Miss Prim and the Maverick Millionaire

by Nina Singh

  He quirked an eyebrow. “And?”

  “And my keys were safely locked up in the main vault right here in this building. Including the one that would have opened that particular case. I have proof.”

  * * *

  He didn’t want to examine why he was so relieved. For some reason, Cabe had been hopeful all along that Jenna was completely innocent. And apparently she could prove it. “Proof? You have a way to prove your key was locked up?”

  She nodded triumphantly. “Yes. The security officer on call the day before I left signed off on the paperwork. All my keys were locked up in the main vault before I left. Safe and secure.”

  “That’s the correct protocol. Where is this security officer now?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not the one in charge of hiring and managing security.”

  Cabe pinched the bridge of his nose. “I have a sneaking suspicion he’s no longer working for us. And that he has a very valuable piece of jewelry in his possession.”

  Jenna stood staring at him with satisfaction, clearly enjoying the upper hand. So she was indeed innocent. Just as he’d hoped. Heaven help him, he had to resist the urge to go and hug her. Not that she would have it.

  “Guess your security head isn’t as thorough as you would like to think,” she said.

  “In his defense, he’s going through a rough patch personally. Clearly, it’s affected his professional duties. I’ll have a word with him.”

  She rolled her eyes at him and muttered something under her breath. He thought he heard the words “That’s rich.”

  “Jenna, I know an apology isn’t nearly enough. But it’s all I have. My only excuse is that I’ve been swamped with various small projects as well as a major international expansion. I rushed and acted on something that I should have taken the time to examine more closely. I’m deeply, resolutely sorry.”

  Her face softened, and the effect nearly knocked him off his feet. “Thank you for that,” she said simply, genuinely. “And I’m sorry for...you know.” She pointed to his drenched clothing.

  “Nah, don’t mention it. I daresay I deserved a good food toss.” He was also admittedly relieved. He didn’t have to fire a dedicated and competent employee after all. That left only one problem. Things were extremely awkward now with a star employee who deserved better treatment than he’d just doled out. He had a major mea culpa on his hands. As usual, he had rushed to judgment, merely to save some time. Once again, he’d acted without fully thinking through the issue. Not a good attribute in a CEO, yet another character trait he had to work on.

  First thing first. Somehow, someway, he had to make this all up to Jenna.

  He was getting ready to say so when her assistant knocked and entered her office.

  Nora stopped in her tracks when she saw the state of Cabe’s clothing. “I’m sorry,” she began. “Am I interrupting?”

  “That’s okay, Nora. What is it?” Jenna behaved like the consummate professional, addressing her admin as if nothing was wrong.

  “The Wellesley store just called. They’re panicked about their staffing shortage,” Nora told her, her gaze still leveled at Cabe.

  “I made two very strong offers this morning,” Jenna said. “I have no doubt both candidates will take the job. Is that all?”

  “One more thing,” Nora continued. “The store manager at the Burlington site called again complaining about the lack of shelf space.”

  Jenna nodded. “Real Estate just called this morning about the sewing shop next door. It’s finally shutting down, so we can take the space over. We’ll sign the lease within the week.”

  Cabe watched in admiration. Damn. She really was good. Given her background and her hardships growing up, she couldn’t have gotten this far in life without being smart and disciplined. Would he have fared as well? He had to wonder. If fate hadn’t stepped in and turned his life in a different direction, would he have figured out a way to pull himself up the way Jenna Townsend had? All on his own, like her? Or would he have ended up on the streets? Or locked up in a cell somewhere? Or worse.

  Jordan’s Fine Jewelry absolutely could not lose someone like Jenna. Not for any reason, the least of which being his stupidity. If only he had someone like her in charge of the Caribbean project.

  There it was.

  The idea made perfect sense. Before this whole theft fiasco, Jenna’s name had come up several times whenever a high-level position opened up at Corporate. She was already due for a promotion.

  Perhaps he had a way to salvage the mess he’d made of this whole visit. And possibly even help himself in the process. He was about to make a very strong offer, too. One he hoped Jenna could not refuse. First, he had to get her to listen to him. And forget about what he’d almost just accused her of.

  As soon as Nora left, Jenna stood and glared at him. “Well, now what, Mr. Jordan. Am I still under investigation?”

  He reached out to gently take her by the arm. “Absolutely not. On the contrary, I need to show you how sorry I am.”

  She looked down at his hand, then back with clearly puzzled eyes. “Show me?”

  “I assumed my security head knew what he was doing, Jenna. Please understand.”

  She stood silent, clearly not ready to cut him any slack. And why should she? He deserved her derision. How could he have let this happen? He hated looking misinformed. Or worse, appearing incompetent. Mistakes were a luxury he wouldn’t allow himself in his position.

  “You’re one of the best regional managers we have at Jordan’s Fine Jewelry,” he continued. “I should have handled this differently. And I don’t want to lose you over some...misunderstanding.”

  She visibly bristled. He really wasn’t very good at saying sorry, not having had much experience. She had no idea how hard he was trying.

  “This was more than a mere misunderstanding.”

  He nodded. “I realize that. I think I can make it up to you.”

  She pulled her arm free. But she was clearly listening. “How?”

  “I could use the services of a competent and experienced regional manager to help me with a project.”

  Her chin lifted. “What kind of project?”

  “I’m sure you know we’re trying to expand internationally, starting with the opening of a new store in the Caribbean.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “You should also know that so far it hasn’t gone at all smoothly. In fact, I need to be there within two days to put out the latest fire.”

  She narrowed her gaze on him. “What does that have to do with me?”

  “Come with me, Jenna.”

  * * *

  It took a moment to process Cabe’s words. “Are you offering me another job?”

  He nodded. “One that comes with a higher title. And the adequate adjustment in pay, obviously.”

  Jenna’s head spun. Within the span of a few minutes, she’d gone from decrying the loss of her next paycheck to being offered a promotion. If she examined the matter too closely, Cabe’s offer might very well be construed as a bribe.

  But it was also an opportunity of a lifetime. A very tempting one.

  Cabe motioned to her desk chair. “Please have a seat. Let’s discuss this.”

  Her pride pushed her to turn her back and walk away, slam the door on her way out. Her business-school-trained brain had other ideas.

  Begrudgingly, she pulled out her chair and sat down. “What exactly did you have in mind?”

  The look of relief on his face sent an odd shiver down her spine. She didn’t dare read too much into it.

  “I’m tired of trying to get this new site up and running by myself. I’ve been meaning to hire someone. You’re perfect for the job.”

  “Cabe, you can’t just expect me to forget that you were ready to b
elieve I may be capable of theft.”

  “But that’s exactly what I’m asking you to do,” he said with the confidence of a successful tycoon who’s used to getting his own way. “Rather than spend inordinate time on an extensive talent search, I’d like to offer you the position. You’ve been considered for several corporate positions recently, but none seemed to be the right fit for you. Until now.”

  “This is not how I imagined being promoted.”

  “That makes two of us. This is definitely not how I imagined doing the promoting. One way to look at it would be to say that we’re going to start fresh,” he added.

  Maybe he had a point. But she wasn’t about to let him know that. Why let him off easy? Clearly, Cabe Jordan was used to having things handed to him merely because he asked. Unlike someone such as her who’d had to work hard all her life for every accomplishment.

  A small part of her nagged that resisting might indeed be a mistake. She still needed this job, pride or not. What if he called her bluff? Her pride won out. “You have to understand, Cabe. I’m no longer sure how I feel about working for you. Given our past history as friends, and that you’ve known me for decades, I would have appreciated it if you’d come to me right from the start.” Oh, heavens. She nearly choked on the words. For all her bravado, she had to acknowledge that he’d genuinely and wholly hurt her. She’d been foolish to expect any more from the Jordan CEO, regardless of past friendship.

  But then Cabe held both hands up in surrender and she had a split second of panic. For all her bravado, she really would prefer to be gainfully employed as she looked for another position. Her breath held while he spoke.

  “Let’s compromise. You just help me on this one overseas project. We’ll start from there.”

  “And then what?”

  “Then we revisit the situation and the matter of your employment.”

  She gave her head a small shake. “You’re going to have to be more specific.”

  “I just mean that I don’t think you should make any lasting decisions right now, in the heat of the moment.”

  Jenna’s phone rang but she ignored it, unable to tear her eyes away from Cabe’s intense, steel-blue gaze. “We don’t want to be impulsive.”

  She decided to give in just a little. “Perhaps we don’t.”

  Cabe pounced, assuming success. “Do you have a valid passport? If not, we can request rush processing and you can meet me there once it arrives.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Cabe?”

  “Yes?”

  “Do you actually know the definition of impulsive?”

  Her question gave him pause, and then he laughed. “I see your point. Nevertheless.”

  “I have a current passport.”

  “Great. It’s settled, then.”

  She stood, met him eye to eye. “Not so fast, Cabe.”

  Was that a smile still on his lips? He couldn’t be enjoying this. “Before I say yes, I have a stipulation.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Once the new site is opened, upon completion of this project, I want a glowing recommendation from you. In case I decide to look for a position elsewhere.”

  “I hardly think that will be ne—”

  She cut him off. “It’s nonnegotiable. I want your word that you will assist me if I decide to leave Jordan’s Fine Jewelry.” It was the least he could do. After all the long hours of blood, sweat and tears that she’d put into this company. After the way he’d just treated her. And for all the work she was about to put in on this project. He owed her at least that much.

  He merely nodded. “If, at the end, a recommendation is still what you want then I will give you one.”

  “It will be.”

  He crossed his arms in front of his chest and gave her a wide smile, the kind of smile that would have had her swooning if they were still in high school. Even now, her knees grew weak.

  “Not if I change your mind.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  JENNA TOWNSEND HAD clearly never been on a private jet before. Cabe guided her into the cabin and tried not to react to her reaction, though he had a comical urge to gently nudge her mouth closed. Instead, he patiently waited as she took small, hesitant steps up the stairs and into the aisle.

  Unfortunately, there remained an awkward tension between them. In the interest of business, he chose to ignore it. She thought she might be looking for another job after the Caribbean project when it was completed. He had other ideas.

  Well, he’d deal with that scenario if it happened. He’d been watching Jenna in action since he’d arrived in Boston and he had very different plans for her. He was not about to let her go anytime soon.

  Now she stood in front of him, taking in her surroundings as they entered the aircraft. Cabe let her take her time.

  As far as private planes went, his wasn’t terribly extravagant. Pretty much standard issue. Leather seats, a mahogany table so that he could get some work done. In fact, his only indulgence had been the fully stocked bar.

  “Jenna, please, have a seat.” Cabe gently guided her toward one of the leather chairs and waited until she was seated before sitting down himself.

  She immediately clicked on her seat belt and tightened it. She appeared to be more than merely awed. She seemed apprehensive, downright uncomfortable.

  “Are you okay with flying, Jenna?” He knew she’d been on business trips before. So what was making her so jittery now?

  The smile she gave him was strained, almost shy. “Mostly. I have to admit, flying is a bit of a new experience for me. We didn’t travel much when I was a child.” She glanced around at her surroundings. “And as far as flying in something like this...”

  “It’s just more convenient than flying commercial, that’s all.”

  She let out a small laugh. “Right. Convenient.”

  Something he couldn’t name tingled inside him. In so many ways, Jenna’s reaction to his aircraft was refreshing. How many countless women had flown with him privately over the years? None of them had even seemed to notice the lavishness around them. Every one of them had taken for granted that they’d be arriving at their destination in the lap of luxury.

  Ironically, rather than making him feel smug, her genuine awed reaction made him feel petty. Hadn’t he been taking it all for granted himself? But he knew better than anyone that money couldn’t fix everything.

  He cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly as they both settled into their seats.

  The flight attendant appeared momentarily. Cabe almost groaned out loud. This particular one could be quite the flirt. Normally, he let it slide and tolerated her suggestive comments. For some reason, he really wasn’t in the mood to deal with it today. Not with Jenna here.

  “Mr. Jordan. So nice to see you again,” she said, her smile wide and inviting. She barely spared a glance at Jenna. He couldn’t quite remember, but thought she had been the one to slip him her personal phone number after one flight.

  Why did it bother him that she would flirt again this time? What was happening to him?

  He had to remind himself this was nothing more than an ordinary business trip. He was way too focused on the woman—rather, the employee—accompanying him. That would have to change. And soon.

  “Is there anything I can get for you, Mr. Jordan? Anything at all?” the woman asked, her emphasis on the repeated word impossible to miss.

  He turned to find Jenna staring out the window, her cheeks stained slightly pink. Dressed in a smart navy pantsuit, her hair up in another impossibly tight style. Not one tendril drifting anywhere near her face. How in the world did she get all that hair to behave? He had a crazy image of unclipping the pin that held it all together, running his fingers through her long, thick tresses. He shook it off.

  “Jenna? Is there somethi
ng you’d like? Some wine, perhaps?”

  Jenna shook her head. “No, thank you. I don’t dare drink wine. I’ll fall asleep.”

  “Are you sure?” He glanced at his watch. “We’ll be in flight for a while. You definitely have time to take a nap.”

  Her eyes grew wide. You’d think he’d just suggested that she fall asleep on the job. Which in a way, he guessed he had. He laughed at her shock. “Jenna, it’s all right. You’ll be much more productive if you’re well rested.”

  “Why do I get the feeling that’s like the pot calling the kettle black?”

  He laughed and dismissed the attendant with a polite nod. The woman hesitated, clearly disappointed, before finally stepping away.

  “We’ll even have some time to enjoy the sights while we’re out there,” he added.

  She gave him a small smile that sent an inexplicable surge of pleasure through his chest. “That would be nice. I’ve never been to the Caribbean.”

  “Do you like the beach?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “What about fireworks?”

  Her eyebrows drew together. “I love fireworks. What do the two have to do with each other?”

  “The resort where we’re staying, the one I’m trying to establish the retail store on, has a beach party every Thursday night. Live band, plenty of food and drinks. And fireworks.”

  “Sounds like quite a fete.”

  “Today’s Thursday. We should go tonight. It would be a good way to introduce you to the island’s characteristic atmosphere.”

  She chewed her bottom lip. He watched it swell and redden and redden. Focus. “Cabe, I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

  “Why not?”

  “I feel that it would just be better if we solely stuck to the business at hand.”

  Cabe shifted in the chair. Jenna appeared so tense, so anxious. He wanted to help her loosen up somehow. But he was her boss. He had to tread carefully. Given her upbringing, it was no wonder Jenna seemed unable to relax and just enjoy life once in a while.

  He couldn’t blame her. Maybe he was the flip side of the same coin.