by Lexy Timms
"But?"
"But, I don't want us to come out at the office just yet. I know it's ridiculous, but I read somewhere that younger, single CEOs have more respect and earning potential. Let's just keep us on the down-low until we're sure that we're ready to make the step of declaring ourselves to be a couple. That sound okay?"
A fiery arrow of rejection shot through her. Had he really just said that?
"Um... yeah, I guess." She shrugged and got up, moving to the back of the ship to look out at the water. Crying was out.
"Great. I knew you would understand." He wrapped his arms around her from behind and pressed his lips to the side of her neck.
Understand?
Not in the slightest.
Chapter 4
Jamie wanted to cry, or maybe tear Alex’s head off and toss it in the water rushing past them. He assumed she would be okay with keeping their relationship a secret? Part of her understood the impact around the office and the talk around the water cooler would be about them, but still…
A part of her—a big part—felt that he was simply too embarrassed to show her off in public. Just like her parents, just like Stephen, Alex didn’t want the stigma associated with dating someone slightly bigger. She was what? A size eight now? Maybe a six in some clothing lines. It didn’t matter that she’d gone down a few sizes. Alex was embarrassed, and he couldn’t admit it out loud.
The boat ride wasn’t something quiet and romantic. It was something sneaky and hidden. No one was around to see them. He could get his fill of her and not have to admit it to anyone.
Around mid-afternoon, she faked a stomach ache, and they went back to the dock. Alex tried to care for her, but she would have none of it. He wanted to keep them a secret, which felt wrong. Jamie couldn’t shake the thought that, after so many years of having her mother leave her at home because she didn't want to be seen with an 'overweight' kid, she was right back where she started.
She spent Sunday in the bed, wondering what the fuck she was doing with her life, and indulging in ice cream and vodka to soothe her sad soul. Alex stopped by in the morning, looking ready for a game of golf. He offered to make her something to eat, but she ejected him from the room, using the excuse that she didn’t want to make him sick, too.
How something so great as him taking her out on the boat had turned into such a nightmare was beyond her. Why the hell couldn't he have just wanted to tell her that she was good enough in the bed but not in public, later that day? He could have told her on the way home and left the boat ride fun and uncomplicated, but no.
"Asshole," she murmured against her pillow as the sun rose on Monday morning. She wasn't sure at all what she was going to do about him, but rolling around with him in the sheets was out for the next day or two. She needed to first convince herself that she wasn't a nasty blob that no one wanted to be seen with. Alex was right about one thing... she had lost some weight, and because of it felt a hundred times better.
Maybe his request was just selfish or out of ignorance, but, either way, it stung in places that she was working to heal. He could take a backseat for the rest of the week. She ignored the inner voice that said she was being silly and she should consider his position. His position? Didn’t the guy have enough money and respect? Sheesh!
After lamenting about life for far too long, Jamie finally dragged herself from bed and got dressed for work. Needing to look extra pretty, she took her time straightening her long blonde hair and putting on her makeup to go from okay to bombshell. Her white blouse was silky and accented her large breasts and thinning waist. A slimming black shirt and red heels made the outfit perfect. She sprayed on Alex's favorite perfume and walked to the car with very little drive to go into the office for the day.
Maybe turning her attention to both the investor conference and the cute intern in the office would help. She wasn't interested in the slightest, but making a new friend with someone who appeared to want the world and be actively going after it was never a bad bet.
Her cell phone rang as she approached the office, and, after seeing that it was her father, she parked and pressed the speaker phone button.
"Dad?"
"Hi, pumpkin. I figured I needed to call, though I'm not really even sure what to say. I assume your mother called you?"
"Yes. She called yesterday." Jamie slowly released the breath she was holding. She was much closer to her father than her mother. Then again, who wouldn't be? Her dad was the only one in their house who ever gave her positive feedback or seemed to care about her feelings.
"I should have called last week. I just... I don't know."
"It's okay, Dad. Where are you now?"
"I'm at work."
"No, where are you staying? I assume you left the house?"
"Yeah. I'm staying with your Uncle Billy. He's got a guest room that Martha was using for her crafts. They’ve two dogs, which you know tear my allergies up. I'll be looking for a place this week." His tone was neither sad nor happy. It was the sound of numbness that led to resolution.
Jamie had been there many times herself. "You can stay with me if you need to."
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm good. I’m not going to burden my kids. I just wanted to let you know that there isn't another woman, nor has there ever been. Your mother and I just don't see eye to eye at all anymore. I'm tired. So tired, Jamie."
"I know, Daddy." Her eyes filled with tears over the weariness that began to slip into his voice. She knew that type of tired.
"Never stay with someone who doesn't appreciate you, who doesn't cherish you just the way you are. You're a great woman, and you deserve only the best. I should’ve told you that a long time ago."
"Thanks, Dad." She sniffled. "So this is it? No chance of you guys getting back together?"
"Not in my mind, but you never know. I think separating for a while will be good for us no matter what the future holds. Your mother's nitpicking has moved from cute, to annoying, to downright dreadful. I'm done walking out of every conversation with her and being nothing but bones. She picks the flesh and meat right off of me. Best weight-loss plan I know." He laughed, but the sound fell flat.
"I love you. I'm here if you need me."
"Same here, kiddo. We'll do lunch soon. Okay?"
"Alright." Jamie hung up and leaned back, forcing herself not to cry. She had a lot on her plate, but it would seem her mom and dad had more.
After a few minutes of breathing deeply and calming herself, she got out of the car and walked into the office. A stop by the kitchenette had her grabbing a large cup of coffee and snagging a donut from the unholy, large box of them.
She hadn't had anything that sugary-sweet in months, except for maybe the ice cream and vodka. However, the occasion called for something to help her take her mind off of it. Food always worked well.
Alex walked out of his office and down the hall, stopping in front of her as she glanced up.
"Oh, hi, Mr. Reid." Jamie lifted the donut. "Someone brought breakfast in the kitchenette."
"You don't need that sugary shit, Jamie. It’ll make your stomach hurt worse. Go chuck it and get a yogurt or a banana." The concern on his face was apparent, but his words drove remembrance into her. How many times had her mother forced her to forgo a simple treat because she was too fat to indulge... even a little.
"Right," she whispered and walked into her office, closing the door behind her and jumping as someone spoke.
"Eat the donut. Eat two if it’ll make you feel better." Paul grinned as he stood in the middle of the room.
"Oh, damn. You scared me." She chuckled and took a bit bite of the treat. "I plan on eating it. I'll eat the whole box if I please." She glanced at the door connecting her office to Alex’s. It was closed.
"There you go. Tell them who’s boss," he laughed and turned back to setting up his laptop.
Her office was big enough to hold another temporary desk besides his if they wanted, which meant there was plenty of space for the two of the
m.
The door opened behind her, and Gina smiled. "I'm going to leave this door open, if you're okay. Mr. Reid has some weird policy insisting the door be open when two people work in the same room."
Jamie lifted her eyebrow at her friend. "When did that start? I've never heard of it."
"About three minutes ago." Gina shook her head, winked, and walked out.
"Interesting," Paul mumbled, but continued to focus on his computer.
She probably needed to have that 'good officemate' conversation with Paul, but she wasn’t in the mood right now. She would look like the crappy workmate if she told him to not chat her ear off when she was working.
Handsome Paul could have the benefit of the doubt until it appeared she needed to say something.
"Ms. Connors,” Alex poked his head in the room. “I’ve a trip tomorrow morning that you're going to need to come on with me. You feeling better?"
"Morning, Mr. Reid." Paul turned, stood up, and walked across the room to shake Alex’s hand.
"Good morning, Paul. I hope your new accommodations will work for the next while." Alex glanced around the room, his eyes landing on Jamie.
"Yes, sir; Jamie's been great to me. She's a keeper for sure." Paul glanced over at her, too.
"I'm right here." She lifted her eyebrows as Paul chuckled. Alex, on the other hand, didn't.
"Good. Just make sure you keep to yourself. She's my PA, and I keep her insanely busy. If you need something, find a senior investor to help you. She's not your go-to in any sense of the word." Alex had turned his attention on the younger man. His expression had darkened quite a bit, too.
He should just whip out his penis and urinate all over the place. That would be more effective than this long, drawn-out conversation. Jamie clenched her hands into tight fists. For someone not wanting to share their relationship, this was highly annoying.
Alex glanced toward Jamie. "Gina has our tickets. We leave tomorrow just before lunch. We can work in the morning if you have things that need to get done."
"I'm sorry. Where are we going?" She pressed her hands to her hips.
"We're headed to Philadelphia." His lips pursed, which meant he wasn't willing to talk about it. "I'll give you the details later. We’ve a long day ahead of us. You're meeting with our investors from Smith and Co. at eleven for me?"
"Yes, sir." She let her hand slide down her thigh, not caring too much for his eyes following her every move. She was supposed to be angry with him, but seeing him in that navy blue suit and white tie against his dark skin left her hungry for the high only he could provide. She needed medication. One minute she wanted him, and the next moment, killing him seemed to be the right answer.
Must be love. Sounds like love.
"Good. Call if you need me." He glanced over at Paul. "You find someone down the hall if you need help."
Paul nodded as a smirk lifted his lip. "I understand, Mr. Reid. I'll not bother Jamie. I promise."
"Good." Alex lingered in the doorway for a minute more before turning and walking out.
Jamie let out a growl and dropped down in her chair. He could have just cut across the room to his office. That obviously was going to be a no-go while Paul was in here. She had a feeling Alex was going to be pushing the construction to get done faster now. She worked to get her computer on as Paul moved to stand in front of her desk. His hands were in his pockets, his boyish good looks accented by the cute smile on his face.
"How long have you guys been dating?" He lifted an eyebrow.
"What? We're not dating." She shrugged and glanced down at the floor, trying to find the on button for her power cord.
"Right. Keeping it on the down-low, I take it." He chuckled and walked back to his desk. "I might be young, but you learn guy code as a boy if you’re raised right."
"Guy code?" She sat back up and glanced over at him. "I'm a girl, so clue me in."
"You're a woman, and the boss man just put me in my place because, whether you know it or not... you're his woman." He shrugged and shot her a sexy grin. "I'm jealous already."
"Stop it. You're incorrigible," she laughed as her cheeks heated.
"Just have eyes to see." He glanced over and winked.
Was this guy for real? Jamie shook her head and dove into her list of things that had to be done that day. Alex wanted to her to go home with him? It wasn't something she expected to do, but whatever he had in mind, she was all in. It's not like she had much choice in the matter anyway. Besides, seeing Alex's brother Mark would be good. They'd had a rough start, but after getting to know each other a little better, a friendship had begun. Alex might not like his brother, but maybe that would change over time.
It better. He promised his dying father that it would.
Not following through on the promise wasn't something she would want to live with. She couldn't imagine Alex wanting to either.
Chapter 5
Jamie drove home in silence after work, not wanting the radio to interrupt her internal meanderings. She wanted a long workout session and maybe a swim before having to meet up with Alex. His text from earlier that day said that he wanted to get together for dinner up at his house. She figured they would be cooking together, which she felt would lead to the feeling of intimacy.
They would make love half the night if she left things up to him, but she had some decisions to make. The conversation with her father that morning had re-solidified in her mind that where she didn't feel deserving of a good man, she was. Was Alex that guy?
He certainly seemed like it, and yet his wanting to hide their relationship left her questioning everything. A night of making love with him would only complicate things farther, and yet she needed time in his arms. It was the desire to be loved, to be wanted, to finally be accepted by someone who appeared to be great.
She growled at her indecision, and parked the car before moving quickly into her small space and changing into her workout clothes. Walking back toward the gym, she thought back on the conversation with Paul.
It was nice to know Alex had deemed her his own, and had forced that thought on the new intern, who was a little too friendly and confidently ballsy. But why make it known and yet not allow anyone to know? It made no damn sense at all.
She walked into the gym and started to work through the various machines that would give her a full-body workout. Turning up her music, she lost herself in the moment, not thinking about Alex or her family. For the upcoming hour, it was just about her.
By the time she was done, she was drenched in sweat and gasping for air. It felt incredible; a high like sex with Alex felt.
"Speaking of," she grumbled and walked into the elaborate shower in the locker room. She wanted a night with her man, and if having to talk him through her feelings being hurt, or prove to him why he was being an ass without having to actually come out and say it was the charge, she was all for it.
Dinner, a movie, and sex sounded like a great night. Going back to Philadelphia not so much, but she could take the good with the bad.
She had just finished braiding her long wet hair when her phone buzzed. She hit the talk button and leaned over, spreading a light coating of pink lip gloss on her lips.
"Hey."
"Hey, baby. When are you coming up here?"
"Ten minutes. I just got out of the shower."
"And you didn't think to invite me?" The pout in his voice was almost cute. Almost.
"Nope. I worked out and tried to decide if I wanted to spend the night curled up with a good book about a man who showed off his woman, or have dinner with a handsome bachelor."
"Jamie," his voice softened.
"I'll be up shortly." She pressed the button to end the call.
A growl left her as she turned her head slightly, studying herself in the mirror. The weight loss had been good for her face, having slimmed it down nicely, but, like most women, another flaw popped up in its place. "I thought you weren't going to say anything. Needy bitch." She shook her head and wal
ked to the bedroom to get dressed.
A simple white dress with sandals, sexy lace panties, and a bracelet or two and she was out the door. It was a beautiful evening, the sun having just begun its descent at the far end of the sky.
She couldn't help but stop and enjoy the majesty of it as it sank down lower and lower. The large wrap-around porch on the back of Alex's mansion was her favorite part of the whole place. It reminded her of something out of the Victorian era; entrancing and filled with beauty.
The door opened behind her and she glanced back, giving Alex a warm smile.
"Were you waiting for an invitation? You're cordially invited to come in and make my night exceedingly better than it could ever be without you." He wrapped his arms around her and pressed a soft kiss just below her ear.
"I was coming in. I just love it out here. It feels great, and the sun almost looks close enough to reach from up here." She smiled and leaned against him, loving the feel of his strong arms locked around her.
"I upset you. Forgive me." He brushed his nose up the column of her neck. "We can tell the world about us if you want to. I'm just trying to figure everything out from a personal and business perspective. Life gets a little complicated when the spotlight shines on you. I hate it."
"It's okay.” She’d stressed about it for a couple of days and now she was telling him it was fine? Idiot. “Just old demons I'm going to fight my whole life, I guess." She turned in his arms and slid her hands up his chest. His cream-colored Oxford sweater looked damn good on him. She knew it would look better off.
"I never want to be a part of making you feel like you aren't everything that you are." He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. "You're far beyond anything I deserve. I'm thrilled that you even decided to give me a chance, Jamie."
She lifted to her toes and pressed her lips tightly to his. Her tongue slid past the opening of his lips and dove into his mouth. He groaned low in his chest, and sucked on her offering as his hands moved down to her lower back, squeezing tightly.
"Let's make dinner before we decide to just eat each other," she mumbled against his lips as she kissed him in between the words.