I don’t know what it was about this man, but his presence made me mindless, and my heart rate increased. I could get through a dinner with him, but I’d need to keep my distance to keep my sanity. He was definitely easy on the eyes, suave when he wanted to be, but I sensed a danger to him—one I could easily find myself falling for. You have the Master, maybe. That’s the problem: only maybe. He’s probably moved on to someone new or forgotten about me. I should have fun tonight, but what is it I really want in life? A relationship, a dominant, or both?
He was waiting for my answer, still staring me in the eyes and smiling as if he knew he had me all along. “Sure. I guess a friendly dinner is fine. We could always go to Genovese’s Trattoria. It’s only a couple miles from here and very casual. The prices are great, but the food is to die for.”
His smile went from stunning to megawatt in a matter of minutes. “Great. Now that that’s settled, let’s swim and have some fun until we need to go get changed for dinner.”
We ended up spending the next couple of hours racing each other in the pool, usually ending with him winning. I’d introduced him to a few of our neighbors who had a beach ball that we tossed back and forth between all of us. And mostly we just talked.
It turned out that we were both born in Florida, though he moved around a lot due to his father’s career and ended up living all over the U.S. We’d both spent time in Orlando, which made me question where I knew him from, since he seemed familiar.
Dinnertime came and we both changed quickly into some t-shirts and jeans. He ended up waiting for me outside his apartment, because I had to walk past it to head toward the parking lot. I was surprised when he walked up to a motorcycle and handed me a helmet and jacket to put on.
“I can’t get on that thing.” I pointed to the monstrosity that was his bike. The thing looked like a death trap, too heavy to handle on the roads. I could see myself slipping off the bike and splattering like a bug on a windshield against the pavement.
“I’ve been riding one of these things since I was eighteen. That’s fifteen years of experience. I think I know how to handle it on the roads.” He held up his arms and turned around. “See? No scratches.”
I noticed he was one to infuse humor, every now and then, when things got too intense. “So you’re thirty-three, old man? I can’t believe I’m letting a senior citizen drive.” I laughed, adding my own warped sense of hilarity to the mix.
“Old man my ass! What? Are you a youngin’?”
I shook my head. “No. I’m only a slight bit younger than you. I’ll be twenty-eight in a couple of months.”
He didn’t comment any further, only taking a step forward before pulling the jacket together and zipping it up slowly. His eyes were heated as he tried forcing the jacket to zip over my breasts, which didn’t want to cooperate. “Breathe out, darlin’, so I can get this zipped all the way up.” I did as he asked, almost forgetting to breathe again when he got the jacket into place. Something about him made me mindless.
I wondered whom the jacket belonged to, and was fixing to ask, when he seemed to read my mind. “Sorry if the fit is a bit uncomfortable, but it’s all I have to keep you safe while we’re riding. It belonged to a friend’s sister. She doesn’t ride anymore, so she gave it to me as a just-in-case option.”
I laughed. “I guess I’m your option then.” Holy hell, did that blatant comment come out of my mouth?
The corner of his mouth smirked, but he didn’t respond; instead, he helped me put the helmet on. It was a bit easier to deal with, and I was thankful it hid my eyes—and the desire that was probably burning inside them. I definitely needed to keep my distance, or this man would have my mind addled within no time. Hell, I was already forgetting one bodily function: breathing.
Just when I thought things wouldn’t get any worse, he jumped on the bike and moved forward, patting the seat behind him. “You’ll need to swing your leg over the back of the bike, and put your feet behind mine on the pedals.” He grabbed hold of my hands and pulled them around his chest. “When we get going, hold on tight to me so I don’t lose you.” Dear mother of God…this man was torture and then some. My body was already humming being close to him.
My plan for the weekend worked wonders. I’d have to buy Rick and his girlfriend dinner or treat them to something for their assistance with helping me get closer to Jesse. I was just thankful Saturday had turned out to be his day off from Prescott and that he wanted to go to Clearwater Beach for the day.
Jesse and I had fun eating at the Italian restaurant. It was a small place, but had kick-ass food. We ended up talking through the entire meal and closed the restaurant, searching for a dessert place where we could talk some more. I’d planned on finding out her idiosyncrasies, how she thought, and what she liked so I could gain her trust more at work and in life. What I hadn’t planned on was someone who matched me almost point for point on everything we’d discussed thus far.
I’d felt the same connection we had during our encounter at Rapture. The air around us was sizzling with electrical charges that had us both going wild for one another. Tonight was no different. Every time our bodies came in contact with one another, I could feel the current pulse between us. It had been sheer torture having her arms wrapped around me on the bike. I thought for a moment our bodies might spontaneously combust. I was thankful we were able to put a table between us at dinner and at the ice cream parlor.
The look on her face and the way her eyes dilated told me she’d felt everything I had. There were no words to describe it, but I had to contain it and focus on the reason I was here. I needed to win her over so she wouldn’t hate me and, above all else, keep her safe.
It was one in the morning before we got back to the apartments. I’d glanced at my cell phone to ensure no one had entered either of our locations before walking her to her door. I watched her fumble with her keys while she let out a big yawn. “Sorry, darlin’. I didn’t mean to keep you out past your bedtime.”
She opened the door and smiled. “Not a problem. I enjoyed tonight. You seriously didn’t need to pay for everything, but I appreciate it. Consider yourself forgiven for earlier today.”
I laughed. “I’m glad you’re not holding it against me.” I knew I needed to walk away, but all I wanted to do was pull her close to me and sear myself into her soul with a kiss. I didn’t want the night to end, so I found myself asking, “Do you have plans tomorrow?”
Jesse shrugged her shoulders. “I was just planning on cleaning my place, doing my exercises, and laundry. Why?” A playful smile spread across her lips, “What did you have in mind?”
Today had been too surreal. I couldn’t go a day without seeing her again. “Do you love coffee and fresh baked breads and treats?”
Her eyes lit up and she nodded enthusiastically. “How about we get brunch at this place I found a few days ago? They have craft coffees—none of that chain-produced crap—along with fresh baked goods, and breakfast and lunch offerings.”
She licked her lips, making me groan inwardly. “Sounds amazing. Count me in.”
We discussed the details, and she got enough nerve to kiss me on the cheek before saying goodnight. I liked that she was pushing herself. From the time she’d stepped into the club up until now, I’d noticed she’d gone from a bit shy to a little more confident. I’d work with her on gaining more, either as the Master or myself. Either way, she was a fiery little minx waiting to come out of her shell and explore the world, and I’d be more than happy to help her, especially if it kept her close. I couldn’t explain why, but she seemed to calm my mind and make me feel more at peace than I had ever been. I hadn’t had a PTSD episode—waking from nightmares of my time in enemy territory—since I started following Jesse.
We’d spent an amazing Sunday together having brunch and helping each other out with laundry at the communal machines. She’d been embarrassed for me to see her underwear, but I assured her I wouldn’t look…of course I did look and found out she tended to s
plurge on very provocative undergarments, which gave me an idea. It was time for the Master to come back to the forefront for a while.
Monday came and it was my worst fears realized. Tennison called the entire group into the conference room, but had me wait in the office next door, to discuss the issue of a new manager. Mr. Rogers had retired, and Friday had been his last official day.
I listened in as he explained how everyone in the department was an integral part of the team, and he needed each of them to keep it functioning properly. He went on to praise each person’s strengths and commend them on overcoming some of their weaknesses.
I was impressed at how he built up Jesse with praise for working hard and excelling against the odds to make assistant manager. But no one could prepare her for the blow that was about to rock her world.
Tennison cleared his throat. “I’ve thought long and hard about the right individual to take over the managerial position. I’d even considered a couple of you to move up in ranks.” I peeked through the door, waiting for my cue to enter, noticing Jesse on the edge of her seat. “However, I’ve decided to go with an old friend of the family. He received the equivalent of a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering during his stint with the Air Force, along with training at the Weaponry Institute, and he’s a fine Air Force pilot with exemplary skills in the field of security. I’d like you to meet Derrick Caldwell, your new manager.”
That was my cue, and I entered right as he said my name. All the guys rose from the table when I shook Mr. Tennison’s hand and waved to everyone.
Tennison had predicted everything down to the most minute detail. The men all came forward to shake my hand, congratulating me and welcoming me to the company, even hoping to exchange military stories. It was typical camaraderie amongst former military personnel.
Jesse sat at her seat in utter shock for a few minutes. She waited until the last man left the room, with exception of us three, before she let loose. I knew she had a fiery disposition, but neither Tennison nor I had anticipated her wealth of explicative language. At least her aggression was directed solely at me.
She stood up, her anger barely contained, making her luminous skin red with rage. She got within inches of my face before she yelled, “You fucking bastard! You stole my job! That was supposed to be mine. How could I have trusted you when the whole time you probably knew. I feel like such the fool.”
Tennison asked everyone to return to work before he moved toward her to comfort her, but I shook my head indicating he should leave us alone. I held up my hands to show her I meant no harm, as she began to pace back and forth in front of me.
I didn’t know exactly what to say. I had a feeling this might be her reaction, but I’d hoped against it. I decided to let her ramble on and call me every known name under the sun. After a few minutes, she finally started to calm down.
I stoically asked, “Can I speak now and offer you an explanation?”
She crossed her hands in front of her chest, making her breasts press together and increase the amount of cleavage she was showing. I wanted to hold and caress them, but I reminded myself now was not the time.
When I stepped forward, she took a step back until her butt hit the back of the conference room table, causing her to stop in her tracks. She looked panicked, so I took a step back, just enough to maintain the upper hand, yet making her feel safe in the process.
She tapped her foot on the floor. “Well, I’m waiting.” I’d let Jesse have her impatience for now, but when I got her into the club, I’d teach her how to be patient and carry it over into reality.
Cocking my head to the side, I tried to figure out the best way to approach her, when it dawned on me, “You want to talk about this being unfair?”
She nodded.
“Fine. I’ll tell you what’s unfair. Do you remember when you bypassed security here at the company, around five years ago, and infiltrated Mr. Tennison’s office?”
“Yeah. So?” Her eyebrows creased, indicating she was thinking back on that day.
“Remember when you came out of that office and saw an older gentleman in an expensive suit, sitting with a man dressed in an Air Force uniform?” God how I’d replayed that scene over and over in my mind for years.
“Yes. But I don’t understand why you’re…” One of her arms dropped to her side and clutched onto the table’s edge as the other came up to her mouth with a gasp of realization. “Oh. My. God. You’re that guy…in the uniform. That’s where I’ve seen you before.”
I smirked. I knew she’d get it. I just needed to jog her memory.
I stepped forward, leaving little distance between us. “Tennison had to apologize profusely and scramble to find me other employment. He’d explained how he only had one opening to hire someone. He’d fully intended to give me the job. My coming to the office was only a matter of formality.”
I paused letting my words sink in before continuing. “He liked your tenacity, so he offered you an entry-level position within the company, at the bottom of the pay scale, hoping you’d decline. Given your experience, anyone would’ve known that you were worth more in pay. He didn’t expect you to accept.”
Her eyes were wide and her breathing had increased. “I’m sorry. I didn’t…” She shook her head, and I could see a tear escaping from one of her eyes. “You probably hate me.”
I shook my head. “I wanted to, just like you probably do right now, but I couldn’t.”
You could tell she was puzzled by my words, so I explained, “I’m a firm believer that all things happen for a reason. Tennison knew of my extensive security background and called in a favor with one of his vendors, Mr. Prescott with Prescott International. He’d been looking to replace members of his security team, so I took one of the positions. Granted, it wasn’t my preferred choice, but I don’t regret the work I’ve done for him and his family the past five years. That’s why I wanted some Italian food this weekend: I was feeling a bit nostalgic, homesick.”
She stepped away and began to pace, before stopping. I was slowly learning this was one of her tells when she was deep in thought. I’d noticed she’d done it numerous times in her apartment when I’d been watching. “So why all of the sudden shift in careers from security back to the field of engineering?”
I leaned back against the table to watch her continued pacing. “The answer’s simple: although I like keeping people safe, I’d rather use my skills to create something to keep my country protected.” I knew my face was lighting up like a kid watching fireworks explode for the first time on the Fourth of July. “I love to create and expand upon the ideas of the engineers that came before us. I’ve been in the heart of a war zone and could see the benefits of better equipment and newer technology that would allow us to improve our survival odds against terrorists and other radical groups.”
I noticed she had stopped in her tracks, mouth slightly open, as she listened to my answer. “I don’t know what you were expecting to hear, but that’s the truth of it. I love what I’ve learned and want to apply everything I know to help out our military personnel.”
I went on to add, “My father was in pure heaven when he thought I’d be following in his footsteps doing security work. He’s the one who’d called in connections to have me pulled from the engineering team, while in service, and reassigned to protective detail, for lack of a better term.
“Tenninson had promised me a position, as soon as one became available. I hadn’t asked for a managerial position—that was all his idea. And in case you’re questioning my abilities, I’ll put your mind at rest. I have over ten years of experience in engineering. I know all aspects of the planes, their mechanical systems, and their weaponry capability. I’ve been in the field; I’ve dealt with real life…that’s what got me this job.”
Jesse didn’t have any smart comebacks. “Okay.”
“Just so you know, darlin’, I was almost as shocked as you were.”
Her face tensed. “What do you mean?”
; “When I got the first names of the department’s employees and their position status, I’d assumed your name was a man’s name.” I just hoped she didn’t realize I was lying through my teeth to save face. I wasn’t one for even stretching the truth, but, to keep the peace, I’d do it.
She waved her hand in the air between us. “So the whole get-to-know-the-neighbor bit was all for real? You had no clue it was me?”
I shook my head and hoped for forgiveness, once the assignment was complete. “Nope. But I’m glad that I’ll be able to work with someone I seemed to have developed a good rapport with. It’d sure make things a lot easier.”
“Agreed.”
“Why don’t we get on out of here and check up on our department?” I tried to put the emphasis on “our” to let her know that I valued her insight and would let her have some say in how things were run. After all, she was still the assistant manager.
Jesse breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. “Sure thing, boss man.” She sashayed her hips right past me and out the door.
Why that sassy little…
A month had gone by without any money being swindled from Pterodyne and no attempts made on Tennison’s life. The team was staying strong, but all of us were getting a little restless with the inactivity, myself included.
My nights consisted of filling in at Rapture when needed, going over any details the team uncovered in the investigation, and watching over Jesse to make sure she was safe.
We’d managed to uncover a couple important pieces of information. The agents we’d sent to Switzerland didn’t discover a bank account like we’d first thought; they’d, instead, found a safety deposit box. We thought we were stuck—being unable to access the box—since it would be a lot of red tape to attempt to open it legally, but we needed a sneak peek of those contents.
Derrick's Choice (Titan Security Book 1) Page 8