JESSICA POWERED ON her laptop, anxious to meet with the partners about her work in California. I have one shot to convince them that this consulting practice can be huge for DMC. Not just because of James. I’ve put so much time into this and I deserve a chance to run it. If I happen to manage the work from California, would that be so horrible?

The short answer was yes, at least from Charlie’s perspective. But maybe his perspective doesn’t matter anymore.

It would be a perfect scenario.

But first things first. Jessica had a roomful of partners to convince and she had to admit the numbers were not very impressive. Landing Secure Transact as a client would have helped her case, but she wasn’t giving up on them just yet. There was too much potential; she was determined to sign them, somehow.

Could this laptop be any slower?

Minutes felt like hours. After a great deal of silent swearing, her email inbox appeared on the screen. She scrolled through all of the spam and company announcements. The partner meeting was in two hours and Jessica decided to get some coffee before Charlie arrived. It was too early to deal with the third degree without an adequate amount of caffeine in her system.

She grabbed her wallet and headed to the lobby. Argh. There he was, making a beeline for her. Mother eff.

“Jessica, I need you to review a project plan this morning. It’s for a client downtown. The manager in charge needs a senior on the engagement and I told him you’re available.”

Jessica shot him a blank look. “I don’t understand. I’m working on—”

“Not anymore.” He pulled out his iPhone and scrolled as he spoke, ignoring her confusion.

“But the partner meeting—”

“Ended an hour ago. We decided to meet early this morning since Justin had to catch a flight to Chicago.” He continued staring at the device in his hand and Jessica’s bewilderment converted to anger.

“After all of the work I prepared for that meeting, you just conveniently left me out of the conversation?” Jessica clenched her fists, feeling the nails dig into her skin. It hurt like hell, but it was nothing compared to the pain she wanted to inflict on that asshole.

With a callous smile, Charlie looked up from the screen. “The direction I got from Justin and the others was that we can’t waste any more time and money on something that isn’t going to yield us much return. So far, your projections are weak at best.”

“I told you that Secure Transact will—”

“But you couldn’t make the deal.”

“Not yet, but—”

Charlie leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Jessica, let me tell you something. You may think you have all the answers, but I’ve worked long and hard to get where I am today. I don’t have to implement your recommendations, nor do I have to like them. I am in control of this effort and my responsibility is making money, not wasting it.”

Jessica opened her mouth but no words came out. It didn’t sound like he was resigning anymore. What else happened during that meeting? What the hell was he talking to Jackson about that day if it wasn’t about quitting his job? Tell me the partners didn’t convince him to stay!

“Do you have something to say?” Charlie glared at her.

Jessica hesitated. What am I going to do now? He’s pulling me off this project and sticking me downtown. Doing that will destroy all the progress I’ve made and my chance to lead the practice will go up in smoke. And I’ll never get back to California either… Panic rose in her throat but she caught it just before it bubbled over. No way. I’m not giving him the satisfaction. He’s not going to see me fall apart.

She needed a meeting with Justin. It was that simple. I have to convince Justin I can get this practice off the ground. I’ll do whatever it takes for that opportunity. She shuddered as a foreign numbing sensation crept down her right arm. Oh God, this stress is going to bury me. I have to be strong. There’s too much at stake.

JESSICA’S IPHONE BUZZED as she left Starbucks. She smiled for the first time that day. James. “Hey, how are you?”

“I’m good. Glad I caught you.”

“Oh? So desperate to speak to me?” She took a sip of her latte.

James chuckled. “Definitely. So how’d your meeting go?”

“Well, it went, but without me because Charlie rescheduled it and forgot to let me know about the change in time.” Jessica gritted her teeth.

“That sucks. I’m really sorry. I know how much you were looking forward to it.”

“Yeah, well, what can you do?” She tried to be nonchalant and changed the subject, not wanting to tell him the outcome of the meeting. “Anyway, enough of that. How’s everything going with your pitch prep? Are you ready to dazzle this investor or what?”

“Yeah, we’re ready. Although I don’t know how much I trust this guy we’re meeting. He seems pretty shady. He’s the principal of the firm. Chris keeps trying to assure me that he’s okay, but I’m still not convinced. Guess I’ll find out soon enough.”

“Hey, you’re going to be a hit, trust me. I’ve spoken to a lot of start-up companies and I know what to look for!”

James laughed. “Thanks for the pep talk.” His voice turned husky. “So anyway…I keep thinking about what a great time I had with you, and how I can’t wait to get you alone again…”

Jessica felt her cheeks grow warm and her body prickled with anticipation at the implied meaning of his words. Wow, how can he do that to me from three thousand miles away? God, it’s been so long.

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that too.” She bit her bottom lip. Mmm…a lot more than I care to admit.

James let out a low whistle. “Well, I guess we have that in common. Seriously, Jess, I really can’t wait to see you again.”

Jessica’s heart fluttered. She wanted to stand there and talk to him for hours. Just hearing his voice made her melt.

Her phone vibrated again. Charlie. Dammit! “James, I’ve got to run. Charlie just called. He must need me to get him some coffee or something.” She grimaced. “I really need to find him before he sends security after me.”

James snickered. “I understand, don’t worry about it. Can I call you later?”

“Absolutely.” Jessica’s heart thrummed and it was not in the good way. Taking a few deep breaths to relax, she walked upstairs and found Charlie sitting in his office reviewing some papers. Her anger rose to the surface as she watched him.

“You called?”

Charlie frowned at her. “Where have you been? I was looking all over for you.”

“So sorry, I was in the ladies’ room.”

“Oh, uh, well, okay.” Then he looked back at the papers on his desk.

“Did you need something?” Jessica’s voice dripped with disdain, making no effort to hide her feelings.

Charlie handed her a stack of documents. “You’ll need to review these before heading over to the client tomorrow morning.”

Jessica’s eyes widened at the reams of paper. “I have meetings scheduled with some of my other clients, I can’t just—”

“Cancel them. This takes precedence.” Charlie turned back to his computer and began typing. When she didn’t respond, he met her eyes. “Anything else, Jessica?”

She stood there, flabbergasted. How did everything change so quickly? A few days ago everything was fabulous and full of promise. And now? My career and health are crumbling around me, threatening my livelihood and any chance of happiness with James. This is such bullshit! I worked so hard on this! She clenched her fists. No, wait, don’t get crazy, Jess. Stop letting this prick pull the strings. Take control of your life, dammit!

Jessica took a deep breath. “Nothing else, Charlie.” She picked up the papers and left without another word. Screw him. It’s on.