by Alex Dafney
“You’ve all been to enough of these to know the plan. Eat, drink, be merry, mingle, connect, and make plans for the next big hit.” He gives a slight bow as everyone claps softly before making his way off the stage. Just as he steps off the stage a plate is set in front of me. My stomach grumbles as I smell the food before me. It’s been ages since I’ve eaten anything today.
Without hesitating I pick up the steak knife and fork next to the plate, cutting into my petite filet. I shove a bite of the medium rare steak into my mouth, closing my eyes and moaning as I savor the flavor. I open my eyes to find Jase watching me with a smirk on his face. “What?” I ask as I cut another piece of meat. He takes a bite of steak from his fork, watching me as he chews with a slight smile on his lips.
“You’re just too damned cute when you eat. You always appreciate each and every bite.” I roll my eyes exaggeratedly as I place the fork in my mouth, taking another bite of the expertly cooked steak. “It’s probably because she’s never eaten a decent meal on a worker’s salary.” I nearly choke on my steak at the quiet insult that comes from behind me from none other than Vivian, the bitch from hell.
I close my eyes, focusing on finishing chewing and not making a scene. I don’t know why this woman is hell bent on testing the southern in me, but damn if she ain’t. “That, Vivian, is the straw that broke the metaphorical camel’s back. You’re both done here.” I open my eyes to find Jase’s hard gaze trained over my shoulder.
“Oh, Jason, you know I didn’t mean anything by that. It was merely a joke.” She gives a forced chuckle, as I keep my back to them, my eyes on Jase’s. He narrows his eyes, his eyebrows pinched together. “Larry, I suggest you and your wife call it an early evening.” His voice is low and menacing, holding a threatening tone. I hear the chair scrape behind me, still not looking to see what’s happening.
“Of course, Jason. It was great seeing you and your, uh, date for the evening.” I hear another chair scrape against the tile floor, then the sounds of clicking heels fading away. I watch Jase’s eyes follow them for a few seconds before his eyes connect with mine. He gives me an apologetic smile. “They’re gone. I’m so sorry she-.” I cut him off before he can apologize for something out of his control by waving my hand and cutting another bite of steak. “Blake is going to be so angry with me.”
He looks at me quizzically as I place the piece of meat in my mouth. “Why is Blake going to be mad?” I give him a smirk as I finish chewing, shrugging one bare shoulder. “Whenever he cooks me a steak he asks if it’s the best steak I’ve ever had. Up until now I’ve always gave him positive reviews.” He lets out a throaty chuckle before sliding a bite of steak in his own mouth. I smile over at him as we continue to eat, thankful that I’ve steered the evening away from unnecessary talking of drama.
As soon as we finish with dinner the wait staff takes our plates. Jase clears his throat as he pushes his chair back, standing from the table. Placing his hands on the back of my chair he slides my chair out, and I follow his lead, standing from my seat and looking up to him expectantly. He places his hand on my shoulder, slowly gliding his hand along my bare arm until he reaches my hand, lacing his fingers with mine.
He leans forward, his lips brushing my cheek before settling just at my ear. “Now comes the fun part.” He whispers, sending a shiver down my spine and goosebumps across my skin. He gives my hand a gentle squeeze as he pulls back, standing straight and rolling his broad shoulders back. I force myself to give him a bright smile, although all I want to do is jump him at this moment.
He grips my hand firmly, pulling me to his side as he begins to lead us through the crowds of people. “Jason!” I turn my head toward the man calling out his name. Jase stops, and his grip on my hand tightens causing me to look up at him. He wears a smile, but it’s not a smile that I’ve come to know and love. It’s forced and tight, his expression so unlike the man I know. He extends his free hand toward the man who has joined us. “Milton, it’s good to see you.”
They shake hands tensely. Jase doesn’t let go of my hand during the exchange, merely clings to my hand as a lifeline. “I thought you left the biz. Everyone says so. No one has seen you in months.” He gives Jase an arrogant smile as he folds his arms over his chest. I take Milton in for what he is. At first glance he seems like the bully of the class. The tone of his voice and the way he looks at Jase with his smug smile makes me want to slap his face off his head, instead I choose a different tactic.
I put on my sweetest smile, tilting my head to the side slightly and removing my hand from Jase’s and offering it in a dainty manor. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Abbi.” He takes my hand, leaning forward to place a kiss on the back of my hand as I inwardly cringe. “We have not. I’m Milton Hughes.” He releases my hand just as a tall, dark haired woman in a purple gown steps to his side. Her eyes traveling between Jase and me.
I feel Jase’s hand tense on my lower back, her eyes widen slightly as she takes in the exchange. She holds her hand out to me daintily. “I’m Natalia. I’m sure you’ve heard of me.” I take her hand in my own, giving her an actual handshake as I keep the sickeningly sweet smile plastered on my face. “I’m sorry, I can’t say that I have, but I’m Abbi.” The corner of her mouth twitches as she keeps the fake smile planted firmly. “It’s nice to meet you.”
I nod in agreement, even though I don’t agree, and by the tone of her voice neither does she. “Jason! Milton! I see my dream team is getting back together.” A man I’d guess to be around sixty joins our tense circle, slapping his hand on Jase’s shoulder. Jase keeps his hand placed on my lower back, seemingly comfortable with the newest man’s presence.
“We won’t be bringing the dream team back, Mr. Fletcher. Ever.” Jase gives him a bright smile before gesturing his hand to me. “I’d like you to meet Abbi Knowles.” He offers me his hand, taking mine lightly in his own and bringing it upwards to place a kiss on the back of my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Fletcher.” He tilts his head slightly, narrowing his eyes with a half grin. “You don’t sound like you’re from our glorious part of the world.”
I shake my head, giving a small chuckle. “No, I am not. I’m just in town visiting with Jase. I’m actually from Alabama.” Natalia lets out an annoyingly shrill laugh. “I’m sure all of this is so much different from your simpleton life.” I turn my gaze to her, raising an eyebrow and giving her a less that friendly smile. “Well, I don’t normally spend my Thursday evenings get dressed as if I’m going to prom again, but we did at least have the good graces of getting cable and internet a few years back.”
The three men in the group laugh at my sarcastic joke as she and I stare daggers at each other. “The south is no different than here, Natalia. Except all the woman there can cook and have no need for personal chefs.” Mr. Fletcher says, gaining him the dagger stare instead of myself. She opens her mouth just as Milton grips her forearm. “Would you mind getting us another drink while we men discuss business?” He raises a warning eyebrow as she gives him a scowl before letting out a sigh. “Of course. What are you two drinking?”
She glances between Jase and I, settling on him with a seductive smile. “No thanks. Abbi and I are just making the rounds.” He offers his hand to Mr. Fletcher who waves his hand away. “Nonsense! Have a drink with me and listen to my newest pitch. I think the dream team would be prefect for the job.” I watch as the muscle in Jase’s jaw ticks with frustration. “Like I’ve told you many times, Milton and I no longer work together.”
“Not on my account. I’d have no problem getting the team back together.” I look over to Milton, noticing the arrogant smile on his face. “You should hold your breath until that happens.” Jase’s voice is low and threatening. “Now, now. Let’s have a seat and talk about our next big hit.” Mr. Fletcher looks over to me, a warm smile on his face. “Would you mind grabbing Jase and I a drink while I try to convince him to take my job offer?”
I give him a nod, turning to Jase and placing my h
and on his arm as I look up at him. “I’ll be right back with those drinks.” He raises an eyebrow at me, giving me a warning look, but I simply press up on the toes of my high stilettos, placing a soft kiss to his cheek as he wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me to him. “Hurry back.” He says lowly so only I can hear him.
I turn toward the bar at the far side of the room, stepping around people who are casually talking and seem to be having a good evening. “I’ll join you.” I glance over as Natalia falls in step with me. “So, how long have you known Jason?” She tries for casual, but her voice drips with jealousy. The last thing I want to do is carry on a conversation with his ex girlfriend. “A while.” I try for short and clipped, hoping she’ll take the hint.
I step up to the bar, ordering the drinks and waiting silently. She steps in front of me, glaring down at me. She’s as tall as Jase in her high heels. “You should just go back were you came from. Jason is mine and I’ll be damned if I let anyone come between us.” Her voice is low. I give a low chuckle, rolling my eyes and looking over toward the bar. “I believe he’s here with me tonight, not you.”
She inches closer, lowering her face toward me while giving me a condescending smirk. “I’m giving you tonight to back the hell off. Jason belongs to me and I’m not very good at sharing.” I take a step back, equaling her glare. “You didn’t seem to have a problem sharing his bed with another man.” Her smirk falters slightly. “I see Jase has been speaking of me.” I let out a brittle, humorless laugh. “Don’t flatter yourself, sweetheart. He merely mentioned your infidelity.”
She narrows her eyes at me, her lips thinning into a straight line. “Enjoy your time with him. He knows as well as I do that he needs me.” She waves her hand around, gesturing out into the large room. “Unlike you, I know my way around this world. You’ll never be able to be the partner he needs in this business.” The bartender places the drinks I ordered in front of me at precisely the right moment. Another second of this pissing contest and I’m liable to show this girl exactly what I think of her.
I give her a glance over my shoulder after spinning away from the bar, drinks in hand. “I won’t say it was a pleasure to meet you. Let’s be honest, neither of us is particularly fond of the other, but just know that Jase isn’t yours.” I narrow my eyes at her, giving her the best resting bitch face I can muster. “And this little showdown of yours.” I gesture my hand between us, holding the champagne glasses. “This is your one and only get of jail free card. I don’t take kindly to idle threats and I sure as hell won’t be intimidated by a woman in a laffy taffy purple dress.”
I spin back so I’m facing her full on, stepping into her personal space as I look up at her. “You’re the one who needs to back the hell up. You had your chance with Jase, and you fucked it up. Stay away from him or you’ll be dealing with me.” I give her an arrogant smile as I step back. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to be getting back to my date.” She rolls her dark eyes as I spin away from her, making my way through the large room to where I left Jase.
His eyes meet mine from his seated position, standing quickly to meet me to take the drinks from my hands. “I was about to send a search party out.” I roll my eyes playfully as he pulls a chair out for me next to Mr. Fletcher. “Where is Milton?” I let out a sigh at Natalia’s voice coming from behind me. “Not here.” Jase says tensely, gripping the back of the chair in front of him. She lets out an aggravated sigh. “You’re acting like a petulant child, Jason! You could easily land this contract with both of you, but you refuse to let go of the past!”
She steps toward him, her hand outstretched with a seductive smile. “Let it go, Jason. You and I were great together.” I step between them, looking up at her with a scowl. She looks down at me, dropping her hand back to her side. “You have three seconds to walk away before I pull my crazy off the back burner and give you a good southern ass kicking all over this room.” Her eyes widen as she takes several steps backward, placing her hand to her chest.
She glances up to Jase who stands behind me, his hand firmly gripped on my elbow. “You’re going to let this, this, this crazy woman talk to me like that?” I keep my eyes trained on her, seriously contemplating making good on my threat. “You heard her. If I were you, I’d turn around and find somewhere else to be.” She huffs loudly before spinning on her heels and stomping off like the petulant child she just accused Jase of being.
I turn back to him, instantly feeling bad for causing a scene at his work function. I drop my gaze to the floor between us, gripping the clutch in my hand tightly as I shake my head slowly. “I’m so sorry, Jase. I shouldn’t have caused a scene like that.” He reaches between us, lifting my chin with a single finger. His eyes are warm, and he wears a slight smirk. “Don’t be sorry. I saw the exchange at the bar, and I don’t even want to know what she said to you. I can almost guarantee she had it coming.”
I let out a deflating sigh, relief flooding me that he’s not angry with me. “Are you two going to sit down anytime soon? I need to iron out the details so I can get home.” I glance over to Mr. Fletcher who wears the same kind smile as before. I take a seat in the chair Jase pulled out earlier as he slides it forward, gripping the champagne flute in my hand and zoning out as the two men speak business.
After another two hours of shaking hands and meeting a ton of people whose names I can’t remember I find myself standing next to Jase waiting for our car to pull up to the curb. He gives me a smirk as he looks down at me. “I’m so glad that’s over.” I nod in agreement. I don’t think I could handle one more minute of hanging onto his arm, smiling like an idiot while he talks to his colleagues.
The limo pulls up to the curb, Jase dropping my arm and stepping forward to open the door for me. I duck my head, stepping inside and sliding along the leather seat to give him room to get in. He closes the door behind him and the car lurches forward. I tilt my head back, resting it on the seat as I close my eyes. The long day suddenly catching up to me. “I’m exhausted.”
He gives a slight chuckle as he slides his arm behind me, my head rolling to his shoulder. “Me too. I’m sorry you had to go with me tonight. I definitely had a different plan, but Max insisted I go tonight.” I give a small shrug as a yawn escapes me. “It’s fine. Your friends are-“ He interrupts me quickly. “Fellow businessmen and woman in the industry. Not friends.”
I tilt my head so I can look at him. His strong jaw line flexing with annoyance. He tilts his head slightly, looking down at me, our eyes locking as we breathe the same air. I pull one side of my mouth into a grin, raising an eyebrow at him. “Good. Because I was going to say they’re assholes.” He tilts his head back on the seat, a good hearted laugh coming from him.
“Well, except Mr. Fletcher. He seems like a decent guy.” He nods his head in agreement. “Fletch is great. He and Max are the only two I really enjoy working with anymore. Everyone else is all about the almighty dollar and how fast we can get there.” He lets out a heavy sigh, tilting his head back to rest on the seat. “Twenty more minutes and I’ll be home for the first time in weeks.” I rest my head on his shoulder.
“There’s no place like home, right?” He gives a shrug, causing me to slide further into his side. “I like my place fine, but it’s not really a home. More like somewhere I crash in between work.” A frown draws the corner of my lips down. I love my house. Each and every item I hand picked to make it a perfect haven for myself. We fall into a comfortable silence, me pressed firmly against his side as the bumps of the road lull me to almost asleep.
The car comes to a sudden stop, Jase pulling his arm from around me. He pushes the door open, stepping out and offering me his hand. I pull myself out of the car with his help, tilting my head back to stare up at the high rise building before us. He laces his fingers with mine, pulling me along beside him toward the entrance. We walk straight for the elevator, stepping inside he drops my hand, pressing a button as I lean back against the wall.
Within seconds the door is
opening to a foyer area. Jase steps out ahead of me, digging in his pocket as he stands before the door. The elevator doors close behind us as he inserts his key in the lock. I watch as he places his hand on a screen next to the door, the lights flashing green as the door slowly swings open. “Did you just scan your hand?”
He glances at me over his shoulder as he places a hand on the door, gesturing for me to step inside. Once we’re both in another foyer area he swings the door closed behind him, tossing his keys to a side table. “Yeah. It’s one of the reasons I bought this place. The security is top notch.” He shrugs his jacket off as he walks ahead of me, flipping light switches as he goes. I follow behind, gripping my clutch in both hands as I take in his magnificent home.
He stops in the kitchen, turning to me with a small smile. “Do you want a drink?” I shake my head quickly, a yawn emerging that I try to cover with my hand. He lets out a chuckle as he walks toward me, throwing his arm around my shoulders and leading me out of the room. “The bedrooms are this way.” We walk down a long hallway stopping at the last door on the left. He drops his arm from around my shoulders, pushing the door open and flipping the light on.
My eyes widen as I step in the room. “This is the guest room. The bathroom is there, and I had the driver drop your suitcase off earlier. I haven’t had a chance to have a TV installed, but other than that you should find everything you need.” I spot my suitcase sitting on a bench at the end of the king-sized bed. The room is easily three times the size of my bedroom at home. I turn back to Jase, giving him a small smile. “This is perfect. Thank you.” He hesitates for a few seconds before hitching his thumb over his shoulder. “I’m right across the hall if you need anything.”
I nod as he steps out of the room, closing the door behind him. I let out a nervous sigh before stepping over to my suitcase and flipping the top open. I dig through the unnecessary lingerie that I packed, settling on a pair of shorts and a tank top to sleep in. Stepping into the en-suite bathroom my eyes widen. The bathroom is easily the size of my living room and no details have been missed. There’s a large, glass shower in the room next to a huge claw foot bathtub.