“SO, ARE YOU sure you’re ready for this? I mean, we’ve already established the fact that I have no control over what comes out of this guy’s mouth, at all.” James grinned at Jessica as he held open the door to Joya.

She giggled. “Yeah, I’m sure. I don’t scare too easily. Is he here yet?”

James shook his head. “Doubtful, but we’ll get a table in the meantime. It’s packed and I don’t want you to stand around in those shoes.”

Jessica snaked an arm around his waist. “Such a gentleman.”

The lounge was packed for a Thursday night, but James pointed out an empty corner table. “Perfect, let’s grab that one.”

“It’s really crowded here, is something going on?” Jessica shrugged off her jacket and hung it on the back of the chair.

“Don’t know.” James picked up a menu. “I’m starving. Want some yucca fries while we wait?”

Jessica wrinkled her nose. “Mmm, how did you guess? That’s exactly what I’d pick.”

“Come on, if it’s in fry form how bad could it be?” James smirked and looked around for a waitress.

“Hey guys! When did you get here?” Chris descended on the table and slapped James on the back.

“About five minutes ago. I figured we wouldn’t be seeing you for at least another thirty.”

“Normally you’d be right, smart ass, but I decided that I needed to make a good impression after the Kinko’s incident.” Chris winked at Jessica. “So here I am, primped, polished and on time.”

“I’m honored.” Jessica smiled. “No date tonight?”

“Nope, taking the night off. Good thing, too.” Chris turned to James with a knowing look. “Guess who’s here?”

James shook his head. “Who?”

“Emerson. He’s in the dining room with a group of suits. Oh, and there’s a smoking hot chick a table away from them. Looks just like Avery Hunter. You know, CEO of CrowdRock, that social networking site for aspiring musicians and singers to connect and perform online? Brilliant concept. Landed some pretty big recording contracts for her members, too.” Chris chuckled. “Maybe I should go and introduce myself.”

James rolled his eyes at Jessica, who panicked at the thought of coming face to face with Paul after their encounter the night before. That egomaniac jackass was the last person she wanted to see. She gulped, hoping that they didn’t get seated anytime soon. What would Paul do if he saw me with James? Would he pull the plug on LazerShark as revenge? Dammit. Please don’t let him come over here.

“Chris, stay away from him, would you? Don’t corner him here.” James tapped his fingers on the table. “We haven’t heard back from him, he must still be deliberating with the team. Let’s not ruin our chances.”

“Relax.” Chris gulped down the rest of his beer. “I’m not going to visit his table. But…if he happens to stop by the bar and I happen to be getting a drink…I can’t promise I won’t say something. I’ll be subtle though.”

James groaned. “Great. I’m so relieved now, since you’re about as understated as a nuclear bomb.” He turned to Jessica with an apologetic smile. “Think you can handle him while I get us some drinks?”

Jessica giggled. “I’ve got it, no problem.”

Chris turned to Jessica once James was out of earshot. “So…you’re back.”

“Looks that way, probably for at least a month.” Jessica flashed a wide smile. “I’m really happy to be out here.”

“In all seriousness, Jay’s the best guy I know. You’re a lucky girl. He’s completely into you. I’ve never seen him act like this before. Ever.”

“He’s fantastic. I’m still a little in shock at how quickly things happened but…it’s been incredible.”

“I’m glad for you guys. You seem really happy together. I’m telling you, he’s a different person these days.” Chris grinned. “I’m sure he told you about this pitch meeting we had the other day. Golf of all things. Why not basketball instead?”

Jessica giggled. “I heard all about it. How do you think it went? Think you’ll get the funding?”

Chris gave a confident nod. “Oh definitely. Paul Emerson is a successful businessman and he knows a good investment when he sees the magic numbers. He’s got a reputation for leaving companies hanging, kind of like a control thing with him. Whatever. It’ll happen.” He leaned in, his voice dropping. “For the record, I’m not about to corner him here. I just like keeping Jay on his toes. But don’t let him know that.”

James walked back with their drinks. “It’s definitely Avery Hunter, by the way.”

“Aha! I knew it! Now why don’t you just cut the crap and admit that you secretly want Emerson to notice us and hand us a check?” Chris sat back and took a long sip of his Corona.

“Fine, you’re right, so sue me.” James grinned. “Just promise me you’ll stay away from him, okay?”

Chris raised his bottle. “I’ll think about it. In the meantime, I’m going to check on our table.”

James turned to Jessica with an apologetic smile. “He’s a handful, I know. Sorry.”

“Please. He’s hysterical. And he’s also a really great friend. I’m happy to be here with you guys.” She planted a lingering kiss on his lips. “But in full disclosure, I can’t wait to get you out of here.” Their foreheads touched as they gazed at each other, lost in their own world.

James gave her hand a squeeze. “I promise it’ll be well worth the wait.”

“Ahem.” Chris returned and cleared his throat. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything…” A teasing smile played at his lips.

Jessica laughed and covered her mouth. “Oh no! We’re that couple now, aren’t we?”

Chris nodded as he sat down. “Looks like. But fortunately for you, I’ve been on the other side so many times that I now owe your guy. I’ll reserve my comments.”

James nuzzled her lips again, making her pulse race. She murmured against his ear, “This is so bad, PDA in front of your best friend?”

He chuckled as Jessica settled back in her chair and snuck a look at Chris. She didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable at all, but it looked like his attention had just been diverted.

Oh. My. God.

Jessica gulped hard as she came face to face with Paul Emerson.

CHRIS HOPPED OFF the stool and pumped Paul’s hand. “How’s it going, Paul? Good to see you again.”

“Mr. Callahan, Mr. Camden.” Paul’s lips curled up into a tight smile as he regarded the table.

James reached his hand out. “Nice to see you, Paul.” He waved his hand at Jessica. “This is my girlfriend Jessica Latham.”

Jessica cleared her throat and averted her eyes. She held out her hand. “It’s a pleasure. I’ve heard a lot of great things about your company.”

Boyfriend? Callahan?

“Very nice to meet you, Jessica.” Paul narrowed his eyes, back in control.

“Hey, can we get you a drink? Would you like to join us for a few minutes?” Chris waved his hand towards the waitress.

“Thanks for the offer, gentlemen, but I actually need to make a call and get back to my guests.” Paul shook their hands again. “Enjoy your meal.” He nodded toward them, flashing Jessica an ice-cold stare as he continued towards the exit.

His blood boiled. What the fuck was that all about? What kind of game is she playing, using me like that? Oh sure, she said she wanted to keep things professional, as long as it didn’t hurt her chances to build a network. And how convenient, she just forgot to mention that she had a boyfriend and that said boyfriend was pitching my company for an investment?

Paul pushed past the patrons gathered outside the restaurant. He punched Mia’s number into his iPhone.

“Mia Bradshaw.”

“Mia, it’s Paul. Listen, I’ve had second thoughts about the LazerShark deal. I don’t want to move forward with the offer.” Fuck them all. I don’t need this shit.

“Paul, that’s really not a wise decision.” Mia’s voice was even. “I just completed all the analysis and the numbers project a very lucrative future. This investment is great for Blue Coat—it will give us some good diversification and without any major competitors, LazerShark is poised to grow exponentially in the next couple of years. You don’t want to be left behind on this one.”

Paul clenched his teeth. “I’m not interested in the gaming industry anymore. We should look at some different prospects.”

“I think you should reconsider. I’m not sure what changed your mind, but I’m telling you this is one of the companies that will go the distance with your expertise and guidance.”

He faltered. She’s blowing smoke, but can I blame her?

“How’s everything going with the dinner meeting? Did they agree to our terms?”

Paul rolled his eyes. “They needed a few drinks to see the light. But I think they’re finally on board. You did a great job with the presentation. They were very impressed.” He hated to convince potential partners of his worth. If they didn’t recognize the benefits of working with Blue Coat, he’d be more inclined to tell them to screw off than to butter them up. I need more scotch. A lot more.

“And…you were nice, right?”

“Yes, everything is fine. You know, I actually do have reasons for why I act in certain ways, pretty good reasons, Mia.”

“I’m well-aware, Paul. And I completely respect your expertise in this industry. But sometimes even promising investment partners need a little push. You have to give a little to get a little. I know that’s a tough pill for you to swallow, but it will make you a fortune.”

Paul grunted. “I’ve made a fortune doing exactly as I want, in case you forgot.”

“Understood. But there are a lot more players in the game now. And you hired me in part to manage our reputation. Trust me, this new look is good for you, good for Blue Coat. Now, are we still a go with LazerShark?” He heard the persistence in her voice and sighed. She knows exactly what buttons to press. Bad for me, great for Blue Coat.

“You really feel like it’s a worthy investment?” He gritted his teeth, knowing the answer. Things always went awry when he let personal feelings interfere with his deals. Mia was his sanity check.

“Yes. Plus, you just handed me the account. Don’t you think you owe it to me to give them a shot? I still need to prove my worth…”

A half-smile. “Okay, fine. I trust you, which is why I pay you so much. Show me what you can do. By the way, call the restaurant and give them my credit card for dinner. Have the hostess tell them I’ve been called away and to send my regrets. I’m calling it a night.”

He hung up the phone. Jessica turned him away for Callahan. Paul was used to women falling at his feet; it was a game to him. But he’d never encountered someone like Jessica. She seemed immune to his charms. She was so different than the rest of them, with an innocence that was so enticing and a body that just didn’t quit. He sighed. It was moot now. He loved a challenge, but he didn’t like to lose. Not at all.