Mixing Business With Pleasure (Love Conquers All Book 2)

by Persons, Cheryl

  She opened the door and turned to him as he followed her inside. “It’s kind of sad; if you know what I mean.” She wrapped her arms around him and he stared into her eyes.

  “I know what you mean.” He slowly kissed her. When they parted he ran his hands down her arms. “This trip had a lot of memories that we will keep with us forever.”

  “Yes it did both good and bad.” Her eyes fell to the floor. “I am sorry I kept pushing you away.”

  He lifted her chin, so that their eyes were locked. “It’s totally understandable. I don’t regret any part of it. I love you and I knew that if I was persistent enough you would come around.”

  She grinned, “Yes, but look at how much time I wasted.”

  “It doesn’t matter; we’ll just have to make up for it.”

  “Oh, and we will.” Her lips covered his and her tongue swept across his causing a low moan. She smiled as the kiss deepened. She pulled away and his hand brushed across her lips. “We have unpacking to do.”

  He shook his head. “You want to do that now?”

  “No time better than the present.”

  He laughed. “Okay; I guess that’s my cue.”

  “Your cue?”

  “I can take a hint; you want to be alone.” He started to leave, but she grabbed his hand to stop him. “What? You don’t want to be alone?”

  “Actually; I was thinking maybe you could go home, grab a change of clothes, and come back.”

  “Hm? Really?” He moved closer to her. Her cute smile was brightening her face.

  “What do you say?”

  “Do you really have to ask?” He kissed her and took her hand into his. “I’ll be back before you can miss me.”

  “See you soon.” She walked him to the door and then closed it behind him. She had never been the one to lead a relationship, but that was because she had never had such an open relationship before. She had never made love before and the two nights that they spent together, was much more to her than any time she was with any other guy. When she grabbed her suitcase to go to her room she heard her phone ring. Looking at the answering machine she noticed that she had 5 calls flashing. She frowned; no one ever used her home phone. “Hello?”

  “Tiffany? This is Andy Harowitz; I have been attempting to call you for the past 2 days.”

  She sank to the couch. “I’ve been out of town. How are you doing?”

  “I’m doing well, but we owe you an apology.”

  She waited for a second, trying to reel in his words. “You do?”

  “I’m afraid we do. We have talked with Bruce and he told us everything. He admitted to blackmailing you and we’re sorry we didn’t believe you both.”

  “It’s…that’s okay.”

  “No, it’s not. We have relieved him from his job duties.”

  She let out a breath. She wasn’t surprised, but she wasn’t happy about it. Despite everything that happened with Bruce, she didn’t want him to be jobless. “Thanks for letting me know.”

  “You’re welcome, but that’s not the main reason I called. We have talked and we have come to the conclusion that anything that went on between you and Mr. Oswalt could easily be confused with a romantic involvement. However, we are sure that there is nothing going on. Besides, we have looked over the rules and determined that a bit of reorganization needs to take place.” Tiffany stared at the phone; she didn’t know what she wanted to say at that point. “Ms. Jenkins; are you still there?”

  “Yeah…I’m still here.”

  “We would be grateful if you would start back to work tomorrow.”

  “Um…I…I don’t know what to say.”

  He laughed on the other end of the phone. “Saying you will would be the best thing I could hear right now.”

  “Have you called Matt yet?”

  “Sabrina is taking care of calling him. He’ll be offered his job, as well.”

  Tiffany thought about it for a moment and she realized that she wasn’t happy; she was angered. Angered that it took Bruce telling the truth, for them to realize how crazy they were being. “I’m glad that you realized it’s a foolish rule and that you called me today. I have a lot of things I am thinking about right now, yet I really can’t say them to you.”

  “Excuse me; I don’t understand.”

  “I’m upset that it got this far and there seemed to be nothing we could say to plead our case. The fact is, over the past week and a half Mr. Oswalt and I have gotten closer. In fact, one could say we’re dating.”

  “Well, that’s not a problem now. You can see each other. Effective immediately we have taken that out of the Associate Handbook.”

  “I get that Mr. Harowitz, but my mind has changed. Things that seemed to once be important; they no longer are.”

  “So, what are you saying?”

  “I quit!” When she said the words she finally felt some relief. “I gave my all to this company and it’s going to be bittersweet to see it go, but I know what I have to do.”

  “Are you sure you mean what you’re saying?”

  “Mr. Harowitz; I have never been more sure than I am right now. I appreciate you calling me, but it doesn’t change the fact that I need to pursue other opportunities.”

  “There’s nothing I can do to change your mind?”

  “Nope; this is for the best. Goodbye Mr. Harowitz.” She hung up the phone and a sigh of relief escaped her. She did exactly what she knew she had to do. When Matt got back to her place, she would explain to him that she wasn’t worried about finding another job. She hoped he understood, because she didn’t regret it at all.

  ___________________

  Tiffany paced back and forth, waiting anxiously for Matt to return. She thought about calling him, but she wasn’t sure how she could explain it on the phone. When his car pulled into the driveway two hours later, she quickly opened the door. “Hey;” he replied with an awkward smile as he got closer to her. He leaned down and kissed her and then laid his bag down. “So, did you get the call?”

  She nodded, and then bit her lower lip. She suddenly grew nervous about job hunting again and about how Matt would take the news. “Yes; Mr. Harowitz called me. He said that Sabrina was going to call you.”

  “She did.” He looked away and Tiffany noticed a darkness cross his face. “There’s something that I feel you should know.”

  “I have something to tell you too.”

  “Let me go first.” He turned away and took a seat; Tiffany felt a knot in the pit of her stomach as she joined him. “When you hired me, I was relieved. I honestly believed that I would end up working there until the day I retired. It wasn’t so much because I loved the job; don’t get me wrong I did, but it was more so because of you. I got to see your smiling face every day and that’s all that mattered.” She felt herself blushing as she reached for his hand. “However, when talking to Sabrina I realized one thing. I’m going to see your smiling face, whether I’m there or somewhere else. It doesn’t matter the job, because we belong together.”

  Tiffany nodded and reached over and placed a kiss on his lips. “I agree;” she whispered.

  “I’m glad to hear that, because when she was talking to me and telling me how sorry she was that they didn’t listen, I was furious. It was not right what they did to us and I couldn’t see going back to that place.”

  “What are you saying?” Slowly she smiled; she knew what he was trying to tell her.

  “Tiffany, I quit. I know that that’s going to put you into a tough situation. I could stay for you and help you until you can hire someone else, but…”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “I feel bad.”

  “You’re not listening to me. Matt, I quit too.”

  “What?” His mouth dropped opened and she touched it with her hand, tracing it until it slowly fell into a smile. “Did you really?”

  “I was angered and I let my emotions get the best of me. I felt that I had no choice. So, we’re both unemployed.”

/>   He laughed as he stood up from the couch and pulled her into his arms. “I have never been happier about that statement.”

  “Me neither.” She caressed his face and pulled him closer. His smile was unwavering and she knew that it was going to be fine.

  “What do you want to do to celebrate?” He asked softly.

  “I could think of a few things.”

  He nodded and picked her up into his arms. He carried her to her room and slowly lowered her to the bed. “I love you Tiffany and I’m going to prove that to you, every chance I get.” Their lips connected and a sigh escaped her lips. If she could spend every night with Matt, she would. They were made for each other and she was happy that she finally saw that.

  Epilogue

  Three Months Later

  Matt nervously waited for Tiffany to get out of the car. He didn’t know how she would feel about his question he needed to ask her. He just prayed that she didn’t get disgusted over it or worse laugh in his face. “I’m so excited.” She kissed him as she got out of the car and then looked at the Bed and Breakfast. She didn’t question why he wanted to bring her there, but she didn’t care. She was excited to see Cassie and Seth again; then have some romance on the side. It was there 3 month anniversary and each month Matt tried to do something special for her, he just hoped this wasn’t biting off too much.

  They went to the door and he opened the door for her. Upon entering the foyer he didn’t see anyone around. “Hello?”

  Within just a few seconds Cassie came rushing around the corner. “Tiffany.” She hurried to her side and they hugged. Matt knew that she wouldn’t at least be upset about where he took her. “Tiffany, you look great.” Cassie pulled away and then hugged Matt. “It’s good to see you both.”

  “Where is everyone?” Tiffany asked and then smiled at Matt and whispered thank you!

  “They’re out back. Scarlett and Thomas are here; do you remember them?”

  “Yeah; we saw them at the wedding. What are they doing in Dallas?”

  “Well Thomas and Scarlett’s 11 year anniversary is next week and we promised them that we would watch the kids.”

  Tiffany’s eyes got big. “Seriously? Don’t they have five?”

  Cassie laughed. “Yep, but their parents aren’t getting any younger and they worried that it would be too much on them, so we agreed to take them for the whole week. It worked because they are on summer vacation. I was able to take a couple of days off and Seth will have to manage a few without me. It’s okay, because I figure this will prepare him for when we have our little one.”

  Tiffany’s eyes fell to Cassie’s stomach and Cassie laughed. “Are you pregnant?”

  “Not yet, but we hope to have different news by the end of the year.”

  Matt grinned. “Well; if five kids don’t prepare you, I don’t know what will.”

  “It will either prepare us or deter us; either way it will be fun. Anyway, let’s get out back before they send out a search party.”

  Matt grabbed Tiffany’s hand and they headed out back. Seth looked up and waved. “Hey you guys. I’m glad you could come.”

  “Hi Tiffany…Matt, it’s good to see you both again.” Cassie’s friend Scarlett was saying.

  Matt looked at Tiffany; he had never seen her more beautiful than she was standing with the gentle breeze blowing her hair. “What?” She asked; nervousness was evident in her voice.

  “I was just thinking that you look so beautiful today.” He leaned down and kissed her.”

  “Aww…” Cassie broke the silence and Tiffany and Matt started giggling. “I am so happy for you guys. You both look so…so…”

  “In love?’ Tiffany finished as she reached for Matt’s hand.

  “Yes; that about sums it up. Here; have a seat. We have a lot to catch up on.” Matt held back as Tiffany took a seat.

  “Hey Matt; can I show you something?” Seth excused himself from the table and they headed back towards the Bed and Breakfast. “Everything is ready man; all you have to do is pop the question. Are you ready?”

  Matt turned and looked at Tiffany who was laughing with Cassie, Scarlett, and Thomas. The kids had all scattered around the table and playing a game of, what appeared to be tag. “I have never been more ready for anything in my life. I just hope I don’t screw it up.”

  “I’m sure you will do fine. The picture you sent us is in the room and she won’t know what hit her. I wish you luck.” He walked away and Matt stared after him; he didn’t need luck, he knew exactly what he was doing. As long as he didn’t get tongue tied; he would be just fine.

  ___________________

  “I am stuffed.” Tiffany replied with a groan as she leaned back in her chair. Matt was full of surprises, first bringing her to Dallas as a surprise, then taking her to the fancy restaurant, and she was getting the feeling he had another one up his sleeve. He seemed nervous and she couldn’t quite figure out why.

  “Are you ready to get out of here?”

  She nodded. “I’m just glad that we walked; it gives me a chance to burn off some calories.”

  He laughed. “I’m always thinking.” He laid down a tip and grabbed her hand. “Let’s go. I have one more thing I need to do.”

  She smiled to herself; she knew it, but she was just glad she didn’t blow it by telling him she knew something was up. “Where do we have to go?”

  “It’s at the Bed and Breakfast.” She glanced at him and tried to figure out what it was, but she had no ideas. So, she just went with it; knowing in less than 15 minutes she would have her answer.

  “It’s a beautiful night tonight.” Tiffany looked up into the moon. She had spent many nights praying to the man in the moon, but she never knew what she was praying for; that was until she realized she was longing for the love that she shared with Matt.

  “It’s gorgeous. God really helped us out; didn’t he?”

  “Yes; he did.” She felt Matt’s hand shaking and so she cupped her other hand around it and smiled at him. “I suppose I’m a little nervous. I was afraid you wouldn’t like your anniversary surprises.”

  “Matt, that’s ridiculous. You couldn’t have done better if I would have chosen them personally.”

  He leaned down and kissed her as they continued to walk to the Bed and Breakfast. “Everything I have done, thus far, is to show you how much you mean to me.”

  “Just being here shows me that.” She laughed. “I am glad we came here though.”

  “I am too. I wanted to come back to the first place I fell in love with you.”

  She looked up at the house as they arrived and then turned to him. “You were so persistent, but I was so rude.”

  “You weren’t rude; you just thought you knew what you wanted. I had to prove you otherwise, and I’m glad I did.”

  They continued to walk, until they got into the foyer and they stopped. Cassie was rushing down the stairs and Tiffany stared at her. “What’s going on?”

  “Frankie wants a glass of water and it’s time for baby Judy to get her bottle.” Tiffany laughed. “Motherhood is nonstop.”

  “You’re doing a wonderful job.” Tiffany replied with a chuckle. “Keep up the good work.” Cassie hurried off; Matt and Tiffany headed up the stairs. “She has her hands full.”

  “Yes she does; she’s not used to taking care of one child, let alone 5 all under the age of 11.”

  Tiffany knew that was for sure. They stopped outside of the room and he looked into her eyes. “Are we going to go in?” She smiled to show she was teasing.

  “Everyday we’re together I realize that I was never really livng. I might have been breathing, but that was as far as it went. When we started to get to know each other I prayed to God every night to make sure you fell in love with me. When it happened, I realized that my life was finally complete.”

  “Matt, you do complete me. I am so in love with you that sometimes…it scares me.”

  “Why does it scare you?” She shrugged; “I’ve never needed
someone so much and now…I find that I do.”

  He caressed her face with his hands and pulled her closer to him. She tugged his lip with her teeth and he groaned. “You are my life Tiffany.” His breath brushed across her face and she opened the door. When she got inside she stopped and stared ahead of her. There were flowers all over the room and a picture sitting in the middle of the bed. She grabbed the picture and stared at it. “So, what do you think?”

  “I…I…don’t understand.” She stood staring at a picture of a house; it was a nice house, but she had never seen it before.

  “I was wondering what you would think about living there.”

  Her eyes got big and she started to laugh nervously. “Have you forgotten; neither one of us has a job?”

  “No; I haven’t forgotten. It turns out my dad bought this house right before he got in the accident. He wasn’t only a drinker; he was a gambler. The only difference was he was a pretty good poker player and so it’s free and clear.”

  “Wow; that’s amazing. So, it’s in Wyoming?”

  “It is; what do you think about that?”

  Tiffany looked down at the picture and smiled. “You want to live together?”

  When she turned back to him, she saw him on her knees. With excitement she waited for him to speak. “Tiffany I love you; you know that. I can’t imagine not marrying you. I know that we have technically known each other for about 5 months, but that doesn’t matter to me. When I think of moving to Wyoming and sharing a life with you it makes me smile. We can find a job anywhere; we don’t have to stay in New York; if you don’t want to.”

  “Matt, I have hoped for you to ask me to marry you. So, yes; with all of my heart I will be your wife. I want to go to Wyoming, because that’s where I truly saw you.”

  He pulled the ring from its box and her hands shook as he placed it on her finger. He then stood up and she threw her arms around him and they hugged. “I am so happy right now.”

  She pulled away and they kissed with a longing, and a hunger. She was going to marry her best friend and they were going move to one of the most beautiful places she had ever been. It was all because of her old job and she knew that one day she would have to thank them. She strongly believed that everything happened for a reason and that reason was for her to marry Matt. She was ready to begin the next chapter in her life.