JESSICA GOT TO work early, relieved that Charlie’s office was still dark. I can’t risk this appointment getting bumped. I need to see Justin before he takes off again. Getting the meeting on such short notice was a miracle considering Justin’s hectic schedule. She dropped her bags on the desk and rushed to his office. Her phone pinged with a text reminder from Dr. Martin’s office about the MRI that afternoon. Great, more reason for angst. I’ve had knots in my stomach for days waiting for this appointment.

“Good morning, Pam.” Jessica smiled at Justin’s assistant. “Is he in yet?”

Pam looked up from her computer. “He’s on a call right now. You can take a seat.”

“Okay, thanks!” Jessica pivoted towards the reception area, rolling her eyes. Pam was such a bitch, but whatever. So long as I don’t lose my timeslot…

Jessica checked her email while she waited. She froze, hearing Charlie’s booming voice coming from a conference room.

Oh shoot, don’t come this way!

The last thing she needed was for him to catch her outside his boss’s office when she was supposed to be downtown. His voice grew louder and she panicked as he approached.

“Hey Pam, how’s it going? Does Justin have some free time today?”

Dammit.

“He’s got a packed schedule, Charlie, and his first appointment is already waiting.”

Jessica’s heart sank as Pam nodded towards the reception area.

Heat emanated from her face as she met his enraged look. “Jessica, I didn’t realize you were here today. Why aren’t you downtown?”

She cleared her throat. “I was on my way, but I needed to come here first. I had some ideas about the Barclay Investments project and wanted to run them past Justin.”

“Why wouldn’t you address them with me first?” He narrowed his eyes at her as Pam looked on with curiosity.

I hate you so much, you smug bastard.

“Well, I thought he might be interested because of—”

Justin walked out of his office, staring down at a paper. “Pam, I need you to move my eleven o’clock. I have a lunch over by Bryant Park and I need to leave here around eleven thirty.” Justin looked up and saw Jessica and Charlie. “Oh, I thought this next meeting was just with Jessica. Charlie, are you joining us?”

With a tight smile, Charlie shook his head. “No, I was just chatting with Pam about your availability. I’ll stop by later.” He glowered at Jessica before walking back to his office.

Justin turned to Jessica. “Come on in.” He ushered her inside and closed the door.

Jessica let out a shaky breath. Jesus, that was close. If Justin hadn’t appeared right then…things would have gotten ugly.

“It’s good to see you.” Justin sat at his desk. “Care to tell me what that was all about?”

Jessica took a deep breath. “Justin, I’m sorry about that. Charlie pulled me off the new consulting practice, and I—”

“Whoa, whoa.” Justin waved his hands. “Hold on. What do you mean, he pulled you off?”

“He said you wanted me reassigned to a client downtown, that you didn’t want to move forward with this project, and I—”

“Jessica, that’s not at all accurate.” Justin shook his head. “He really told you that?”

“Yes.” Jessica’s brow furrowed. “What happened in that meeting?”

“I made it very clear that work on this new practice needs to continue. You have been instrumental in signing clients that I believe will bring DMC a great deal of revenue going forward. I told him I wanted you out in Palo Alto to run the client engagements. I know you came back to wrap a few things up here, but my objective was to get you back out to California as soon as possible so we can ramp up the team and get moving.”

Jessica gasped. Holy shit! “Are you serious?”

“I don’t joke about profit potential. I’m also not aware of a client downtown that would take you away from this effort. I have to find out why Charlie needed you there and if we can put someone else there in your place, but as far as I’m concerned, you need to head back out to California.”

“For how long?” Jessica held her breath, her pulse racing.

“Plan to be there for at least a month to start, maybe longer if I need you to get involved with the project at Barclay Investments. Try booking one of the corporate apartments. Getting this new practice up and running is critical to our bottom line. The competition has been trying to sniff out our plans for the past few months and I want to make sure DMC is the first consulting firm offering these services.”

Jessica wanted to scream with delight. She could be back in Palo Alto the next day! Fuck you, Charlie! And fuck you too, Derek! I’m outta here! I’m going to finish this project and get that promotion! Having Justin on my side will make me a shoo-in! Her thoughts returned to James. It was way too early for her to call and share the good news, but she’d see him soon enough and her whole body tingled at the thought. Things are finally falling into place! Maybe they do happen the way they’re supposed to. God, please just let the MRI come out normal.

Jessica’s head spun as she left Justin’s office. She flashed a wide smile at Pam and sailed over to her desk to make travel arrangements. Charlie was nowhere in sight. She wanted to head out before he returned. An office brawl was not high on her list of priorities.

A whole month with James. At least! She hugged herself, anxious to begin the next chapter in her life. Thank goodness for Justin and his bitchy assistant.

JESSICA WAS SO busy tying up loose ends that she lost track of time. James! She dialed his number, hoping he was awake.

“Hey. I was just thinking about you.” He yawned.

“Sounds like you might have been dreaming about me.”

“Mmm, I was, as a matter of fact. So what’s going on, gorgeous? What time is it, anyway? It feels like six in the morning.”

Jessica laughed. “Actually, it’s about nine-thirty out there. Long night? Couldn’t sleep after we got off the phone?”

James let out another loud yawn. “You had me way too preoccupied to sleep. So I worked. But trust me, it wasn’t nearly as much fun as some other activities that were floating through my mind.”

Jessica felt her face flush. Oh my God, I cannot wait to find out all about them! “Well…I have some news.”

“Good news, I hope. Although I can’t imagine what you’re planning to lay on me at this ungodly hour.”

Jessica giggled. “Seriously, it’s nine-thirty! Most of the working world has been in the office for at least an hour by now!”

“So, I’m late? Is that what you’re telling me?”

“Yes, you are. But don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of time for me to turn you into a morning person.”

“What do you mean?”

“I had a meeting this morning and was told to get back out to Palo Alto immediately to continue my work.” She paused. “Did that succeed in waking you up?”

“You’re kidding. Are you kidding?”

“Nope, I’m serious. I don’t know what Charlie’s up to, but it doesn’t really matter anymore. I’m done with him, at least for now.” Jessica twirled the phone cord around her fingers. “So when I see you tomorrow, you’ll have to tell me all about those activities.”

“Hmm, maybe I’ll do more than just tell.”

“HEY, JESS! I hear you’re headed back to California. Charlie’s been grousing about it all day. Need an assistant?”

Jessica looked up from her laptop and smiled. “Aw, what’s the matter, Jake? Do you need a break from our fearless leader?”

Jake sat down. “What am I going to do without you here? A week was bad enough, now you’re leaving for upwards of a month?”

“Come on, you’ll be fine. I’m just a text away. Trust me, it’ll be better for you if I’m not here. Guilt by association and all that. I’m not exactly his golden girl these days.” Jessica gathered some papers and stuffed them into her laptop bag.

Jake lowered his voice. “I have some interesting intel to share before you go.”

Jessica’s ears perked up. “Oh yeah? Spill it.”

“I was at lunch with a friend from Benton McCauley the other day and guess who I saw heading into the elevator over there?”

“Charlie.” It all made sense. He must be leaving to go to DMC’s biggest competitor. Justin and the partners were the assholes he was talking about. But who was Jackson?

“You know, I overheard him talking to someone when we were in the Palo Alto office, sounded like he was ready to jump ship. Maybe he’s going to Benton. How awesome is that!” Jessica gave Jake a high-five.

“I’ll have to see if my buddy can do some digging. Let Benton deal with that dickhead now.” Jake chuckled. “I heard what he pulled with Justin the other day. He’s a real tool.”

“I don’t really care.” Jessica clapped her hands with glee. “I’m out of here and with any luck, I’ll never have to see him again.”

“I’m really happy for you, Jess. You deserve a promotion. The new practice is so cutting edge, it’s gonna make DMC a fortune when you sign the rest of your clients. Derek’s got nothing on you.” Jake gave her a quick hug. “I’ll keep an ear to the ground and let you know if I hear anything good.”

“Great. Take care of yourself, Jake. The nightmare is almost over.” She tapped her cheek. “Maybe Charlie will take Derek to Benton. That would be awesome.” Jessica winked and grabbed her bag. “Come on, walk me to the elevator.”

JESSICA LUGGED HER laptop bag along 3^rd Avenue after her appointment, groaning with each step. Should have worn the flats today but vanity won out as usual.

Dr. Martin’s office would have the results in a couple of days. I can’t think about that now. I’m going to stay positive and look forward. She hurried into a Barnes and Noble on the corner and made a beeline for the Business section. There was a new book on funding for technology start-ups with great online reviews and she wanted to get it for James. She fingered through the titles and grabbed the only available copy.

The cashier line was so long it wrapped around the new release display. Forget this, I’ll just grab a latte and pay at Starbucks.

Jessica scrolled through the checklist on her iPhone while she waited to order. Dry cleaner, drug store, nail appointment. All doable if she could get out of here in the next few minutes. Come on, how long does it take to pour some coffee?

“So, it seems that you’re not really great with tying up loose ends.”

Jessica’s head jerked up. She spun around, coming face to face with Paul Emerson. A blush warmed her cheeks and she cursed herself for showing any signs of nervousness.

She flashed a sheepish grin. “I’m sorry about my behavior at the concert. I guess the champagne hit me pretty hard. Plus this has been kind of a crazy week. Up until this afternoon, I didn’t think there was even a new practice to discuss.”

A concerned look crossed his face. “Something happened?”

“My boss is a grade-A jerk and it seems that he was trying to take me off the project and stick me at some client site downtown. Not sure why. But this morning I heard from the partner in charge that I need to get back out to California, and my boss shouldn’t have interfered with that plan.” Jessica shook her head. “I don’t know what his game is, but I’m on my way back out tomorrow. I guess running into you now is a good coincidence?” Why the hell is he even here? Doesn’t he have an assistant to get his coffee?

Paul smiled. “Well, I’m glad to hear all your hard work wasn’t in vain. I’d be happy to spend some time with you, if you’re still interested. Are you free now?”

Jessica hesitated, knowing she needed a network to make this practice work. Paul could be key to getting the bigger clients to sign with DMC. I guess I can do my own nails…

“Um, yes, that would be great, if you’re sure you have the time.”

“I can always fit in some time for an old friend.” He winked and paid for the drinks.

Jessica followed him to a quiet corner and sat down. She cleared her throat, a nervous smile plastered on her face. Why do I feel so guilty being here with him? I’m not doing anything wrong. I have to make sure he knows this isn’t leading back to his apartment.

“You know I’m not going to bite, right?” He chuckled and picked up his cup.

“I know. It’s just that this whole situation is a little weird to me. I mean, what happened between us, I don’t do that...ever. I feel like it’s the elephant in the room, you know? I don’t want to give you the wrong impression about my intentions. It would be great to have an opportunity to work with you, but I want to keep things on a professional level. I’m not looking for anything more than that.” She averted her eyes for a moment. I need his help but not if it comes with strings.

“Listen, don’t read too much into this. It was just a fun night, a very fun night. We can leave it at that if it makes you feel comfortable.” He shrugged his broad shoulders.

Jessica smiled with relief. Thank God! She knew now that her heart was with James. I’m not about to mess it up.

Paul took a sip of his coffee. He appeared unruffled. Jessica wondered how many times he’d been turned down by a girl, if ever. A shield was drawn over his penetrating blue eyes, making it impossible to know what he was really thinking.

“So tell me about your progress, Jessica.”

Back to business. For good this time, I hope.

“We have three clients signed in Palo Alto and they’re ready to kick off their projects. There’s also a fourth client…but I haven’t been able to sign them yet. I have a meeting set with the management team next week.”

“What company is that?”

“Secure Transact, ever hear of it? Their technology is amazing and the competition can’t touch them.”

“Yes, I’ve heard of it.” Paul nodded, offering no other reaction.

“That’s all you’ve got? Am I barking up the wrong tree with them or are you not at liberty to say?”

Grinning, Paul took another sip of his coffee. “I plead the fifth.”

“Okay, I understand. I’m not going to badger you. I’ll just go with my gut. Have you met with any other promising start-ups lately?” She changed the subject, wondering if he’d mention his meeting with LazerShark. Doubtful, but worth a shot.

“Well, I can’t tell you if I have any companies on my roster that are investment-worthy, because that’s confidential.” He gave her a sly smile. “But I will say that I’ve seen several principals in the past couple of months that delivered really solid presentations, a couple of which I’m very interested in pursuing.”

Dammit. No dice. “I see.”

“Another thing I can tell you is that technology investments are extremely lucrative if they have the right cast of characters at the helm. I have to like the company concept and what the principals bring to the table before I decide to commit. I need to have confidence that they can deliver on their own strategy. It’s not always about the idea.” He paused with a smile. “It’s about the execution.”

“Words to live by.” She looked down at her watch and gasped. Where had the time gone? “Listen, I’m really sorry to cut this short, but I have to run. My flight to Palo Alto is tomorrow morning and I still have to finish packing.”

“Well, I’m glad we got the chance to chat again, Jessica. I wish you the best of luck with your work. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to give me a call.”

“Thank you so much, Paul, I really appreciate all your insights.”

Paul stood up as Jessica gathered her bags. “Anytime. Have a safe trip.”

She hurried out of the café and headed down the street. Leading him on was a defense mechanism of sorts; she sensed he was still attracted to her even though she denied it to Lisa. Paul’s not in the market for anything long-term. Yeah, he’s gorgeous and I’m not going to lie…I like the attention. Who wouldn’t? But spending time with James really made me realize what I’ve been missing all this time. He’s the one who can fill that void, not Paul Emerson. It’s the fresh start I’ve been hoping for.

PAUL SAT BACK and folded his arms. He watched Jessica hurry out the door and admired how her form-fitting skirt clung to her in all the right places. Maybe she said she wanted to keep things professional but her actions indicated there was still a spark between them. Paul loved nothing more than a challenge and he already knew she was worth the wait.

I’ll just play it cool until she feels comfortable with the idea.

He figured she was just a little gun-shy about being with him again so he decided to reach her on a different level. She’d be back in California next week at Secure Transact and he knew exactly how to break the ice.

Until then, Jessica.