by tani shane
“It’s still unofficial.”
Jeff caught her by her shoulders in a firm grip. “He’s not right for you, Jessi. You know that, don’t you?”
“Don’t be silly! Why would I agree to marry him if I thought he wasn’t right for me?”
His grip suddenly tightened in anger. “Because you want to get your hands on your inheritance, little Miss Cantrell. You don’t really love him! You just want to gain access to the inheritance and use it to repay your debts!”
A guilty flush dotted her cheeks but she lied baldly. “I happen to love Adam and that’s the only reason I’m marrying him.” She saw his disdainful look and tried to reason with him. “Look, aren’t you always saying I should get married and start a family? Well, that’s what I’m doing. So all right, my decision happens to coincide with my immediate monetary need but that can’t possibly hurt anyone.”
His hands suddenly released her as though he was disgusted with her. “Jessi, I would like to believe I know you better than most people. I’ve practically brought you up and trust me when I tell you that I’d know if you were in love.” His perceptive eyes sought to burn into her soul. “Right now my girl, you are in need, not in love. Dad would’ve been disappointed in you, angel. You know that.”
His near accurate accusation hurt but she chose not to show it. It was true that she was not completely sure of her decision to marry Adam but it was also true that she loved him and wanted to marry him eventually. She squared her shoulders resolutely. She wasn’t about to let him make her feel unnecessarily guilty. “Dad made a very impractical stipulation in his will, Jeff. He gave me half the shares of ‘The Residency’ but I can access them only when I get married. Does that sound fair? It only tells me he didn’t trust me to take my own decisions!”
“He made his will when you were ten and unfortunately he died when you had just turned twelve. He didn’t get the chance to change it. Besides, he was justified in his decision. He didn’t know what you would turn out to be.”
She glared at him angrily, her rising temper reflecting in her flushed cheeks. “Well, I turned out all right, didn’t I? I could easily have got married when I was still in my teens and blown off all my precious inheritance!”
“You didn’t need to, Jessi. You get enough from ‘The Residency’ as your annual allowance.”
“That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have done it if I had wanted to,” she threw back, running agitated hands through her thick hair. “Jeff, the whole point is that I’m not a child anymore! I am more than capable of taking my own decisions.”
Her brother watched her dubiously. Although there were ten years between them, they shared a strong bond that had not snapped over the years; strained perhaps but certainly not snapped.
He had been only twenty-two when their parents were killed in an air crash but he had not let his sister feel orphaned. He had brought her up the best he could, fussing and fretting over her like a parent as she grew up into a beautiful woman. His only regret was that as President of ‘The Cantrell Residency’, he had to be away quite often and couldn’t always be there for her.
It was no casual matter running ‘The Residency’. He had been lucky that his father had the right people working for him and their support allowed him to get his degree in Business Management. ‘The Residency’ and then college took up a lot of his time but he somehow managed to be home for most holidays. It bothered him to think of Jessica all alone at home and although she sometimes accompanied him on his trips abroad, it was not always possible.
Then he met Cheryl at a convention in Geneva when Jessica was still in high school and married her after a yearlong courtship. He was aware Jessica felt alienated from him after his marriage and try as he did; he failed to convince her otherwise.
While still in her first year of college, she suddenly announced her decision to leave for Paris to get a degree in Fashion Designing. When he tried to reason with her, she brushed him off brusquely pointing out that it was her life and she could do whatever she chose with it. He noted she had almost completely withdrawn from him and wondered if it had anything to do with Mark’s sudden departure. He knew she was smitten with Mark and had wanted to delicately stir her away from him but before that Mark had called to announce he was leaving. A month later, Jessica was gone.
Those four years were the longest in his life and he missed her terribly. But Cheryl gave him a beautiful daughter and a son a few years later that kept him reasonably occupied. Yet he did not ignore Jessica. He visited her frequently and watched with pride as she blossomed into a beautiful, stylish woman. She returned home after her graduation but dropped the bomb on him with her decision to open up her garment boutique in L.A. instead of their home city of Miami. He once again bowed down to her decision and she soon lost herself into her busy new life.
Jessica made ‘Jess-C Creations’ her sole purpose in life, striving hard to make it a success. She started off on a small investment that was almost entirely funded from her ample savings. She rented a small apartment in Santa Monica close to her boutique and visited Cheryl and the kids occasionally. Jeff sometimes felt as if she deliberately downplayed her heiress tag and was determined to claim her independence.
As a result, he never interfered with her work. It was only when she had called him a couple of days ago that he had cancelled all his appointments and come running to help her businesswise. She had wanted a loan from him that would enable her to complete her pending orders but he had refused on impulse wanting to understand her situation firsthand. It was not that he didn’t want to help her but he had plans to divert her under the care of someone he trusted. His natural over-protectiveness led him to believe that she needed looking after. But of course, he wasn’t about to let her know that.
Now as he watched the stubborn tilt of her chin, he suddenly saw her as the lonely woman that she really was. His heart reached out to her with all its affection and he drew her in a warm embrace. “Jessi, my angel, I’m here for you. Don’t worry about your debts; I’ll clear them for you. You can pay me back later.”
She drew away a little to look at his earnest face. She knew he could easily clear off her worries with one signature on a crisp check but she didn’t want him to do that. She had started and maintained ‘Jess-C Creations’ on her own so far and she wanted it to remain that way. Although her plans to fall back on her inheritance wasn’t exactly a display of her independence but at least it was something that belonged to her. Even the small loan she had asked of Jeff was a half-hearted decision. She didn’t have a choice in that matter. Her bank balance was dipping towards inexistence and she had some pending orders that were urgent.
Her head shook wistfully. “No, I can’t accept your help. I wanted a small loan from you to get me going until I got married. I don’t want you to worry about my debts. I can repay them through my shares with ‘The Residency’.”
He frowned slightly, a contemplative look on his face. He knew she meant every word she said and he could do nothing to change her mind. But he still had an ace up his sleeve.
“Look, it might sound very simple to do so but it isn’t really. You’re going to have to convince the board of directors and then go about a whole set of regulations before you can actually take such an important decision. You can’t expect to do it overnight, Jessi and certainly not without tough opposition.” He watched the dejected, uncertain look on her face and knew his words had found their mark. “I respect your decision, angel, but will you listen to one last advice?” She nodded absently and he continued. “Have you thought of going into partnership with someone?”
Her delicate brows rose slightly. “Partnership?”
“Partnership. Why don’t you join hands with someone who could bail you out of this mess? Someone who could even keep your ‘ghost who walks’ at bay.”
Her large eyes stared at him in bewilderment. “What are you talking about?”
“Think, Jessi, think. You said that the fire in your company could be del
iberate. What if this unseen enemy of yours strikes again even after you repay your debts and get going again? What will you do then?”
Several thoughts began crossing her mind, slowly making some sense. “Can you explain some more?”
She missed the triumphant look on her brother’s face. “Jessi, it’s quite simple really. What you need is a partner who is stable and big enough to keep your competitors at bay.”
She bit her lower lip, thinking deeply. Her eyes suddenly flew to his face, comprehension dawning in them. “You know just such a partner for me, don’t you?” She watched his slow smile and felt a rush of eagerness wash over her. “Who is it?”
“You’ve heard about them I’m sure; ‘Hart Inc.’ Remember, you told me they had approached you when you had just started off?”
Jessica felt some of her excitement leave her. “Yes and I turned them down. They just wanted my designs not my identity.”
“Maybe they need it now. I’ve heard rumors that they want to expand into the world of fashion merchandise. In fact, they’re negotiating with a couple of designer wear companies even as we speak now.”
She frowned, uncertain of his suggestion. “But why does ‘Hart Inc.’ need to venture into a partnership? They’re big enough to start their own fashion company if they want to.”
“Yes but what they can’t afford is a probable failure. Establishing a name for yourself isn’t easy, as you know for sure. They now realize that they need a popular name so that they are ensured a fair and quick return on their investment. I know Steve; he doesn’t like to take unnecessary risks. Challenges sure, but not meaningless ventures.”
“Steven Hart,” Jessica breathed the name softly, “You were at college together weren’t you?”
“Yes and he’s still a good friend.”
Jessica raised a surprised brow. “I didn’t know you two were close.”
Jeff shrugged nonchalantly. “We talk once in a while.” His deep eyes held hers softly. “I guess you and I are further apart than we thought.”
She felt a little hurt by his observation but knew they had stopped telling each other about the happenings in their lives in general. After all, Jeff had Cheryl and she had…no one. She shrugged the gloomy feeling from her heart and faced him with a bright smile. “No harm looking into it, I guess. But tell me, how are Cheryl and the kids?”
An affectionate smile immediately broke on his handsome face. “They’re fine and send you their love. This reminds me, I have a surprise for you.”
“What’s that?”
“Cheryl decided to finally shift out West. That way she can be closer to her mom. She’s moving to Beverly Hills with the kids.”
Jessica’s smile turned to a surprised grin. “That is a surprise! When are they coming? And what about you?”
“They’ll be here in a couple of weeks. They’ll be moving into the house I bought last autumn. As for me, it’ll be a while before I can wind up at Miami. Six months tops.” He stooped and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I hope I can finally see more of you, angel.”
She nodded, a sudden happy feeling surrounding her. Over the years despite having her friends around, she had really missed her brother’s presence. She was very fond of her niece and nephew and got along passably well with Cheryl. It would definitely be good to have them around. “It’s almost lunch time, care for a bite?”
“Nah, I have a flight to catch. I made this unscheduled stop because you bawled over the phone and scared the daylights out of me.” Jeff gave her one last hug before moving towards the door. “You take care okay? And will you give ‘Hart Inc.’ a shot?”
“Yes. When do I see you again?”
“In a couple of weeks hopefully. I’m off to Europe next week. I’ll probably be there for a while.” As if he couldn’t resist one last jibe, he added, “Don’t tell me about you and Adam over the phone all right? I want to be around to knock some sense into your head when you decide on that guy.”
She stuck her tongue out at his laughing face. “I have already decided, Jefferson James Cantrell, he’s as good as your brother-in-law.” She smiled hearing his laughter all the way down the boutique. She stood at her window and blew him a kiss when he turned to wave at her one last time.
With Jeff gone, Jessica felt her somber mood returning. She ran her fingers through her unruly hair that reached mid way down her back and drew in a deep breath. “Oh, no, Jessica Cantrell! You will not lapse back into melancholy. You have work to do!”
A silent prayer left her lips. Jeff might be an overbearing big brother but this time his words of advice had come as a blessing from above. Going into a partnership meant she didn’t have to marry Adam right away. It would give them more time to take explore their relationship before taking the plunge. It would especially keep her from feeling guilty about using Adam for ‘Jess-C Creations’.
She buzzed for her secretary on the intercom. When Ruth appeared she gave her quick orders. “Ruth, please call up ‘Hart Inc’ and get me an appointment with Steven Hart. Get them to squeeze me in as soon as possible, will you? It’s an emergency.”
“What do I say if they ask what it’s all about?”
Jessica smiled mysteriously. “Tell them ‘Jess-C Creations’ has a business proposal for them.”
Ruth’s eyes widened at first then comprehension dawned upon her. She almost leapt out of the cabin and ten minutes later, the intercom on Jessica’s table buzzed. “Yes, Ruth?”
“Tomorrow, ten o’clock on the dot at their South Gate regional offices. I’ll text you the address,” Ruth announced triumphantly.
A quiver of excitement ran down Jessica’s spine. “Good going, Ruth, I will not ask how you managed that miracle! Now do me another favor. Get me our sales and growth records from year one. You might have to sit back late tonight, is that okay with you?”
“Of course,” Ruth answered loyally.
“All right, then, get on it. And ask Lynn to come up here, will you?”
By late evening, having discussed her plans with Lynn, she tucked a precious folder under her arm and headed home.
Tomorrow was an important day for ‘Jess-C Creations’ and she hoped to be well prepared to meet all the queries put across to her. It wasn’t easy to convince one of the shrewdest businessmen in the country that you and your company were worth a great deal. But she had to take up the challenge. This could be very well her last hope of salvation and she intended to make Steven Hart her savior.
Chapter Two
A strange sensation crept through the realms of Jessica’s subconscious mind and she awoke with a start. Her eyes flew open as her mouth was claimed in a deep kiss. She wrenched her mouth away gasping. “Adam! You scared me! When did you get in from New York?”
“Not long ago,” Adam murmured nuzzling at her throat. “I thought you were asleep.”
“I was until someone tried to ravish me,” she replied, her hands pressing on his shoulders to hold him back. He tried to kiss her again but she was already sitting up. She flicked on the lamp by her bedside, flinching as the bright light lit the room. She looked at the alarm clock on the side table and groaned. “Adam, it’s 3 a.m.!”
Light hazel eyes grinned back at her even as Adam reached out for her. “Perfect time for making love. C’mere, sexy.” He tried pushing her back on the bed but she resisted.
“Adam, no!”
“I can’t take no for an answer, sweetheart, not tonight,” he whispered hoarsely, claiming her mouth in a hungry kiss. His fingers reached for the strings holding her flimsy nightdress and she felt them fall apart.
Jessica panicked, tearing her mouth away. “Adam, stop it! I don’t…”
He didn’t stop. His hands reached to cup her breasts while his mouth sought the hollow between them. Jessica went stiff with shock. This was what Jake had done. He had forced himself on her and left her with memories that ran deeper than any scar ever could.
“No!” she screamed out aloud twisting desperately out of Adam�
��s arms.
Adam released her abruptly and pushed away. He strode to the window breathing deeply trying to regain his composure. When he was finally sure of himself, his cold eyes turned upon her shaking form. “What the hell is wrong with you? Why does it have to be like this every time? Why, Jessi?” he roared, “Why?”
Jessica winced at his words. “I told you I need time,” she said shakily, “You know how I ..feel about it.”
“It stands for sex, damn it!” he bellowed coming back to grab her by her shoulders and shake her roughly. “It happens between every healthy male and female of all species!”
Jessica squirmed under his punishing grasp. “You’re hurting me, Adam. Please!” she beseeched him and his hold softened suddenly.
“I’m sorry,” he said, taking her in his arms to bury his face in her tresses. “Oh, Jessi, if only you realized how damned gorgeous you are! When will you trust me darling? I won’t hurt you.”
The softness in his voice calmed Jessica. She raised her ashen face to him, begging him with her eyes. “Adam, I know I’m testing your patience but please understand; I need more time.” She placed her palm on his cheek and brushed her lips lightly across his. “Besides we’ll be married soon and then things will work out.”
A mirthless smile touched Adam’s boyishly, handsome features. “I sure hope so!”
She hung her head to hide the feeling of uncertainty that suddenly hit her like a wave. What if even after their marriage she continued to have this aversion to giving herself up physically to Adam? She shrugged the worrisome thought away. “This won’t happen once we’re married. I promise. I won’t push you away.”
“Oh, all right!” He rose impatiently and strode out of her bedroom. As an afterthought he turned with a key in his hand. “I guess you had better keep this with you. I’m not sure I can trust myself anymore.”
Jessica rose tying the strings of her nightdress and drew on her night gown. “Please keep it, Adam. I trust you.” As if to confirm her statement she moved up to him and tip toed to kiss his mouth. “I love you, Adam, you know that don’t you?”