Unlikely Venture (The Venture Series Book 1) (10 page)

“Just one more thing, Li.” Jessica mustered up as much energy as she had left before succumbing to the fatigue.

“Yes?”

“You’re right, Ashley Marshall’s boobs
are
totally fake,” she breathed, sleep overtaking her.

WHY DOES IT matter?
Paul raked a hand through his closely cropped hair as he walked back toward the elevator. He never cared what anyone thought of his lifestyle before. So why was he so bothered by Jessica’s insinuations about his sexual escapades?

Because you’ve got a thing for her, dumbass.

Paul entered the suite, spotting a group of colleagues over by the bar. He noticed Rochelle trying to catch his eye but he ignored her, reprimanding himself again for letting that body get the better of him.
Twice.
Never again though. Girl was bat-shit crazy and still hadn’t gotten the message that it was over before it started.

He was used to women throwing themselves at him. They were usually half his age, half-naked and ready to jump into bed at a moment’s notice. But that night, something changed. He was…indifferent.
Is it because of Jessica?

Steering clear of relationship hassles became second nature to Paul over the years. He thought it was because he was emotionally out to lunch. But maybe that wasn’t the case after all.
Maybe I do want more.

A striking brunette grazed his forearm and his gaze traveled over her scantily clad body. She flashed him a seductive smile and ran a hand through her long hair.

On second thought, maybe I like things the way they are.

JESSICA SQUINTED AS the early morning sunlight streamed through the curtains. She looked at the clock and groaned. “Why do I feel like I’ve been run over by a Mack truck?”

Lisa appeared in the bathroom doorway wearing a disapproving look on her face. “That’s what happens when you consume too much champagne, Jessie. I’m not going to get all preachy here, but was that really a smart move?”

Jessica sat up, her eyes wide. “What are you talking about? I mean, maybe I had a couple of glasses, but nothing crazy! What happened? I don’t remember very much.” She yelped. “Wait, Paul Emerson was there, wasn’t he?”

“Um, yeah. He helped me carry you out of the suite when you could barely stand.”

“
What
? Li, I’m telling you, I barely had anything to drink at all.” Jessica’s voice rose in a panic and she clutched the blanket around her.

Lisa looked confused. “You were a hot mess last night, Jessie. Are you sure you didn’t really drink…no shots,
nothing
? I promise, I won’t yell.”

Jessica shook her head, looking terrified. “I said I was…tired? To the point that I can’t even remember what happened? Oh my God, do you think it could have something to do with the MS? Intense fatigue is another symptom and the tingling still hasn’t gone away. This is definitely not a good sign.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Li, what am I going to do? I’m so scared.”

Lisa sat down next to her on the bed. “Listen. Maybe it was because you really didn’t eat yesterday before we left. The champagne may have hit you harder because you were drinking on an empty stomach. Don’t panic yet, Jessie. You’re seeing the doctor when you’re back in the city, right?”

“Yes.” Jessica sighed and collapsed back on the pillows. “This totally sucks. My stomach is in knots right now. Please tell me I didn’t say anything stupid.”

A teasing smile formed on Lisa’s lips. “Oh, Jess. I wouldn’t be so concerned about what you said. It didn’t seem to deter him.” Jessica shot her a blank look. “Let me be perfectly clear about this. Paul Emerson
wants
you. It was blatantly obvious.”

Jessica snickered. “Li, come on. You know what guys like him are all about. I was just another notch on his bedpost. That’s all he’s interested in.”

Lisa shook her head. “I think you’re a hundred and ten percent
wrong
on this one. I could totally tell it was more than just sex. What are you going to do if he wants to see you again?”

Jessica shrugged. “Well, he
was
pretty incredible in bed.” She giggled a little. “But, I told you I’m not into him. Didn’t you hear me last night? I have a date with
James
. He’s going to be my fun fling. Much more my speed.”

“That’s all fine and good.” Lisa put a hand up. “I just think you should keep your options open, even if Emerson is a man-whore. He’s hot as hell. Take another spin in that ride before you leave the showroom.”

Jessica scrunched up her nose and slapped her forehead. “Oh no, no, no,
no
! I was grilling him about that last night! About his reputation and all the
women
!”

“Ah, so that’s the question you were trying to get answered. I told you it wasn’t a pretty sight.”

“Shit, I must have made a complete ass out of myself. Argh!” Jessica moaned, covering her face with the pillow.

Lisa giggled. “Well, you definitely made quite an impression on him.”

“Whatever, he’s in another world.” Jessica nibbled off a cuticle.

“Gorgeous, sexy, loaded, brilliant. I think it’s
you
who’s on a completely different planet.” Lisa smiled. “Planet fucking
insane
.”

Jessica snorted with laughter. “Listen, I can’t explain it. It may not make sense to you, but it’s the way I feel. James is just so…unlike any other guy I’ve met. Painstakingly and refreshingly
honest
. I believe he’s a genuinely good guy. Paul gives off a completely different vibe. It’s almost conflicting—like excitement versus distress. And I really don’t know if the pleasure is worth the potential, and probable, pain
.”

Lisa nodded. “I get it. Just don’t make any rash decisions yet, okay? Go with it. Why not take advantage of
all
opportunities presented to you? You haven’t done anything wrong.” She paused with a sly smile. “Except…you’re just a
slight
bit sleazy for sleeping with Emerson the same night you met him without even knowing his name, just a teeny
tiny
bit. Just saying.”

Jessica gave Lisa a little hug. “You’re such a bitch, but I love you anyway. And I
am
giving things a shot, just not with Emerson. You’ve got to start rooting for the super-hot geeky gamer, okay?”

OH PLEASE PLEASE please don’t be at the office yet.

Jessica wasn’t in any mood to deal with Charlie. Somehow, she’d been able to escape him at the hotel since they went their own separate ways after work hours. He and Derek were flying home on the red-eye and she was happy to be rid of them even though she knew Derek would use every opportunity to shove his head further up Charlie’s ass in order to set himself up for that promotion.
I have to believe the partners will see all the progress I’ve made and reward me for it. Charlie’s not the only one with a vote.

She had a lot of catch up work to do at the office. Charlie had inserted himself into her work more than necessary during the entire trip. She made a mental list of what she had to get done before her big date with James and it did
not
include any of Charlie’s administrative bullshit.

Dammit, she didn’t know anyone at the Palo Alto office well enough to call and check on Charlie’s whereabouts. She was on her own, grasping a nonfat chai latte with impending dread.

The floor was quiet as she headed down the corridor to her mobile office, which was situated next to Charlie’s. As Jessica approached, two male voices traveled into the empty hallway. She recognized Charlie’s arrogant tone.
Who is he talking to?
She remembered him saying his schedule was clear that morning.
Is it a business meeting?
She crept closer to the door. No, this conversation was anything
but
client-related.
Hmmm.

Jessica tried to catch snippets of the conversation. Not that she really cared, but Charlie sounded flustered and she loved to see him sweat.
What could have your briefs in a bunch on this beautiful morning, Charlie?

“Jackson, I’ve had it with these assholes. It’s high time for me to take control of things.”

Another voice, higher pitched. Jessica didn’t recognize it at all.
Who’s Jackson?

“It’s completely understandable, Charlie. You’ve worked so hard for this, why shouldn’t you reap the benefits?”

What the hell? Reap the benefits of what? Is he talking about the new consulting practice?

Charlie sighed and grumbled some more about “his vision.”

“Listen, you’re really talented and they’re going to be sorry to lose you, trust me.”

Jessica’s ears perked up.
Is Charlie leaving DMC? Oh what a way to start the day!

She recognized Charlie’s sarcastic laugh. “Well, they’ve screwed me for too long, and out of too much. It’s time to make a change. I’m glad that things worked out this way. Fuck all of them.”

Jessica slinked into her office and closed the door. She danced around the room without a sound, pumping her fists into the air.
Charlie is out! This is it! My chance to run the show!
A brand new consulting practice for the company; money would come rolling in because of
her
efforts. She could almost taste that promotion.
Finally!
And maybe Dad will get off my back once and for all.

Jessica settled into her chair with a triumphant smile.
I can suck it up for a little while longer.
Two weeks’ notice and Charlie would be out of her life for good.

JAMES ROUNDED ONE of the hiking paths at Foothills Park, his feet pounding on the rough terrain. He collapsed onto a nearby bench, laying his head back until his breathing eased. It wasn’t the smartest idea to run the trails since the ground was so uneven, but the nature preserve was his refuge, much more so in the past several months.

He closed his eyes, feeling the hot sun beat down on his already-bronzed skin. It was warm that morning, not typical for northern California.
Water would be great right about now
. Too bad the bottle in his car would be anything but refreshing by the time he got there.

James sighed, remembering how he and his dad hiked to this park every Saturday morning when he was younger. “Mom works hard all week. Let’s give her a break,” Dad would tell James. They were so close, he and his dad. Such a good man, he was taken from them way too soon.
He’ll never know how much I loved him. I didn’t do a good enough job of telling him. And I blew my last chance because of that stupid meeting.

He ran his hands through his hair, wishing he had more time with his dad, wishing that he hadn’t stayed away for so long.
Beating myself up over that decision isn’t going to bring him back. I’ve got to come to terms with it otherwise I’ll never move on. And I finally have something to look forward to, something I don’t want to mess up.

Slouching forward, he thought about his upcoming date with Jessica. Telling her to wear comfortable clothes was kind of a test. He was curious to see how well she could go with the flow. Today was important for him; taking her out this afternoon would let her in.

I don’t know if we’re on the same page, but I really want to see where this can go. No games. I’m going to be as open and honest as possible with her.
He wanted to find out if that spark between them would ignite if given the chance. Something about her made him feel alive and alert again. He hadn’t felt that way in a long time; he was ready to move on with his life.
If I can’t be myself with her right up front, what’s the point?

He pulled out his phone and dialed Jessica’s number, surprised at how anxious he was to hear her voice.

“Hello?”

“Jessica. Hey, it’s James.” He wiped his face with the sleeve of his t-shirt. “How’s it going?”

“Great! I’m really looking forward to seeing you this afternoon.”

She sounds excited, cool.

“So where can I find you later on? Can I pick you up around two?”

“I’m staying at the W on El Camino. Two would be perfect. I’m just finishing up some work here at the office and then I’ll be headed back.” Jessica cleared her throat. “So, um, about that text yesterday.”