“Actually, we’re trying something new,” Kasey began, and Nicole was visibly disappointed.
“Don’t tell me you’re not going to work together,” Nicole said, knowing how Kasey would go to great lengths to avoid something most women dreamed of—falling in love.
“Yes, we’re working together, but I’m not in the same role. I’ve always had this idea for a new type of publishing house, or firm if you will. It’s different than anything else—I want to provide all the services and resources writers need under one roof.”
“What makes it different is that our mission isn’t to sell the most books. Well, that’s not all the way true. We want to sell the most books based on the vision of the artist. You know I’ve always struggled with convincing authors to change their work to appeal to wider audiences, right?” Kasey asked. Nicole nodded, sipping her drink.
“Well, this won’t be about adjusting to sell books, but adjusting your marketing to reach the most people you can with the work you have. It’s all about the art and developing these relationships with writers. There is a false perception that publishing can be a one size fits all type of business, and it can’t. So we’re doing something that creates custom assistance as opposed to the normal partnership.”
Kasey was beaming again. She loved sharing her vision and couldn’t believe it was the first time she’d told Nicole.
“Are you kidding me? And Jay is open to the idea of adding this to Passions Publishing?” Nicole asked in disbelief.
“Open? He’s my biggest advocate. I didn’t even have to sell it to the staff or pitch to the accounting department. He did everything and invested all the money. We already have a new building, I’ve been helping with selecting staff, and even sat in on a design meeting to look at drafts of the logo.” Now that Kasey heard the words, she realized how involved she was in the whole thing, and how surreal it was to see her dream coming to fruition.
Many times before, she would suggest ideas to her bosses, and they would either ignore her altogether, or take the idea and implement it themselves, never including her in the process. Jay had made sure to respect her and her vision, and which was really touching.
“Kasey, this is incredible. It’s a dream come true! He must really believe in you,” Nicole was so excited and thrilled to see her friend so happy.
It had been years since Kasey had a man in her life, and although she was only sharing the professional portion of her life with Jay, she knew Nicole was interested in the possibility that it could be more.
“We’ve been spending a lot of time together, too. You know, out of the office,” she blushed.
“I wanted to ask! That’s great. He sounds like a really great guy, Kase.”
“He is. And you know I’ve kissed my fair share of frogs, but he’s nothing like any of the men from my past.” Kasey gushed on about Jay.
He had given her a new outlook on men in general. Jay Canton had every reason not to be a good guy. He could get any girl in the world, had more money than he knew what to do with, and ran one of the most powerful companies in the state.
Yet, he was genuine, kind, and compassionate. He even ran his business with those principles, which had made Passions the success it was. Now, Kasey would be a part of taking the company to new heights, based on a premise she’d thought up on her own and was getting a chance to implement. It all felt like a dream.
“That’s so amazing, Kasey. I’m really happy for you. Had I known all of this was happening, I would have picked a better place to celebrate!” She was having to yell over the boisterous crowd.
It was Taco Tuesday at Migos, and the college kids were packed wall to wall enjoying the discount beer and cheap dinner. Kasey laughed and the waiter brought out their meals. After taking their empty margarita glasses, he scurried off and the ladies dug into their Mexican food.
“That was delicious, as always,” Kasey sighed, rubbing her belly. She couldn’t manage to finish her fish tacos.
“Always!” Nicole responded, waving her hand in the air to signal the waiter.
“No more,” Kasey warned her.
“Oh, we’re having a shot of tequila to celebrate your success.
Kasey knew it was no use arguing, so she just shook her head as the waiter carried over the tray, placing the two small glasses in the middle of the table.
“It just seems like everything in your life is aligning at the right time, Kasey. And you know timing is everything. You wouldn’t have been able to receive this a year ago,” Nicole picked up where they’d paused their conversation to eat dinner.
“I’d have to agree. I wouldn’t have pitched my idea to Jay even a few months ago. I had to grow to trust him before I could open up about my vision.” Kasey felt a lump of emotion in her throat, and raised her shot glass, hoping to force it down.
“To you!” Nicole yelled, but it was so loud in the restaurant that no one even noticed. They gently touched glasses before drinking the light brown liquid.
Kasey’s eyes were clenched shut as the alcohol traveled through her chest warmly. She never enjoyed hard liquor, but when she did indulge, tequila was her go-to.
“Kasey, I think you’re falling in love,” Nicole said, seemingly out of nowhere.
Kasey laughed while shaking her head, but she couldn’t fix her lips to deny it. Nicole was usually the one who helped her identify her emotions, but she wasn’t ready to name what she felt for Jay just yet. It was too pure, and fragile.
She wanted to revel in it, and enjoy their time together without expectations or assumptions. Jay made her feel special, like a queen. Everything about them was so effortless, and she felt like she could finally be herself around a man.
“Let’s not wait so long for the next girl’s night,” Kasey tried to change the subject.
“That sounds good, because I can’t handle any more surprises,” she joked back.
“What’s been new at the doctor’s office?”
“Did I tell you Malinda got fired?” Nicole’s eyes widened.
For the next twenty minutes, Kasey learned all about the office gossip at Nicole’s job. She laughed and gasped as the story took different turns, but at one point she thought back to what Nicole had said. Everything in her life was coming together at the right time. It was true, and she was grateful.
Life hadn’t been handed to Kasey, but she’d made the best of the hand she was dealt. She seemed to get a wildcard the day she walked into Passions Publishing and met Jay Canton. Now, she was having the time of her life playing to the best of her ability.
Chapter 57
Jay
It had been two months since Jay decided to move forward with the new business, and they were finally having the grand opening party in the new building. The lobby was filled with all the authors that had been signed in the last few weeks, and everyone was filled with excitement.
Jay walked from one table to the next speaking with new clients while praising their work. He knew each new signee personally, and had read a piece of their work, as instructed by Kasey.
Her vision was about much more than strategy and Jay was happy to learn as much as he could. She’d turned one of the worst moments of his life into an absolute highlight, and the crowd in the lobby was all a sign of her success.
The two of them had grown even closer, and at this point Jay wasn’t sure if she lived with him, but he liked to think she did. She stayed over more nights than not, and waking up to her was a sure sign that he would have a great day.
It was the first time in his life that his professional life took a backseat to his personal pursuits. While he was thrilled at the success of the new division of Passions, it didn’t define him. In the past, Jay was his company and his company was him. There was no separation between the two and he staked his worth on how well business was on any given day.
Kasey had taught him that there was so much more to life, and he treasured her for all of the happiness she brought along. Glancing from one end of the part
y to the next, he looked over the crowd for her beautiful face, but didn’t see her. They’d agreed to meet at the party because she needed to get ready at her place after leaving the salon.
“Jay!” Mitchell called out, his hand high in the air.
Thankfully, everything had fully gone back to normal with the two friends and they were closer than ever. In a way, building the new division was a great thing for them—taking them back to the beginning of their friendship, when they were building Passions Publishing in college.
There was something so exciting and alluring about the start of a project, and Jay and Mitchell got lost in the details to get this new business off the ground.
“Hey!” Jay smiled as he greeted Mitchell, who was holding two glasses of champagne, offering one to his best friend. “Thanks.”
“This really is something, isn’t it?” Mitchell asked, looking around the lobby. He had overseen the décor of the building for weeks, and now that it was all on display, he felt the accomplishment.
“It is. You did a great job.” Jay commended him with a slap on the shoulder.
“You know, I’ve seen the latest reports and there are already spikes in the numbers. Despite how much time and effort we put into the other two publishing houses, it seems the new division is going to be more successful than the both of them.” Mitchell shook his head before taking a sip from his glass.
It was true, and shocking. Kasey’s idea was the best thing that had ever happened to the company, marveling both the lawyers and the accountants. Jay had decided not to continue fighting Renee for reneging on the deal, and instead decided to throw all his energy back into the companies he had and the one he was building.
“I don’t think anyone can believe it,” Jay smiled, lifting his glass to cheers.
“I bet Kasey can. She has always believed, even when I didn’t. This was her brain child, and it’s rescued us while also catapulting us to new levels,” Mitchell sung her praises once again. It seemed he could not forgive himself for ever doubting Kasey, taking every opportunity to give her the credit she deserved.
“You don’t have to beat yourself up forever, Mitch. She knows you’re onboard,” Jay teased him. Kasey wasn’t the type of woman to hold a grudge, and she never showed any kind of distaste for Mitchell. In fact, she appreciated his doubt, because it made her work that much harder to prove him wrong.
“She’s a special woman, Jay. You take good care of her,” Mitchell glared into Jay’s eyes, then smiled.
Over the past weeks, Mitchell had developed a new level of respect for Kasey. He took on a big brother type of role with her, teaching her all about the balance between strategy and integrity. With Kasey, things were black or white, but in business there had to be some gray. Mitchell was helping her learn to navigate through that. Seeing them work together was a wonderful sight to Jay since they were the two most important people in his life.
“I will, Mitch. I promise,” Jay smiled, returning Mitchell’s glare.
“And here’s the woman of the hour,” Mitchell motioned behind Jay, who turned to see Kasey, dressed in a black dress that took his breath away.
The top was fitted, cupping her breasts like he wanted to, and then the skirt flared out with delicate pleats. Her hair was styled in big waves, which flowed down her back, and she wore red lipstick to match the lacquer on her fingers and toes.
“You look stunning,” Jay pulled her into his arms, suddenly grateful she didn’t get ready at his place, because they might not have made it to the party.
“Hi, baby,” she touched the side of his face with her palm, and he leaned into her touch.
“Mitchell, you’ve outdone yourself,” she turned her attention to Jay’s business partner.
“I’m glad you approve,” he held his hands up, feigning modesty.
“Champagne?” A waiter appeared with a full tray.
“Yes! A toast!” Mitchell announced.
Jay took two glasses, handing one to Kasey as Mitchell took one glass for himself.
“To us!” She announced holding her glass high in the air before either of the men could give her the sole credit that she deserved.
“To us!” Jay repeated, shrugging his shoulders towards Mitchell, who obviously felt the same need to commend Kasey.
The three raised their glasses and sipped on the champagne while catching up on the details about the party. Jay was to give a speech at one point, and there were a few authors Kasey wanted to introduce to the men who were invited despite not being a part of the company. Jay smiled noticing her tactic. Anyone at the party would undoubtedly want to join the company, and Kasey was using that to her advantage.
“I want to show you something,” Jay whispered in Kasey’s ear while standing behind her.
“I’ve got to check on some things,” Mitchell announced, taking the hint.
“What do you have to show me?” She spun around to look into his eyes. “You look very handsome,” she touched the lapel of his suit.
“Thank you. Come with me,” he took her hand in his, navigating through the party.
Every few steps, someone stopped them to discuss an opportunity, or to remark on how impressive the new building was. Finally, they reached the elevators, their fingers still interlocked. Jay had decided that their relationship meant too much to him to hide it in the office. He wanted everyone to know how he felt about Kasey, and thankfully she had not objected.
“Where are we going?” she asked, when they walked into the elevator.
Jay pushed the button for the top floor and winked in her direction. “It’s a surprise.”
Stepping behind her, he wrapped his arms around her thin waist, lowering to sprinkle soft kisses on her exposed shoulders. He had just made his way to her collar bone when the elevator doors opened.
Jay walked forward, his arms still wrapped around her, so he had to walk awkwardly, but it was worth it to keep her in his arms.
“Wow! This looks amazing,” Kasey looked around the office area. Mitchell had in fact done a great job with the interior designer. Everything looked luxurious and modern, just how Jay wanted it.
“Wait until you see the best part,” he kissed her neck, walking towards the back corner of the office.
Everything was clean and ready for business, although the employees would not report to work for two days. It was empty, but it felt far from abandoned. Jay pushed the door to the corner room open, revealing an immaculately decorated office.
There were floor to ceiling windows, with an exceptional view of the city, which was lit up perfectly. The desk had a glass top, just like the coffee table in the middle of the room. A large television hung on the back wall, with a bookshelf and dry bar against the opposite wall.
“This is incredible.” She looked around as Jay released her from his hold. Walking from one end to the next, she took in the view before focusing on the details.
“You like it?” Jay asked with a smile.
“Of course. Who wouldn’t? But, why are you going to leave the wooden desk?” she asked.
“What do you mean?”
“I always liked that desk. Why aren’t you bringing it over to your new office?”
Jay chuckled before responding, “This isn’t my office, Kasey. It’s yours?”
She turned to him with her mouth open in shock as a huge grin spread across his. He’d done well, he could see it all over her face.
“Are you kidding me? Jay, I love the office, I really do. But, I don’t deserve this, and I don’t want the staff to think I’m in the corner office because of our relationship. I mean, what would the executives think?” She shook her head.
Jay walked to her, cupping the nape of her neck as he pulled her close. “We’ve already discussed it, baby. It was a unanimous decision. Everyone agrees that this company is our greatest success, and none of it would have been possible without you.”
Kasey inhaled sharply. “Jay. No,” she shook her head, unable to accept that this would be he
r new office.
“Yes. You mean everything to me, and so I would give you everything in this world. But, this isn’t my doing. This is from the company because you’ve earned it.”
“The corner office?” she shrieked.
“The corner office,” he smiled, leaning down to kiss her so softly he barely felt her lips. “I love you, Kasey Wright.”
Her eyes lit up and she offered her lips, which Jay graciously accepted, kissing her slow and long, as his tongue explored her mouth like it was new territory. She moaned against his tongue, and his reflexes took over, lifting her as his hand slipped beneath her dress.
My One and Only: A Bad Boy Secret Baby Second Chance Romance Page 54