Chapter Five

They were sitting on the bench near Amigo's when a sleek, black Mercedes pulled up and the bodyguard/driver got out of the drivers seat. “Who is that?” gaped Geena. “He is fucking hot!” she squealed. “I’ve only met him once, I think his name is Taylor,” replied Jerrica in a hushed whisper. They stood up just as Taylor opened the passenger door so Jareth can get out. Taylor looked their way and immediately put on a smile. “Oh my God, I think I just heard my panties hit the ground and I’m not even on stage right now,” Geena giggled. “Shush!” Jerrica hissed. 

Jareth and Taylor walked over to them and immediately Jerrica got flutters in the depths of her stomach. He looked so dapper in his Armani suit. “Are you ladies ok?” he inquired. “Yes, we’re fine. Thank you for coming,” Jerrica replied. “This is my friend, Geena. She is the one I was thinking of bringing to the party,” she said. “Well, you’ve briefly met Taylor, “ Jareth said. And he turned to Taylor and he was just staring at Geena. “Hi! I’m Geena,” she said in her most sweetest voice and held her hand out to Taylor. “Yes, I heard,” Taylor said jokingly. 

He shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said in his deep baritone voice. “So what appears to be the problem with your car?” he said as he started to walk towards the vehicle with Geena in tow. This left Jerrica and Jareth alone.

“I really appreciate you coming down to help with the car, I’m sure it’s a simple problem to fix,” she said. “Glad I could help,” he said. “Um, so about earlier…”  he started. “I, um, you see…it’s just that…well, I was hoping I’d never have to deal with the ex again,” he stammered. Geez, get it together, he thought. “I didn’t know she was there, honestly, it took me by surprise,” he blurted out. “It’s okay, I understand,” she said quietly. “Look, please understand that I have no interest in seeing her. Gwen hurt me in the past and treated me like an ATM. That gold digger means nothing to me.” he explained. 

She stared at him for a few seconds and before he knew what he was doing, he moved closer to her and took her hand. “I meant what I said earlier, I would really like to take you out on a date, a real date, not a business function,” he said. He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. Jerrica blushed yet again. “I accept,” she said shyly. “How does tomorrow at Jacques Bistro sound? I told you I want to take you to a French bistro. 7:00 work for you?” he asked. “Yes, that works,” she replied. She didn’t want him to let go of her hand. She liked feeling his warmth.

Jareth looked over at Taylor and Geena. Geena was leaning over the edge of the car looking under the hood where Taylor was inspecting the battery, touching his arm. “Looks like she doesn’t mind Taylor’s help,” he said jokingly. “Yeah, I had to hold her back with all my might to keep her from running over as soon as she saw him,” she laughed. “She’s an exotic dancer at Fyre and going to University taking business courses to find a more respectable career,” she continued.

“Oh? We may have an opening coming up at my company,” Jareth stated. “We’ll have to talk more if she’s interested. And the position will come with ‘fringe benefits’”, he said, pointing at Taylor. They both laughed. Suddenly, the VW sputtered to life. They looked over and Geena was jumping up and  down and threw herself into Taylor’s arms as a way of saying thank you. Taylor slowly wrapped his arms around her, accepting her gesture of thanks.

“We’d better get over there and pry them apart before things get out of hand,” he teased. “Good idea,” she giggled. They made their way over, hands still interlocked. “Okay, break it up kids,” Jareth said mockingly. “Look who’s talking, sir” said Taylor, looking at their hands. Jerrica blushed at his comment. “Thank you so much for your help,” she said gratefully. “If you need anything, I’m just a call away,” Jareth said, winking at her. He gave her a light kiss on the cheek.

The men made their way back to the Mercedes. The ladies hopped in the Beetle and started to head back to Jerrica’s place. “I take it you guys had a little talk?” asked Geena. “Yes, he said that Gwen was using him as an ATM and that it’s over between them. We’re going for dinner tomorrow night,” she replied. “You know what that means. We have to go shopping tomorrow after work! Now we have a good reason,” Geena exclaimed. 

Back at her place, Jerrica mused over the events of the day. She’s got a new partnership that would make her father proud, a first date coming up and her mind is eased regarding the ex-girlfriend. She’ll definitely be sleeping well tonight. 

She couldn’t help but feel a little frisky though. She reached in her night table and pulled out her battery operated boyfriend. She felt its length, thinking of Jareth. She put it on herself and she immediately felt aroused. She wanted to feel the real thing but for now, this will have to do. She felt her orgasm building up. She knew it wouldn’t take much to get her there. She moaned in pleasure as she came, thinking of Jareth in her.

The next morning she felt refreshed and ready to face the day. Proposal signing day! She checked her emails as she was getting ready in the washroom. The meeting is at 9:00am with Jareth to finalize everything. She wanted to look her best. She chose a mauve top with a black knee length skirt that hugged her assets nicely. She called her driver and Joshua met her out front at 8:30am. “You’re looking lovely today Miss Betton,” he said. “Thank you Joshua,” she said as she slid into the back seat. “Today’s a big day,” she said, smiling. “Yes, I heard. Congratulations!” he replied.

At the office, everyone from the doorman to the executives were congratulating her on the big business deal. This partnership meant a lot to them as well as it will benefit the entire company. Her father was waiting for her in her office. “Hi Dad!” she smiled. “Sweetheart! I knew you could do it!” Dorian Betton exclaimed. He gave her a big hug. “I learned from the best,” she said. “Your Mom and I are so proud,” he said. “She’ll be at dinner with us on Friday. She’s just has some more events at the children’s hospital in Casca City ,” he said. Serena Betton’s heart is as big as her bank account. She’s involved in many charities and organizations. 

“Jareth will be here soon so I’m going to head to the board room. Um, Dad? Just so you know, we, um, have a date tonight,” she said hesitantly. “Is that so?” he said jokingly. “Finally, a man worthy of my daughter,” he beamed. “I’m so happy for you,” he said and hugged her again.

Jerrica has been on a few dates but never in a serious relationship. School and work had always taken priority. Now, going on a date with Jareth will be a change. A change she’ll welcome with open arms. She pulled out her phone and sent him a text.

Jerrica: “I’m in the board room.”

Jareth: “On my way!”

Jerrica: “Don’t worry, you’re not late.”

Jareth: “I’m never late. And I’ve noticed, neither are you.”

Well that’s one thing they have in common, she thought. She poured herself some tea as the legal team organized the paperwork. Suddenly, she heard clapping. What the-? She opened the door to find the entire floor employees standing up in their cubicles, clapping as Jareth and Taylor made their way down the aisles to the board room. She couldn’t help but smile once they were at her door. “That’s quite the entrance, your majesty,” she joked. “What can I say?” Jareth shrugged. Taylor snickered to himself.

She gestured for them to come in. She sat on one side with her legal team and Jareth and Taylor sat on the opposite side. “So, we’ve gone over the terms and we find your proposal favorable for everyone so let’s move forward,” Jerrica said. She signed her part and passed the document to him. He made a big production of signing his name and she couldn’t help but giggle a little. Once he was done, she stood up to shake his hand. He reached across and gave her a firm shake but the thumb rub did not go unnoticed. She felt the tingles all the way up her arm.

“Howdy, partner,” he said with a drawn out cowboy accent. “I reckon we’ll be happier than a pig in manure.” She couldn’t help but giggle at that. “I think you’re correct,” she smiled. “Now, would you like a tour of Betton Enterprises?” she asked. She handed the documents to her legal team and started walking to the door.

They went floor by floor of the building and warehouse. Many of the female staff were eyeing Jareth and Taylor up like they haven’t seen an attractive man before. Jerrica thought to herself, if they only knew who’d he be having dinner with tonight. She smiled to herself. Jareth noticed her smile. “Penny for your thoughts,” he said. “You’re a billionaire and all your offering is a penny? I know I’m worth more than that,” she scoffed. “Yes, you are,” he said as he looked her up and down. She blushed under his scrutiny.

“And this is my office,” she said, which concluded the tour. Her father was waiting for them on the sofa. “Hello!” Dorian greeted them. “I’m so happy to finally meet you Mr. Steele.” He held out his hand to Jareth. “The pleasures all mine, sir,” he replied. “I understand that you’ll be seeing my daughter socially tonight. Make sure you treat her like a lady,” Dorian said in his “Dad" voice. “Daaad!” Jerrica exclaimed. Jareth couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. “Yes, sir. I’ll bring her back with all her dignity intact,” he said. 

“Okay, Dad, I’ll see you Friday at dinner,” she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Now, shoo. Your golf buddies are waiting for you,” she said as she hugged him. “It was nice to meet you, sir" Jareth said as Dorian was gathering his coat. “Likewise,” he said as he made his exit. “Sorry about that,” she said sheepishly. “No problem. I’m sure my Dad would have said the same thing,” Jareth said smiling. “I’m glad to hear you’re close with your Dad, it can’t be easy filling those shoes in the corporate world.”

“No, it’s not but both my parents have guided me and not let me slack through the years,” Jareth said with pride. “So many people depend on the company being successful and partnering with you will do just that!”

“Thank you. Um, so Geena and I are going shopping before we meet tonight and she has to work. So, I know that you’ve probably got a busy afternoon lined up so I won’t keep you away from work,” she said. Taylor’s ears perked up at the mention of Geena. “Where does she work?” he inquired. “At Fyre. She’s also taking business courses at the University. I haven’t mentioned to her that Steele Logistics may have an opening soon, if that’s still a possibility,” Jerrica said. “We could talk more about that tomorrow if you’re free?” Jareth asked. Hmmmm, spending more time with her, I’ll make time, Jareth thought.

Jerrica unlocked her phone to look at her calendar. “Does between 1:00pm-3:00pm work for you?” she asked. “Perfect!” he said. He walked up to her and took both her hands in his and said, “I’ll see you tonight,” and gave her a light kiss on the cheek and squeezed her hands. The sparks ignited and she sucked in her breath at the effect he had on her. “Yes, tonight,” she murmured.