Unlikely Venture (The Venture Series Book 1) (9 page)

James’s expression clouded over. “I know. I really wish he was around to see this.”

“I know, Jay, me too.” They were both silent for a minute. “You okay?”

James sighed, stretching his arms over his head. “Yeah, I’m good. So, what’s next?”

“Well, let’s be a little presumptuous and go out for a celebratory drink. You’ve got a date with a beautiful girl, millions of dollars are about to be thrown at us. And to top it all off, you have one stud of a partner. Things are going our way. Let’s take the team out so we can drink prematurely to our success. What do you say?”

James closed his laptop. “Let’s rock and roll. It’s been a long haul.”

JESSICA COULDN’T BELIEVE the turnout for Rochelle’s event. Much as she hated to admit it, the girl was effective at her job. The enormous skybox spilled over with A-listers, and it was decorated with a glitzy Vegas lounge motif. Lisa was in her element, pointing out celebrity after celebrity, drooling over each and every one.

“Holy cow! Jessie, look at Ashley Marshall! Those boobs are
totally
fake—I don’t care
what
she said in that interview! Do you see Jordan Priestly over there? He is
so
much hotter in person, don’t you think? Should I go and talk to him? He just broke up with Melissa Travers, I read about it in
US Weekly
on the flight out here!”

Laughing, Jessica’s eyes traveled around the crowded skybox, marveling at how many stars showed up to Oakland that night
. I guess Dezzie is one hot ticket after all.

Her smile faded when her eyes locked on Paul Emerson.
Oh please, not again...

“Lisa!” She nudged her friend.

“What?” Lisa snapped to attention. “Do you see someone else? Is
Dezzie
in here?”

“No, not Dezzie. Paul Emerson.” Jessica nodded to where he stood.

“
Whoa
,” Lisa breathed. “He’s gorgeous, Jessie, you crazy ass fool. Remind me
again
why you’re not interested in bedding that perfect specimen of a man over and over and over?”

Jessica rolled her eyes. “That’s just the wrapping, Li. I’m much more into what’s inside the box, you know?”

“Look, sweetie, you’ve already
unwrapped
the package and acknowledged how unbelievable it was. How much better do you think it’s going to get?”

“That’s not what I meant,” Jessica groaned. She was fighting a losing battle. Lisa didn’t care about substance.

“Uh, don’t look now, but I guess Emerson spotted you too, Jessie.” Lisa poked her with a long red fingernail.

“Whaa?” Jessica turned to see Paul walking towards them.
Oh crap.
“Don’t leave, okay, Li? I’m telling you, something makes me really uncom—”

Lisa snorted. “Spare me, Jess. If some rich foxy guy had me in his sights,
uncomfortable
is the last thing I’d feel. Loosen up a little and have some fun with it. You’re young, hot and based on that smoldering look he’s giving you, I’d say you’re pretty damn good in the sack.”

“Forget it. You don’t understand.” Jessica sighed with impatience. “Remember James? The guy I have a date with tomorrow? The one I decided to take a chance with? It’s comfortable and fun with him. No pressure. Trust me, Paul Emerson isn’t the guy. I’m not myself around him. It shouldn’t be that hard.”

“Oh honey, you’re wrong, it should
definitely
be that hard!” Lisa giggled, taking another gulp of champagne. “Now, you enjoy and I’ll get all the details
later
!” She sauntered off with an appraising glance at Paul as she passed.

“Friend of yours?” Paul asked.

“Yes, at least I think she is.” Jessica smirked. “So, you’re a big Dezzie fan?”

“Hardly. I work with the owner of Brighton PR. They rep one of our clients. You?”

“Ah, negative. R&B really isn’t my thing.” Jessica made a concerted effort to ignore the stray cuticle on her thumbnail.
Why can’t I relax? Why does this guy have such a bizarre effect on me? I hate feeling this uneasy but he’s so out of my league.
She stood there with a smile plastered on her face, unsure what to say next. “Um, so who’s your client? What kind of company is it?”

Paul grinned. “They’re kind of big for your practice. They’re already pretty deep into the IPO process.”

“Oh.” Jessica felt a hot flush covering her cheeks. “I wasn’t really thinking that…I mean, I was just curious…to see what kind of company you’d invest in…”
Jesus, I can’t even string a coherent sentence together. Why does he have to be so freaking hot? Is that why I can’t speak?

“Lots of factors come into play when we pick companies for our fund.” He leaned closer and dropped his voice. “But I’d rather not talk business tonight.” Taking another long sip of his drink, he regarded her with such intensity that her mind became a blank.

Jessica let out a small laugh as she searched the crowds for Lisa.
I’m so out of my element here.

Her eyes landed on Rochelle coming out of the ladies’ room and she stifled a chuckle.
She looks pretty angry. Wonder who hasn’t been paying enough attention to Her Royal Highness? I bet someone’s gonna pay tonight.

“You seem a little nervous.” Paul downed the last of his drink and placed the empty glass on a nearby tray.

Jessica snapped back to attention. Before she could open her mouth in reply, Rochelle sidled up to them with a bright smile on her face.

Oh my gosh, never thought I’d see the day when I’d actually be grateful to see my archenemy!

Rochelle held out two bottles of water. “Jessie, sweetie, I thought you might need another! You
were
drinking water, right?”

Jessica was taken aback at the false cheeriness in her voice. There’s always an ulterior motive with Rochelle Harrison.
Hmmm. Is she making a play for Paul? Sure looks that way.

“Yes, I was, thanks so—”

“Great! So tell me, are you having a fabulous time? It’s
such
a fun party!” Rochelle flipped her long hair and flashed a jubilant smile. “Is there anybody famous you’re itching to meet? I could totally hook it up for you. You don’t want to waste that whole…outfit, do you? Just point someone out and I’ll make it happen. Promise!” She giggled and turned to Paul, not waiting for a response.

Jessica wrinkled her forehead in confusion as she twisted off the bottle cap. Rochelle, being
nice
to her? Something was definitely up. They barely acknowledged each other since the whole Drew episode.

Rochelle tilted her head and flashed him a seductive look. “Paul,
so
glad you could join us this evening.”

Aha, there we go.
Jessica stifled a snort
. Could you be any more transparent, Rochelle?

Paul nodded, his face impassive. “It’s a great party, thanks for the passes.” His voice was very curt, almost abrupt. Jessica watched his face with curiosity. Men were always falling all over themselves around Rochelle, but Paul seemed impervious to her charms.
What’s up with that? She’s exactly his type. Why isn’t he biting?

“When you get some time, Paul, I’d love to chat with you about some of the press releases we’ve been working on. I think you’ll be really—”

“Rochelle,” Paul said with a flicker of annoyance. “I think we can probably table that discussion for later in the week.”

Rochelle looked stricken at his dismissal. “Oh, of course, I’ll contact Alison and set up a meeting.” The toothy smile was back. “Well, I certainly don’t want to interrupt, so
enjoy
.” She gave Jessica a cool once-over before flitting off.

“So, how do
you
know Rochelle?” Paul nodded over to the retreating figure.

“We went to college together.”

“Looks like there’s no love lost between you two.”

“Was it that obvious?” Jessica giggled. She took a long sip of water. “Although I have to admit, her timing was great. I was
parched
.”

“Oops, I guess I missed that one. I should be a little more observant next time.”

Another gulp.
Mmm, so refreshing. God, I feel so much more relaxed now. I must have been dehydrated earlier.
She gave an exaggerated sigh, swaying closer to Paul. “It’s okay, I can take care of myself. I’m a big girl.”

“Yes, I’m sure you can.” Paul’s eyes were such a deep blue; she’d never seen eyes like that before. James had blue eyes, too, but they were soft and kind and expressive. Paul’s were different…colder, harder, almost guarded.

Jessica gathered her hair to the side, feeling a little woozy all of a sudden. Gazing around the room, she lost her balance and stumbled into Paul. It took a long second for her to regain her footing.
Jesus, when did the room start spinning? It’s so hot in here. When did they turn up the temperature in the box?

“Whoa. You okay?” He chuckled. “Too much champagne?”

She laughed, putting a hand on his shoulder. “I bet you
wish
I had too much champagne. So tell me, Paul, about this
reputation
you have.” She widened her eyes and clapped a hand over her mouth but it was too late. The words already escaped.
What the hell am I saying?

“Exactly which reputation are we talking about here?” A sly smile played at his lips despite the mock quizzical tone.

The room spun faster and she put a hand on his arm to steady herself.
Ohh, I need to sit down. Soooo tired.
“Come on, I’m talking about the
women
. What’s the deal?”

Paul shrugged. “Not sure what you mean.”

“Why are you being sooooo evasive?” Jessica slurred the question as she leaned into him. The balls of her feet were burning.
Damn Louboutins. My futile attempt to feel normal. Like that’ll ever be possible.
“Come on, we can be honest here, right? Our little thing way back when, you do that a lot, don’t you?”

“You know what, I think we need to find you a seat.” Paul led her to a couch near the bar.

Jessica took another long sip of water as she stumbled along next to him.

“Are you going to be sick?”

Jessica whooped as she collapsed onto the couch. “I’m
fine
. Jeez. Don’t you see me drinking all this
water?”

Lisa charged over with an alarmed look on her face. “Jess, what’s wrong? Are you feeling all right?”

Jessica blinked several times, trying to focus.
Why is everything so blurry?

“Li, hey! Did you meet my friend Paul Emerson? Paul, this is Lisa, my very best friend in the whole world!”

Jessica giggled again as Lisa and Paul exchanged glances. “Did she drink anything?”

Paul shook his head. “Nothing but water. I thought she might be ill so I brought her over here.”

Jessica gave an exaggerated wink. Her eyes drooped as she sank back into the cushions. “This couch is soooo comfy! Li, why don’t you come sit with me? I want to take a nap, okay?” She patted the seat next to her.

“You know, maybe we should head out. Rochelle said the car is out front if we want to take off early.” She bent to help Jessica up. “Can you stand?”

“Oh, I don’t want to leave yet. I’m just a little tired, that’s all.” Jessica’s half-open eyes focused on Paul. “You never answered my question…” She wagged a finger at him.

“Maybe next time.” He lifted her off the couch. “Let me help you get her downstairs.”

In her hazy state, Jessica heard Lisa protest. “No, no, it’s fine. I’ve got her. Thanks, though.”

“Are you sure?”

Jessica gasped. “Are you implying I’m too
heavy
for her?” Her knees caved in and Lisa grunted as she pulled Jessica to a standing position.

“He may be on to something, Jess.”

Paul grinned. “Just trying to be a gentleman.” He put a strong arm around Jessica’s waist and hoisted her up.

“Hmmm.” Paul and Lisa guided Jessica out of the suite. “And you’re not even getting anything out of this chivalrous deed.” She winked at Lisa, whose eyes looked like they were going to pop out of her head.

“Shut up!” she hissed at Jessica.

“What’s the matter, Li? I’m just having a little fun here with my gentlemanly friend Paul. Don’t get all bent out of shape.”

Lisa glared at her friend. “You are
so
lucky you’re incapacitated right now.”

“Oh, you love me.” Jessica lowered her voice to an inaudible whisper, leaning her head on Lisa’s bare shoulder as they ventured out of the arena.

Lisa spotted their driver. “Look, there’s the car.” She rushed to the door and pulled it open.

Paul lifted Jessica into the Hummer and laid her on the seat. In her foggy state, she heard Paul talking to Lisa outside. “Here’s my card. Call if you need anything, okay?”

“Thanks so much. Sorry about this.”

“Don’t worry about it. Glad I was able to help out. Take care of her.”

Awww, how sweet. And he’s not even getting any tonight.

Jessica struggled to open her eyes as Lisa climbed into the Hummer. “Jesus, Jessie what did you drink tonight?”

“Mostly water…” She trailed off with a loud yawn.

“Sure, water.” Lisa let out an impatient sigh. She kicked off her shoes. “We’re gonna have
lots
to talk about in the morning. Why don’t you rest now?”