by Nicki Night
“Also, thanks for the advice. I incorporated it into my strategic plan and handed it in yesterday afternoon.”
Sterling perked up. “What did your father say about it?”
“He hasn’t given me any feedback yet. I’ve been so anxious. My dad is great at not letting on about what he’s thinking. I’ve scheduled a meeting to get some feedback on how he thinks I’ve been doing in this role so far.”
“I’m sure his response will be great.”
“I sure hope so. I want this promotion.”
Sterling watched how Jewel’s demeanor changed. She actually seemed worried.
“You don’t think your father will give it to you?”
“Let me explain something to you about my dad.” Jewel set her coffee cup down. “He’s not the typical father slash owner of a company. He offers no passes whatsoever to his offspring. If we want something, we have to work just as hard as any other employee. Shoot—maybe even harder. There will not be any handouts in Bobby Dale’s enterprise.”
“Wow! Sucks for you but overall, that’s pretty cool.”
Jewel paused with her cup halfway to her lips. “How’s that cool?”
“Entitlement breeds contempt sometimes. Putting in the work builds character. We appreciate things more when we work for them.” Sterling sat back and made a mental note to remember that bit of information. Bobby Dale was making sure his children developed a work ethic and character—two qualities he valued in people. He’d grown up around rich, entitled, spoiled brats and wasn’t fond of many of the traits some of them exhibited. As wealthy as the Chandlers were, Jewel didn’t seem to have those traits and he liked that about her.
“I have this charity golf event to attend next week. How about you join me?” Sterling hadn’t considered those words before he spoke them. They simply tumbled from his mouth. “There will be a lot of executives there. It will be great for networking, and it’s for a good cause.” He felt the need to prove his intentions were professional. He didn’t want her to think he was trying to mix business with pleasure just yet. When Jewel didn’t respond right away Sterling continued speaking. “I actually met some of my current clients at this event last year.”
Jewel seemed to contemplate his request. Sterling wondered what she thought. He wanted to hear her say yes. Being in her office for an hour twice a week wasn’t enough to truly figure Jewel out. Though he liked what he’d learned so far, he needed more time with her.
“I’m not the best at golf.”
“No need to be a great player. Plus I can give you some pointers. It’s about the cause anyway. The proceeds support an arts organization that serves youth.”
Jewel seemed to be in thought for another few moments. “What’s the date?”
Sterling didn’t realize he’d been holding his breath. He pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll email you all the details.”
“Okay. If it works with my schedule, I’ll go.” She shrugged. “I need to get out and network more with the business community. Dad always says that. Besides, I’m a sucker for a good cause.”
“Great!” Sterling walked in tired, but Jewel agreeing to go to the charity event with him gave him energy. He looked down into his cup. He no longer wanted or needed the strong coffee. Despite that, he stood and took a long sip emptying the mug. “I need to get going. Confirm with me by email once you get a chance to look over the details.”
“Okay. I can do that.”
“Good!” Sterling sighed. “I don’t have your cell number.” He was pushing the professional boundary, but playing safely inside boundaries didn’t get him this far in life. Sterling hit the icon for contacts. She’d almost agreed to attend an event him so why not ask. “Tell me your number and I’ll call you. That way, you can store my number in your phone.”
Jewel recited her number. Sterling smiled on the inside. No opposition met there. That was a start. After a few more weeks, he’d be free to make his next move.
He’d have to stretch his patience to survive the wait.
A knock on the open office door alerted them to Bobby Dale’s presence. Jewel stiffened and stood. The atmosphere shifted immediately as if the all comfort had been sucked from the room. Sterling found himself standing straighter. This all happened within seconds.
“Hey, Dad.” She turned to Sterling. “I’ll look for those documents and get back to you when I know if those dates work.” Jewel had added a professional bravado to her voice with which she alerted and dismissed Sterling all at the same time. Her respect for her father was evident, but Sterling also sensed something else—perhaps a slight touch of fear.
“Sure. Actually, it should already be in your inbox.” Sterling played along with her. “Good morning, Mr. Chandler.” His greeting was cheerful. He stretched out his hand, which Bobby Dale swallowed in a strong shake.
“Good to see you, Sterling. I’m hearing great things about the work.” Bobby Dale patted him on the back. “Looking forward to completion.”
“Thank you, sir. I’m sure you’ll be satisfied. I’ve got my top techs on this job.”
Bobby Dale flashed a big smile. “That’s what I like to hear.”
“I’m going to get going. Jewel, Mr. Chandler.” Sterling nodded toward each respectively. “Have a great day.”
Sterling left Jewel’s office with a smile plastered to his face, but felt as if he’d just escaped an encounter with his teen girlfriend’s father. It was like they had almost gotten caught kissing. Maybe he needed to reconsider his weekly visits. It was obvious that Jewel was uncomfortable in her father’s presence with him around. That thought made Sterling pause just before he pulled the car door open. Had she been uncomfortable just because of her father or because of him? For the first time he wondered, Was Jewel interested in being more than professional?
Chapter 13
The week was almost over and Sterling hadn’t visited Jewel yet. She hadn’t seen him since the day her father surprised them both by showing up in her office. Normally, he would have stopped by at least once. She missed their morning talks over coffee. Jewel couldn’t act like she didn’t understand why he hadn’t returned. Her father’s imposing figure filled her doorframe that day and compelled her to her feet. She hadn’t realized she was standing at first. Twinges of guilt still gave her goose pimples as if she’d been caught with a boy in the house. She had to remember that she was a grown woman old enough to manage her own responsibilities.
On that day, Bobby Dale came to give her something she’d been looking for—feedback on her plan. Jewel spent the past week digging into the suggested research and making updates. She also incorporated some advice she’d previously gotten from Sterling. All the insight he’d offered proved to be valuable. As a business owner, he saw things from an operational standpoint that she hadn’t even considered. Jewel respected his acumen.
Now as she put the finishing touches on her strategic plan and prepared for her upcoming meeting with her father, she wished Sterling had come today to look it over one last time. The urge to call him made her fingers itch. His number was in her phone now. She could run the changes by him and get his thoughts. Who was she fooling? More than wanting his opinion, she longed to hear his voice—that deep, rich, sultry sound. It had become familiar—soothing.
Jewel huffed, laughed and shook her head at her own pondering. “Woman, what is your problem?” she asked herself aloud.
“I’ve been wondering that for years.”
Jewel started and looked up to find Chris stepping up to her desk. She’d been so engrossed in her thoughts that she never heard him coming.
Chris’s laugh filled the room, replicating their father’s. She couldn’t help but laugh with him.
“What do you want, lil bro?”
“Just seeing what you were doing tonight. The band is coming through and I figured you, Dom and Harper might want to come by.�
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“I’m meeting an old friend for dinner. Maybe we can stop by after.”
“Old friend...” Chris gave her a curious wide-eyed look.
“Not that kind of old friend, silly.” Jewel pursed her lips at Chris. “You remember Kevin. He went to Oxford with us?” Her brows knit. “I think you may have been a sophomore when we were seniors.” Chris tightened his eyes, reaching into his mental Rolodex. “Anyway.” Jewel waved off his attempt to recall. “He’s starting a new venture and we’re going to meet tonight to chat about it. I think he’s going to ask me to be on his board.”
“Really? That sounds cool. Well, stop by after if you’re up to it. It’s a great band and the guys and I might do a little jam session.”
“Okay. Besides I may need to end my day with a stiff drink after meeting with Dad.”
Chris chuckled. “I know how that can be.” He pressed his hands into the arms of the chair and stood. “Let me know if you’re coming. I’ll reserve a table.”
Despite Jewel’s anxious wait to meet with her dad, the rest of her day went quickly. Jewel went into his office hoping to be closer to her new position and left feeling that she was actually further away. Bobby Dale applauded her efforts but raised pointers about a few areas she needed to develop before she was ready for the title. He offered to help her in those areas and encouraged her to also pursue opportunities to engage in her own professional growth. Jewel could see where his assessment held some validity but wondered why she couldn’t do some of that growing in the new position. Didn’t every job come with a learning curve?
By the time Jewel reached the restaurant where she was to meet Kevin, she had to right her mind. During the entire ride, Jewel had wrestled with her father’s words.
Kevin met her at the door of the establishment. “Looking stunning as usual.” Kevin held one of Jewel’s hands and leaned back to assess her smart business attire.
“Are you surprised?” she teased and then laughed.
“You haven’t changed a bit,” he said with a shake of the head.
“Nope!” she tittered. “Thanks,” she added in a more humble manner with a head tilt and smile before they engaged in a friendly embrace.
Together they walked into the teeming restaurant. The after-work crowd covered the place from one corner to the other. They had to shout over the chatter as they walked through the bar area. Luckily they were seated in Jewel’s favorite spot in the back of the restaurant, which boasted a beautiful Zen-inspired garden complete with a stone statue of Buddha that stood at least four feet tall. A beautiful koi pond with a flowing fountain surrounded the statue. The noise from the bar could still be heard in the distance, but at least they didn’t have to scream at each other to hold a conversation.
The waitress took drink orders and disappeared.
“So how’s the new venture going?”
“Well, actually. I’ve discovered that there are a few holes to fill. We’re going to have to add a few people to the staff.”
“Growth already!” Jewel winked and held up her water glass in cheers.
“Ha! I wish. I just want everything to be in place.”
“So let’s get right down to it. What made you ask me to dinner?”
“You’re a beautiful woman.”
Jewel raised one skeptical brow.
Kevin’s smile morphed into a laugh. She didn’t know whether to take him seriously or not. He had been known for being a bit of a jokester. The next thought alarmed her. What about Sterling? Her mouth opened in a small gasp, but she recovered quickly enough. What did Sterling have to do with anything? Why had she thought of him?
The waitress placed two glasses of wine before them. Immediately Jewel grabbed one and sipped.
“My beauty has nothing to do with your business, Kevin.”
“True, but that doesn’t change the fact that I want you to work for me.”
Jewel paused midsip. “Work for you?”
“Or with me...”
She put her glass down. “In what capacity?”
“We need help running operations. You could be our COO.”
Jewel coughed. “As in chief operations officer?”
Kevin tightened his gaze in a questioning manner. “That’s what COO stands for,” he teased. “Come on, Jewel. I know you work for the family business, but have you always planned to stay there? I can make the offer as attractive as you need it to be. It’s just that I know you have the experience.”
Why didn’t her father have this much confidence her? Bobby Dale wouldn’t be happy about her leaving, especially so soon after Dorothy’s departure. What was Kevin willing to offer? What would her family say? These and so many other thoughts barreled through her mind like a speeding train.
She looked at Kevin. He tilted his head awaiting her response. He wasn’t letting her off the hook by breaking the silence.
“Kevin.” She finally placed the wineglass back on the table. “I don’t know about this.”
Kevin sat back and rubbed his hands down the front of his slacks. Tucking in his bottom lip, he sat pensively and then leaned forward. “Do me a favor. Think about it. I’ll email you the offer. Look through it and get back to me. I’ll even make the deal sweeter if I have to.”
Jewel took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She nodded instead of agreeing verbally. This was not what she anticipated. Thinking of all there was to consider made her feel overwhelmed. Jewel needed to run this by someone just to get her thoughts out. Options ran right past her siblings and girlfriends straight to Sterling. She wondered what he would say about the offer.
Chapter 14
Sterling pulled up to the address Jewel had given him and nodded his approval. For a wealthy heir, she didn’t appear to flaunt her riches. Of course he noticed her love for a great pair of shoes. He was confident that her closet could clothe a large village, but she was an interesting combination of savvy, wit and charm and he found that refreshing.
Her house wasn’t small by any stretch but it also wasn’t an estate or incredibly ornate. From what he could tell, it had to have at least four bedrooms. He couldn’t wait to see inside her world.
Sterling exited the car and trotted up the steps to her door. After a few quick knocks, he heard her call out “One minute.”
Moments later Jewel appeared in the doorway like fresh air and sunshine in a yellow golf dress and designer sneakers. Her cheerful smile greeted him with a measure of warmth. The hair that usually cascaded down the sides of her face had been swept into a bun showing off every perfectly placed feature on her beautiful face. Despite her spirited range-ready look, Sterling found her incredibly sexy.
“Hey there.” She stepped aside, allowing room for him to enter.
“Good morning!” Sterling could feel the unusual wideness of his own smile. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek before taking in what he could of her stylish decor. The entrance and living room reminded him of a page in a home decorating magazine. “You look great,” he said, turning his attention from inside her home to her.
Jewel clasped her hands together, tilted her head toward her raised shoulder and squealed, “Who me?” She took the hem of her dress between her thumbs and index fingers. “In this old thing.” She burst out laughing.
“Yes. In those rags.” Sterling replied.
“Thank you.” Jewel curtsied. “That was my best Betty Boop. Now I’m spent,” she said in her normal tone. He loved the raspy texture of her natural voice. It reminded him of a sensual jazz melody.
“And a fine performance it was.” With feigned seriousness, Sterling started a slow dramatic clap.
“Ha! Let me grab my bag.” Jewel grabbed a purse off a table near the door and pulled out keys. “Thanks for offering to drive.” She locked the door behind them.
They walked along the paved, winding path back to his car. S
terling opened the door for her before rounding the front end and getting in himself. As he eased onto the road, his sports car made the ride feel like they rolled along quilts instead of asphalt. He loved how smooth the vehicle drove.
“I’m not sure my father would be happy to know I was hanging with you today. I didn’t share my plans when I put in for the day off.” Jewel scrunched her nose. “Not that I was ever one to ask for approval anyway. I’d rather ask forgiveness than permission. Ha!” Jewel threw her head back and Sterling’s admiration for her slid up the scale a few more notches.
Jewel was a woman who lived her own terms. A bit rebellious even. He liked that.
“So you were the one who made your parents earn their parental stripes.”
“You could say that.” Jewel looked his way with wide, innocent eyes.
“I can see now that you were trouble.”
“Yeah! My parents would probably agree.”
“How are your siblings?”
“Chloe was the good one. She absorbed the brunt of our mishaps in an effort to always protect us from our parents supposed wrath. Her goal was to please Mom and Dad. At least until she became engaged to Mom’s nemesis’s spawn.”
“What?” Jewel had him laughing.
“We’ll talk about that another time. I was second in line and when I realized that Chloe was prone to pad us from being disciplined for misbehaving, I felt I had license to be more rebellious. Chris and Jade weren’t as bad as me, but they also weren’t as good as Chloe. Chris had my mother wrapped around his entire hand. Forget a finger. He could do no wrong in her eyes. If he brought home a girl, which didn’t happen often because he’d always been a player until he met Serenity, my mother would boast about how cute she was. If one of us girls dared to bring someone home, she’d scrutinize them within a centimeter of their lives. Chloe tried to bring home men she knew mom would approve of. The kind of guys I dated when I was younger would never have met her approval so I didn’t bother. One day she asked if I actually liked boys. I laughed so hard I almost wet my pants.”