Business: Phoenix #1

by Danielle, Zoe

  I ring Julie’s house and her cell, but no answer. I leave messages asking her to call me. I hope I hear from her soon to sort this out.

  I clock watch until lunch time and decide to text Matt.

  Day is dragging. Can’t wait to get home tonight. Ps, hope you have bought me something nice. Xx

  There is a light knock on my office door and I presume it is Stephen so I call for him to come in and I instantly make a mental note to get a camera or peephole installed when I see William enter carrying a small gift bag.

  “Casey! Hi! How are you?” His wide grin takes over his face as he makes his way over to me, I stand and straighten my grey pencil skirt and greet him. He kisses me on my cheek.

  “Hi Will. I’m fine thanks; it’s my first day back so I’m really busy…” I hope he gets the hint. I sit back down on my chair and look at him.

  He sits on the chair opposite me and hasn’t taken the hint. “Oh yes, how was your trip?” He asks.

  “It was wonderful, thanks.” I smile.

  “So I was calling by and thought that I would check on you and I brought you a little gift.” He passes me the gift bag. “And I was wondering if you would like to go out for dinner with me tonight?” I should have known.

  I look in the gift bag and there is a long box which says ‘Goldsmiths’ along the top. I open it and there is a white gold necklace.

  I shake my head and close the box before putting it back in the gift bag. “It’s lovely Will, but I can’t accept it.” I pass him the bag back.

  Frustration on his face, he shouts; “Why not! When will you realize you belong with me Casey? We would be perfect together.”

  “I’m with somebody.” My voice is stern and I watch as he narrows his eyes at me,

  “You lying bitch!”

  Like some kind of superhero Matt walks in right on cue. A light blue shirt tucked into his black trousers. Shoulders wide. He clears his throat and William stands and turns to face him.

  Matt is tall and broad compared to William’s weedy frame. He towers over him.

  “Is there a problem Case?” Matt asks me but his narrowed eyes never leave Will’s face.

  “None at all, Will was just leaving, weren’t you?”

  Will doesn’t say a word; instead he walks straight past Matt and slams the door. Leaving the gift bag on my desk.

  I groan, sit down back in my chair rest my elbow on my desk and rub my forehead.

  Matt looks inside the gift bag and sees the necklace before laughing. “What a creep.”

  I nod my head in agreement. “Yup.”

  “I must say I’m not impressed Miss Phoenix. I haven’t seen you in...” He glances down at his watch. “Four hours, I expected a more exciting welcome than this.”

  I sit back and playfully cross my arms across my chest. “I’m quite enjoying playing hard to get.” I wink and he raises his eyebrows.

  “Oh really?” He asks stepping closer to me.

  “Really.” I confirm.

  “That’s a shame because I come bearing gifts.” A cheeky smile forming on his lips.

  “Well, I’ll need to see the gifts before discussing anything further.” I wink. “Now if you don’t mind Mr. Jackson. I have a business to run.”

  He tips his head back and lets out a hearty laugh. “You frustrate me woman.”

  I rise, step away from my desk so we are standing a few feet away from each other, I place my hands on my hips and cock my head to the side. “So…let’s talk about these gifts. As you can see by the necklace, getting gifts from admirers isn’t new to me. But I don’t think my boyfriend will approve.”

  Matt closes the distance between us and our faces inches apart. “I’m sure your boyfriend won’t mind once he knows who I am.”

  I bite my lip to stifle the laugh threatening to escape. “Some sort of big hot shot are we?” I say sarcastically.

  He nods. “You bet.”

  I can’t hold back much longer and I start to laugh. I reach up and peck him on his lips. This obviously isn’t good enough because he wraps a hard arm around my shoulders and one rests on my ass and he pulls me in for a passionate kiss.

  “So…..gifts?” I remind him.

  “Ah yes…gifts.” He takes my hand and walks round to my computer chair, he sits down and pulls me onto his lap and opens an internet browser. His spare hand rests on my thigh. He searches for a local prestige car dealership and scrolls through a few cars before settling on a red sports car I read the caption, Ferrari 458 coupe.

  “That’s my new car.” He explains before scrolling through a few more pages to find a black Audi R8 Spyder. The car is sleek and sexy. “And that’s yours.”

  I open my mouth to protest but he speaks over me. “And that’s not all.” He searches ‘Seaham Hall’ into Google and a luxury hotel complete with a spa comes up on the screen. I know the place after attending a family wedding a few years back. “I figured you and Hannah could do with some time out together, to catch up and chill out so I have booked you a spa day for tomorrow. I think there are around 5 or 6 treatments and afternoon tea is included in the package I have booked but you can take my credit card if you want more. It will give you a chance to show your new car off too.”

  I turn to face him. “I love you Matt.” Is all I can say. I am speechless; nobody has ever been so kind to me. I place a kiss on his cheek to show my appreciation.

  He beams. “I love you, too.”

  And I know he really does love me. The way he looks at me, the way he treats me and is attentive to my every need.

  Chapter Thirty-three

  Casey

  The spa day has been a lovely time to catch up with Hannah and we both feel like pampered princesses.

  We’ve eaten a selection of sandwiches and cakes and had a number of different treatments – I’ve had a facial, an exotic coconut rub and milk body wrap, full leg and bikini wax, luxury French manicure, luxury pedicure and eye brow shape and tint.

  And we are currently sitting in the infinity pool with a glass of champagne.

  “You know what, Han? I think I could get used to this lady of leisure thing.” I smile at her and she laughs, she thinks I’m joking. “I’m being serious; I’ve had a stressful couple of years trying to build the company up to what it is; now I know it is in good hands with Jackson Industries. I think it’s about time I enjoy my money.”

  She nods in agreement. “It’s about time you did; it’s nice to see you’re enjoying yourself lately.” Her voice sincere.

  “And I owe Matt for that.” My smile widens.

  ~~~~~

  Matt

  I’ve been sitting with Stephen for the past couple hours discussing this month’s finance reports, we’ve been comparing the figures to previous months and the company is making a fantastic profit.

  When back in Casey’s office I call James’s cell to update him on the business. I haven’t spoken to him since I told him I was going to come to England with Casey for a few weeks. I figured that I would give him a little bit of time to come to terms with my relationship with her before contacting him again.

  “Hi, Matt. How are you?” He answers after the third ring or so. He sounds happy to speak to me.

  “I’m good, thanks, I was calling to tell you about Phoenix Industries recent financial report – everything looks satisfactory. I’ll email you a copy of the report so you can see for yourself.” I explain my voice calm and collected.

  “I’m glad to hear it. Thanks for letting me know.”

  “How is everything over there?” I inquire.

  “Everything is coming together on this end, I haven’t seen our monthly report yet but from what I have heard from the finance department we’re on track with our projections for the month.” He reports back to me and I know everything between us has sorted itself out. It always does. We were always close growing up even though James is a couple years older than me. We’re constantly at each other’s necks about anything we can fight over. Whether it was wom
en, food, cars, sports if there was a disagreement there was a fight between us, but a few hours later it would all be forgotten.

  “That’s good to hear and how is everything outside of work? Grace, mom and dad?”

  “Everyone is fine, Grace and I were thinking of coming over in the next couple weeks. You know how Grace likes to travel and I need to tour the company. Maybe you and Casey could join us for dinner…”

  “Of course. Let me know when and I will take care of the details on this end.” He has finally come to terms with Casey and me being together. I knew he would but it still thrills me to hear it from the horse’s mouth and it shows in my voice.

  “When are you thinking of coming home?” He asks. Pulling me back from my trail of thought.

  “I don’t know, I was planning on staying here for a while and then discussing with Casey what we wanted to do for living arrangements. Whether we stay here for so many months of the year and over there for the rest I really don’t know. It’s not something I have spoken to her about yet. All I know is I want to be wherever she is.” I sound like a bitch, but it’s true. I don’t want to ever be away from that woman again.

  “You love her, Matt?” His voice sounds like my answer has deeply moved him.

  “I really do.” I tell him with a smile.

  “Well…I’m lost for words.” Is all James says and I laugh.

  “Trust me, I know.”

  I don’t think any of my family; friends or even myself ever thought the words would come out of my mouth.

  I always had a reputation as a player back in the states; I would fuck any beautiful, willing woman who would open her legs. At one point I had a different woman every night of the week. It was easy enough to do – everywhere I went there were women throwing themselves at me and who was I to turn them down?

  I understand why James was angry when he first found out about Casey. He expected me to fuck her and then move on to the next that would be typical of me. Obviously it would’ve been a problem since she isn’t just some random girl I met in a club and she was a new business partner.

  But everything is different with Casey. She is beautiful, intelligent, sexy, funny, caring, everything I would ever want in a woman and after spending so much time with her lately I have grown to love her deeply. She is perfect for me and I don’t think I have felt that way since Becky, the first girl I thought I loved. I realize now that it wasn’t real love – we were too young to even know what that was, but I did care deeply for her. I expected to spend the rest of my life with her and if she was still here, we’d probably be married.

  I remember when my mom was trying to get me to stop screwing around, she told me I would find one special girl who would change me, and someone who would affect me the way Becky did. Someone who would be worth the wait. I didn’t believe her; I thought she was trying to get me to give up the partying and wild lifestyle.

  We finish up our call and arrange to speak in a few days’ time.

  ~~~~~

  Casey

  I am so happy and I don't think life can get much better than it is right now.

  I am in love with the man of my dreams and he treats me like a princess at every opportunity.

  I am currently in a spa drinking a glass of champagne with my best friend after being pampered - a present from the said man of my dreams.

  What can I say? I am the luckiest woman alive.

  ~~~~~

  Matt

  One of Casey's personal assistants comes in to the office, wearing a black dress that clings to her curves; it reminds me of the one Casey wore the first time we met. I can’t wait to see Casey. The assistant, Michelle I believe is a good looking girl, but of course, she doesn’t compare to Casey.

  She bats her eyelashes at me and walks to the desk where I am. She bends down and places a piece of paper on the desk, over exaggerating the bend to try and stick her tits in my face. I stifle a laugh at her obvious attempt.

  A few months back my cock would’ve been instantly hard. Then I would’ve given her what she wanted. I would’ve bent her over the desk and been balls deep inside her.

  But not now. I’m aware of what she wants, I’m just not interested. Casey has changed me, without even trying. Other women had tried to tame me or change me. Casey did both without even realizing how she was thawing my heart. "There’s the number you requested, Mr. Jackson." She flashes me a flirty smile.

  "Thanks Megan?" The look on her face when I intentionally get her name wrong is comical.

  "It's Michelle." Is all she says.

  "Thanks Michelle." I turn my attention back to the monitor but she makes no effort to leave.

  "Mr. Jackson... I hope you don't mind me asking, but the word on the street is that you and Casey are an item...Is that true?"

  My jaw tenses as I turn to face her. "Yes, it is." My voice is tight and she quickly straightens and turns away.

  "That's a shame" She mutters to herself but it is still loud enough for me to hear.

  I stand. "Excuse me?"

  She spins on her heel and looks at me. Her cheeks burning red. "Nothing, Mr. Jackson."

  "What did you say?" I demand.

  She lets out a huge sigh "I said it's a shame that you two are together."

  "Would you care to elaborate?" I urge.

  "Well, you are a really, really good looking man, Mr. Jackson." She says in a husky voice.

  "I'm sure Miss Phoenix would be interested in your unwanted advances." I raise an eyebrow at her.

  "Please, please don't, she would go crazy; she could even fire me--"

  "Yes, sexual harassment is not tolerated in our companies. It is grounds for immediate dismissal.” I cut her off and nod towards the door.

  She rushes out of the door and shuts it behind her. I laugh and shake my head before sitting back down. Back stabbing bitch, I wonder if Casey realizes this?

  I pull the slip of paper with the number I requested in front of me. I look at it for a few moments before getting the confidence I need to make the call.

  Once the successful call has ended, my eyes flit to the computer and I see there is a new unread email. Expecting it to be James replying to the reports I had sent him earlier, I see the made up email address that had been emailing Casey and Hannah.

  I open the message and there are two photo attachments so I open the first and then the second.

  "Fucker!" My fist slams down on to the desk and I pick up my cell and try to call Casey she doesn't answer the first time, so hit redial.

  ~~~~~

  Casey

  "Hi Matt, you okay?" I have been waiting to speak to him all day.

  "Where are you now Case?" He sounds panicked and I instantly start to worry.

  "I have just got home, what’s happened?" I ask.

  "I'll be right there…” He ends the call.

  I am waiting for him when he walks through the door. His shoulders tense, face pained. He paces towards me and pulls me into his arms.

  "Tell me what's wrong, Matt." I demand.

  "I got an email today." He lifts his phone from his pocket with his spare hand whilst the other arm is wrapped firmly around my shoulders. He searches through messages and clicks the one he wants and passes me the phone.

  I look at the pictures and my hands start to tremble. The stalker was at the spa today watching us.

  The first picture is of us in my new car ready to get out and go into the spa. The second picture is of us coming out of the spa.

  "I didn't see anybody though!" I cry.

  "The fucker is hiding Case. Following your every movement."

  "But who is it Matt? And when will he stop?" The tears start to fall now.

  "I don't know Case." Matt replies, sorrow in his eyes, he scoops me up in his arms and I wrap mine around his neck and he kisses my forehead. "But you're safe with me."

  He carries me to bed and lies down beside me watching me, his eyes pained and full of worry.

  I don't know what is going to happen ne
xt, how far the stalker will go before they stop. What does he want from me? If it’s money that will make him go away and let me get on with my life then he can have it all.

  "I'm going to grab a quick shower, sweetheart, I'll be back soon." Matt kisses my cheek and disappears into the en-suite bathroom.

  That night I fall to sleep wrapped in his arms and I feel safe.

  Chapter Thirty-four

  Casey

  I've been on edge all day.

  Waiting for the next email, next call and sure enough they came.

  The police say they can't do anything about it because they aren't death threats and I haven’t been assaulted. They will only act if anyone is put in immediate danger or if I’m actually harmed.

  Matt went crazy when the police officer said that and he asked how far things would need to go before they actually did their job. When they didn't answer Matt said it could end up resulting in a death if they didn’t act now.

  He didn't say whose death but I know that it would more than likely be mine. That thought alone makes me shudder.

  I have given Hannah a few days off work and she has gone home for four days or so. However, I told her to take as long as she wanted, she deserves it after the few weeks she has had. She seems a lot calmer than she was last week; the stalker hasn’t contacted her recently and seems to have turned his attention back to me.

  I have been neglecting poor Matt too. We haven’t been intimate for days; he hasn’t said anything and has been acting completely normal. He holds me tight as we fall asleep. He wants me to feel safe, but I know deep down it will be driving him crazy.

  It’s certainly driving me crazy.

  ~~~~~~

  Matt

  "Come on Case, we haven't got all day!" I walk into the bedroom and find her picking numerous outfits and packing them neatly in her weekend case. She looks most sexy when she is like this, hair tied back, and no makeup. Her round ass in those jeans makes my cock take notice. I know she’s scared, and I’m trying my best to make sure she feels safe and protected. I just hold her at night until she falls asleep. It’s what she needs. Last night was so damn hard. She came to bed in a black silk nightie and when she fell asleep all I could focus on was her nipples, which were clearly visible.