by Piper Stone
Mr. Albright raised his eyebrow and patted her arm. “The office is almost ready. We need you there in three weeks.”
Three weeks? Oh fuck. “I…”
“No worries. We know you’re going away on vacation. Much deserved, but we will need your decision by Tuesday at the latest.” Rick beamed. “I was bursting at the seams to tell you this and have wanted to for two weeks. You’re so perfect for this. Granted, I hate to lose you, but I know you’re going to shine.”
“But my family. I mean…” Shannon was swooning. Just the thought of running a branch was amazing, but what about David’s firm? He’d never want to move. Never.
Rick raised his glass. “Don’t worry. We have a generous package all set up to get you moved. We even have a firm that will help sell your house. Also, Jameson here is going to get the branch up and running alongside you. He’ll be there with you working every day until you’re ready to take on the challenge.”
“Wow, you’ve thought of everything.” How was she supposed to handle this? Shannon wasn’t so certain working side by side with Jameson was the best idea. “I don’t know if I can get my husband to make the move so quickly.”
“We have. We want you happy and of course we’re prepared to rent a condominium for you until you and your husband decide on a location. Sound good for starters?” Mr. Albright’s eyes twinkled.
They really had thought of everything. This was the opportunity of a lifetime. This was something she’d wanted since she began with the firm. All the time she’d thought about this very thing and now at this time, with how rocky her relationship was with David. How could she entertain something like this when David’s firm was doing so well? He loved being an architect. He was so happy with getting new clients. The firm was doing so well and… Shannon had no idea how to tell him. After the trip. No, she couldn’t wait. She just couldn’t. Great. What the hell was she going to do?
“I know it’s a lot to take in. Go on your trip and just think about it. Besides, I think it’s time for champagne. Jameson, will you take the lovely lady out and give her all the incredible details?” Mr. Albright asked, his eyes never leaving hers.
“Of course.” Jameson held out his arm. “Shall we?”
“I don’t know. I have to get ready for my trip,” Shannon stated a little less than enthusiastically. Her tummy was filled with butterflies.
“We insist.” Jameson moved in front of her.
There was something about the look in his eyes as if the memory of their tryst was firmly planted in the forefront of his mind. Stunned, she nodded and took his arm and knew this was what she wanted. Maybe karma was telling her this was for the best. “I just need to make a phone call.”
But it would mean the end of…
Chapter 3
David held the cellphone to his head and sighed. The phone call, the rather clipped message, seemed odd, as if Shannon wasn’t telling him something. He checked his watch and tossed the brief on the table. The clients were going to have to wait for another day. Suddenly, he didn’t have the energy to do any more work. There were so many projects, so much to do, and he realized he wasn’t going to be able to accomplish any of his self-appointed tasks before he left town on…
My God, he started to say ‘vacation’. The trip wasn’t about beaches and margaritas. He fingered his mouse as he thought about The Endless Journey. Chuckling, he wondered just how endless this would be. All he knew was he’d paid a pretty penny to send them away on this trip.
Unable to resist, he opened the internet and pulled up the website. He’d spent some time reading the material provided by the owner and counselor, and had to admit, the very concept of what Stephen Robbins was offering was more about retraining one’s self. From delving into the true aspect of being a Dominant or submissive person in business and relationships to embracing certain needs, his methods seemed intense. Thousands of dollars spent to have one man tell them they were or weren’t doing some level of their relationship right or wrong. Great. He checked his watch and groaned. Where was she going tonight?
Placing his head in his hands, he closed his eyes. Going out with folks from work? Really? There hadn’t been a moment before when she had ever wanted to. Even the holiday parties she attempted to avoid like the plague. What in the hell was she doing? As Head of Household, he needed to tell her that partying wasn’t going to happen. She needed to get ready for their trip – the one to…
His hand was shaking, and he couldn’t say the words. For a few minutes, he debated calling her back, telling her she had to come home. Oh, who was he kidding? Head of Household? Right. How had they gone so wrong with this?
“Hey, good news. We just got another request to design an entire block of buildings. Do you freaking believe that?” Bruce fanned his face. “I can’t even begin to tell you how excited they are.”
What was the kid’s name from work, the one she’d almost… Hell, he didn’t want to know if she fucked the boy. He’d been close enough himself with the vixen in heat. They’d both agreed to push the almost infidelity back in the far reaches of their minds. Stop being an asshole. Stop doing this to either one of you. Sweat beaded across his forehead.
“And the purple cow drinks pink lemonade.”
“Good.”
“Good?” Bruce moved closer to David’s desk. “Groovy, dude. Here we go again. What is going on?”
“Nothing,” David breathed.
“For God’s sake, it’s not nothing.”
David huffed. “Yes, it is.” Was she out with him, her lover? Was the kid even still around? For some reason, he had it in his head Zach had left the law firm, choosing wisely to move on. Now, he wasn’t so certain.
“Buddy, I need to kick your ass. Go home. Just go home and get ready for this great trip you have. You’ve been shit at work lately. Just go. Okay? I’ll finish up and get this client started. Maybe we’ll talk tomorrow.”
David nodded and turned off his computer. “You’re right. I should go.” Rising to his feet, he glanced at the single picture he had of the two of them together. The moment was bittersweet given it was the same island they were supposed to be going to and… Supposed to? He placed his hand over his heart.
“If you’re having a heart attack, I’m not certain I can save you. Wait a minute. I’m not certain I want to save you. I’ll get the company, all the perks,” Bruce teased and rubbed his chin. “Yeah. I get this great place and all the money. Go ahead and pass out on me.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not having a heart attack.” Grabbing his keys, he snuffed and shook his head. “And you couldn’t handle this by yourself and you know it.”
“Ha, buddy. You have no clue what I can handle. Try me.”
“Try this,” David said as he held up his middle finger.
“So sensitive.” Bruce laughed and shook his head. “Okay then. Go home and enjoy. I’ll give you all the details tomorrow.” Bruce swept his arms out. “Then you’re going to be on an amazing vacation with the woman of your dreams and I’m going to run the show for a little while. Mmm… Maybe when you get back things will have changed. Muah.”
The expression on Shannon’s face in the picture was as if she never wanted to be anywhere but by his side. And now he questioned everything about her: her life, her past and certainly her loyalty. “Maybe.”
“Maybe? You’re really worrying me now. Do you need to go home and punish her?”
He knew Bruce was just trying to make him feel better. “You fuck with the company, you die. You remember who started this firm.”
Bruce held up his hands. “And you know who brought in the first client.”
“And you think you’re going to hold this over my head?”
“For… ever.”
David laughed. Thank God, Bruce knew what was going on. Being able to confide and commiserate with a friend had certainly helped. A myriad of thoughts raced through the back of his mind. If she was going out, so could he. Snapping his head up, he grinned. “You doing anyt
hing tonight? Marcie on the prowl?”
“Hmm… My girlfriend is none of your concern, thank you very much.” Bruce gave him a harsh look then laughed. “Jesus, you are so serious.”
“Well, a lot on my mind. You feel like grabbing a drink?”
Narrowing his eyes, Bruce moved closer. “Wait a minute. Let me think about this. You’re asking to go out for a drink, two nights before you leave town on a wonderful vacation. What the hell is wrong with paradise?”
“It’s not a vacation.”
“What? What does that mean?”
“It’s an intensive workshop designed for couples involved in the domestic discipline lifestyle. The getaway is meant to help couples break down their walls of inhibitions, taking the next step into a journey that will never end.”
Bruce sucked in his breath. “My God, you sound like an infomercial. What the hell gives?”
“One glossy brochure.”
“You’re really worried, aren’t you?”
David nodded. “More than you know. I just want to get a drink with a friend. Okay?”
“Hmm… Then you need to tell me what’s going on here.”
“First a drink. Then we talk.” Stealing one last glance at Shannon’s picture, he had no idea what to think. None.
“You act as if you don’t deserve the promotion.” Jameson grinned as he pulled out her chair, his eyes twinkling as he waited until she was seated before giving her a nod.
After sitting down, Shannon shifted, leaning forward and couldn’t help but admire the beautiful space. The bar was one she’d never been to before, a bit more upscale than she was used to. “I don’t know about deserve.” Jameson wasn’t quite the man she thought he was. The ride had been entertaining, provocative. He was an individual who was going far in the company as well as in politics. His aspirations of being the next State Senator meant the entire company would be scrutinized. She suspected the firm was merely getting her out of town. Right now, she could tell by the way he was looking at her he not only remembered but also had certain thoughts about her.
“Well, you do. As a matter of fact, I suggested you for the position.”
“Why?” Shannon asked and had trouble looking at him.
“Because you’re damn good at what you do. You’re the only one I could think of who could handle this promotion. You’re a piranha.”
“I love what I do. I hope that reflects.” She certainly wasn’t going to tell him the truth.
Jameson tilted his head and eased his hand over the table to hers. “My God, of course it does.”
Every part of her body tingled from the electricity shooting between them. She pulled her arm back and gave him a hard look. “A woman on the Board of Directors. I wonder what your constituents would say.”
Jameson’s grin faded. “You truly believe there’s a hidden agenda?”
“Respectfully, sir, there is no doubt in my mind.”
“Interesting.”
She could tell she’d struck a nerve. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”
“Shannon, no matter what you might think about my aspirations for public office, the fact the firm thinks you do an amazing job for us is all that matters. The concept of me running for office doesn’t have anything to do with hoping you’ll accept the position. You’re not only the most qualified for the position, but you’re due for accolades in this company.”
“Due for accolades?” As the waiter approached, she resisted saying anything else. Now wasn’t the time to get into a political debate.
“Yes. You’ll see what I mean. Good evening,” Jameson said, acknowledging the waiter as he kept his eyes on her.
“What can I get for you?” the young man asked.
“The lady will have a Chardonnay and I’ll have a Johnny Walker Black on the rocks.”
Even the way in which he ordered was authoritative and for the first time, she was uncomfortable around him. Irked, she gave the waiter a huge smile. “That will be a Cabernet. I never drink white wine.”
“Yes, ma ‘am.”
As the waiter walked away, she could tell Jameson was amused. “There’s no need to order for me. I’m quite capable of getting exactly what I want.”
Raising a single eyebrow, he nodded. “That’s one of the top reasons why we want you involved. That’s also why I will enjoy spending time together getting the branch up and running.”
“I’m married.”
“And your point?” he challenged.
“If, for any reason, you think I’m going to become involved with you because you helped get me a promotion, you’re very wrong. Dead wrong, in fact. I am married, and I love my husband. He’s a good man, one I care about very much.” Yes, she felt defiant. Yes, she wanted to scratch his eyes out. Yes, she was far too attracted to him.
Sitting back in his seat, he gazed down the length of her before glancing into her eyes. “Tell me, Shannon, just who are you trying to convince?”
Shannon blinked back tears of frustration. She certainly didn’t need some asshole suggesting she had no clue what she was doing with her marriage. Shaking her head, she sighed. The jerk in a gorgeous suit with an intrinsic smile had captured the essence of her failing marriage in ten seconds. Great. What was she supposed to do now? “The promotion is amazing, but my husband has a thriving architectural firm here, one he’s worked his entire life to achieve. I highly doubt I can convince him to leave his dream to follow me to Miami of all places.”
“There are many marriages that survive long distance,” Jameson suggested.
“Many? Name one. I certainly don’t know very much about you or your personal life except what I read in the magical gossip rags in town. From what I hear, you’re a ladies’ man, indulging in one relationship after another. I don’t think you’d understand, at all, what I’m talking about.”
Jameson tilted his head. “As in a girl in every city? One or two in my bed at any given time?”
Of course, she’d crossed the line. Shannon was famous for doing just that. “I wasn’t suggesting that except…”
“That’s exactly what you were suggesting and that’s another reason I personally adore you, Shannon. You hold nothing back. You’re a tigress in sophisticated clothing. I must admit, your husband is a very lucky man.”
“You don’t know me.”
“Don’t I?”
Shannon resisted slapping him. Of course, he was goading her, pushing her limits, and she wanted to do nothing more than to push back. Somehow, she had the terrible feeling she was indeed on precarious ground and what Jameson was offering was a lifeline. “Why do you need to be in Miami with me?”
“So, you’re going to take the promotion?” His eyes twinkled.
“I have to talk with my husband first.”
“And here I was thinking you were a woman who took life by the balls.”
“How dare you,” Shannon hissed, and this time would have struck him across the face had the waiter not been approaching. She reined in her anger and gathered they were just sparring.
“Here you are. Should I run a tab?” the waiter asked as he set the drinks down.
“Yes,” Jameson said casually.
“No,” Shannon heard the over-emphasis in her voice.
“We’ll need more than one drink for what we’re going to discuss.” Jameson pushed the glass of wine closer to her.
Shannon sucked in her breath and nodded to the waiter. “What do you want from me?” After the waiter left, she gave him a hateful glare.
“Nothing more than a firm commitment to what we’re trying to accomplish. We are primed to take over a lion’s share of the market. Miami is ripe for corporate as well as association law. We can take the market by storm.”
“We?”
“The firm, Shannon.”
“I don’t practice corporate law. My specialty is association law only. You know that well. You’re planning on sharing your work in Miami. Aren’t you?”
“Shannon, only to get every
thing off the ground. You’ll be hiring at least six attorneys, as well as the rest of the staff, that you want to work in whatever areas of expertise we determine. You know as well as I do hiring from the area will be good on several levels. The locals know the area as well as the clientele already. My guess is their connections will be invaluable to us as we are starting out.”
Another ‘we’. “All right. That makes sense.” She took a sip of her wine and looked around the bar, trying to buy time more than anything. The somewhat ridiculous message she’d left on David’s voicemail had to have sounded suspicious. It certainly would have to her, given what he’d been through with the intern she’d almost snacked on.
The jazz pianist was good, damn good, and the location was surprisingly soothing. From where she sat, she could see an incredible high-level view of the city, the lights and the way the beautiful town was so electric at nighttime. She missed going out, sharing a night on the town. How long had it been since she and David had even gone on a real date? An alone date?
“Good. I’m glad to hear you say that.” Jameson leaned forward and lowered his voice. He took a sip of his drink and leaned even closer. “I realized earlier today that we never really talked about the one fabulous night of passion.”
“What is there to talk about? We were drunk and having fun, and I allowed my guard down.” Shannon refused to sound as if the heated moment mattered in the least. The inappropriateness of his comment meant he was even more arrogant than she remembered.
“And you and I both know what we shared was amazing. Too bad we never repeated the move.”
The move? Jesus Christ. The way he said the words pissed her off. Giving him a harsh glare, she finally had enough. “Counselor. Have you ever heard of the term ‘sexual harassment’? I’m certain you have since you’ve made a mint for the firm challenging and winning cases against moguls who think with their dick, not with their head. I would think you’d know better. I would think you’d have found a little woman to have settled down with that could keep you safe and sane. Then again, you are a man.” The arrow had slammed the spot right between his eyes. She could almost hear the sting as the sharp point entered.