by Ashley Blake
“Everything okay?”
I realized what I had done in front of him and felt my cheeks flush. “Yes, fine.” I cleared my throat. “I’m glad you’re here because I wanted to talk to you about your side of the contract. We have been here for a while now and you have yet to give me any formal instructions on specific things I should be doing.”
His eyes didn’t hide his amusement as he sat studying me.
“I have to say, that I love your tenacity Sarah. You really are the kind of person we want working with us at Hunter International.”
Love. He said it. Maybe not the way I wanted, but he said it. Okay, now I was losing it. I was making something out of what was probably nothing. Snap out of it Sarah! Focus!
“Thank you, I appreciate that.”
“Okay, you’re right. It’s time I gave you more information. But before I do that, what are your plans for this evening?” He had a cautious, yet stern look on his face.
He knew that I had dinner plans with Conrad.
“I am supposed to have dinner with Conrad this evening.” Fire danced in his eyes.
He did not look pleased. “I am afraid that will not be possible. Since the meeting was postponed, I have a lot of work for you to do. I expect you’ll be here until well into the night. Your partner training officially begins today.”
His jealous streak was worse than I imagined. But I couldn’t protest because my ultimate goal was to become a partner on the fast track. So I just said okay and we proceeded to go over a detailed list of the people and projects I should get to know and work on. He told me that it was important that I get myself in front of people so they know who I am.
“Your reviews and other partner’s opinions of you are what matter down the line. They are going to want to know how effective you are, if you contribute to the Profits & Loss, and if you have the support of the people you work with. The best way to do that is to go the extra mile whenever you a chance. If someone needs extra help, extra hands, an extra brain, for anything, you should be the first one to volunteer. In the end, the thing that will get you noticed is your work product, your reviews and your relationships. This is not a position where you can take a backseat and silently do well. People need to know who you are. And I have no doubt that you can do this Sarah. You are extremely bright and determined. I look forward to the day that I get to make the call telling you that you’ve made partner.”
“You make the call?”
“Yes, as CEO, I am the one to deliver the news. As I told you before, the partners vote on whom to choose. Use the information you learn and the skills you acquire in everything you do over the next five years. Be sure to volunteer for every project when a notice goes out that extra help is needed. Come in to the office early and stay late often. It’s not that you will have no life. It is important to have some sort of outlet. Just make sure that work is your primary focus. These things will get you noticed and these things will get you nominated for partner. I know you can do this Sarah.”
He was so sincere I was a bit taken aback. I could see that he really wanted this for me but I was confused as to why. Usually when you care deeply for someone you have a vested interest in whatever they do and you want them to succeed. I was just an intern turned associate, a smart one I might add, but an associate nonetheless with whom he had amazing sexual chemistry. Why did he care if I actually made partner? I didn’t have time to dwell on that, I had three huge files waiting for me.
“Shall I get started on these?”
He said yes and told me what needed to be done.
“I am going to need the results by next Friday for the first two folders and results the following Tuesday for the third folder. We will be discussing all three files at the meeting with Jameson the following day, that Wednesday before we leave. We need analysis and figures telling us where Jameson Industries stands financially. We need to know how solid their portfolio is. They want to grow and we are going to give them the best advice to do so. The three folders you are going to be working on contain information on three of their most recent investments. We need to make sure they are making sound decisions. Compile the data so we can go over it at the next couple of meetings. We will combine your findings with everyone else’s findings on their other investments, and hopefully have a productive meeting with them in a couple of weeks.”
“When are we leaving?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t have your calendar updated. We leave two weeks from this Friday. We are taking a morning flight and all of your bags will be packed for you. You don’t have to worry about that. We also are going to a charity event for autism the night before we leave. I take it you purchased an evening gown on your day of shopping?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I usually am unable to attend because I am in the States, so I just send a check. This time, since I am here, we are going.”
We? Did he mean everybody from the office? He must have read the confused look on my face because he answered my question without me having to ask it.
“Everyone from the office is invited, and most will attend. It’s a night for everyone to have a nice evening out and support charity at the same time. Samira will make sure you get an invitation.”
I wondered if we would be going together. I didn’t want to ask because I didn’t want to seem presumptuous. Joshua didn’t mention anything more so I decided to just wait and see.
“I should get back to my office and leave you to your work.” He held my gaze and looked like he wanted to say something to me. Can you tell how much I want to be with you? I waited, but nothing came and he got up and walked out of my office.
I pushed aside my feelings of disappointment of not being asked to attend the charity event with him. Maybe it was a group thing and everyone goes together in a caravan. Who knows? It was time to focus on work.
I felt a little over my head but I knew if I did well with this task, it would be an incredible start for me to get recognition here in the Dubai office. I contacted Conrad and told him I would have to reschedule dinner because I was swamped and he was very understanding.
CHAPTER FIVE
The next two weeks were brutal. Everyone was working long hours and there was no time for socializing. Conrad kept trying to schedule dinner and I just didn’t have the time. I was working until midnight every night.
One afternoon, the following week, I was buried deep in my analysis of Jameson numbers when I was snapped out of my trance-like concentration by a light tap on my door. I looked up to see Jake’s smiling face. I gave him a huge smile.
“What a nice surprise!”
“I wanted to see if you want to take a coffee break. It’s so nuts around here.”
“I would love to.” I grabbed my purse and we walked to the elevator.
“There is a little café next door, if you don’t mind being in the heat for a couple of minutes as we walk outside.”
“Not at all. It will be nice to see new faces.”
We went to the café which was really cute and quaint. It was nearly 2:00 so it wasn’t packed, which was nice. We got our coffees and grabbed seats near the window. We were right under a fan which was blowing cool air on us.
“So, are you feeling overwhelmed yet?” He adjusted his suit jacket as he got comfortable.
“Surprisingly, no. I am trying to soak up as much information as I can. This is my dream job so I love what I am doing.”
He raised his eyebrows and gave me a little smile.
“Dream job, huh? That’s fantastic. I can understand why you say that. I think you have to love the finance industry to be in it long term. And from what I have heard about you, you have long term goals.”
“Oh? What have you heard about me?” I felt like we’d known each other forever. Jake was so easy to talk to.
“My brother raves about you.”
Raves about me? I need to hear this!
“He says that he had never had such a bright, promising intern in the program bef
ore. I, personally, have never seen him happier. Normally, he dreads the long trips. This time he didn’t. I think you might be the reason.” His eyes twinkled a bit when he said that. The expression on his face reminded me of the expression Samira had on her face when she told me there was a buzz about me around the office.
I didn’t know how to respond so I just sat there, cheeks flushed, as I drank the hot, rich liquid.
“You seem to bring out the human side of him, Sarah. Joshua has always been extremely focused on work. Even as kids he didn’t like to play a lot. He’s always had a very stoic demeanor.” That explains why he is so cold sometimes. “But around you, he is different. Everyone sees it but no one would dare say anything to him. It’s refreshing to see him so happy.” I wanted to shout with happiness. Could it be that Joshua had true feelings for me?
“After our father died, he took on a lot of responsibility keeping the company going. Mother was so distraught she didn’t know what to do. Joshua stepped in and took care of everything. I was still in college so I wasn’t much help at the time. Sometimes I think he feels he missed out on a lot of life because he had so much responsibility at a young age. But his experiences also made him the strong person he is today. Mother still relies on him for many things. He has never married and part of the reason is because mother has never approved of any of his girlfriends. Not one. Natalia, who you met last week, was desperate to marry my brother and I thought it would happen. He wasn’t completely happy with her, but he was content.”
Content? I felt so sad for Joshua that he almost settled on being content for the rest of his life rather than in love!
“I don’t know that he felt he deserved more. But it didn’t matter because mother could not stand her. We never knew why. Shortly after he brought her home to meet mother, he broke things off. She was probably a bit snarky with you when she met you because he’s never brought anyone with him on these long trips, and she knows that it means something that you are here with him. So you, my dear, are somewhat of an anomaly. You seem to have captured my brother’s heart.”
I slowly shook my head in protest. “Jake, Joshua just sees me as a business colleague. He has taught me so much, and I am very grateful, but I don’t think it’s any more than that for him.”
“What about for you, Sarah?”
I was tongue-tied and wanted to shift the conversation away from me, so I turned the table on him.
“I could ask you the same thing. What does the future hold for you and Vivienne?”
He, thankfully, let me off the hook.
“Vivienne is a wonderful person.”
I raised an eyebrow and did not mean for him to see that.
“Oh, you didn’t like her.”
“No, no, it’s not that. She just was not extremely friendly when I met at her dinner the other night.”
“She really is a kind person. She gets a bit possessive and jealous when there are other beautiful women in the room.”
I blushed at his compliment, it was sweet.
“We have been together for two years and we have a nice time together. We are very comfortable with each other.”
“Hmmm, what are you not telling me Jake?” I cocked my head to the side, with a slight smirk dancing at my lips, giving him a playful inquisitive look. I knew he was leaving something out because he was not gushing about the woman he had been with for two years! There should have been more emotion there if she was special.
He smiled. “You seem to be able to read me pretty well.” He sighed and took a deep breath. “I don’t really talk about this much, but for some strange reason I feel I can trust you. I don’t know what it is about you Sarah, but I feel so comfortable with you, like you’re my big sister, even though you’re only a few months older than me.”
That made me feel good. “I know, it’s weird, isn’t it? I feel the same way. I think we connected instantly.” I reached out and grabbed his hand. “I can see that what you’re about to say is difficult. Of course, you can trust me. My lips are sealed.” I gave him a quick wink.
“Thank you. Okay, well when I was in college, I met the love of my life, Lauren. It was an all- consuming love. The kind you only read about in romance novels. We came from two completely different backgrounds.” I could definitely relate to that. “We met freshman year and by the time we graduated I was ready to ask her to marry me. She ended up getting into law school in Chicago and New York but chose to go to school in Chicago. She said it was the better of the two schools. I was being groomed to run the company with Joshua so I had to stay in New York. I was devastated when she chose the Chicago school. I wanted to leave the company and be with her but she knew that the best thing for me to do was go to New York. She didn’t want me to throw my future away. She was extremely driven, like you, and she said she had to concentrate fully on law school which meant we had to break up. Sarah, I couldn’t eat for days. I was so heartbroken.”
“Did you ever try to reach out to her?”
“She wouldn’t return my calls.”
“Have you thought about trying to contact her now?”
“She’s probably married with kids by now. I wouldn’t want to ruin anything for her.”
My heart broke for him. He looked so sad.
“I didn’t date anyone for a couple of years. There were a few casual dates here and there but nothing special. Then I met Vivienne a couple of years ago. On paper we make sense. Her family probably has as much money as we do. We both went to Ivy League schools and we have a lot in common.”
“But?”
“You know there’s a ‘but’ coming huh?” He chuckled at my perceptiveness. “Like I said, Vivienne is a lovely woman, very sweet. But that spark…that feeling, is missing. I keep hoping it will come and it never does.”
“I’m not telling you what to do, but just be sure to be honest with Vivienne about how you’re feeling.”
“Oh, she already knows. I’ve been very upfront with her. She doesn’t care. She believes you can learn to love someone.”
“Do you?”
He hung his head as he looked in his empty coffee cup. “I just don’t know.”
We sat there in silence for a minute and then decided we should get back to the office before they sent out a search party for us. Just as we were about to step off of the elevator onto our floor, Jake lightly touched my arm.
“Thanks for listening to me Sarah.”
I gave him a quick wink and a small smile. “Anytime.”
CHAPTER SIX
It was the day of the meeting with Jameson Industries and we were wrapping things up. The client was very happy with our analysis and suggestions on how to grow their company in the future. They felt very confident with our presentation and that meant Joshua and Jake were happy. The mood was jovial and light-hearted in the office. We were enjoying a late lunch that had been catered when Conrad came over to me.
“You know, I’m a bit disappointed that we were never able to connect for dinner.”
“I know. I’m sorry Conrad. I was completely swamped with work.”
“Well, there is the charity event tomorrow night. Do you have an escort?”
I hesitated because I was sure that Joshua would be upset if I went with Conrad. But then I thought about it and got irritated at him. If he wanted to go with me, he should have asked me!
“No actually, I don’t.”
Conrad beamed and didn’t hesitate to ask me to be his companion. Just as I was about to say yes, Joshua was standing beside us.
“What kind of mischief is brewing over here?” He tried to sound light-hearted, but I could see the annoyance written all over his face.
Boy, he was possessive! I didn’t want to admit it but it made me feel good to know that he got jealous if I talked to another man.
“I just asked Sarah to be my companion for the charity event tomorrow night.” Conrad was oblivious to Joshua’s jealousy. It looked like the vein in Joshua’s neck was going to explode.
“Conrad,” he spoke through clenched teeth, “I have already made arrangements to take Sarah to the event tomorrow evening.” I looked at him. Really? Because this is the first I have heard of this!
“But Sarah is your new associate. Why don’t you take Natalia and I can escort Sarah.”
Joshua grinned through gritted teeth and patted Conrad on the arm. “Thank you for the offer ol’ chap, but everything is already set. Feel free to ask Natalia. I am sure she will be ecstatic that you asked her.” Joshua stood his ground like an animal claiming his territory. His body language was very clear that he was going to get his way. He also didn’t leave my side and that thwarted any chance Conrad had to speak with me privately. Conrad finally got the message and sauntered off to talk with Natalia.
I turned to Joshua, “I had no idea you were escorting me to the charity event.”
“No? Would you like to go with Conrad instead?” He playfully challenged me, daring me to say yes.
“No.” My voice was small as I realized that this would be our first formal date. A small panic set in at the realization of what the following night could hold. My palms began to sweat and suddenly I was very uncomfortable standing next to Joshua in public. Can everyone see how I feel about you?
He must have been able to see that I was uncomfortable because he placated me with words that only I could hear.
“We will have a wonderful time tomorrow evening. Don’t worry about anything. I’m looking forward to seeing you in your gown.” He inconspicuously leaned in to whisper one last thing. “Wear something special underneath just for me.” He gave me a quick wink that only I could see, and walked over to get another cup of punch.
I stood there speechless. He seemed to have this effect on me from the first day I met him. The thought of our date consumed me now that the big meeting was over and the work was done. The luncheon was finally dispersing and I went back to my office to pack up my things. A few minutes later, Samira was at the door.