Dangerous Pursuit (The Pursuit #3)

2 Game on

GAME ON

Jackson

T he rest of the week goes no better. I’m angry and sick of hiding in my office to avoid the brat and bear witness to any more of Cindy’s fawning over the girl. I’ve been as cruel as possible without earning more tongue-lashing from Cindy, who seems to like Mia more than she does me. I can’t blame her with the mood I’ve been in.

However, my tactics aren’t working—I’ve produced no tears and no snarky attitude by the end of the week, thus giving me no reason to write her up. Moreover, she hasn’t quit. She doesn’t even seem bothered by my demeanor and continues to lay on the eager employee act. There’s no way she can be this unaffected; she’s either oblivious to moods around her, or she’s a damn good actress. I’m going with the latter, which means I’m not giving up. I’ll break her down eventually.

In the meantime, I have the weekend to regroup, decompress, and deliberate how to up my game. I’m planning to get my fill in the bedroom over the next couple of days, so maybe I’ll stop fantasizing about taking Mia over my desk every time she walks in.

Speaking of… “Come in,” I say after the second knock on my office door—because why would I make it easy on her? And I know it’s her because Cindy doesn’t knock.

“Did you need anything else handled before the weekend, sir?” I’m sure Cindy put her up to this. She still thinks I’ll come around eventually and be nice to the girl. She couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, an idea just popped into my head.

“I do, but it requires your services over the weekend. Our cleaning company had something come up and can’t make their usual rounds to clean the common areas. I’ll need you to handle that,” I tell her curtly without further instruction. The longer I draw it out, the more reaction I expect to get.

“Do you need me to call and find a replacement company for the weekend?” she asks as she writes on her notepad, trying not to make eye contact.

“No, as in, you need to do it yourself. Your mom is a house cleaner, right? This shouldn’t be much of a stretch for you.” With that comment, I see the slightest tic of her jaw—finally, something.

“You want me to clean over the weekend?” She looks a little taken aback. This is more fun than anticipated.

“I expect you to do your job, and right now, that entails handling a problem by whatever means necessary. Are you unwilling to perform the duties required?” I sit back in my chair and thread my fingers behind my head.

“How many buildings need to be cleaned? Will I be paid overtime?” At least she’s got a head on her shoulders to consider that.

“Does this look like the payroll department? You can direct your questions there. I’ll have maintenance provide you with a list of buildings, locations, and requirements for each one. That’s all.”

She pastes on the biggest smile before saying, “Great, I’ll get it done, sir. See you Monday.”

On her way out the door, I get the last word in. “Enjoy your weekend, Mia.”

She doesn’t turn around, and I’d give anything to see the eye roll I’m sure she did.

When the door closes, I pick up my phone and dial maintenance. “Hey, buddy, it’s Jackson. I need you to do something for me. I’m having Mia, my assistant in training, clean our buildings this weekend to familiarize herself with our properties. Can you print off the cleaning schedule and task list we provide our crew and get it to her? Let the team know they have the weekend off, and I’ll pay as scheduled.”

“Can do. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. Thanks, boss.”

“You bet. Have a good weekend and say hi to the missus.”

“Will do.”

Okay, that felt way too good. It’s my first genuine smile all week. Who knew being an asshole could be so much fun. I think it calls for a celebration.

Me: Club tonight?

Braden: Does someone have some pent-up sexual tension?

Eli: How many times have you jacked off this week?

Me: Fuck off. I’ll see you bastards later, and I won’t be jerking off tonight.

Mia

What a prick. It’s not the request that bothers me, it’s the fricking delivery. Other than not going out with Walker and Ben tonight, I’m not upset about it. And hopefully, I’ll be getting paid extra. It sucks that I’ll have to tell my mom another white lie in addition to the ones I’ve been feeding her all week about how great my boss is. If I were to say what my job was this weekend, she’d insist on helping, and that’s not happening. I’ll use Walker as my cover and say I’m hanging at his place since that’s what used to happen before he got serious with Ben.

“How did it go in there? He didn’t give you a hard time, did he?” Cindy has been a godsend this week. Things could have been worse if she hadn’t stepped in to defend me. She’s become my haven and the only bright spot in this place. I don’t know what I’ll do when she’s gone. Luckily, I still have plenty of time.

“He was as pleasant as always. The cleaning company had some emergency, so I’m cleaning the buildings over the weekend. I could use the extra cash anyway.” What sucks is that I’m using public transportation between each building. It’s going to be a long weekend.

“That’s unfortunate. I hope it didn’t ruin any big plans you had.” Cindy makes up for Jackson’s rudeness.

My email pings, and I see that the information has arrived. I open the file as I answer. “No, nothing important. I’m here to learn and make money, so it’s fine. But looking at this list, I think it might take all weekend. Do you mind if I cut out now and get a head start?”

“Not at all. I’ll see you Monday, Mia.”

“Thanks. See you next week.” I wave before walking away.

I’m out the door after a quick stop in payroll to ask about weekend hours. Reading the instructions as I go, I’m relieved to see that each location has its own supply closet with supplies. Good thing I didn’t wear a skirt today, so I can hit a few of these on my way home.

It’s a perfect time to call Walker en route to the first stop.

“How was the asshat today?” he answers with no pretenses. Walker has been my outlet all week. I usually have most of it out of my system when Mom comes home, thanks to him.

“Miserable as usual, if not more. You’d think it would be getting better by now, but I swear it seems to be going in the opposite direction, especially after this. He gave me extra work over the weekend, so I won’t be able to go with you guys tonight.” I’m expecting an argument.

“Bullshit. What did he ask you to do, take notes while he jerks off staring at your chest?”

“Ew, gross. He doesn’t stare at my chest.” Not that I’d know because I try not to make eye contact. “He thinks I’m a child, not to mention despises me. Anyway, I’m cleaning some of the buildings they manage. Their cleaning crew couldn’t make it for some reason.”

“So now you’re his personal bitch. It’s getting worse, Mia. And just so you know, he’s male. All males think you’re gorgeous and stare at your chest. It’s the nature of the beast. Also, I hate to break it to you, but your age does not prohibit your boss from having dirty thoughts about you.”

“Gee, thanks for putting that in my head.”

“That’s what friends are for. Now, why are you putting up with this crap? And more importantly, why can’t you come tonight? You have all day tomorrow and Sunday to clean if you insist on doing his dirty work.” Walker wouldn’t know what it’s like to need a job and the money that goes with it because it grows on trees in his family. It’s never been an issue with us, but he doesn’t always get it.

“Walker, I love you, but we’ve talked about this. I need the money, and my mom got me this job. It means a lot to her, and I want to prove I can do it. I won’t let some bosshole scare me away from a good job. He may be the first one I have to deal with, but I’m sure he won’t be the last, so I might as well learn how to handle it now.”

“You’re probably right, but remember, there are other jobs out there. Anyway, what about tonight? Come with us, and I’ll help you for half the day tomorrow—the second half once my hangover goes away.”

“In that case, fine. Pick me up on your way. Also, I’m staying over this weekend. I don’t want my mom to know I’m working.” Thank goodness I have Walker for things like this.

“You got it. I’ll see you tonight.”

Before he can hang up, I shout, “I’m holding you to helping me tomorrow!” It’ll be nice having a ride for part of it. And I miss spending time with my best friend.

I’m glad Walker made me go out with them last night. He was right; I had fun, and it was seriously needed after the week from hell. But I’m currently paying the price. I wish I had the luxury of staying in bed half the day and nursing my hangover like Walker, but duty calls, which means I’m dealing with the headache from hell as I work.

While dusting an area of the lobby in the current building, I hear someone enter, stopping behind me instead of proceeding to the elevator, raising my hackles. Turning around, I see my least favorite person on the planet.

“Did you come to check up on me?” I ask the man responsible for my presence.

“I live here, but glad to see you’re following orders.”

“I aim to please, sir.” I give him my megawatt smile through gritted teeth when a sudden sharp head pain makes me wince.

“Are you okay?” he asks, concern lacing his voice.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just one drink too many last night.”

“You’re way too young to be drinking.”

Seriously? He’s going to lecture me about my private life?

“Right, and I’m sure you never drank at this age. You don’t strike me as the golden child.” I shouldn’t engage, but I can’t help it.

“Oh yeah? What type do I strike you as then?”

Damn, it’s hard focusing on the conversation when his muscular bronze chest, on display from a few undone buttons, is right in front of my eyes due to his considerable height.

“The wild child who started drinking and having sex in middle school. Rebellious, defiant, and still hasn’t grown out of it.”

“That’s quite the assessment. And you derived all this how?” His left eyebrow rises.

“Well, you don’t like that your parents gave me this job, thus defiant, and you’re acting rebellious by treating me like shit. You had some skank come to your office for sex, so I’m assuming you’ve been around the block. As for the drinking, I suppose it goes with everything else. How did I do?” I ask, cocking my head to the side and wincing again from another shooting head pain.

“I guess you’ve got me all figured out. Not to step outside the box, but do you need some medicine for your headache?”

I just got whiplash.

Shaking my head, I respond, “Uh, no. I already took some. I’m just waiting for them to set in. Thanks, though.”

“All right, I’ll let you get back to work. Bye, Mia.”

“See you Monday,” I say with a smile as he walks into the elevator, then immediately drop it and sigh in relief when the doors shut.

I was doing such a good job of hiding how much he gets under my skin, but it’s exhausting, and I don’t have the energy this morning. I can’t believe I said all that, but dammit if he didn’t egg me on with the jab about my age. And what was with his nonengagement? He didn’t even argue, so maybe I was spot on.

He lives in a nice place, that’s for sure. So far, this is the swankiest building I’ve been in. Judging from his clothes, it looks like he didn’t stay here last night, and I can’t help but wonder if he was with the girl who visited the office or if he has a different one for each day of the week.

Ugh, who cares? It’s not my concern and nothing I should be thinking about anyway. But dang, it’s hard not to when he looks so good. His blond hair was casually messed up from an obvious overnighter, and as always, I could see the contour of his thick muscular arms under the shirt. A tiny part of me wonders what it would feel like to have them wrapped around me. And that’s what occupies my thoughts the rest of the day.

That was seriously one of the most exhausting weekends of my life. But being familiar with their properties will be good for the job, so I suppose it was worth it. I’m just glad Walker came through; otherwise, finishing would have been a stretch. I don’t know how my mom has done it all these years. Thank goodness for the full scholarship to San Diego State because I don’t have it in me to follow in her footsteps.

After this weekend and last week’s training, I’d be fine taking over now if I had to. Cindy did a great job getting things ready for her to leave. The situation with Jackson, however, needs improvement. He’s beyond rude and practically refuses to deal with me, talking to Cindy like I’m not even present most of the time. His plan to get me to quit last week was obvious, but he doesn’t know how stubborn I am. Plus, I’m familiar with chauvinistic assholes like him from the poker table, and I love winning while being underestimated.

I’m surprised Cindy isn’t in when I get to her desk. Instead of twiddling my thumbs while I wait, I get right to it, working down the list she made. She had the foresight to create a spreadsheet with staff names, their corresponding departments, and responsibilities, along with daily tasks. I’ve gone through voicemails, returned a few calls, made a couple of appointments, and printed out today’s agenda all by the time Jackson walks in. When I look up, I forget for a moment what a complete ass he is. As far as looks go, he takes the cake. If only he had the personality to go with it.

Pasting on a smile, I greet him with as much enthusiasm as possible. “Good morning, sir. Do you need anything right away, or would you like me to go over the agenda for today?”

“Cut the crap. Where’s Cindy?”

Aaand we’re off to a great start.

“She hasn’t arrived yet, so I dove right in. Does she have the day off?” I ask.

“No, she doesn’t have the day off. Fuck… just… keep doing whatever you’re doing. I’ll figure it out.” He stomps into his office and slams the door.

Okay then… that went well. Cue eyeroll.

I continue with the voicemails from the weekend. Everyone and their dog must decide to call after hours so they don’t have to speak to an actual person. Most people want to be rude and complain to a machine so they won’t get talked back to. Luckily, most everything is delegated to other departments in the company—it’s just a matter of getting it to the right person.

I’ve finally run out of things I can do on my own and, unfortunately, need Jackson’s assistance with the rest. I have no choice but to ask for guidance on things requiring his attention. I’m not looking forward to interacting with the bosshole, but it’s a necessary evil. I’ll have to fake it ’til I make it.

This should be fun.

I pause outside the door, remembering his warning from my first day, and knock lightly. Nothing. I knock again. Nothing. By the third attempt, I pound on the door, earning me a curt reply to enter. Bracing myself, I stand tall and straighten my shoulders before opening the door. He doesn’t even look up while typing away.

“What?” he asks gruffly while still not looking at me. At least he knows I’m here.

“I’ve finished with everything I can from this morning,” I say as I walk toward the desk. “Here’s a list of items that require your review, along with today’s agenda. Is there anything you need me for, sir?”

He finally looks up with a smirk before shaking his head like he remembered his rule of only scowling at me.

“What do you mean, you’ve finished everything? Do you even know how to use the computer?” His tone is as condescending as can be.

This week is shaping up to be no different than the last. I think it’s time to give him a taste of his own medicine. I’m done backing down. “You might be too old to know this, but we use computers in high school these days, and I was already familiar with most of the programs Cindy showed me.” The look on his face is furious. Oh well, nothing new. “Where is Cindy, by the way?”

“She unexpectedly went into labor this morning, and I just found out. She and the baby are doing well, but she’s officially on maternity leave starting today. That means you’re on your own. Can you handle it, or should I make other arrangements?”

Oh, wouldn’t that make his day. Sorry to disappoint—not. “I can handle whatever you give me.” It takes all my willpower not to be snarky now that I’m taking the gloves off, but I decide it’s not worth getting fired on my first day without Cindy.

“I highly doubt that, but challenge accepted. For now, just answer the phone. I’ll let you know when I need you.”

Asshole . Damn that he’s such a handsome one.

He won’t need me, as he clearly thinks I’m an imbecile. Now, if he needed me in other ways…

Oh my God, where did that come from? I cannot fantasize about my boss. I swear it’s Walker’s fault for putting thoughts in my head.

Jackson

Challenge accepted? When I need you? Where the fuck is my head at?

The answer is obvious but highly inappropriate. She’s in another formfitting skirt today that hugs her voluptuous ass that I can’t get enough of. Why I don’t call her in more often just to watch her walk away is a shame. Then there’s the low-cut shirt that cuts right across the top of her breasts. With the words that come from her mouth along with that body, she’s killing me. My dirty thoughts shot through the roof when she asked if I needed her for anything. Fuck yeah, I need you to bend over my desk and give me a better look.

I grab the back of my neck and forcefully blow out air. I’ve got to get my mind out of the gutter. There’s no fucking way this is going to work. Picking up the phone, I dial my parents.

“Hi, honey. To what do we owe the pleasure?” Mom answers. I can tell I’m on speaker.

“Cindy had her baby this morning. They’re both doing well, but because it was early, they’ll need to stay in the hospital for a couple of weeks. I told her I’d give her a few days before visiting.”

“That’s great news, son. Thanks for letting us know. We’ll be sure to send our congratulations,” Dad says from the background.

“The bad news is that I now have an assistant with one week of training and no clue what she’s doing. I want to bring someone in from a temp agency.” This favor they made without my involvement pisses me off.

Apparently, Dad had a sip of the Mia Kool-Aid, judging by his response. “Jackson, we made a commitment. It may be tough for a few days, but she’ll catch on. Look at the positive. This way, you can teach her the ropes and show her exactly how you want things.”

And my mind is right back in the gutter. “How do you not see that I need someone with more experience? It’s a busy time for the company. She’s too young to keep up.” And too young for me to be in lust with.

“We’re done with this conversation, Jackson. Mia is your new assistant, and you’ll have to accept that. Make it work. Cindy will be back before you know it.” Mom’s final words.

Fuck, why did I even try?

Me: Cindy went into labor today. My parents won’t let me get rid of the girl. What the fuck am I supposed to do?

Braden: Jerk off…

Eli: Give her a birthday present she’ll remember… in two months.

Braden: A lot…

Me: Assholes.

Eli: There’s a cash game this Friday. You guys in? It’ll be a good distraction.

Me: Yeah, I’m in. Send me the info.

Braden: Next time. I have a date.

Me: Sucker.

Braden: I hope she is. At least I’m not using my hand. Good luck with that.

Me: Fuck you.

I can’t avoid her forever; I need a fucking assistant. “We need to go over a few things. Come in and plan to take notes,” I say over the intercom.

She answers with her typical response. “Yes, sir.”

Sighing in frustration, I run a hand through my hair. If I don’t solve this problem, it’s going to be a long six months.

She enters seconds later.

“Have a seat.” She doesn’t look afraid. I keep underestimating her. She seems to have nerves of steel, or she’s damn good at hiding fear. Either way, it’s time to move forward.

“I’m sure it’s apparent that I’m less than thrilled to have you here. No offense, but you’re young, and you lack experience. If it weren’t for my parents, you’d already be gone. That being said, we have to make this work for now. Cindy must’ve done a good job training you last week since you’ve managed this far into the day without her.”

“She had me do everything with minimal assistance. She also created a company directory and a list of daily tasks. If you give me a chance, I’ll prove I’m not too young for this. I can do the job, I swear. Since you seem pretty hung up on my age, you’ll be happy to know I’ll be eighteen soon. Then you can stop treating me like a child.”

Sweetheart, if you knew why your age is a problem for me, you might not want your birthday to come so soon .

I narrow my eyes at her. “I’ll stop treating you like a child when I see proof that you aren’t one. Until then, just do your job.”

“Will do, sir.” Her face is earnest.

Fuck, if this is going to work, I need to set some ground rules.

“You need to stop calling me sir. I’m not fifty.”

“Would you prefer Mr. Soloman?”

“I’m also not my dad. Just use my name.”

“Okay… Jackson.”

Hearing my name from her lips gives me an unexpected desire to hear it more, wondering what it would sound like while she’s begging for my dick. Fuuuuck.

“And you need to start wearing more appropriate clothing,” I add, frustrated at my drifting thoughts.

“What’s wrong with my clothes?” She looks affronted. Shit. Why did she pick today to let her guard down? I can’t tell her to wear sweats to work. I just pinned myself up against a wall.

“Nothing, never mind.”

“What? Are they not expensive enough to be acceptable? Sorry, I don’t shop in designer stores like you.” She’s offended, which wasn’t what I meant to do. “At least I’m not in rags.”

I’m not fast enough to stop my next words from tumbling out. “I’d rather you be in rags,” I mutter.

“What is that supposed to mean?” She doesn’t get it at all; that’s how na?ve she is.

“I said never mind. Forget I mentioned anything.”

“No, tell me. I need to know if there’s some sort of dress code around here.” She’s not going to let this go.

“Fuck. You want an explanation? Here it is. I meant that I’d rather you walk around in sweats than have you tempting me while you’re completely off-limits. Is that clear enough for you, little girl?” Goddammit. Did I just admit my attraction to her? I watch as her face goes red, and that alone makes my confession worth it.

“Oh… okay… I’ll take that into consideration.” She pauses and then continues with an adorable pout on her face. “And I am not a child, so stop referring to me like one.” Of course that’s what has her irritated over all else.

“You are until your age says otherwise.” She rolls her eyes, proving that she’s done pretending to be immune to my attitude, which might make this situation a little more entertaining if nothing else. “Moving on. Order flowers to be delivered to Cindy’s room at the hospital—no price limit. Go extravagant, and I’ll email you what to put on the card. Also, get an update from our attorneys on the Bryer Building and Delaware transaction. That’s it for now. You can go.”

“Thank you, sir… I mean Jackson.” She didn’t even try hiding that she did that on purpose. This damn girl is playing with fire.

I watch her strut out of the office, and I swear she has a little more sway to her hips—fucking tease. My situation just became a lot more complicated. Shit.

Needing a distraction, I pick up the phone and dial my sister, Cici, as soon as the door shuts. She answers on the second ring. “Hey, Jackson!” It’s good to hear her voice.

“I just want you to know I’m still pissed at you for leaving, and with the latest development, I’m never forgiving you,” I tell her.

“What’s got you so cranky?”

I catch her up on the situation.

“Okay, well, how is she doing so far?”

“She’s been here a week. Who the fuck knows? Today’s the first day she’s been on her own, and I’ve been dealing with the weekend’s bullshit all morning, not paying attention to what she’s doing.” Not completely true; I’ve been paying plenty of attention to her sweet ass as it exits my office each time. Okay—and I’ll admit this to no one—she did handle the morning way better than I expected and maybe knows what she’s doing.

“Snap out of it and figure shit out. She’s there, so you might as well use her.” She lectures.

Fuck, everything sounds like an innuendo about Mia right now. That’s the main problem, one I’m not sharing with Cici.

“Did you not hear me? She’s a high school student. There’s no way she should be taking over Cindy’s job. I’m so fucking frustrated.”

“I get it, Jackson. But just because Mom and Dad are digging their heels in doesn’t make it this girl’s fault. What’s her name?” It comes out of my lips with venom before she continues. “It’s not Mia’s fault you’re in this position, so don’t take it out on her. Trust me, I know what you can be like when you’re mad. Be nice. At least it’s only temporary, right?” She knows how it is when our parents make demands, but that doesn’t mean she gets this particular situation.

“Easy for you to say, runner.”

“Yeah, yeah. Miss you too. Keep me posted. And seriously, be nice .”

I chuckle as I hang up the phone after we say goodbye. I love my sister, and I get why she left, but I’m not going to stop giving her shit for it, even though I’m proud of her. She never liked being under our parents’ control and knew early on that she wanted to make her own way, even though doing so got her cut off. It took balls for her to leave, but she’s thriving now, and unbeknownst to her, I check on her frequently. I can’t say I’d have made the same decision if this wasn’t what I wanted to do, but luckily it is.

She wants me to be nice to Mia, but if that happens, we’ll have a different problem altogether. Better stick with the plan.