Chapter One

Book 1 Chapter 1

Jareth and Jerrica's Story

Jareth looked out the window at the cityscape below him, watching all the people milling about, living their lives. The sun was setting on the horizon. Dark brooding clouds matching his mood.

He twirled the glass in hand watching the amber liquid swirl. He downed it in one gulp and slammed it on his desk, almost shattering it. 

I’ve got to get over her, he thought. After all, it's been ten months. He can’t believe she still gets under his skin. Gwen the Gold Digger is out of his life living the high life with the gifts he bought her. Fancy car, designer clothes and a lavish condo. And what did he get out of it? A broken heart and an empty bed. Once she got what she wanted, she broke up with him over text while he was away on a business trip. Eighteen months of his time and money wasted.

He loosened his tie and undid two buttons of his Armani suit jacket and sat at his desk pouring over notes for tomorrows meeting with Betton Enterprises. If this partnership goes through, his company, Steele Logistics, will have a big payday. He’s been working on this proposal for months. His parents will be proud if this all goes through according to plan. Since his father handed him the reins of the company six months ago, it’s been a challenge to get the bigger contracts. This partnership will definitely put Steele Logistics as the front runner for doing business with on the world stage. He’ll talk more with them at dinner tonight.

He’ll be meeting with their representative tomorrow, the daughter of the president, heir to Betton Enterprises, Jerrica Betton. He did some recon on her through social media and news articles. She doesn’t mess around and is a tough negotiator. And not to mention, she’s easy on the eyes.

He sighed and gathered up his papers and laptop. He has to stay focused. He can’t get distracted by a pretty face and a pencil skirt. He ran a hand through his blond hair and glanced down at his desk at her face on the cover of Business Today magazine. Her cool blue eyes, fair skin and wavy black hair would make any man weak in the knees. No wonder she makes waves in the business world and companies seek partnership with her fathers company.

As he closed the door to his office, he nodded at his secretary. Kelly batted her eyelashes at him and said, “Good night, sir,” “Good night Kelly," he replied briskly. He walked away without a second glance as he made his way to the elevator. He took out his phone to call his driver to bring the car out front. Taylor is one of his most trusted employees and a good friend.

As he slides into the back seat, he let’s out an exasperated sigh. “Rough day?” Taylor asks. “Yeah, I guess you could say that,” Jareth replies. “Gwen again?” Taylor asks as the Mercedes starts moving. “Is it that obvious?” Jareth says. “Well sir, no one causes you more stress than her,” Taylor says. “You’re not wrong about that," Jareth replies.

He looks out the window as rain starts to fall, watching the city lights of Castle Rock pass by and the moon reflecting off the ocean waves. He’s got to find a way to get her off his mind. He has two thousand employees to think about and he has to be in top form for tomorrows meeting. They pull up to the quaint Italian restaurant where he will be having dinner with his parents. Taylor exits the drivers side and comes around with an umbrella for Jareth. He adjusts his tie and jacket.

“Thank you Taylor. We’ll be done by 7:00pm so I’ll see you then.” “Very good, sir. I’ll bring your laptop and briefcase to your home office" he replies. Jareth nods at him as he walks up to the restaurant doors. The hostess’ face lights up when she sees him. “Good evening Mr. Steele, your parents are at their usual table.” “It’s good to see you again Jess.” They hug warmly and she took his jacket. “How’s the new puppy?” “Eat, sleep and poop and poop and more poop. Like, does it ever end?” “I’m sure you’ll have her house broken in no time.” he says, smiling. “That day can’t come soon enough. Follow me please.” she says and they weave through the restaurant to a private dining area.

He gets to his parents table and they stand to welcome him. “There he is! Right on time," his Mom, Genevieve, beams. “Hello Mother, it’s so lovely to see you.” She envelops him in a warm hug and gives him a kiss on the cheek. “So handsome, just like your Father,” she says as she rubs the lipstick off his cheek like he’s five years old again. He rolls his eyes and gently swats her hand away playfully. “Mom, stop it,” he jokes. “You’ll always be her baby even at twenty eight years old," his father says. “Hi Dad,” Jareth says as they shake hands and hug. Spencer Steele commands a presence everywhere he goes. He and his Mom we made for each other. Both the epitome of success and sophistication. How did he ever get so lucky to have them as his parents?

He takes his seat and starts to look at the drink menu. The server appears and they give their order. “So, are you all set for tomorrow?” Spencer inquires. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replies. “No pressure but this will be a big win for Steele Logistics if we get this partnership,” Spencer says. Riiiiight, no pressure at all, he thinks to himself. Their drinks arrive and they give their food order.

“Now honey, you know Jareth is still new in the big seat. Give him the chance to prove he can pick up where you left off,” Genevieve says with confidence. She reached over and gave his hand a squeeze. Always his cheerleader, Jareth was grateful for the encouragement from her. Spencer sipped his cognac and gave his son an approving look. “I know you’ll nail tomorrow son,” Spencer said. “Old Man Betton won’t know what hit him,” “Actually, I’m meeting with his daughter, Jerrica.” Jareth said.

Both his parents eyebrows shot up. “Oh! I didn’t know she was taking on this negotiation,” his Mom said. “She’s one tough cookie. I’ve read several articles of her business dealings. And she’s only twenty six!” “You’ve got a solid proposal and I know this partnership will work out to both our benefits,” his Father said.

Their food arrived and they chatted more over Pasta Primavera and good wine. They were enjoying coffee and dessert when his phone buzzed. He looked at the call display, “Gold Digger". He hit the decline button, silenced his phone and brought his attention back to his parents. “Was that her?” his Mom inquired. “Yes but I don’t want to talk to her. I have to be at the top of my game tomorrow. I don’t need her distracting me from what’s important.” “Good for you,” said his Father. “You need a better woman than her by your side if you’re going to run Steele Logistics.”

His parents never fully accepted his relationship with Gwen. He was too smitten to see the red flags as the months wore on during their relationship. And then the bombshell of a text while he was in Rome closing a business deal. He was going to propose when he got back. Now, looking back, he feels he dodged a bullet.

He contemplated taking back whatever gifts he had given her over course of the relationship but he decided not to. He could just see the tabloids having a hey-day with his break up if she opened her mouth about that. So instead, he got her to sign an agreement where she gets to keep what he gave her in exchange for her silence. Those were what was most important to her anyway.

“I’m texting Taylor to come pick us up,” he said, letting his thoughts drift away from Gwen. “Don’t let her weasel her way back in your life. She’s not good for you,” his Mom said. “Don’t worry, I won’t. I’ve learned my lesson,” he said.

They made their way to the door and Jess had their coats ready. “Good luck with the puppy,” he said as they exited the restaurant. “Thank you Mr. Steele and good luck to you tomorrow,” Jess replied.

Taylor arrived and they all got comfortable in their seats. As they drove through the city, he watched as the street lights passed by. Why would she be contacting him now after so many months? He didn’t want to know the answer to that. It would just open a whole can of worms when he has more important things on his mind. And what comes to mind are a pair of blue eyes that can suck you in like a black hole.

“Were you listening?” his Mom said. “Sorry, what did you say?” he said, coming out of his reverie. “I said don’t forget it’s your sister’s birthday party in two weeks,” she said. Right, little sis's twenty first birthday. He still has to get a gift. What do twenty one year olds like these days anyway? “I won’t forget,” he said, smiling. They arrived at the gates of the Steele estate. Taylor punched in the code and the gates started rolling open. They got to front door and Taylor opened the door for his parents. They all got out in the drizzling rain to say their goodbyes.

 

“Knock it out of the park tomorrow son,” his Dad said as he shook his hand. “I will Dad,” he said. “We’re proud of you no matter the outcome tomorrow,” said Genevieve. “We love you so much.” And with that they made their way to the open front door where Robert the butler was waiting. He’s been part of the staff since Jareth was born. He smiled and waved as Jareth got back in the car. Jareth waved back.

“Okay Taylor, take me home. I have a big day tomorrow,” he said. They made their way down the long driveway to the gate. They pulled onto the main road to make their way through the city to Jareth’s penthouse. “Everything okay, sir?” Taylor asked. “She tried calling me but I declined her call. Geez, what more does she want from me?” Jareth replied. “Perhaps she wants to apologize and she’s realized what a mistake she made,” Taylor replied, mildly sarcastic. “But please don’t fall for her traps, sir. I saw what it did to you last time.” “Thanks for the relationship advice,” he said, mildly sarcastic back. “This coming from a single guy.” He smiled at him in the mirror.

Jareth couldn’t ask for a better bodyguard. Taylor would be quite the catch if he put himself out there a little more. Over six feet tall, built like an ox with brown hair and green eyes and an easy going personality. He always turns heads when they attend corporate events. “Maybe you’ll meet someone at Gabby's birthday party in a couple weeks.” “Perhaps sir, but I won’t hold my breath,” Taylor replied with just a hint of sarcasm.

They arrived at his penthouse on Centennial Street. They pulled up to the front doors where Pedro the doorman opened his door. “Good evening Mr. Steele, I trust dinner with your parents went well?” he said as held an umbrella to shield Jareth from the drizzle. “Yes, thank you, it went very well,” he said. “See you in the morning Taylor,” he said over his shoulder. “Yes you will sir,” replied Taylor.

Jareth watched as the Mercedes made its way down the street. Pedro called the elevator for him. “Good luck tomorrow sir, I know you’re going to succeed in wooing Betton Enterprises to partner with you,” said Pedro. Jareth smiled and nodded as he boarded the elevator. Wooing, eh? Well, we’ll see.

The doors opened to his penthouse on the 43rd floor of the most desirable skyscraper of Castle Rock. The city skyline was barely visible through the clouds. I hope this rain lets up tomorrow, he thought to himself. He took off his jacket and threw it on the sofa and plopped down next to it. “Alexa, play some soft rock.” As the tunes started to play, he took out his phone. Two more missed calls from “Gold Digger".

He resisted calling for about two more minutes while he got up and poured himself a glass of whiskey. Ugh, what does she want? He pressed “call" and plopped back down on the sofa. She answered on the first ring. Funny, she never did that before.

“What?” he said impatiently into the phone. “Is that any way to talk to a lady?” Gwen purred on the other end. “A lady? You?” he replied. He heard her huff on the other end. “Are you still mad at me?” she asked, changing her tone. “Of course I’m not,” he replied sarcastically. “Why would I be? It’s not like you broke up with me over text or anything and started fucking your stylist.” She huffed again. “That was so long ago and things didn’t work out so I’m just calling to see if you wanted to get back together.” It took all of his control not to burst out laughing. “That’s a hard pass from me “lady". Find some other sucker to manipulate into buying you everything your heart desires and then leaving him high and dry,” he said through gritted teeth. “It’s not like you couldn’t afford it,” she retorted. He clenched the glass in his hand so hard he thought it might shatter. “I have an important meeting tomorrow and I need my rest. So I’m heading to bed. Good night,” he said and didn’t give her a chance to respond when he hit “end".

Fuuuuck! Geez she knew how to press his buttons. “Alexa, turn off music.”

He made his way to the washroom to shower off the days stress and that enlightening phone call. He undressed, ran the water and stepped into the massive shower stall that can easily fit two people. Body jets sprayed him at every angle. His mind began to wander as he lathered up. His hands wandered down to his member. Yes, this shower can definitely fit two people in here, he thought. What is she hiding under that pencil skirt? I want to take her hair out of that prim bun and run my fingers through. He started stroking himself with more vigor at the thought. He got so hard while he imagined her stroking him. It’s been so long since he’s had any inclination to pleasure himself or find someone new. Jerrica Betton has reignited the flame without even knowing it. He stroked faster until he felt the build up. He knew he wasn’t going to last long as he groaned and sprayed all over the wall. Damn, it’s been so long. 

He finished up his shower and padded his way to his bedroom. He took a look at himself in the mirror. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, he thought to himself. He got under the covers and crashed almost instantly. Sleep couldn’t come fast enough.