by Sandi Lynn
Emily
I was in the shop folding some sweaters that had just come in when I heard the bell above the door chime. I looked over to see a man and woman step inside.
“Good afternoon. Welcome to Emily’s Edge.”
“Thank you,” the woman spoke with a smile as she went over to the wall where the dresses were.
Once I was finished with the display of sweaters, I glanced over at the couple and couldn’t help but notice the man staring at me. The moment I looked at him, he turned away. Not thinking too much of it, I walked over and asked if they needed any help.
“This is a lovely shop,” the woman spoke.
“Thank you. Is this your first time here?” I asked.
“Yes. My husband and I are visiting. We’re thinking about moving here. We’re from Seattle.”
“Nice. Well, welcome to the city and if you need anything just let me know.”
“We will. Thank you.” She politely smiled.
The whole time I was standing in front of them, the woman’s husband kept staring at me, and even when I would look at him, he didn’t look away. It bothered me and I felt very uncomfortable. As I stood behind the counter, trying not to notice his excessive stares, Katie walked in from lunch.
“I’m back.” She grinned.
“How was lunch?”
“Excellent! Guess what?” she screeched with excitement.
“What?”
“Alex passed the bar. He is now a full-fledged licensed attorney!”
“Ah, that’s wonderful, Katie.” I hugged her.
“We’re going out tonight to celebrate and we want you and Jackson to come.”
“I’d love too. As for Jackson, I don’t know. I’ll have to call and ask him.”
Picking up my phone, I dialed his number.
“Hello, beautiful.”
“Hi there. Katie and Alex are going out tonight to celebrate because Alex passed his bar exam. Do you want to go?”
“Unfortunately, I can’t. I have a meeting tonight at seven with a client who’s interested in some property.”
“Oh, okay. I just thought I’d ask.”
“If I was available, I would go. But you have fun tonight.”
“Thanks, Jackson. Good luck with your meeting.”
“Thank you. I’ll talk to you soon.”
After ending the call, I set down my phone and a feeling I couldn’t quite describe washed over me.
“Are you okay?” Katie asked.
“Yeah. I’m fine. Jackson has a meeting tonight, so he can’t make it.”
“Too bad. But we’ll have so much fun.”
“Yeah.” I gave her a small smile.
Disappointment hit me like a ton of bricks. Out of nowhere and BAM! I shook it off the best I could, trying to understand why I felt like this.
“Excuse me,” the woman from Seattle spoke. “May I try these on?”
“Of course.”
Grabbing the keys, I unlocked one of the fitting rooms.
“If you need a different size, let me know.” I smiled as I walked away.
I could feel the stare of her husband’s eyes upon me as I headed back to the counter.
“Excuse me, miss?” He approached.
“Yes?” I nervously responded.
“I know this may sound strange, but do you know a woman named Karen Wade?”
My heart fell to the pit of my stomach.
“She was my mother,” I replied.
“Was?”
“She passed away two years ago.”
“I’m sorry.” He looked down. “You are the spitting image of her.”
“You knew her?”
“Yes. A very long time ago. I apologize if I kept staring at you. You have her smile.”
“Thanks. What’s your name?”
“Gregory Davis.”
I held out my hand. “I’m Emily Wade. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Are you the owner of this store?”
“Yes, I am.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Emily. One last question and I hope it’s not too personal. May I ask how old you are?”
Why would he be asking me that? I thought to myself. That was an odd question to ask someone out of the clear blue.
“I’m twenty-seven,” I spoke with an odd tone in my voice.
“I figured as much. You’re very successful for your age. Good for you. I’d best be getting back to my wife.”
“Thank you. It was nice speaking with you, Gregory.”
“Likewise.” He gave a slight nod and headed back to the fitting room.
Jackson
“Good to see you, Jackson. It’s been far too long,” Leon spoke as he stood from his chair and shook my hand.
“Good to see you too. It has been a while, hasn’t it?”
“How’s your father?”
“He’s well. Off traveling the world.”
“Living the dream life.” He smiled. “So, what prompted this meeting?”
“You’re renting a shop to a friend of mine, Emily Wade.”
“Ah yes, lovely girl. Turned the space into a cute little clothing boutique. What about her?”
“The shop next to hers closed and she was thinking about utilizing that space and expanding.”
“That other shop is the same size as hers.”
“She wants to knock down the wall in between the shops and make it one larger shop. She’s going to talk to you about it.”
“I’m afraid I can’t let her do that. I don’t like expansions. What if the business fails and then I’m left with one oversized space? Plus, she’s only six months into the other lease. It’s too much of a risk and one I’m not willing to take.”
“Her shop is doing fantastic already, so I think an expansion would help her do even better.”
“I’d have to charge her triple the rent plus I’d want a year upfront. Come on, Jackson, you know the business.”
“So there’s no way you’d work with her?” I asked as I took a sip of my drink.
“No. I’m sorry. Those are two separate buildings and I want to keep it that way. Actually, I already have someone interested in the space. He wants to put in a nutrition shop.”
I sat there, contemplating my next move. This was something she really wanted and if I could make it happen for her, I would.
“How much for the two buildings?”
“What?” Leon laughed. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am,” I spoke, deadpan.
“They’re not for sale.”
“Everything’s for sale.” I smirked.
“Is she your girlfriend or something?”
“No. She’s just a very good friend with a dream.”
He sighed as he stared at me for a brief moment. His eyes narrowed. “One million for each property.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Come on, Leon. That’s double what the going rate is. Don’t forget, we’re in the same business. You didn’t even buy those buildings for half that much.”
“Inflation, my friend.” He smiled.
“So you’d agree to sell to me if I paid you two million dollars?”
“Yes. I would have the contracts drawn up tomorrow if you wanted.”
I extended my hand to him. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” he asked.
“I know what I’m doing.” I finished off my drink.
Chapter 23
Emily
I slipped into my black short skirt, pulled on my burgundy cami, and reached into my closet to pull out a short black stylish jacket. Stopping in the bathroom, to double check my makeup, I heard my phone ding with a text message.
Walking back into the bedroom, I smiled when I saw it was from Jackson.
“What are you wearing?”
“Black skirt, burgundy cami, and a black jacket.”
“Send me a picture.”
“Are you serious?”
“V
ery,” he replied with the wink emoji.
As much as I hated those damn emoji’s, that one was cute. Standing in the front of the mirror, I took a selfie and sent it to him.
“Hot damn. You look sexy.”
“Thank you.”
“I may have to use that picture to pleasure myself. You wouldn’t mind, would you?”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“No. Not at all. Pleasure away.”
“Have fun tonight.”
“Thanks, Jackson.”
“You never said where you were going.”
“We’re going to Club S.”
“Have a good time.”
“Enjoy your meeting.”
The feeling of disappointment hadn’t left me all day and it bothered me as to why I felt it. I tried to reason with myself and find the answers I was looking for, but instead, I just ended up more confused. I also couldn’t stop thinking about Gregory and how he knew my mother. No shock there, though. My mother had known a countless number of men in her lifetime. In order for him to say I had her smile, he must have been very close to her. In fact, she must have known him before I was born, since he didn’t know she had a kid. Sighing, I told myself I needed to put these thoughts of Jackson and Gregory out of my head and have a good time tonight.
Club S was hopping. The music was blaring and the floor underneath my feet felt like an earthquake was in motion. We finally found an open table by the bar and sat down quickly before anyone else could snatch it up. For a Thursday night, the place was packed.
“What can I get you to drink?” Alex asked.
“Neat martini with three olives,” I shouted over the blaring music.
As I looked around, I watched the girls with their half-naked bodies, twerking and shaking their hips to the techno music that played. Guys were bumping and grinding all over them with the hopes that maybe they’d get lucky with one of them tonight. I smiled at the flashback I had when I was here about six months ago and had sex in the bathroom with some random guy who did the same exact same thing to me. He was tall and handsome. I was horny and had a few too many drinks without a care in the world. I had run into him a week later at Starbucks and when I said hi, he looked at me like I was trying to pick him up. He had no clue who I was or that the act even took place, and that was fine with me.
Alex and Keith returned to the table and Alex handed me my martini. As I brought it up to my lips, I threw it back as if it was a glass of water. I wasn’t sure why I did that. Normally, I would sip on a martini with the utmost respect. But not tonight and I didn’t know why. The five of us sat around, drinking and celebrating Alex’s passing of his bar exam. After a few more drinks, Katie grabbed my and Elizabeth’s hands and dragged us to the dance floor. Tonight, if some guy started grinding up against my ass, he was going to be sorry. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, and I always thought it was kind of fun. But now, I was in a contract with Jackson and I no longer desired it.
Katie and Elizabeth left in the middle of the song to use the restroom, but I stayed back to finish dancing. I was in my groove and I didn’t want to leave. As my body moved to the rhythm of the music, I felt someone from behind lightly press up against me. Rolling my eyes, I moved away with the hopes the person would get the hint and move along. But instead, I felt it again. This time, the touch wasn’t so light. Then, I felt hands tightly grip my hips. Now I was pissed. How dare anyone touch me without permission?
“What the fuck!” I shouted as I whipped around and into the arms of one Mr. Jackson Caine.
“Good answer.” The corners of his mouth curved up into a sexy smile.
I bit down on my bottom lip and wrapped my arms around his neck.
“What are you doing here?”
“You looked far too sexy to stay away.”
“What about your meeting?”
“I ended it early so I could get here before you left. Are you done celebrating yet? I really need to get you out of here and to my limo so I can fuck you.”
A heated desire coursed through my body and I couldn’t refuse his offer. I wanted him as much as he wanted me at that very moment. Leading him to the table, he congratulated Alex and then the two of us walked out of the club and climbed into the back of his limo where the privacy glass was already up.
Our lips locked tightly together as his hands took off my jacket. My fingers fumbled with his belt and then successfully unbuttoned his pants. He was already as hard as a rock. I stuck my hand down his pants and the feel of him in my hand further excited me. Pulling down my cami, he unhooked my bra and tossed it to the side. His mouth ravished my breasts as he laid me down and his hand pushed my skirt up, removed my panties, and his fingers dipped inside me. Moans escaped my lips as his fingers penetrated me with force, causing me to orgasm on the spot. Our lips found each other’s once again as he pulled down his pants and thrust inside me. Hard, deep, and breathtaking was what he was. Several grunts rumbled from his chest as he moved in and out of me. Fuck, he was so damn good, and I didn’t want it to end. The pleasure he gave was overwhelming and addicting. My heated body was on the rise again as another orgasm took over. One last push and he halted, straining with everything he had and exploding inside me.
His head dropped and his lips brushed against mine. His breathing was out of control. Our eyes met as our chests heaved and our hearts pounded out of our chests. His smile captivated me as he pulled out and sat down with his back against the seat. Sitting up, I pulled down my skirt and reached for my panties. His hand grabbed them before I could.
“Let me,” he spoke as he held them in his hand.
Slowly slipping on my panties, his hand swept over my slick spot before pulling them over my hips. I thought that was the sexiest thing I’d ever experienced.
“Thank you.” I smiled.
“No. Thank you.” He grinned.
When the limo pulled up to my apartment building, he took hold of my hand and walked me to the door. Brushing his lips against mine, he spoke, “Don’t forget Saturday is my sister’s party at my house. I’m having everyone show at five o’clock.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Plan to spend the night. We’ll do something on Sunday.”
“Do you get to choose or do I?” I slyly smiled.
“Did you have something in mind?”
“Not really. Do you?”
“Not really.” He chuckled. “We’ll just see what the day brings,” he spoke as he leaned in and kissed my forehead.
Chapter 24
Jackson
I finished signing off on some paperwork when my phone rang, and Leon was calling.
“Hello, Leon. I hope you have good news for me?”
“I do, Jackson. Can you come to my office around two o’clock? And by the way, I would prefer two million cash.”
“Come on, Leon. It’s going to take some time to get that much in cash.” I sighed.
“It’s only nine o’clock, Jackson. You can get it within the next five hours. Just work your magic with the bank like your father always did.”
I leaned back in my chair. I was now aggravated.
“Fine. I’ll see you at two o’clock.”
I ended the call and immediately dialed Walter Simmons, the bank manager with whom my father and I had a good relationship over the past several years.
“Walter Simmons,” he answered.
“Walter, it’s Jackson Caine.”
“Hey there, Jackson. What can I do for you?”
“I need to make a withdrawal of two million dollars, and I need it in cash by two o’clock.”
“You know we need at least twenty-four-hour notice for that.”
“I know, but it’s something that just came up. It’s a deal I’m working on and cash is the only option.”
“Be here at one fifteen and I’ll make sure it’s ready.”
“Thanks, Walter.”
“No problem, Jackson.”
Was all of this worth it? If it was anyone else, ab
solutely not. I was only doing this so she could expand. She had a plan and I trusted her. The worst thing she could do was let me down. After grabbing some lunch, I went to the bank, collected my money, and headed over to Leon’s office.
“Have a seat, Jackson.” He waved his hand to the chair across from his desk. “Emily called me today and inquired about the space next door to her shop. I told her that the two buildings were sold, and she’d have to talk to the new owner.”
“Did you tell her I was the one who bought them?” I asked.
“No. I saved that part for you. I just said that they’d be in contact soon.” He smirked. “I need your signature here and on the next three pages.”
“Is there a reason for this private transaction?” I arched my brow at him.
“Nah. Sometimes private business is best.”
I signed the contracts and handed him over the briefcase with the two million dollars.
“Your father would say you were being foolish,” Leon spoke.
“It doesn’t matter what my father would say. It’s my company.”
“Well, thanks for your business.” Leon held out his hand. “And good luck with the buildings.”
“Thanks, Leon.”
The caterers were occupying my kitchen, prepping for the party that was to take place in two hours. The bartender was scheduled to arrive at any moment and the bakery had just delivered the cake. I wanted this night to be perfect for Jules. The plan was that I had invited Jules and Carter over to have a home-cooked meal at my place instead of going out. She wouldn’t think twice about it since it was something we sometimes did. I hadn’t talked to Emily since Thursday night and I wanted to make sure she was still coming, so I sent her a text message.
“Don’t forget, my place, five sharp.”
“I haven’t forgotten, and I may just be there a little before five.”
A smile crossed my lips.
“You can come anytime you want. In fact, I’ll send Edward over to pick you up now. You can bring your things and get ready here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“Alright. Then send Edward on his way.”
I had found myself thinking about her yesterday, and even though I tried not to, I couldn’t stop my mind from wandering back to her. Even when I was at the bar with Samuel last night, I kept thinking about her, which was something I didn’t do. And it wasn’t even sex I was thinking about. It was just her.