Dangerous Pursuit (The Pursuit #3)

1 New Beginnings

NEW BEGINNINGS

Jackson

“Y ou have got to be kidding me.” I’m staring at my parents with my mouth open in shock.

“Jackson, Sofia’s had a hard life, and if we can do something as simple as give her daughter a job to show some kindness, then that’s what we’re going to do. Her husband walked out on her and that poor girl five years ago. He just left them to gamble his life away.” My mom has always had a bleeding heart.

“Mom, she’s seventeen, for fuck’s sake. She’s barely out of diapers, and you expect her to be my assistant? Do you know what that entails?” I’m outraged. And that’s putting it mildly. I knew Cindy, my executive assistant, was going on maternity leave soon, but I’d already talked to her about hiring someone from a temp agency to take her place until she returned. Instead, they want a high schooler to do her job.

Not only have I been managing the company alone since my sister, Cici, decided she wanted no part of the family business, but now I’m being forced to do it with an immature, inexperienced teenager. It’s hard enough without the partner I thought I’d have with my sister. If it weren’t for Cindy, my overly competent assistant, I might have run away like Cici.

As it is, my goal is to take us beyond anything they ever hoped for, which I’ve been doing a damn good job of so far. This, however, could be a significant setback. Since my parent’s retirement, my focus has been on growth, having several deals in the works for sales and acquisitions of multiple properties, and now they’re asking me to navigate it with inadequate help.

“I do know what it entails, Jackson. I stepped down a year ago, not long enough to forget. I’m also aware that Mia is a bright young lady who will do just fine after being trained by Cindy. You’re overreacting. Young people are eager and make excellent employees. Don’t be so dramatic.” Mom is running the show on this one, while Dad has been uncharacteristically quiet, obviously making this her decision.

“Since you’ve already committed, it is what it is. But just so we’re clear, I will make other arrangements if she can’t keep up. I’m knee-deep in contract negotiations right now, and I need someone on top of their game. If she’s not up to the task, I’ll have to find someone who is.” My mom can put her foot down on hiring her since this is still technically their company, but if I set my expectations up front, I’ll have more firing power later.

My dad finally speaks up. “I agree, son. Give her a chance, and if she doesn’t work out, we’ll reevaluate the situation and find a different position for her.”

“All right, one chance. When should I have Cindy start training her? She’s still six weeks out, so a month from now?” Having my dad’s back makes me more agreeable.

“I already made the arrangements, dear,” Mom cuts in. “She starts on Monday. Even though Cindy’s not due for another month and a half, she could go into labor before then. This way, Mia will be fully trained in case.”

Fuck. My. Life.

I dial Braden as soon as I pull out of the driveway. “I need a drink. Meet me at the club?”

“Yeah, sure. What’s got you so riled up?”

“Just leaving my parents’. I’ll fill you in when I get there. See you soon.” If anyone can talk me down, he can.

I don’t have to tell him what club we’re headed to. Ever since I helped our friend Eli with a business transaction he was doing, we’ve been on the VIP list at a local nightclub he owns. It’s a nice perk: good service, prime tables, and plenty of hot women.

Braden is waiting on the sidewalk when I arrive. “Hey. What went down with your parents to put you in such a mood?”

“Fuck. This takes the cake, man. They have me running the company yet are insisting I replace Cindy with a fucking seventeen-year-old high schooler while she’s on maternity leave. I’m livid.” I run my hand through my hair and sigh in frustration. I’m so pissed I can’t see straight.

“Dude, you can’t even bang her. That sucks.”

I laugh along with him. Leave it to Braden to lighten the mood. “You got that right. Come on, let’s go find someone I can.”

Mia

Glancing at the clock on the computer screen, I realize it’s time to call it. Shoot. I’m on a winning streak, but oh well. Mom will be home soon, and I’d be in big trouble if she caught me playing online poker. I’ve made it this far with my secret; I’m not screwing up now.

If she knew this was what I did in my spare time, she’d probably take away all electronics, cancel Wi-Fi, and anything else she could think of to stop me. All thanks to my dad, who walked out five years ago because of his addiction, which just so happens to be gambling in the form of poker. The good news? He taught me everything he knew. I’ve played since I was old enough to count and surpassed my dad’s talent at an early age. Being a whiz with numbers is handy, but my real strength is hiding emotions, which is crucial when playing live games.

When I saw how hard my mom was working to support us after he left, I decided to help. She thinks we get the extra money from a part-time job I made up. She’d keel over from shame if she found out the truth. I don’t think she’s recovered from my dad leaving us, even after all these years.

After an hour in the kitchen, I hear the front door close seconds before she walks in. “Ooh, what did you make tonight, honey? It smells delicious.”

“Some pollo guisado tonight. It’s almost finished. I figured you could take the leftovers to work with you tomorrow.”

“Oh, mija, you’re so good to me. I’ll set the table. I have something exciting to tell you over dinner.” She looks ecstatic, piquing my curiosity.

We dig in as soon as our butts hit the chairs. Cooking is something I picked up over the last few years. With the internet to provide recipes, I could probably make anything out there, and if groceries weren’t so expensive, I’d be able to prove that theory.

“So, what’s the exciting news?” I figured she’d get right to it, but we’ve been silent for the first five minutes, devouring our meals.

“Have I ever mentioned Jack and Hazel Soloman, the nice couple I clean for on Fridays? They were one of my first clients seven years ago.”

“I think so. I don’t remember for sure, but what about them?” Mom often comes home with stories from work.

“They’re the nicest family—always making small talk while I’m there, and today, we were chatting about our kids, and I happened to mention that you finished your senior year early and needed a full-time job until fall, and guess what?” she asks, beaming. Her excitement is contagious, making me smile.

“What?”

“Well, their son, Jackson, who was already out of the house when I started for them, took over their property management company when they retired—Soloman Management or something. Their daughter, Cici, was supposed to run it with him but ended up moving away. I remember when she lived at home, she was such a sweetheart. I can’t believe she left.”

“Mom! Get to the point. What’s the good news?” I interrupt her rambling, growing impatient. She tends to do this, drone on and on, taking forever to finish her stories. I’m honestly surprised to hear that the Solomans talk with her so much. My mom can be overwhelming at times. God bless her.

“Well, they mentioned that Jackson’s assistant is going on maternity leave and that they needed a temporary replacement. I told them how smart and mature you are, graduating from high school early with all those advanced classes, and I can’t believe it, but they offered you the job!”

“Like, they want me to interview for it?” This might be perfect, and I bet it would pay decent money.

She has the biggest smile on her face. “No, honey, they want you to start training on Monday. No interview necessary. They said any daughter of mine will be amazing, and with the drive you’re showing, you’ll be great.”

I’m stunned. “Monday? Wow… that’s just… wow…”

“That’s good, right? I figured you needed something to do anyway since you won’t have school anymore. Maybe it’ll go so well that they keep you on until you start college in the fall.” She’s so happy, it’s infectious.

My plan was to continue playing poker, but this way, I could make money guilt-free. Maybe it’ll also give me time for a social life. If I work eight to five, I can go out at night like most people my age instead of playing tournaments. I’d still make meals and help around the house, but with my nights and weekends free, I’d have plenty of time for everything.

“It’s great, Mom… just crazy that I start on Monday with no interview, but with the timing, it’s like it was meant to be. They know I have no office experience, though, right?” The doubt is seeping in.

“Sweetheart, you’ll do great. I’m sure you’ll pick it up in no time. You have nothing to worry about with how smart and responsible you are. Why don’t you go up to start picking your outfits for next week and let me clean up.”

“Mom, you worked all day. I can do it. I have all weekend to decide what to wear, but nice try. You should take a bath and relax. I don’t mind.” I refuse to let her clean when she gets home.

“Mia, I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I sure am lucky. I love you, honey. Come say good night when you’re done.”

“All right, I’ll be up in a few.”

I ruminate over my new job while putting away dinner and tidying up the kitchen. I’ll be an assistant to the owner—well, the owner’s son. I know nothing about him or Soloman Management, so I’ll have to do some research over the weekend. The last thing I want is to walk in unprepared and clueless.

After saying one more thank you and final good night to Mom, I rush to get ready for bed so I can call my best friend, Walker, and tell him the good news. He knows how much it bothers me to lie about the extra income. Another positive is that I’ll have something to keep me busy during the day since, unlike me, he’s still in school until graduation.

I’m a nervous wreck getting ready for my first day. I played my last poker games over the weekend, even declining an invite to a live tournament this week. Since I’m taking this job, I’ve decided to go legit. Being full-time should cover the extra expenses I take care of and still allow me to save for a car. Poker is lucrative, so it’s hard to give up, but knowing how upset Mom would be if she knew is enough motivation to quit.

Pairing my classiest black skirt with a fitted purple ribbed V-neck is the best I came up with from my limited selection. Clothes have been at the bottom of my list for the past few years. Gold hoop earrings complete the look with my favorite necklace, a nightingale spreading its wings. It was a graduation present from my mom, a tribute to my middle name, which happens to be Nightingale. Finishing up with two sprays of my favorite scent and my only pair of heels, a wedge sandal, I’m as ready as I can be for a first impression.

I enter the kitchen but don’t dare eat with the butterflies in my stomach. Puking at work on day one is not on my to-do list. Instead, I grab a cup of coffee and try to stay calm.

“You look great, sweetie. Are you excited?” My mom appears from around the corner.

“More nervous, but what are you still doing here? I thought you had a job at seven.”

“I couldn’t miss my baby’s first day of work. I’ll just be home an hour later tonight. Do you want to order pizza for dinner since we’ll probably both be tired?”

“That’s perfect. Sorry you have to work late, but I’m glad you’re here now. What do you think?” I spin around.

“Very professional. I can’t believe how grown-up you look. You’re going to do amazing. I know it. Be confident and remember how wonderful you are, mija.” She leans in to hug me.

“I love you, Mom. Thanks again for getting me this job.”

“Of course. You’re going to have a great first day. I can’t wait to hear all about it,” she says before grabbing her things and heading out the door.

After a few more minutes, I force myself to follow and make my way to the bus. It’s not a long commute, but it’s enough to ponder all my research from the weekend. I learned that Soloman Management Group is a pretty big deal. They not only do property management for numerous places but own many of the buildings they manage. Even more impressive is that they started from nothing and grew their business to become one of the largest in southern California.

I tried to look up Jackson but only saw his business profile and some family bio regarding their company. I found an article that said Mr. and Mrs. Soloman retired, entrusting their son, Jackson, to carry on, but that sums it up. He exists on Instagram but hasn’t posted in years, so he’s not on social media much. I couldn’t find anything else regarding Jackson or the company. From the few old pictures I did see, he’s hot. But being that he’s a decade older, attraction shouldn’t be an issue.

From the sidewalk, I study the building before me. It’s not pretentious, just an ordinary, one-level office building. It’s large, though, with only one sign above the main entrance, indicating they occupy the whole thing. With as many buildings in their portfolio, it makes sense that they need ample space.

Taking a deep breath, I walk in and see a large reception desk. “Hi, I’m Mia Marcos. I start training today as the temporary assistant for Jackson Soloman.”

“Oh yeah, great. Let’s start with your paperwork, and then I’ll take you back to Cindy.” She hands me a clipboard and directs me to the chairs. “Have a seat and take your time. Come see me when you’re done.”

My nerves are skyrocketing as I fill out the forms with shaky hands. Once I’m finished, my palms sweat as I’m led back to meet Jackson’s current assistant, Cindy. Her desk is in an open area toward the back corner of the building with a large office behind it. The office, which I assume is Jackson’s, has two massive windows on each side of the closed door with blinds that are shut, preventing a glimpse of my new boss.

When Cindy stands to greet me, my eyes immediately gravitate to her protruding belly. I can’t believe she’s still working.

“Mia, I’m so happy to meet you. I was excited when Hazel called to tell me you’d be training. You’ll be a perfect fit while I’m gone.”

“Thanks. I, uh, well, I’ll just be upfront and tell you I have no experience, but I’m a fast learner.” She’s still standing, and I wonder how she’s managing. “Please, sit down. I feel like you could have a baby any minute.” Crap, did I say that out loud?

She laughs. “I wish, but I still have six weeks. It looks worse than it is, I promise. It’s all the popcorn and chocolate over the last seven months. Advice for the future: Don’t use pregnancy as an excuse to eat whatever you want. It doesn’t work out in the end.”

I like her already. Laughing, I respond, “I’ll try to remember that in about ten years. But seriously, let’s sit down.” A chair has already been placed beside hers, so we both take a seat.

She shows me how to do some morning tasks, supervising while I work. The next time I glance at the clock, I see we’ve been at it for a couple of hours already, and things are going great. She’d prepared everything for an easy transition.

While we wait for a program to boot up, I take the opportunity to ask about the boss. “So… what’s Jackson like? I tried to do some research, but nothing came up.”

Instead of answering, I see her eyes dart past my shoulder.

“Good to know my new assistant is cyberstalking me,” comes a deep voice from behind.

Seriously? The man is stealthy.

I swivel in my chair to get my first look at Jackson, towering behind me with a scowl. That answers one question—not so warm and fuzzy, then. But, wow, the last few years have been good to him. He’s built like a beast and could probably snap me in half. Does he live at the gym or what? I mean, seriously, his muscles look like they’re about to bust the seams of his long-sleeved dress shirt. After you get past his biceps, those bright blue eyes draw you in immediately. But it’s his casually styled blond hair hanging slightly over his forehead that gives him a boyish charm. He’s gorgeous, even with the asshole vibes he’s radiating.

“I… I was trying to research the company I’d be working for. My mom didn’t give much information besides the business name and the fact that the owners are nice.”

For some reason, that earns me another scowl. I can tell he’s going to be tough to win over.

“Yeah, they’re the nicest. I’ll be in my office. Message me if you need anything, Cindy. Good luck.” With that, he walks straight into his office and slams the door.

Okay, he’s not happy I’m here. Which is rude, considering he doesn’t even know me. Screw him.

Although he is my boss, so I’d like to start off on the right foot.

“So… I feel like that wasn’t a great first impression.” I look to Cindy for advice.

“He’s usually a softy, but he’s under a lot of stress lately with all our restructuring. Why don’t you try that again and introduce yourself properly? Maybe offer to get him some coffee.” She gives me a look of encouragement as I stand.

Pulling my skirt down and smoothing my shirt, I rap lightly on the door before entering. Walking forward with slow, unsure steps, I approach his desk while he stares with venom.

Whoa, talk about intimidating. Strangely, it’s kind of sexy, which hits me out of nowhere and is so out of character.

“Um, I just wanted to introduce myself and thank you properly. I’m Mia, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be here and eager to learn. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes, sir.”

Could that have sounded any worse?

Jackson

I peruse her up and down in silence, and what I see is unexpected. Her thick black hair is pulled back, showcasing her slim neckline and gorgeous face. Her darker skin tone is attractive; I remember it was mentioned that her mom is Puerto Rican. It’s her large round eyes that do it, though. They’re soft and innocent, with defiance lurking just beneath the surface. She’s stunning is what she is, which only pisses me off more. But apparently, she is eager to learn.

It must be my lucky day.

“You’re eager to learn, huh? Well, here’s your first lesson. Knock and wait until I answer before you step into my office. And don’t thank me. Thank my parents. You wouldn’t be here if it were up to me, little girl. Now… Mia, is it?” She nods in stunned silence. “Get out and shut the door behind you.”

Her jaw drops. Usually, I’d take that open mouth as an invitation. Unfortunately, she’s off the table unless I want to be in cuffs.

Finally coming out of her stupor, she swivels and tries to walk out calmly with all the dignity she can muster. She gets props for keeping it together… she might be more of a challenge than I thought. Still, I give her a week—tops.

On the other hand, I could certainly get used to the view she gives me on the way out. That’s the finest ass I’ve seen in a while, plump and perfect on her slim little frame. I could do some damage to that body of hers, that’s for sure.

Fuuuuck. What am I thinking? I cannot possibly be attracted to a girl her age.

This week is going to be long as fuck.

My door opens once again, and Cindy comes barreling toward my desk. “What did you say to her? She was white as a ghost when she came out.”

“Only the truth. She wouldn’t be here if my parents hadn’t insisted. She’s seventeen, Cindy. There’s no way she’s qualified to fill your shoes.”

“You don’t know that. I can already tell she has a good head on her shoulders. You were young once, remember? Did you like being treated like a child? At least give her a chance, Jackson. You’ve scared the crap out of her, and I won’t always be here to run interference.”

Cindy is the only reason my head stays above water. She’s been my right hand ever since I started full-time after college. She deals with my excessive demands and doesn’t complain about my blunt communication skills. She also puts up with random office visits from my flavors of the month. I would have paid her not to have kids had I known I’d be without her for so long. She asked to be home with the baby for the first six months, and it wasn’t difficult to acquiesce rather than risk losing her for good.

“Look, she won’t last the week. Don’t worry. We’ll find someone else for you to train before it’s too late. Just indulge her for now, but don’t waste much effort.”

“We’ll see about that. She might surprise you, you know. In the meantime, be nicer. She’s darling, and I think she’ll work out great if you let her.” Cindy always sees the good in people, that’s for sure.

“I’ll leave her alone for the rest of the day. Satisfied?”

“It’ll do for now.” She leaves, closing the door behind her.

Damn, that woman is relentless sometimes. It sounds like she’s already got a soft spot for the girl. That didn’t take long.

It puts a damper on my plan, but I’ll figure something out. That girl cannot walk around here for the next eight months, that’s for sure. She’s way too fucking tempting. Although, I wonder if she enjoys an occasional hookup.

For Christ’s sake, what am I thinking? She might not even have hooked up yet. Nah, no way. Kids are doing it early these days. Fuck, I’m going down a rabbit hole.

On that note, I grab my phone to respond to Jessica, last weekend’s conquest. She texted me this morning that she’d love to stop by and say hi. The eggplant emoji was all I needed to know her intention. She couldn’t have picked a better day. Satisfied that she’s on her way, I distract myself with work while impatiently waiting.

It’s not long before the phone intercom beeps. “There’s a Jessica here to see you, sir.”

Damn Cindy for having Mia make the announcement. She’s the last thing I need on my mind right now.

“Send her in,” I reply curtly before a soft “Yes, sir” sounds in reply.

Fuck. Me.

It’s hard and over quickly, just the way I needed it, and judging from her eagerness, she did too.

Alone once more, I drop my head into my hands, feeling no better than I did fifteen minutes ago. I cannot believe I just fucked a woman while imagining she was my new, hot little assistant. What the hell is wrong with me? Mia is a child—I should not be fantasizing about her. Women have always been a weakness, but this is a new low. I need to get out of here, stat.

After hitting the gym for a couple of hours, I call it a day because there’s no convincing myself to return to the office. Having already texted Eli and Braden, I head to the bar where we meet when it’s too early for the club scene.

There’s no traffic this afternoon, so getting there takes minutes. I spot them immediately and make my way over, feeling the tension I’ve been holding begin to release.

“Hey, guys. Thanks for meeting so early. I needed out of the office.” I run my hand down my face and blow the air from my lungs, grateful to see a beer waiting for me.

“She’s that bad, huh?” Braden knows why I’m on edge, having heard about it over the weekend.

“She’s that hot is more like it. I wasn’t expecting her to be total eye candy. I can’t have her running around there, tempting me with those fucking curves. Especially not when she’s a minor, for fuck’s sake.” I won’t be able to handle it.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, back up. You’re lusting over a kid?” This from Eli, who’s not been clued in.

So, I bring him up to date.

“That’s fucked up. When does she turn eighteen?” Eli might be more of a womanizer than I am if that question is any indication.

“Dude, she’s almost a decade younger. That’s a lifetime at our age. It’s not happening. She’s a baby, for fuck’s sake,” I say.

“Doesn’t sound like a baby if she gets your dick hard, dude. Plus, girls have always matured faster than us, so maybe you two are on the same level,” Braden says, laughing.

Fucking Braden.

“A couple of months,” I say, ignoring him and answering Eli’s question. “It was the first thing I looked at after she left my office. There’s no way I can go two months with that ass parading around my office and not fuck up.”

My beer is already empty. Signaling the server for another, I sigh, exasperated.

“Well, it sounds like you’re gonna have to. Hopefully, you have someone to keep you occupied. If not, it’ll be a long couple of months, buddy.” Braden, ever the realist.

I raise my refilled glass in a toast. “Then here’s to keeping myself sufficiently occupied.”