“Don’t worry about that, I realized you didn’t pack a lot of clothing so I sent Kate shopping this morning for you. I told her to get underwear and plenty of clothes, oh and toiletries too.” He flashes me an arrogant smile. “James thinks she is meeting you from the hotel to bring you to the office building.”
“Is there anything you haven’t thought about, Jackson?” I ask, knowing what the answer will be.
“No – I’ve pretty much covered everything.” His smile widens as he watches me eat.
“I’ve got to be at the office soon so I’m going to have a quick shower and go. As much as I would love you to join me, I know I wouldn’t get to work at all today, never mind on time so I’ll leave you in peace.” He places a soft kiss on my cheek before walking into the en-suite bathroom.
~~~~~
Kate arrives soon after Matt leaves for work. Her red hair tied up in a neat bun on the top of her head.
I choose a navy blue dress and black heels to wear.
I had showered; blow dried and straightened my hair before she came. So all that was left to do was apply a little makeup and I would be ready to go.
We chat about this and that. Kate tells me she has worked for the Jackson brothers for over seven years and has loved every minute of it. She met her husband Dale there as he is an IT manager.
The two of us get on really well and the entire journey to the office we laugh and joke.
The receptionist from yesterday, Natalie is sitting at her desk and looks down as soon as she sees me enter. Kate laughs and we walk straight to the elevator.
"Matthew told me to take you straight to the conference room; he said would be through as soon as he can." She smiles as we step out on the seventh floor. "I'll walk with you."
We walk past Matt's office and I see the door is open. I glance in and see he is sitting at his desk, I give him a quick smile which he returns with a wink and we continue to the fourth door. The other two doors are closed.
Kate knocks and enters,
James - who looks like Matt but a little bit older, I'm assuming around Thirty-five stands to greet me.
"Hi Casey, nice to finally meet you, I’m James Jackson." He takes my hand and shakes it.
"Nice to meet you too, James." I smile. He pulls a chair for me and I sit as Kate leaves the room, shutting the door behind her.
He goes round to the other side of the table and sits opposite me.
"My brother and wife should be along soon." He smiles sincerely. "Have you brought any members of your team with you?"
Oh shit. What do I say? Who travels across the ocean for a business meeting without at least bringing a PA. I play with my hands in my lap. "I didn't know how long I would be here so figured I would come alone."
He nods in agreement. "I understand."
There’s a knock at the door and a woman enters, which I presume is Grace, James’s wife. She is tall with dark shoulder length hair and brown eyes. She makes her way to me and gives me a hug.
"Lovely to meet you Casey, I'm Grace Jackson." She flashes me the whitest teeth I have ever seen in my entire life.
"You too." I watch her make her way to sit beside James before straightening my dress and sitting back in my chair.
James greets his wife with a kiss on her cheek and looks to his watch. "I do apologize on behalf of my brother; he may be caught up on a call."
"I just passed his office. Melissa was there. He told me he wouldn't be long." Grace tells her husband.
"That's what he always says." James tells Grace before looking at me "He shouldn't be long, just girlfriend troubles."
Melissa? Who is Melissa and why are they referring to her as his girlfriend?
I bite my lip and try my best to listen when James starts reporting the company’s recent figures to me but instead I can't keep my mind from wandering. Why didn't Matt tell me he had a meeting? What is going on? Who is Melissa?
The meeting seems to last forever when really only an hour has passed. Matt still hasn't made an appearance.
When James or Grace speaks I nod to make them think I am listening to them. When really I can't hear anything other than the voice in my head screaming questions I don't know the answers to.
Where is Matt? What is he doing? Who is the woman? James referred to her as his girlfriend, is she his girlfriend? What about Jess? Is the baby actually his?
We finish up in the conference room and Grace takes me for a tour of the building and to meet members of our team.
This time when I pass Matt's door it is closed.
When Grace and I get to the elevator James heads to Matt's office and without knocking he enters.
Chapter Twenty-One
Casey
I have met the HR, accounts, management and publicist’s teams.
And I still haven't seen Matt and I don't know if he is still with Melissa.
We head back up to Grace’s office which is on the same floor as Matt’s and James’s and as we pass Matt’s open door I glance in and notice there is a beautiful blonde woman standing talking to him with a wide smile on her face. After a few more steps I realize it was the other ‘fan girl’ who was waiting for him in reception. The woman sizing me up, I wasn’t able to spot Matt as she was standing in the way.
Grace offers me a chair and closes her door and we sit and chat for a short while before her phone beeps a message which she reads and looks back to me. "They’re ready for us now." She flashes me one of her almighty bright smiles and we make our way to the board room.
Matt is sitting next to James with a guilty look on his face, regret in his eyes.
Grace and I sit opposite the brothers.
"So, what do you think, Casey?" James asks.
"Everybody seems nice and honest. That's always been an important factor to me." I answer, glaring at Matt before smiling back at James. Seems like my inner bitch wants to come out to play and I am in no position to stop her.
"I agree Casey; I also look for employees with high standards set for themselves." James answers, oblivious to the digs I am sending his brother’s way.
"Yes and time keeping is important. Sticking to arrangements." I look back at Matt.
I notice Matt's jaw tense and his eyes narrow at me. "Obviously though, we understand things come up so we are not too strict on our employees." His voice is hoarse.
He's playing me at my own game. Time to step it up a notch. "Oh yeah, we have that rule at Phoenix Corps. That's if there is a valid reason, of course."
Matt studies my face and attempts to make eye contact but I look at James and smile.
“So, will you be joining us at the charity evening, Casey?” I turn to face Grace who is smiling at me.
“Sorry?” I don’t have a clue what she is going on about.
“Oh yes, that is a great idea Grace.” James grins at his wife before looking at me. “We are invited to an annual charity fundraiser. Jackson Industries are one of the biggest contributors. There’s a different charity per fundraiser. It makes sense as you are our new business partner that you come along.” He explains.
“Oh that sounds wonderful.” I smile at him, I can see Matt staring at me from the corner of my eye but I don’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he has my attention, that he has me bothered.
“So shall I get one of the girls to arrange a car to come and collect you from the hotel?” Grace asks.
Before I even open my mouth Matt responds. “It’s okay, I will escort her.”
“But I thought you were going-“James speaks but Matt cuts him off.
“No.” Is all Matt says, his face impassive.
Kate taps on the door before entering and informs me a car is waiting outside to take me back to the 'hotel'. I say my goodbyes to everyone as Grace and I hug.
~~~~~
The driver drops me off at Matt's place.
I make my way inside and sit on the couch with my arms crossed watching the door and I wait.
Matt arrives home soon after.
He slams the door and turns to look at me his face impassive.
"What the fuck was with the sly digs?” He shouts, his face aggravated.
"What's with missing the fucking meeting Matt?" I'm angry and my voice is a giveaway. I remain seated, my arms still crossed and I stare at him, trying to burn a hole through the bastard. I wish I had laser eyes right now.
"I had a business meeting come up." He stands staring back at me. I was angry but now I am fucking furious.
"Don't fucking lie to me. I know you were with a woman!"
"Is this what this is all about?" He asks taking a few steps towards the couch where I am sitting.
"James said she is your girlfriend, is that true? Who is she? Is that why you want us to act professional in front of everyone?" I look down at my hands before looking back up at him. “I don’t want to be ‘the other woman’ if that’s the case.”
"No, she isn't my girlfriend. The reason we have to be professional around people is because James will be disappointed that I'm with a business partner." He explains, sitting next to me.
"You aren't with me Matt. You just use me for sex!" My voice croaks.
"You think I'm using you?" He asks his brow furrows.
"Either that or your embarrassed to be seen with me." I shrug and look at him. "I want you to tell me what you want from me, I can't just be some slut you come home to have sex with. That's not who I am."
"If I wanted a slut just for sex all I need to do is pick up the phone." He says it like he is stating a fact. He probably is. He shoves a hand through his hair before exhaling. "I don't understand why you think I would be embarrassed to be seen with you, Case. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on."
"Then why don't you just tell James?" I argue.
"I will. Tomorrow." His reply catches me by surprise and my mouth drops open, he laughs.
"You're going to tell him that you are sleeping with me?" I ask in disbelief.
"No." His voice composed. "I'm going to tell him you're my girlfriend."
I still have so many unanswered questions I need to ask him. But I am too caught up in the moment. I surrender myself to his lips and his tongue, letting him take me in his dominant way.
Chapter Twenty-two
Hannah
The day has been stressful and the IT department still haven't come back to me with an IP address for the stalker, useless bastards.
I get home and lay in a bubble bath reading a book. My phone beeps.
It's a message from Casey
Matt just called me his girlfriend. Woo! xx
I smile to myself. I'm glad she's happy.
I text back -
About time! xx
I don't really have an appetite with the stressful antics of the day so I don't bother eating and put my favorite pink night shirt on and get into bed to watch Armageddon.
I cry like a baby at the ending.
Times like this I hate being single and wish I had a man to snuggle into.
I feel so lonely.
I wish Andrew was here.
My phone beeps, I don't recognize the number.
You shouldn't stay home alone Hannah. It's not safe. You don't know who's about.
I turn my phone off to avoid any more messages and try to force myself to sleep.
I toss and turn.
I must have dozed off because I wake with a start to a loud bang.
I sit up straight and look at my alarm clock - its 3am.
Chapter Twenty-three
Casey
I'm awake before Matt so I lay watching him.
We are both still naked from the night before.
He is beautiful and it's not just the hardness of his abdomen or the obvious muscles in his arms. It's all of him.
Inside and out.
He looks so peaceful laid on his back, one strong arm wrapped around me.
I start to kiss his cheek, his neck and down his chest.
A smile forms on his face. "Good morning, Casey." He says softly, his voice hoarse from sleep.
"Good morning." I say between kisses and continue kissing down his body.
He groans and I bring my mouth up to his lips and kiss him softly, slowly pushing my tongue into his mouth.
He reaches over to my leg, pulls me onto him so I am straddling him.
He runs his hands down my back and finds my backside.
"I can see you in my future, Casey." He says looking at me. "And I can see myself in you the majority of that time."
I shake my head laughing and nuzzle my nose into his neck and take in his husky smell. The man is perfect.
He puts his hands on my hips and lowers me so I am hovering above his cock.
"I want to be in control this time!" I object.
He obliges and places his hands behind his head and lays back to watch the show and then we are moving.
Once we both find our release we shower together, before getting ready for a day in the office.
I straighten my new black dress and pick some nude heels. Kate has a great taste in clothes.
I turn to watch Matt straighten his tie and wonder how I got so lucky for the second time in my life.
~~~~~
He drives us to work in his black Range Rover. It's the first time I have been in a car with him driving and I can't keep my eyes off of him, he shaved his morning so his face looks fresh.
I turn the on the radio and quietly sing along to Goo Goo Dolls - Iris.
When we park up in Matt's designated spot, he turns and looks at me over his sunglasses. "You ready?" he asks.
"Always." I smile.
Matt exits the car and opens mine. He takes my hand and helps me out of the car.
We walk into Jackson Industries Building hand in hand. My boyfriend and I.
Natalie the receptionist who branded me a 'fan girl' a couple days earlier stands watching us with an open mouth and I flash her a bitchy smile and wave. All of a sudden I think I am some sort of royalty. Hmm... Princess Fan girl.... It has a good ring to it.
We carry on walking and get in the elevator.
"I see you are already making friends with employees." Matt takes his sunglasses off and smirks at me.
"You could say that." I bite my lip. He knows.
"What did she do?" He laughs.
"Branded me a fan girl." I roll my eyes.
He lifts his head back and laughs loudly. Glad he finds it funny. I certainly didn't. I stick my pet lip out and cross my arms.
"Aw Case. At least you’re my favorite fan girl."
I kiss him softly on the cheek and the doors open. We make our way across the corridor.
"Go to James's office and I'll be over in a few seconds." He nods in the direction.
I raise my eye brow at him. "Are you actually going to come this time? Or are you going to stand me up again?"
He kisses my forehead. "I will be there. I promise."
Chapter Twenty-four
Casey
James is alone in his office; he is finishing up on a call when I enter.
He raises a hand to me before continuing tying things up on his call.
"Okay beautiful, I’ll see you later. Take it easy. Love you too." I assume it is his wife, Grace.
"Good morning, Casey. Sorry about that," He smiles. "How are you today?"
"Never better." I give him a wide smile - it's true, I have never been happier than I am now. I thought I would have a fight on my hands to get Matt to admit that there was something more to us than just sex. Then he referred to me as his girlfriend. I'm Matthew Jackson's girlfriend. The man could have any woman he wants and he chose me.
"That's great to hear. I was speaking to Grace last night we think that you should have an office for when you are here. I haven't cleared it with Matt yet as I couldn't get in contact with him but I know he will be fine with it." You couldn't get through to Matt because he was busy, with me.
At that Matt enters the room.
"Ah speak of the devil!
Good morning Matt." James nods at his brother and Matt returns it. "I was just telling Casey that Grace and I were---"
His lips are on mine.
He is kissing me.
He is communicating with me. This is him telling me I am more to him than just a lover. That our relationship is more than just sex and that we are together, a couple.
This is him saying; 'You are mine and I am yours.'
~~~~~
Hannah
I decide to go for a run that night to try and de-stress.
Plus my ass is starting to get bigger from sitting around and moping.
I run my usual route to the Local Park and then start to head back but there’s something that makes me feel uneasy.
I have noticed the same black car pass me more than three times. I can't see who is in the driver’s seat as it is dark and the car has tinted windows.
I pick up my pace and run to my house and I realize that the car is following me.
When I get to my house I slam the door and lock it.
All I can hear is my own heart pounding.
I slide down the door until I am on the floor, pull my knees to my chest and cry.
~~~~~
Casey
The disgusted look on James's face says it all.
He disapproves of our relationship.
Matt raises his eyebrow at his brother. "Something wrong?" Arrogance in his voice.
"We need to speak in private."
"Anything you need to say to me you can say it in front of Casey." Matt wraps a strong arm around my shoulder and pulls me closer.
"You're fucking our new business partner?!" James shouts and startles me. Matt feels me jump and presses down on my shoulder to hold me in place. "Do you know what the press would say about that?!"
"I don't care what the press says." Matt's voice is low and he remains calm and collected.
"This is absurd." Is all James says.
"How did you meet Grace?" Matt asks confidently and when James doesn’t answer Matt speaks again. "Wasn't she our receptionist when we first started up?"
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