Beloved (Toni Morrison Trilogy #1)(23)

Standing in front of Jackson’s building, I see my reflection in the glass. I certainly look the part. I have on a soft cream blouse tucked into a pair of high-waisted gray suit pants. My long hair is pin straight, my dark brown eyes look soft with only a wisp of mascara, and sheer lip gloss accentuates my lips. My black heels elongate my tiny frame, making me feel tall and bold. With my posture straight, I enter the office, heading up to face Jackson and start kicking ass.

The same sweet receptionist guides me back to the conference room where my initial meeting was held. I’m a little early, so there isn’t anyone else in the room yet. I’m removing items from my bag when I hear the door click open. Jackson’s voice floats through the space.

“Yes, I’m aware of your opinion on the matter. However, I’ve made my choice.” He sounds irritated.

A second voice responds, but I can’t make out what they’re saying. It’s a female, though, and by her tone I can tell she’s trying to make him listen to her.

“I don’t care or agree with you,” he responds to whatever the comment was. Another long pause as I strain to hear her response. The door inches open a little more.

“Well, Ms. Carlson, it’s a good thing I’m the CEO.”

Shit! Piper! My blissful mood drains away.

The door opens and Jackson steps aside to let Piper come in first. She looks up and grimaces when she notices me standing here. Jackson enters. It’s as if the world stops moving. His presence would cause the energy in any room to shift, but I can’t help wondering if I feel it more intensely than everyone else. It’s—he’s—intoxicating.

He looks over at me and smiles. “Good morning, Catherine.”

“Good morning, Mr. Cole.” I smile and look at Piper. “Good morning, Piper. Nice to see you in a color other than nude.” The last thing I wish for her is a good morning. However, pleasantries are necessary, and I refuse to let her to take yet another thing from me. But I allow myself the small dig.

She snorts and rolls her eyes.

Bitch.

Jackson doesn’t notice her catty behavior. He sits at the head of the table with Piper to his left and me in the chair on his right. He’s so close. I can feel the heat radiating from him.

“Okay, let’s get started,” Jackson says.

We spend the next hour debating and discussing the best way to present the soon-to-be-released makeup line. Piper tries to undermine my opinion at every turn, but I hold my ground. Jackson sits back and interjects only when he feels the need. It seems more like a volleyball game than a meeting. After another hour, she’s finally done arguing and agrees with my vision on how to get the company on track.

“Well, ladies, I think we’re about done here. It’s been rather entertaining.” Jackson chuckles and stands, gathering his papers as he does.

Piper leans over to him, trying to keep her voice down. “Mr. Cole, I really think we should talk privately about our options.”

A flash of irritation cross his face as he gruffly replies, “Piper, again, I’m well aware of your opinion and the answer is no.” Jackson meets my eyes and grins.

I sigh and flush with embarrassment.

“Mr. Cole—”

He raises his hand to stop me. “I asked you to call me Jackson.”

Piper stands there slack-jawed with her arms crossed.

“Yes, sorry. Jackson, I’ve arranged everything for Friday’s trip—”

“My secretary will send you the details. I’ve already arranged to have a car pick you up and take you to the airport. You won’t need to worry about anything.” He tucks his materials under his arm and pushes in his chair to leave. As he approaches the door he stops, turns to me, and smirks. “Expect to have dinner while we’re there.” He winks and exits.

Dinner. Of course. I’m never going to avoid this man. He’s going to take full advantage of our time together in Virginia. There is no escaping him. If he’s persistent enough, I may not be strong enough to resist him. I’m barely hanging on as it is. Except there’s the small problem that he’s my client, and I could lose everything I’ve worked for if anything happens between us.

A cough breaks me from my thoughts and I realize I’ve been staring at the door. I look to see Piper glaring at me. “Are you dating him?” she asks in a condescending tone.

“Excuse me?” I stand so I’m eye level with her, looking at her incredulously. Surely she isn’t talking to me like that.

“I asked if you were dating Jackson Cole.” She walks toward me and places her hands on the table, leaning in. She raises her eyebrows, waiting for my response.

My eyes widen at her challenge. I glare right back at her with unadulterated hate. “You’re insane—and a whore, but we’ll revisit that in a minute. Are you seriously talking to me right now?” I’m seething. My body is shaking at her asinine question. She slept with my fiancé and now she’s going to stand here and give me shit? I don’t think so.

“I’m just surprised, Catherine. Is that how you beat out Neil for this account? His numbers were flawless. He deserves to be here, not you,” Piper states, tilting her head to the side as she narrows her eyes accusingly.

“Well I’m glad you think so because Neil stole my figures!” I step closer to her, radiating anger. First, she has the nerve to insinuate that I won the account because I’m sleeping with Jackson. Then she brings up Neil’s stellar figures. “I seriously can’t believe you have the balls to address me, let alone accuse me of something. It’s none of your business—any of it—but for the record, I got this account because I’m the better choice!”