Chapter Sixteen
brIELLE
I was just stepping out of the elevator when I locked eyes with Jameson. He walked fast to catch up to me. “Hey. You left early this morning.”
“I met a friend for coffee, then came here.” A talk with Kali was exactly what I needed this morning, though I left out details of the Lake Tahoe trip.
“You’ve been quiet since we got back from Lake Tahoe.”
I feigned a smile. “I’m fine. We have some work to catch up on.”
I had a lot on my mind and was still thinking about the threesome we had. He said he didn’t think differently of me for doing it, but for some reason, I thought differently of myself.
“I’m going to work in the conference room today while you work on presenting for the big meeting this week. And I have a meeting with your mother in a little bit.”
“Okay.” Jameson cocked his head and gave me a look of concern, but I turned on my heel and headed to the conference room.
“Why are you working in here?” Jameson’s mother asked, lightly knocking on the door.
“Oh, I have some things to catch up on and just needed somewhere quiet.”
“Is everything okay with you and my son, or has he been giving you trouble?”
I laughed. “We’re fine.”
“You have really made a difference with him. He seems more mature in these last few weeks. And I didn’t know any better, I think he fancies you.”
I leaned back in my chair. “I appreciate you saying that. We have a mutual respect for each other. He is taking the lead in the meeting this week so I think you will be proud of what he has accomplished, even in his down time. He’s committed to the role.”
Jameson’s mother sits in the chair across from me. “Can I ask what’s changed?”
I leaned forward, clasping my fingers. “I took him to the warehouse where every day people work and really on their job. I think that was a major turning point for him.” I paused and smiled. “While he has made big changes, I think my time has come to an end. My last day will be Friday.”
She smiled. “I see. As much as I love having you here, I know you have other clients. You’ve done such a wonderful job. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“When you do leave, don’t be a stranger. You are welcome here anytime.”
I smiled and nodded in response.
“I’ll let you get back to work. Thank you, Brielle.” She stood and walked over to me, reaching out her arms, I stood and hugged her.
I wasn’t sure where me and Jameson stood, and right now was not the time to make assumptions. Feelings got involved and probably shouldn’t have, but there is no going back. However, there is an ache in my heart that I can’t explain, perhaps it’s because I will need to move on to other clients, and our time together is limited.
“I’m headed out for the day, you coming?” Jameson asked as he peeked into the conference room.
“I’ll probably be another hour. Meet you then?”
“Sure then.” He smiled and walked out.
Once everyone had gone home, I left the office and headed to Jameson’s place. Knowing I should call an Uber for the short ride to Jameson’s condo, I opted to walk. My heels clicked and clacked on the pavement. I retrieved my phone from my pocket and texted Jameson.
I’ll be there soon, decided to walk. – Me
See you then. - Jameson
“Where’s your boyfriend now, bitch?”
My blood ran cold when I heard Tommy’s voice behind me. I swallowed a hard lump and walked faster, trying to ignore the threat that he was. But he moved in front of me, which made me halt my steps.
“I’m talking to you, bitch.”
“Get out of my way, Tommy. I mean it.”
He snickered creepily. “Or what?” He stepped even closer to me, which made my heart pound harder.
“Or I’ll move you myself,” I heard Jameson’s voice as he approached.
“Oh, your boyfriend came to your rescue.”
I looked at Jameson as if to say I’ll handle this. Tommy thinks I’m a weakling, and I’m far from it. Jameson was keeping a close eye as I closed the distance between Tommy and me. Placing my hands on his shoulders, I lifted my knee and forced it into his lower abdomen. He wrenched in pain. “Now leave me the fuck alone. Next time I won’t be so nice. Fuckling asshole.”
Leaving Tommy as he writhed in pain, Jameson smiled proudly at me, then asked, “You okay?”
“Yeah. He doesn’t scare me anymore.”
“Remind me to never piss you off,” Jameson said smirking, which caused me to smile back.
“Funny.”
“How’d you know to come find me?”
“No woman should be walking alone at this time of night. It’s not safe.”
“Well, I’m glad you were there. Who knows what would have happened.”
“Nothing did. And I don’t think he will be bothering you anymore, now that he has seen you can defend yourself.”
“Hopefully.”
By this time, we were stepping onto the elevator to Jameson’s place. “I have a surprise for you,” he said before pushing his door open.
I didn’t know what was I expecting when I walked in, but he had a candlelight dinner set up.
“You didn’t have to go to all this trouble,” I told him.
“I know. I wanted to do something nice.”
“Well, let me get changed quick.”
“I’ll be here.”
In my bedroom, I changed into a tank top, and loose sweatpants, then headed back to the kitchen. Jameson headed me a glass of wine. “I think you need this.”
“Oh my gosh, yes. Thank you.”
He turned to plate the food, then we sat at his kitchen island.
“Cheers,” Jameson said, holding his beer to my glass of wine.
“What are we cheering to?” I asked.
“Me being ready to take over the company.”
I smiled wide. “Cheers.” We clinked our glasses. And after a sip, I asked, “Are you really taking over?”
He smiled back. “I am. And I heard your last day is Friday.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you first.”
“It’s okay. I know you have a lot on your mind.”
“I do. But let’s enjoy this dinner you made,” I suggested. “This is delicious by the way.” We were eating Chicken Carbonara, and it was heavenly.
“It’s a family recipe, and I have never made it for anyone else.”
I smiled. “I feel special.”
“Good. That was the point.” Jameson leaned over and kissed my lips.
“How’d the meeting with my mother go?”
“Great. I told her you were ready, and you are.”
“I wouldn’t be here without you,” he said.
I laughed. “I know.”
We cleaned the dishes, and I got a refill of my wine, while Jameson grabbed another beer. “Will you spend the night in my bed the rest of the week?” He asked, leaning down to kiss my lips again.
“Sure.”
He put his arm across my shoulders, and we walked to his bedroom.
***
This was our last night together, and I wanted nothing more than to just think about today. Thinking about tomorrow caused a lump to form in my throat.
“We should talk,” Jameson said.
“We should do less talking and more of this.” I raised on my tip toes and planted my lips against his. “I only want to think about right now, in this moment.
“Have it your way, baby,” Jameson responded.
I didn’t know what the future held for us, but I didn’t want to think about that. Every part of my life has been planned or scheduled, and I just want to release that for one night.
Jameson put his arms around me, kissed my lips, and then down my exposed neck. He pulled me up, and I wrapped my legs around his waist.
“Gonna take my time with you tonight.”
“Mmm, please do.” I smirked.
He raised his shirt revealing his defined six-pack abs.
Jameson laid me down on the bed, took his finger and slowly traced it from my neck down to my thighs, then to my inner thighs, causing goosebumps to form on my body. He made eye contact and held his gaze with mine. He paused at my stomach and kissed it, he worked his way up stopping at my breasts, sucking on my nipples, pulling hard, causing me to arch my back.