Chapter Two

Light came streaming through ivory blinds and right onto her face. Ugh, morning already, she thought as she rolled over to look at the time. 6:27am, 3 minutes before her alarm goes off. Just 3 more minutes of bliss before she has to get her butt out of bed and put on her game face.

Jerrica has her meeting today with Steele Logistics. Her father says they’ve been trying to partner with them for months. Today she’ll listen to their proposal and tear it to shreds to find any issue that doesn’t benefit Betton Enterprises. She and her company's legal team will go through it with a fine tooth comb so she’ll have the upper hand with negotiations. She’s heard their CEO can be just as ruthless as her, so she’ll be extra on guard today.

She sat up just as her alarm went off. She hit “dismiss" and padded her way to the washroom, rubbing her eyes. “Alexa, play some Maroon 5.” As the music started playing, she assessed herself in the mirror. Six hours of sleep wasn’t enough, she thought. She was up late preparing documents for todays meeting. This partnership better be worth it.

She got into the shower to wash away her sleepiness. Hmmm, strawberry or coconut body wash? Strawberry it is, she thought. She lathered up and watched the bubbles go down the drain. She thought of the last time she was in negotiations with another company not too long ago. They tried to intimidate her into accepting a less than fair deal for their partnership. She held her ground and showed the Old Boys Club that she wouldn’t be pushed around.

Just as she was getting out of the shower, her cell rang. She wrapped herself in a towel and picked up the call on the last ring.

Call display said “Geena". She answered “Hey chicky! Isn’t it a little early for you?” “Hell yeah it is but I wanted to wish you good luck today!” Geena has been her best friend since the second grade. She’s been there through thick and thin. “Thank you so much but you know I won’t need it,” she replied. “My aren’t we confident?” Geena giggled on the other end.

“How are things going at Fyre?” Jerrica asked. “Oh, you know, groped by men who think they own me,” she replied.

Geena was an exotic dancer at the high end Gentleman’s Club. The nights she works draws the biggest crowds. With her mocha skin, long chestnut hair and curves in all the right places, she cleans up really well every night she works. She often goes home with rent money easily. She knows it’s not something she wants to forever but for now, it pays the bills and her courses. She’s been taking business courses at the University during the day and dancing four nights a week.

“And classes are going well?” Jerrica asked.” “Yep! Acing all my courses!” Geena exclaimed. “Of course you are! You’re a smartypants,” Jerrica laughed into the phone. “I really should finish getting ready to meet the CEO at Mario’s. You know how much I love Italian food. I don’t want to be late,” she said. Geena squealed on the other end “Oooohh you lucky bitch, you get to meet THE CEO of Steele Logistics! I’m so jealous!” “You have a thing for old men now?” Jerrica asked playfully. “What the hell are you talking about??? Twenty eight is not old!” she exclaimed. “What do you mean? I’m meeting the CEO of Steele Logistics,” Jerrica said, confused.

“Yeah you are! Jareth took over from his Dad, Spencer, six months ago. I thought you knew this,” said Geena. “Well,  I do now! Why am I just finding this out now? Now I don’t have time to research who I’m meeting. I just researched Spencer Steele,” Jerrica exclaimed. 

“Well I guess now you’re going to need that luck after all,” Geena giggled on the other end. “Ta ta chicky!” The line went silent and Jerrica tossed her phone on the bed. What am I going to do? Her mind was racing.

I should at least look him up and see what I’m dealing with. Good ol' F******k did not disappoint. His face popped up on her screen and she was instantly looking into deep blue eyes with swirls of gold and a perfectly coifed golden mane of hair. Oh my fucking God! She was definitely in trouble.

She checked the time, 7:17am. Her meeting isn’t until 10:00am at Mario’s Italian Cuisine. He booked the VIP room at the restaurant for just the two of them so they can be undisturbed and work through lunch, if needed. She called her Dad and told him she was heading to the meeting soon. “Good luck, honey. I know you’re going to do me proud,” he said with pride in his voice. “I will, Dad. Love you!” she replied.

Oh my God, what am I going to wear? She thought. She was going to go for the conservative look, pencil skirt and blazer jacket and high bun, but now that she’s seen what Jareth looks like, maybe conservative isn’t the way to go.

She flipped through her closet and found this form fitting, royal blue knee length number that still shows professionalism but also some style. Hair up or down? Hmmm, perhaps she can leave it down in soft waves this time. She’s seriously getting tired of the bun. She did her makeup to accentuate her eyes, her best feature. If he’s going to be looking at her during negotiations, might as well give him something pretty to look at. She put on her white gold and diamond pendant and earrings and now she’s good to go. She gathered up her notes and caught the elevator down.

She called her driver at 9:30am and he arrived promptly. “Where to Miss Betton? And may I say you look lovely today,” Joshua said. “Thank you Joshua, that’s greatly appreciated. To Mario’s Italian Cuisine please.” “Right away, Miss Betton,” he said and pulled away from her building. The rain from the night before left everything glistening and smelling wonderful. The bright sunny day did nothing to ease her nervousness of this meeting.

She watched as traffic and buildings whizzed by and before she knew it, she was out front of Mario’s. Joshua came around and opened her door and held out his hand to assist her exit from the BMW. “Good luck today Miss Betton,” he said. Why does everyone keep saying that? “Thank you Joshua,” she said. She gathered her paperwork, stood tall, straightened out her dress and walked confidently to the door. It was all for show though, she didn’t feel as confident as she looked.

The doorman nodded and tipped his hat to her as he opened the door. She nodded and smiled back and walked into a dimly lit corridor where one of Steele's men was there to welcome her. “Good morning Miss Betton, Mr. Steele is in the VIP lounge awaiting your arrival,” he said. He was a big man for sure, bodyguard maybe? He has very friendly green eyes that put her at ease. She glanced at her phone, 9:45am. She thought she would have some time to herself before he showed up. I guess they both had the same idea.

“Thank you,” she said as she followed him down the hall, past the general dining area. She’s always loved this place. She used to come here with her parents when she was young but now that she’ll be taking over the company soon, she hasn’t had time to come as often as she’d like.

He opened a door with bold “Private" lettering on it and ushered her in. He excused himself and passed her onto a server that was standing at attention just inside the entrance. She nodded and smiled at Jerrica. “I’m Jess, I’ll be attending your meeting with Mr. Steele today so if there’s anything you need, please let me know,” she said very pleasantly. Jerrica liked her instantly. She smiled at her and said “Thank you very much.”

She ushered Jerrica to the large table where water glasses and table settings were laid out. She didn’t see Jareth Steele. She set her items on the table and inquired as to where her host is. “He just stepped out for some air, he’ll be here momentarily,” Jess said. Okaaay, she thought. Maybe he’s as nervous as she is and needed to psych himself up.

She heard another door open and in walked her host. She stood up to be at his level and stared mesmerized as he locked eyes with her and strutted towards her, outstretching his hand once he reached her. “Good morning Miss Betton, it’s nice to finally meet you,” he said in the most silky smooth voice she’s ever heard.

She just stared at his hand for what seemed like an eternity but was maybe only three seconds. She finally lifted her hand to be enveloped by his. As soon as there hands touched, she felt a tingle all the way through her arm and land somewhere where it shouldn’t have. He tightened his grip and rubbed his thumb over the soft muscle between her thumb and index finger.

 

He was a good seven inches taller than her five foot seven frame. She had to tilt her head to make eye contact. She saw his eyes crinkle on the edges and his lips twitch. She slowly smiled, showing her dimple in her left cheek. “It’s nice to meet you too,” she said with what she hoped was a confident voice. He smiled broadly and he let go of her hand. As soon as there was no more contact, she immediately missed his touch.

“Shall we sit?” he gestured to her seat. He held her seat open for her and she sat as gracefully as she could. She felt his hand brush her shoulder as he pushed the chair in. She heard a slight suck in of breath from him near her ear. Did he feel the electricity too?

“So I’d like to start off by saying that I thought I’d be meeting with your father. I hadn’t realized you had taken over the company so I’m ill-prepared as I know nothing about you,” she said, slightly shyly. God, this is so unlike her. All bashful and shy.

“Well, what would you like to know?” he asked with a slight raise of a brow as he folded his hands beneath his chin. EVERYTHING! Her mind screamed. She cleared her throat, “Well, how long have you been CEO?” She already knew the answer but just wanted to hear him talk in that velvety voice.

“It will be six months coming up on the fourteenth. My father felt it was time he and mother enjoyed their twilight years together while they still can,” he said very matter-of-factly. “My sister, Gabrielle, will be coming into the family business at her own pace. But, I, being the older and only son, got thrown into the fray at a very young age. My parents have been planning this since the day I was born. And you? I understand you’re taking the business world by the horns.”

He’s been reading up on her? Her partnerships and negotiations are published quite frequently so it’s understandable that he would read an article or two. She couldn’t help but blush a little at his flattery. “I went to business school and graduated top of my class. My parents are very proud.” “And so they should be,” he said with a smile.

She cleared her throat again, “Um, shall we get down to business? I don’t want to take up too much of your time,” she said. “I have all the time for you,” he said with a smile. “But you’re right, let’s get to it.”

She felt a blush creep up her cheeks again. She shuffled papers around nervously. God, I hope he doesn’t notice. She looked up to him and she saw that he was looking at her pendant. “That’s very lovely on you,” he said with that heart-stopping smile again. “Thank you,” she murmured. “It was a graduation gift from my parents.”

“I like your hair down. The pictures I’ve seen, you’ve always had it that prim bun that seems to be the norm in the business world,” he said silkily. She nervously touched a few strands near her shoulder. “Thank you again,” she murmured softly. “Um, yeah so I look forward to hearing your proposal.”

“Right, down to business,” he said hastily. “So I feel this proposal will benefit both of us tremendously. I’ve been working on it for over three months. I’ve gone through it several times but, of course, you’re welcome to have your legal team give it a thorough look.” “Yes, that was the plan Mr. Steele,” she said smoothly. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jess give a small smile but kept her eyes averted.

They talked through the terms for the next hour. She leaned back and stretched which made her chest jut out slightly. That’s something that definitely got his attention that he almost knocked over his water. “Hungry?” he said as he moved his glass away. For you? God, yes! She thought.

“That would be wonderful,” she said. Jareth waved Jess over. “Yes, Mr. Steele?” “Bring two of the chef's specials if you please,” he said politely. “Yes sir,” and she scurried off to fill their order. “Chef's special?” she said quizzically. “Trust me, you’ll love it. I came here last night for dinner with my parents and I wanted to try it then but I figured I’d save it for today.”

Another server brought out a red and a white wine for them to choose. “What tickles your fancy?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. YOU! Her mind screamed again. “Um, a sweet white please, Moscato if you have it,” she said. Jareth nodded to the server and he hustled off to the wine cellar. “You like it sweet, don’t you,” he said teasingly. “Um, yes,” she murmured. She cast her eyes to his hands and wished to touch them again. Hmmm, no ring. Her heart did a little flip.

They sat in silence for what felt like an eternity that she memorized the pattern of the tablecloth. “Would you like to-" “What’s your favorite-" they both said at the same time. “Oh please, go ahead,” he said with a little laugh. She smiled at him, “Thank you, I was going to ask you what your favorite wine was.” “My parents have a vineyard an hour away so I get to sample many varieties,” he says. “That must be wonderful,” she said, excitedly. “I could show you if you like, we’re having Gabby's twenty first birthday there in two weeks,” he blurted out. “I mean, you can bring a friend if that makes you more comfortable. That’s what I was going to ask you.”

Her eyebrows shot up, “Really? That would be delightful!” she exclaimed. She smiled brightly at him through her blushing. “Thank you for the invitation,” she said politely.

Their food arrived and what was placed in front of her made her eyes grow big. “Oh my God, you weren’t kidding!” And then the server came back with their wine. They each got poured a glass and Jareth leaned forward and said, “To new partnerships.” “To new partnerships,” she echoed. Their glasses clinked and their fingers briefly touched. Time seemed to stand still when they made eye contact. She quickly took a sip and set it down so she can pick up her fork. He took a sip and looked at her over the rim of his glass.

“Bon appetite,” he said. “But we’re in an Italian restaurant not a French bistro,” she said, jokingly. “Ah, same difference,” he shrugged. “I could take you to a French bistro next time,” he blurted out again. She put her fork down and just stared at him. She saw red tint his cheeks. “I mean, if you want….” He trailed off.

Before she knew it, she murmured, “I’d like that.” She knew she was in trouble now.