Chapter 11
:
55 vouchers
I haven’t been this excited to get to work in years, and it has nothing to do with our business. It’s all about the eventual acquisition of a different kind.
The weekend couldn’t end soon enough, and now I’m holed up in my office, waiting for the ladies to get in and accept our dinner invitation for Friday.
I spent most of Sunday pacing my apartment like a teenager before prom, overthinking every detail. I had Jayne’s face burned into the backs of my eyelids–flashes of her smile, the curve of her neck, the way her voice had a subtle nervous tremor that made me want to reach out and steady her with my hands. It was maddening, and I was counting down the minutes until I could see her again.
I know Janice will accept right away. She has been such an asset to the both of us, and we’ve had group dinners before to thank her for all of her hard work. She knows these dinners usually come with some additional gifts of appreciation, so I know she will be enthusiastic about Friday night. And, since she and Jayne have been working so well together, she’ll talk it up to her new office buddy.
Last week was immensely productive in our office. With Jayne completing all of her projects and running some of our errands, Janice has been able to wrap up some of her outstanding tasks as well, so the timing of our appreciation dinner is perfect.
This year, I went a little overboard on the appreciation gifts. I decided to add an employee team–building day as well.
I’ve arranged to have a driver meet them at our office first thing next Monday morning, and I’ve given them the whole day off.
I picked up some gift cards at an upscale boutique I know Janice likes. It’s located beside my dry cleaner, so I get to see their window displays every other Thursday.
They have some stunning outfits that I have been imagining on Jayne all weekend.
After shopping, I set them up with lunch on us, then an afternoon of some spa treatments of their choice.
Janice deserves all of this and more. Declan and I would be lost without her. As for Jayne, she’s still new, but I can tell we finally have a solid team on the floor and everything is moving as it should. But I have additional motives as far as she is concerned.
As much as I want to get her to bend to my real intentions, I still feel like I want to take care of her and provide for her. And she’s earned a dinner for all of her hard work last week.
Waiting has become excruciating, and I decide to head through the adjoining door to Declan’s office to avoid seeing either of the ladies in the main area.
“You’ve outdone yourself with this appreciation dinner, Lucas.” Declan chuckles, reclining in his seat as I take the chair Jayne occupied the first time we met her.
“Necessary evil.” I shrug, unable to contain my smirk at my witty reply.
The ding from the elevator chimes faintly, and we look at each other in silent wonder about which one of
9:40 Mon, Sep 22
Chapter 11
them just got into work.
77
55 vouchers
He is just as eager as I am. Maybe even more. I’ve never seen him this apprehensive about taking what he wants before.
And I know my brother. He wants her.
“I want to push her on Friday night.” Declan’s voice is calculating, and I unwittingly lift the corners of my mouth at his statement. He’s loosening the leash on his inner beast, and I’ve been patiently waiting for this to happen. “Not a lot. It’ll just be the perfect time to test her. Janice often leaves those dinners early, and I think we will have some time alone with Jayne.”
I don’t know what it is about Monday mornings, but this is the second one in a row that has left me feeling like I need to go for a run to burn off nervous energy. I need to release it before Friday, or I fear that our “test” will consist of me tearing Jayne apart as I frantically dry hump her leg.
“You know I agree.” My voice comes out in strained desperation, and I wince at the idiot I know I sound like.
I need to work out. No, I need to knuckle a punching bag a few times. I’m so wound up.
A new email notification sounds on Declan’s computer, and he glances over to it. The smallest smile crosses his face. “Janice just accepted for Friday night.”
Declan stands and checks his suit, and I follow him out just as Jayne is reading her email.
B
