Dangerous Pursuit (The Pursuit #3)

9 Planting the Seed

PLANTING THE SEED

Jackson

I ’m casually looking at today’s report from the security firm with no expectation of anything new. It’s been a week and a half since I put protection on Mia, and I’m no closer to the truth than I was then. But at least I know I’m not imagining things. The first day they were on duty, two shady-looking men were spotted coming out of the house after Mia had been home for twenty minutes but weren’t seen going in, which means they were already inside waiting.

For the briefest second, after initially reading the report, I wondered if Mia had been telling the truth about her special interests, but common sense wiped that notion out quickly. She’s too na?ve for that to be the case, and twenty minutes wasn’t long enough for anything. Plus, the report from two other dates she went on proves she likes her boys vanilla, judging from the pictures. I instructed security to warn off the potential suitors after each date concluded. I’m an asshole for interfering, but for some reason I’ve yet to name; I can’t stand the thought of her with anyone else.

I’ve backed off from trying to talk to her, returned to our simple boss-employee relationship, and given up prying for the truth. We’re doing better this way and are more cordial with each other. I hoped security would fill in the blanks, allowing me to take it from there, but that’s not happening. I’m starting to get impatient, and my restraint is waning. The question of who these guys are and why they’re showing up are answers I want now since the report I’m reviewing details another visit yesterday.

The only good news is the lack of more brutality. I’ve been watching closely for it unless it’s been in places I can’t see, and I don’t think that’s the case since she hasn’t been skittish again. But because I’ve been watching her, I’ve also noticed how tired she’s been. And since I’m not getting any answers, it might be time to attempt the nice-guy approach again. Not that it worked before, but with the past few weeks going smoothly, maybe she’s warmed up to me.

God knows, my attraction hasn’t cooled down. The more I’m around her, the more it grows. She’s gorgeous, number one, but after witnessing her competence at work and discovering her incredible poker skills, she’s enough to make any man fall at her feet. And therein lies the problem—she’s not old enough for any man, let alone me. I’m counting the days until she will be, with the date already highlighted on my calendar. As for now, it’s time for round two of Operation Nice Guy.

“Mia, can I see you for a minute?” I say over the intercom and hear the responding, ‘Be right there.’

We never did recover from the ‘eye-contact orgasm’ incident, as Braden calls it, with the door staying closed since—albeit unnecessarily, because I’ve had no more office visits of that nature. In fact, I haven’t had much of anything because nothing seems to satisfy me anymore. I’ve gotten off to that memory more times than I can count, whether by my hand or someone else—which, as I said, hasn’t been often. In hindsight, it’s probably a good thing the door remains closed; otherwise, I’d be tuned in to her every move and never get a damn thing done.

“Come in,” I respond to a light knock on the door.

My physical reaction when she walks toward me never lessens. If it weren’t for the desk to hide the erection I get every time, she’d know just how strong my attraction is.

“What can I do for you?” And then there’s that—the way my dick wants to manipulate everything out of her mouth into something sexual.

I clear my throat before replying. “I need you to gather information for a few properties I’ll be looking at in Montana. I made a list for each one. It might take some digging to track everything down, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

“Will do. I’ll let you know if I hit any roadblocks. Anything else?” She takes the list I hand her, ready to retreat.

“Yeah. I’m heading to Bozeman next weekend to view the buildings in person, and I booked you a ticket to go with me.”

“You what?” Her eyes go wide.

“I’d like you to be there so you can take notes and keep track of questions, concerns, pros, cons, and anything else relevant. Are you good with that?”

“You didn’t think to ask me first? I… I can’t just leave. I have responsibilities.” She’s practically panicking. I expected surprise, but not this. I figured she’d be thrilled to go on a business trip. Most assistants would jump at the chance.

“What kind of responsibilities? It’s summer, and this is your only job, right?” I’m curious to hear what she comes up with.

“Well, I make dinner for my mom every night. I have a date next weekend. And Walker and I are going out to celebrate my birthday.” She’s grasping for excuses.

“I’m sure your best friend and date would understand rescheduling for a work commitment. As for dinners, I’d be happy to pay for a service if that’s the sticking point. Like I said, it would be nice for you to be there so I don’t have to reiterate everything when I get back. Can you make it happen?”

The contemplative look on her face as she turns her head to the side to think lets me know I’m making headway. “If it’s that important to you, let me see what I can do. The meal service isn’t necessary. I’ll make extra in advance if I go.”

“Why do you make dinners? Does your mom not cook?”

This question brings her straight from annoyed to downright angry, causing her to lay into me before I can backtrack. So much for the nice approach.

“My mom works her butt off cleaning all day to support us. She shouldn’t have to shoulder that alone, but she does. The last thing I want is for her to come home to cook and clean more. It’s called caring for someone else, in case you aren’t familiar with the sentiment.” She’s fierce when she’s pissed. I like it.

“Are you as talented at cooking as playing poker and being an executive assistant?” I need to get back on track with her. Mr. Nice Guy has some ground to cover.

“Uhhh…” I’ve finally rendered her speechless.

“I’m just trying to find out if there’s anything you’re not good at.” I smile, imagining other things we could check off that list.

“Well, it’s pretty easy to follow a recipe, so if that’s all it takes, then sure.”

“You’re talented and modest then. Listen, Mia, I’d like you to join me on this trip. Will you please try to make it happen?” I ask earnestly.

She’s thinking, and I can practically see the debate taking place in her mind before she sighs dramatically. “Okay, fine. Send me the itinerary so I can let my mom know and plan ahead. I’ll try to reschedule the other stuff. When do you want all this information?” She holds up the list.

“Have it by the time we leave to review during the flight. That’ll give you plenty of time to find everything. I’ll forward you the ticket right away so you have the details. And Mia, thank you… I promise I’ll make it worth your while.” I wink—might as well start planting the seed.

“Uh… the experience alone is worth it. I’m sorry I reacted the way I did. I know this is a good opportunity, and you don’t have to thank me since you really didn’t give me much choice. I’ll get started on this list.” She takes her leave after that and shuts the door behind her.

Happy to have that settled, I go online to book our tickets. I told her I’d already booked, thinking she’d be more likely to say yes. Next, I call the hotel Cici suggested and make sure to request adjoining rooms. With Mia turning eighteen right before we leave, nothing prevents me from making a move. She must be aware of my attraction from my behavior over the past couple of months. From grinding into her at poker to climaxing while staring at her, I’d say it’s pretty obvious.

Next on the list is taking care of Mia’s birthday dinner next week. I call the restaurant my parents told me about to verify they have the reservation and leave my card on file to pay for everything. And because I know the owner, I request someone to text me when they’re finishing the main course.

Eli: TGIF, plan for tonight?

Braden: Club?

Me: Sure.

Eli: Jackson, cool if Sebastian comes? Lily has some girl thing.

Me: That’s fine. Surprised she’s allowed…

Eli: Be sure to tell him that. See you there.

Braden: I can’t wait to see that. Later, bitches.

Mia

Hours of research later, I’m still replaying the conversation with Jackson and wondering if the wink, along with his final comment, was part of my imagination. God knows I’ve imagined some things lately involving Jackson that I certainly should not be. But if I’m reading things correctly, Jackson’s thoughts might not be far from mine. And that right there is a problem.

Things have been going so smoothly between us. It’s been strictly professional—outside my imagination, of course. But honestly, we’ve come a long way. We work well together, and when he’s not hounding me about my personal life, we get along just fine. I’m amazed at how competent he is in running the business. The day-to-day operations have an entire staff to handle, but the property transactions he’s initiating to increase their portfolio are all on him. Not only is he talented… but sexy as hell while he’s at it.

Grrrr. I need to get my head out of the gutter. Especially with this trip we’re taking. Business trip . I’ll need to remind myself often if I’m going to get through it with my virginity—I mean sanity. I haven’t felt anything like what Jackson has made me feel with any of the dates I’ve had, and a couple of them have ended with pretty good make-out sessions. How can someone I’ve never even touched get me more worked up than everyone else?

There’s his body, of course, which is fricking built. From his broad shoulders to the biceps bulging under his shirt, who wouldn’t want to strip him down and lick each muscle? Then, when he shows his megawatt smile, like he did earlier, with dimples to drown in and pearly white teeth… holy crap, Batman, no one stands a chance. But I cannot be hot for my boss. My decade-older boss, who has a new bed partner every night of the week, and is so far out of my league it’s insane. My boss who knows about my secret hobby, and could ruin me if he found out the reason behind it.

Basically, this trip is a disaster waiting to happen, and I’ll need to be on my game to stay on track because if the heat between us isn’t just my imagination, then I’m in trouble.

Wait until Walker hears about this new development. I’m just now calling him on my way home from work to let him know I’m staying at his house since I have another live game tonight.

He picks up on the first ring. “Hey, babe. What’s cookin’, good-lookin’?”

“Nothing yet, but I’m going home to start dinner.” I laugh as I picture him rolling his eyes. “There’s actually a lot cooking, but first things first, can I crash at your place tonight? I have another game.”

“You don’t need to ask every time. Just give me a heads-up so you don’t end up walking into something you’d rather not see.” I hear his smirk in those words.

“Ew, gross.” I make a gagging noise. “I for sure don’t want to see that. No offense, just not my thing.”

“You mean it wouldn’t be as good as watching your boss get off in front of you?” He laughs.

“Ha ha, asshole. But, speaking of—”

“Oh my God, did it happen again?”

“ No! No, thank God. I don’t know if I’d survive another show. But here’s the thing. He wants me to go to Montana with him next weekend to look at some real estate he’s interested in. He wants me there to take notes and keep track of everything, and he already bought my ticket, so we’ll have to postpone my birthday celebration.” I press my lips together, dreading his reaction.

“Get the fuck out. Seriously? Oh, Mia, this guy is so hot for you. Take notes, my ass. You realize it’ll be perfectly legal for you to do the nasty while you’re there since it’s after your birthday. I bet I’m not the only one to think of that.”

“We will not be doing anything, I can assure you.”

“Care to make a wager?” He asks confidently.

“I don’t gamble unless there are cards involved.” Nor do I make unsure bets.

“Well, either way, it’s time for me to meet this guy. You’re not going on that trip until I do.” Whoa, that is not what I expected to hear.

“I already said I’d go, and you can’t make a judgment call after meeting someone for five minutes anyway. How would you even get the chance to meet him?” He can’t be serious, can he?

“You seem to forget I have a car. So here’s the plan. Since I don’t get to take you out for your birthday as planned, I’m taking you to lunch on Wednesday instead. I’ll come in when I pick you up so you can introduce us.”

“But—”

“I’m not taking no for an answer—deal with it. Text me when you’re on your way tonight, and not that you need it, but good luck.”

I roll my eyes and groan. “Thanks, I’ll keep you posted. Bye.”

I hang up before walking into the house. Even though the assholes were here yesterday to collect money from a couple of online tournaments I’d won and have no reason to be here today, I’m in the habit of being on edge every time I get home. They’ve shown up three times so far.

Luckily, they’re not monitoring my every move and have no idea I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, playing way more online games to try and build a nest egg back up. I’m being smart this time by keeping the money hidden in my desk at work. Hopefully, I’ll be done with this mess before Cindy comes back.

I’m exhausted between my day job and sometimes staying up half the night playing in online tournaments. I might be heading toward a major crash if I don’t take a break soon, but I’m determined to pay this debt off as quickly as possible so I can return to normal. Although, I may have forgotten what normal is at this point.

I’m a zombie as I make dinner, but manage to keep from falling asleep during dinner. Mom insisted on doing the dishes, giving me extra time to get ready for tonight’s tournament. This game is in the industrial part of town, so I don’t feel like I need to dress as nice as the last one, but a distraction is still a distraction, so I choose one of my low-cut tops with a pair of jeans and flats. It’s at least comfortable. Knowing the evening is chilly, I grab a jacket and head downstairs.

“Hey, Mom, I’m staying at Walker’s tonight, so don’t wait up,” I say, walking over to hug her goodbye.

“All right, mija, I’ll see you tomorrow, then. Be safe, especially at night, and pay attention to your surroundings. I hate you taking public transportation when it’s dark. It makes me nervous. Will you text me when you’re in for the night?” She’s wrapped in a blanket on the couch with one of her romance novels. I wish she’d get out and date instead of just reading about it. Although, who am I to judge?

“Yeah, I can do that.”

“Thank you, mija. I love you.” She goes back to her book.

“Love you, too, Mom. Bye.”

Locking the door behind me, I head toward the bus stop. There’s a blue sedan-type car down the street that I’ve been noticing for a couple of weeks now. It’s always parked in the same spot and reminds me of a cop car. I’m probably being paranoid, but some part of me wonders if they’re keeping their eye on me or if someone else could be. I don’t even know who these guys are, whether they’re some big mafia-type organization or a gambling outfit. What if they’re being investigated, and they’ve been seen at my house?

My mind races with thoughts and theories, making the commute go quickly. Before I know it, I’m getting off the bus as close to the location as possible when I notice how seedy the area is. Great. I keep my phone in hand on the walk there, ready to dial 911 if needed. Luckily, I arrive without incident, but looking at the warehouse I’ve stopped in front of, my unease is far from over.