Unlikely Venture (The Venture Series Book 1)

by Luciani, Kristen

  The afternoon traffic was light and James maneuvered the Acura into a parking spot flanked by cars that cost three times the price of his. He rushed into the office building on Sand Hill Road and punched the up button next to the elevator, heart pounding. His phone buzzed again. It was Chris, for the fifth time. He’d kill me if he knew I was here.

  Bursting into Paul’s office unannounced would not bode well for LazerShark, but James was too blinded by his own anger to care. He didn’t want to work with that jerkoff anyway. Jessica’s pained expression flashed in front of him, making his heart ache. I’m not leaving until he knows how serious I am about Jessica and that I’ll do anything to win her back.

  He strode through reception in the direction of Paul’s office. He paused long enough to announce himself before continuing down the hallway. “James Callahan, here to see Paul Emerson.”

  Paul’s assistant Alison jumped out of her chair. “Hey! What do you think you’re doing? You can’t just go back there!”

  James ignored her. Alison’s frantic voice alerted Paul of his arrival. “I’m calling security!”

  The corner office door was open. James found Paul standing behind his desk, arms folded. “It’s fine, Alison. No need to call anyone.”

  “Callahan.” Paul regarded him with a cool stare. “I don’t normally take impromptu meetings. I take it you’ve made a decision about our offer?”

  James glared at him. “I’m not here about the offer.”

  “That’s unfortunate, since there is a looming deadline. Why don’t you tell me what’s so important that you have to barge in here without an appointment?” Paul raised an eyebrow but gave no other reaction.

  “I don’t know what’s going on with you and Jessica Latham but I’m here to tell you I’m not letting her go. I won’t lose her to you. Whatever happened the night of that cocktail party is inconsequential. Unfortunately, I came to that realization too late.” He narrowed his eyes. “I love her and I won’t give up. She’s everything to me.”

  “Paul, your next appointment is here.” Alison’s voice filled the room, reminding James he was on borrowed time.

  “Not that I owe you any explanations, but nothing happened. I’m not the competition. I haven’t spoken to her since that night.” Paul pulled his chair out and sat down, rifling through some papers on the desk. “I wanted to take things further, she didn’t. End of story. Satisfied?”

  “Not really.” James glowered at Paul. “Someone sent me a picture of you two kissing at that party. I confronted her and completely overreacted. She told me nothing happened but after I found out you hooked up months earlier, I kind of went off the deep end. I didn’t understand why she’d keep that from me, why she wasn’t honest about knowing you.”

  Paul sighed. “Listen Callahan, you’re barking up the wrong tree here. No need to challenge me to a pissing contest. She picked you. Yes, we slept together but it happened once, a long time ago. I tried to rekindle things but she wasn’t interested. Because of you.” Paul looked down at his iPhone and then tossed it onto the desk. He stared at James, his eyes blazing. “If this is what’s holding up your response to our offer, let me be very clear. Nobody in his right mind walks away from an investment opportunity with Blue Coat. If you do, trust me, there won’t be another. So tread very carefully here. You’re lucky the offer hasn’t already been retracted.”

  A hot flush crept over his face. Chris is going to skin me alive when he hears about this.

  Paul grinned, as if reading his mind. “For the sake of Mr. Camden’s ignorance, I’ll extend the deadline and give you the chance to make the right decision for LazerShark. I’m willing to bet he doesn’t know you’re here and I’ll keep it our little secret. Take a break, clear your head and get your ass out to the driving range. You need to work on that golf swing anyway.”

  James nodded, realizing how close he’d come to jeopardizing the future of his company. It should never have come to this. “Thanks for giving LazerShark another chance.”

  Paul shot James an impatient look. “Anything else, Callahan? Lightning doesn’t strike twice, so I suggest you get moving.”

  Maybe he’s not such a dickhead after all.

  “Don’t be fooled, if we move forward I’m going to make you pay for this little stunt. I don’t appreciate being provoked like this. In the meantime, enjoy your freedom.” Paul smirked and answered the ringing phone.

  James bolted from the office building and jumped into his car. The Acura’s engine roared to life. The car sped out of the parking lot, heading towards the interstate. He needed to make things right, and there wasn’t a moment to lose.

  The cell phone rang again as James maneuvered the car around a traffic jam. Could it be…? His heart picked up speed until he saw Chris’s number displayed. She’s not coming back for you, dumbass. Get over it or do something about it. You’ve waited long enough as it is.

  “Jay, what the hell is going on? Why haven’t you answered any of my calls? Where are you?”

  “Hey man, look I’m sorry for running out before. There’s something I need to take care of.”

  “Are you okay?” James heard the concern in Chris’s voice.

  “Yeah, I think so. Listen, call Blue Coat and take the deal.” He pressed his foot on the gas and swerved around a car.

  “You sure?” The concern morphed into tentative elation.

  “Yes.” Paul wasn’t a bad guy. He was a successful businessman because he kept his personal feelings separate from work. James almost screwed everyone out of a success story because he couldn’t do the same. “I’m sure.” He clutched the steering wheel, breathing a sigh of relief as he approached the exit.

  Chris hooted. “Woo hoo! Jay, I’m telling you, this is the right decision for us. Do you trust me?”

  “Yes.”

  How ironic.

  James screeched to a halt after maneuvering the Acura into a very tight short-term parking spot at San Francisco International Airport. He raced into the United Airlines terminal, breathing a sigh of relief. No line.

  Still panting from his sprint into the terminal, he jogged over to an available ticket agent.

  “Please, I need to get to New York as soon as possible. What’s the next flight out of here?”

  “Let me see if there’s any availability on the two-thirty flight.” The agent flashed a pleasant smile and clicked away on the keyboard. “Hmm, looks like there’s one seat available.” She looked up from the screen. “In business class.”

  “I don’t care.” James tossed his credit card on the ticketing desk. “I’ll take it.”

  “Okay, that’ll be twenty-five hundred dollars.” She took the card and continued clicking. “You’ll have to hurry. The flight boards in thirty minutes. Do you have any bags to check?”

  “No.” He let out an impatient sigh. “Am I going to make it through security in time?”

  She handed him the boarding pass and smiled. “You should sail through right now. Good luck.”

  “Thanks.” James grabbed the pass and flew down the hall to the security checkpoint. He groaned at the crowd of people forming. Shit, I have to make this flight. I need to see her.

  The line crept forward. He pulled out his phone and dialed Jessica’s number again. He cringed as the call went straight to voicemail. She’s been screening my calls for two weeks. What makes me think she’ll decide to pick up today? He dialed her apartment number in case she happened to be home. No answer there, either. With a deep sigh, he left another message at the beep. Jess, it’s me. I know I really messed up and I don’t deserve another chance with you but I’m begging you to please hear me out. I’m at the airport, ready to board a flight to New York to see you. It gets in around eleven. I’ll call you when I land. I hope you’ll pick up.

  A few agonizing minutes later, he made it to the X-ray machine. He pulled everything out of his pockets and dumped his shoes into a plastic bin. He hurried over to the security guard, who held up a large hand.

 
“Easy, man. Did I tell you to step in?”

  James sighed. “No, sorry, I’m just—”

  The beefy security guard glared at him. “I don’t appreciate the attitude, son. You’ll wait your turn, just like everyone else.”

  James bit his tongue and looked around, shifting his weight as he waited. There was nobody in front of him except a gruff security guard on a power trip. He rolled his eyes as a petite female guard sauntered over. The antagonistic guard lit up and flashed an appreciative smile as she bent down to pick up some stray bins. “Hey there pretty lady, you got plans after work tonight? Maybe we should—”

  James cleared his throat. “Listen, I hate to interrupt but I’m really late for my flight. Is there any way I can get through now? That is, if you’ve finished making plans for the evening.”

  The guard slowly crept closer, a menacing look in his eye. James stood tall and glared right back. Great, I’m gonna get fucking strip searched now.

  “Don’t you dare show me disrespect, son.” He leaned closer and folded his large arms. “Do you know what I can do to you?”

  James clenched his fists. He ached to haul off on this guy but knew he’d wind up in jail if he uttered another sound. Don’t be stupid, Jay. You’ve done enough damage already.

  “Come on, Ricky.” The petite guard patted his massive forearm. “Let the poor kid through. Looks like he’s in a rush.” She winked. “You need to focus on other things right now anyway.” She picked up the bins and sashayed away.

  Ricky grunted and moved toward James. “Go. Now before I change my mind.”

  James sprinted into the X-ray machine. Once cleared, he flew toward the gate with five minutes to spare. That was too close, you dumbass. The objective is to land in New York, not in prison.

  WAVES OF NAUSEA washed over Jessica. She opened her eyes. Oh Jesus, I’m going to be sick. Shivering uncontrollably, she clamped a clammy hand over her mouth and bolted to the lavatory, securing the lock. She gripped the handicap bars in the tiny enclosure and squeezed her eyes shut. Her head was spinning and seconds later, her stomach revolted. What the hell is wrong with me?

  Jessica held onto the wall for dear life, her head pounding and legs shaky. She gagged again, her eyes welling with tears. Something’s happening to me? What if… oh God, am I getting worse? Maybe the tests missed something. What the hell am I going to do?

  A few deep breaths controlled the uneasiness in the pit of her belly, at least momentarily. She splashed some cold water onto her face and patted it dry, tears streaming down her cheeks.

  The flight was pure torture. Ever since takeoff, she’d been sick to her stomach, her body temperature alternating between freezing cold and scorching hot. Sleep finally won out but she woke up feeling worse, if that was even possible.

  Jessica let out a ragged breath and slowly made her way back to the seat. Thank God nobody is sitting next to me. She sank into the chair and pulled the blanket up to her chin, still shivering. One of the flight attendants stopped in front of her and placed a concerned hand on her shoulder. “Sweetie, are you okay?”

  Jessica sniffed and shook her head. “No,” she croaked. “I’m not okay at all. In fact, I’m in pretty crappy shape.”

  The flight attendant leaned in and stroked her hair. “Can I get you something? Tell me what you need.”

  Jessica’s teeth chattered. “I have multiple sclerosis and I’m so ill right now. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, if it’s related to the MS or something different. I’m so s-scared.”

  “Are you traveling alone?” The flight attendant furrowed her brow. “Do you have any medication?”

  “No, I haven’t taken anything today. And y-yes, I’m alone.” Jessica wiped her eyes and shuddered as a chill ran through her. “I just found out that things have gotten w-worse with my symptoms and I don’t know what’s h-happening.” She wrung her hands. “I think I need a doctor.”

  The flight attendant nodded. “Of course, sweetie.” She waved over one of the other attendants and spoke in hushed tones. “Can you radio the terminal? Make sure they have EMTs on standby for a young lady, late twenties with MS.” She looked at her watch. “Tell them we’ll be on the ground in about half an hour, okay?”

  She turned back to Jessica with a sympathetic smile. “Why don’t I just sit with you until we land? Is that okay? You don’t need to talk to me. I’ll just be here in case you need anything.”

  Jessica smiled through her tears. “Th-thank you so much.” She sniffed and clutched an airsickness bag just in case. “I hope I’m not taking you away from anything.”

  The flight attendant waved her hand to dismiss the idea. “Oh, they’re fine without me. We spend the last bit of the flight winding down, so all the heavy lifting is already done.”

  Jessica managed a smile and closed her eyes, feeling the nausea threaten to send her stomach into upheaval once again.

  “You look a little green. Do you need me to help you to the lavatory?”

  Taking a deep breath, Jessica shook her head. “I’m good.” Her eyes welled up. “No, I’m not good at all,” she whispered.

  “Oh you poor thing.” The attendant patted her hand. “Are you meeting someone at the airport when we land? Is your family out here?”

  Tears spilled over. “I’m here on business. And no, there isn’t anyone. Not anymore.” She sniffed.

  The attendant flashed a sympathetic smile. “A guy?”

  Jessica nodded. “Yeah.”

  “Well, I can’t imagine how anyone in his right mind would let a beauty like you get away.”

  “Yeah, some beauty. I’m a complete disaster.” Jessica snorted and pushed her hair back.

  “Bad breakup?”

  “Yes.” She wiped her eyes again. “It’s my own fault. I should have been more careful. They all say they’ll never leave, but…” She coughed and shook her head. “Whatever. I’m a big girl and I can take care of myself.”

  “I’m sure you can.” She gave Jessica’s hand a squeeze. “It’s entirely his loss.”

  Jessica settled her aching head back into the seat cushion. The chills were back with a vengeance and she huddled under the blanket, berating herself for even thinking about James. You don’t need him! You can handle this on your own because you’re strong. Don’t be afraid.

  But despite all of her attempts at positive reinforcement, the reality of his rejection still ripped her apart.

  He doesn’t want me anymore. He promised he’d never leave and he lied. He never loved me at all.

  JAMES RAN UP to the gate just as the agent called for all business class passengers to board. He tried to catch his breath and declined an incoming call from Chris. I’ll catch up with him once I’m in New York.

  A few minutes later, he settled into a plush seat and pulled out his phone. Another missed call from Chris. He sighed. Maybe he found out I stormed Emerson’s office. Screw it. I’m not dealing with that right now. He couldn’t focus on anything except Jessica. Everything else could wait. He tried her cell phone again but it went to voicemail.

  One of the flight attendants handed him a bottle of water and he pulled off the top. As he was setting the phone to airplane mode, another incoming call appeared. Manhattan area code? Jessica!

  “Jess?”

  A chipper voice responded. “Hi, no, this is Lisa Embry. I’m Jessica’s roommate. I just got home from work and heard your message.”

  James furrowed his brow. “I didn’t leave my number…”

  “Yeah, I’m pretty resourceful.” Lisa snickered. “I’m also an associate at Axis Venture Capital. I know all about your company. Didn’t take too much effort to track you down. Your partner gave me this number.”

  That explains the stalking.

  “So, listen James. Here’s the thing. Jessica’s on her way out to California. In fact…” She paused. “She’s due to arrive in about a half an hour.”

  “She’s coming…out here?” His heart leaped.

  “She’s headed to
a client site. Her boss’s request. But James, there’s something you need to know.” Lisa sighed. “She got test results last night that indicate the MS has progressed much faster than the doctors anticipated. She’s pretty rattled.”

  James held his head. “My God…”

  “Yeah.” Lisa paused again. “Look, I know the whole thing with Emerson was probably a big shock to you. She really struggled with it. Not telling you was killing her. For what it’s worth, I encouraged her to keep it to herself. Not to hurt you but because it was in the past.”

  “Lisa, believe me, I know I really messed up and I—”

  “To be honest, I really hoped you’d get in touch with her to make this right. She’s hurting…badly. And Jess is stubborn as hell. I don’t know if she’ll give you another chance. I tried to convince her to call you but she flat-out refused.”

  “She hasn’t returned any of my calls.” James’s voice was barely a whisper.

  “I assume you know about Drew. She’s not about to let that happen again. When you walked away, she completely shut down. I called to save you the effort of flying out here. To be honest, maybe she’s better off without you. I mean, you tell her you love her and then leave her hanging out to dry like that. Why? Was it ego? She’s my best friend and I want her to be happy with someone who cares about her. She’s got a lot of stuff to deal with right now. Can you handle that, James? Because if you can’t, you need to stay far away. Do you get me?”

  “Lisa, I made the biggest mistake of my life by letting her go. I’m crazy about her. I don’t care about anything else. I need her in my life.”

  Lisa sighed. “So get the hell off that plane and tell her so. Don’t miss the boat again, James. The itinerary she left says she arrives at gate G6, American Airlines. Let me also just say that if you hurt her again, I promise I’ll plant a story about your company in the media that’ll make all your funding dry up like a woman seeing Jim Belushi naked. Are we on the same page here?”