an inter-de
partment operative, Jane was tasked to provide P.R. assistance to any department in AMC whenever needed. Over the years, this had allowed her to acquire a substantial background in everything from finance to human resources to I.T., and now the knowledge proved handy, allowing her to easily follow Jared and Christian’s conversation.
Even having their food served didn’t put a stop to the talks, but Jane didn’t mind, and she took it upon herself to ensure that the men’s glasses were refilled and plates taken away as soon as they were done with each course.
When dinner was over and they had finished drinking coffee, Jared and Christian suddenly looked at her as if only remembering that Jane had been with them the entire night.
Jane rolled her eyes. Men and their business talk.
Jared and Christian grinned.
“Apologies,” Jared murmured.
“Sorry, pet,” Christian murmured.
Jared’s chauffeur-driven limousine arrived first. “Shall I take her home?”
“Actually—-” Christian’s tone was very soft. “You won’t need to, after all. I can take her.”
“Are you certain?” Jared questioned. “Your work might make you forget. Again.”
And Jane started feeling there was something wrong in the air – again.
Weren’t these two supposed to be friends?
“That won’t be likely this time.” Christian’s arm went around her waist. “Since I have no plans of letting her go home tonight.”
She jerked. Oh my God. He had done it again. TMI! Weren’t Englishmen supposed to be reserved? So why the hell couldn’t Christian understand he was saying too much?
Jared’s expression hardened at the unmistakable taunt. “You know what? You’re right. You’re unlikely to forget tonight – but what about next time?”
“I don’t make the same mistake twice,” Christian bit out.
Jane decided it was time for her to intrude. She cleared her throat, saying, “You know, I could always commute—-”
Christian and Jared scowled at her.
“Or not,” Jane finished. “I mean, duh. That’s crazy. Why would I even want to commute? Tsk.”
Christian was the first to grin reluctantly, and Jared’s expression relented a moment later, both of them realizing how tension had them inadvertently snapping at the very woman whose attention they were competing for.