Business: Phoenix #1 (10 page)

Hannah

The day has been stressful and the IT department still
haven't come back to me with an IP address for the stalker, useless bastards.

 I get home and lay in a bubble bath reading a book.  My
phone beeps.

It's a message from Casey

Matt just called me his girlfriend. Woo! xx

I smile to myself. I'm glad she's happy.

I text back -

About time! xx

I don't really have an appetite with the stressful antics
of the day so I don't bother eating and put my favorite pink night shirt on and
get into bed to watch Armageddon.

I cry like a baby at the ending.

Times like this I hate being single and wish I had a man
to snuggle into. 

I feel so lonely.

I wish Andrew was here.

My phone beeps, I don't recognize the number.

You shouldn't stay home alone Hannah. It's not safe.
You don't know who's about.

I turn my phone off to avoid any more messages and try to
force myself to sleep.

I toss and turn.

I must have dozed off because I wake with a start to a
loud bang.

I sit up straight and look at my alarm clock - its 3am.

Casey

I'm
awake before Matt so I lay watching him.

We
are both still naked from the night before.

He
is beautiful and it's not just the hardness of his abdomen or the obvious
muscles in his arms. It's all of him.

Inside
and out.

He
looks so peaceful laid on his back, one strong arm wrapped around me.

I
start to kiss his cheek, his neck and down his chest.

A
smile forms on his face. "Good morning, Casey." He says softly, his
voice hoarse from sleep.

"Good
morning."  I say between kisses and continue kissing down his body.

 He
groans and I bring my mouth up to his lips and kiss him softly, slowly pushing
my tongue into his mouth.

He
reaches over to my leg, pulls me onto him so I am straddling him.

He
runs his hands down my back and finds my backside.

"I
can see you in my future, Casey." He says looking at me. "And I can
see myself in you the majority of that time."

I
shake my head laughing and nuzzle my nose into his neck and take in his husky
smell. The man is perfect.

He
puts his hands on my hips and lowers me so I am hovering above his cock.

"I
want to be in control this time!" I object.

He
obliges and places his hands behind his head and lays back to watch the show
and then we are moving.

Once
we both find our release we shower together, before getting ready for a day in
the office.

I
straighten my new black dress and pick some nude heels. Kate has a great taste
in clothes.

I
turn to watch Matt straighten his tie and wonder how I got so lucky for the
second time in my life.

~~~~~

He drives us to work in his black Range Rover. It's the
first time I have been in a car with him driving and I can't keep my eyes off
of him, he shaved his morning so his face looks fresh.

I turn the on the radio and quietly sing along to Goo Goo
Dolls - Iris.

When we park up in Matt's designated spot, he turns and
looks at me over his sunglasses. "You ready?" he asks.

"Always." I smile.

Matt exits the car and opens mine. He takes my hand and
helps me out of the car.

We walk into Jackson Industries Building hand in hand. My
boyfriend and I.

Natalie the receptionist who branded me a 'fan girl' a
couple days earlier stands watching us with an open mouth and I flash her a
bitchy smile and wave. All of a sudden I think I am some sort of royalty.
Hmm... Princess Fan girl.... It has a good ring to it.

We carry on walking and get in the elevator.

"I see you are already making friends with
employees." Matt takes his sunglasses off and smirks at me.

"You could say that." I bite my lip. He knows.

"What did she do?" He laughs.

"Branded me a fan girl." I roll my eyes.

He lifts his head back and laughs loudly. Glad he finds it
funny. I certainly didn't. I stick my pet lip out and cross my arms.

"Aw Case. At least you’re my favorite fan girl."

I kiss him softly on the cheek and the doors open. We make
our way across the corridor.

"Go to James's office and I'll be over in a few
seconds." He nods in the direction.

I raise my eye brow at him. "Are you actually going
to come this time? Or are you going to stand me up again?"

He
kisses my forehead. "I will be there. I promise." 

Casey

James is alone in his office; he is finishing up on a call
when I enter.

He raises a hand to me before continuing tying things up
on his call.

"Okay beautiful, I’ll see you later. Take it easy.
Love you too."  I assume it is his wife, Grace.

"Good morning, Casey. Sorry about that," He
smiles. "How are you today?"

"Never better." I give him a wide smile - it's
true, I have never been happier than I am now. I thought I would have a fight
on my hands to get Matt to admit that there was something more to us than just
sex. Then he referred to me as his girlfriend. I'm Matthew Jackson's
girlfriend. The man could have any woman he wants and he chose me.

"That's great to hear. I was speaking to Grace last
night we think that you should have an office for when you are here. I haven't
cleared it with Matt yet as I couldn't get in contact with him but I know he
will be fine with it." You couldn't get through to Matt because he was
busy, with me.

At that Matt enters the room.

"Ah speak of the devil! Good morning Matt."
James nods at his brother and Matt returns it. "I was just telling Casey
that Grace and I were---"

His lips are on mine.

He is kissing me.

He is communicating with me. This is him telling me I am
more to him than just a lover. That our relationship is more than just sex and
that we are together, a couple.

This is him saying; 'You are mine and I am yours.'                 

~~~~~

Hannah

I
decide to go for a run that night to try and de-stress.

Plus
my ass is starting to get bigger from sitting around and moping.

I
run my usual route to the Local Park and then start to head back but there’s
something that makes me feel uneasy.

I
have noticed the same black car pass me more than three times. I can't see who
is in the driver’s seat as it is dark and the car has tinted windows.

I
pick up my pace and run to my house and I realize that the car is following me.

When
I get to my house I slam the door and lock it.

All
I can hear is my own heart pounding.

I
slide down the door until I am on the floor, pull my knees to my chest and cry.

~~~~~

Casey

The disgusted look on James's face says it all.

He disapproves of our relationship.

Matt raises his eyebrow at his brother. "Something
wrong?" Arrogance in his voice.

"We need to speak in private."

"Anything you need to say to me you can say it in
front of Casey." Matt wraps a strong arm around my shoulder and pulls me closer.

"You're fucking our new business partner?!"
James shouts and startles me. Matt feels me jump and presses down on my
shoulder to hold me in place. "Do you know what the press would say about
that?!"

"I don't care what the press says." Matt's voice
is low and he remains calm and collected.

"This is absurd." Is all James says.

"How did you meet Grace?" Matt asks confidently
and when James doesn’t answer Matt speaks again. "Wasn't she our
receptionist when we first started up?"

"Yes, she was but that’s diff--"

"No, it's not. In fact, it’s worse. She was an
employee. Casey isn't, she's a business partner. We're not doing anything
wrong!"

"But Matt--"

"Don't even think about giving me a lecture. You are
not my father James."

Matt steers us out of the office and out of the building
to his car.

"I’m so sorry. I didn't realize it would be like
that." My voice remorseful.

I turn to watch him drive. His face relaxed.

"Don't apologize, Case. I’m fine. He will soon come
round." He reaches for my hand, lifts it to his lips before placing a soft
kiss on my fingers.

We
head back to his house, shower and lay in his bed.

"I
could spend the rest of my life with you." He whispers as he pulls me into
him our bodies melded together on the bed and I don’t need to tell him verbally
for him to know that I feel the same way. He already knows.

~~~~~

Casey

Matt decided that it would probably be best if only he
went to the office today and I agreed. Hopefully, he and James are able to
discuss the situation.

He arranged for Kate to take me out, he offered me his
credit card and told me to buy something nice. I declined - I hate feeling that
he pays for everything, from dinner to clothes when I am more than capable to pick
up the bill myself. He soon playfully put his hands up in defeat when I
reminded him that I have enough money in the bank to pay for a meal. He asked
if I would like a driver for the day, I was appreciative but again declined. He
gave me a mischievous grin and threw me a car key, a Porsche car key.

I know from previous conversations that the Porsche is his
favourite in his car collection and I can’t believe he is letting me use it for
the day.

I hear the doorbell and take one last look at myself in
the full length mirror; I didn’t know what we were planning on doing so I
pulled on a pair of light denim Armani Jeans, a white tank top and a pair of
sandals. I have quickly straightened my hair and put a small amount of makeup
on. I haven’t been outside, but I can see the rays from the sunshine through
the window. I can feel the heat they radiate.

I run down the stairs and open the door to see Kate
standing wearing a pair of slacks, a purple blouse, and oversized sunglasses
covering her eyes. “Good morning.” She offers me a friendly smile.

“Hey Kate,” I grin, I am really looking forward to
spending the day with her, every time we have spent a little time together, we
have genuinely got on well. I grab my purse and the car key and turn to wave at
Matt’s house keeper a middle-aged woman who I have learnt is called Terr. We
head outside and walk over to the numerous cars lined up, all sleek, sexy and
are immaculate.

I click the button on the key and the bright lights of a
black convertible at the far end flash. We head towards the car and I make my
way to the driver’s side and Kate watches me amused. I realize that I am trying
to get into the passenger side, totally forgetting that everything is different
over here than in the UK. I laugh and shake my head before heading round to the
correct side. Kate climbs into the passenger side and buckles herself in.

I look at the numerous dials, buckle myself in and start
the car. The engine roars as the car comes to life.

“I don’t know why he didn’t just give me a normal car to
use.” I sigh, but secretly I am exhilarated.

“I can’t believe he has let you use it,” Kate says. “This
is his favourite car.”

“I wish he hadn’t. It’s too technical for me!” We both
laugh together and I make my way out of the long driveway and onto the street.

“Do you know what kind of car this is, Casey?” Kate asks.

“A Porsche isn’t it?” I answer not taking my eyes off the
road; I’m scared that if I put my foot down anymore I’m going to go flying down
the road. The car is powerful, I’m used to powerful cars driving Mercedes and
Audis, but this is on another level, a real speed machine.

 Kate laughs a little. “Yes, it’s a Porsche 911 Turbo S
Cabriolet. He hasn’t had it too long, a few months.”

“That sounds like a really expensive car.” I don’t know
much about cars but I can certainly tell Matt spent a lot of money on this one.

“Around one hundred and ninety thousand dollars, I think.”

I can’t believe he has let me use it. But, I am enjoying
the looks of admiration from passers-by.

We sing along to the radio as Kate directs me to a local
shopping mall. I park the car as far away as possible to ensure it doesn’t get
damaged by other shoppers.

We walk side by side as we approach the large mall which
is over four floors and I am glad I have chosen to wear flat comfortable shoes
today as I assume we are going to be walking a lot.

“Have you seen the Fifty Shades of Grey movie, yet?” Kate
asks.

I shake my head. “No, not yet, I want to though.” I smile.

“I’m going with a bunch of girlfriends this weekend, you should
come.” She offers.

“That sounds good to me.”

The first shop we visit is Hugo Boss, I don’t buy anything
but Kate purchases numerous clothing items from dresses to shoes. Next we walk
to Armani and I pick up two dresses. First is a classy black one shoulder
d
ress
which I fall in love with. Then a royal blue twill dress. We spot the jeans
section and we both pick up numerous pairs from skinny to boyfriend jeans. We
finally make our purchases, amounting to over three thousand dollars. It feels
nice to treat myself and I wonder if I should pick something up for Matt to say
thank you for all he has done for me over the past couple of weeks, but then I
realize I don’t know what size he is. I make a mental note to look through his
closet when I get back, for future reference.

We browse through more shops – Victoria’s Secret, Gucci,
Michael Kors, Guess, Macy’s, MAC, Target and ZARA. We make several purchases
before finding a nearby Starbucks for a break. Kate orders a Cappuccino and I
choose an Orange Refresha - which lives up to its name, very refreshing.

I take a few moments to glance down at my phone and
realize it is 2:15pm. We have been shopping for over 4 hours! Time has gone by
so quickly and it is true what they say – time flies whilst you are having fun.

Matt had sent me a text at 11:45.

Have a great day sweetheart. I will be thinking of you.

I can feel the smile form on my lips as I read it and type
one back.

Having a fab day. Missing you tho. How is work? Have
you spoke to James? x

It doesn’t take long before I get his reply.

Been in meetings all morning.  Just having a quick
lunch before the next. James isn’t in today but I have seen Grace. Don’t worry.
See you later.

I quickly reply.

Can’t wait!

I smile and put my phone back into my purse and Kate and I
decide which shops to hit next.

“How about Alexander McQueen next?” Kate smiles looking up
from her phone.

“Sounds great to me. One of my all-time favourite
designers.” I grin and take another sip of my drink.

“Mine too!” Kate sounds eager, the more and more time I
spend with her; I realize how much she’s like Hannah. Which reminds me I
haven’t spoken to her in what seems like forever, I decide to give her a quick
call tonight.

I understand Kate has known Matt for a lot of years and
has worked with him closely. I think she is probably one of the people who know
him best. I debate for a little while whether or not to ask what the situation
is with all the women in his life. If he does actually have a girlfriend. What
is the situation with Jess? Who is Melissa? I wonder if that would be over
stepping the mark, what if she doesn’t want to tell me?

Screw it. I’ll ask anyway, I won’t be able to settle until
I have an answer.

“Kate… Can I ask you something?”

Kate looks at me for a few moments before a small smile
appears. “You can ask, but I may not answer.”

I can only imagine the reaction on my face as she begins
to laugh. “I’m teasing, Casey. Go ahead, ask away.”

I ponder on how to word it for a few moments before
asking, “Could you tell me a few things about Matt, please? Has he got a
girlfriend?”

She shakes her head “No, he doesn’t.”

I smile and I feel like a major weight has been lifted
from my shoulders, “Who’s Jess?” Kate scrunches her nose when she hears Jess’s
name. “Yeah, she’s a manipulative bitch.”

“Why?” I probe deeper.

“Well…” Kate hesitates.

“Please? I really need to know,” I say glancing down at my
hands.

“Well, about a year ago, they had some kind of “thing”.
She seemed content with whatever Matt wanted at first. Matt doesn’t commit,
everyone knows that. After a while, she seemed to be different. They got
serious, well as serious as Matt would get. They had a falling out and to
typical Matt’s style; he blocked her number on his cell. She tried calling the
office but he refused her calls. Then she stopped by one day, looking… very
pregnant. She was all smiles, fake smiles. Matt swore it wasn’t his baby, but
that made her more determined.” 

I nod as I take all the information in.

“Matt is my friend. I thought Jess was a mistake, and I
never believed the baby was his, Casey. Matt has his fair share of women, but
he is not reckless with them,” Kate says with a small shrug.

I nod. Matt is many things, but he isn’t careless or
reckless.

“Do you know who Melissa is?” I ask.

Kate rolls her eyes. “Yeah, I do.  They were close for a
little while. They both said “just friends”, but it wasn’t the same kind of
friendship that Matt and I have, it was something more,” She says with raised
brows. After a sip of her drink, she continues, “She helped with some decorating
suggestions and art for his office, when that was finished, I assume it
fizzled. She hasn’t been around lately. And it must’ve been amicable, because
she never called the office. He must not have blocked her.”

 “She was in his office the other day.” I say, wondering
if the ‘something’ between them was still ongoing.

“Really?” Kate asks furrowing her brows.

“Yeah, he was late to a business meeting because Melissa
was there, Grace and James referred to it as girlfriend trouble.”

“Hmmm… I didn’t know.” Is all she says, lost in her own
thoughts.

“Does Matt have a-“I take a sip of my drink whilst I
figure out what to say next. Kate watches me intently waiting for me to finish.
“A bad reputation with women?”

Kate looks down at her phone before back up at me.
“Truthfully…He does have a reputation, but I’m not sure if it’s
c
ompletely
bad.” Is all she says, her eyes regretful, but I am grateful that she has been
honest.

“Thank you for letting me know.” I flash a small smile.
I’m too lost in my thoughts to say anything else.

“I’ve seen him with plenty of women through the years, but
I have never seen him act the way he does with you. Letting you drive his cars
and stay with him, that’s all new.” Kate offers, but I don’t know if letting me
drive his car and staying with him is enough for me.

I study nothing in particular on the wall behind Kate. “I
don’t know what to say, Kate.”

“Don’t let it consume you,” She says smiling. “Just try to
be patient. See what happens. He’s a good man and is really into you. I won’t
go as far to say he won’t screw it up, but if he does, it’s a loss for him,
Casey. You’re just what he needs.”

But I wonder if it really would be his loss, because from
where I am sitting, I think that it would be more of a loss to me. I haven’t
been as happy as I am when I am with him for such a long time. He makes me feel
so special and wanted. But also frustrated, I think of the few memories we have
created together. From our first lunch date to our trip to London, our date at
the zoo, our visit to the gym together, the trip to the beach. I haven’t known
him very long but he has made such a big impact on my life and the thought of
ending things with him causes a great ache deep inside me.

Kate told me that she hasn’t seen him act this way with
another woman before and I don’t know how that makes me feel.

We finish our drinks before heading to Alexander McQueen.
I would normally spend a fortune but my mind is elsewhere. Why was Melissa at
Matt’s office if she was an ‘old flame’? Has the flame been reignited?

After tormenting myself through the remainder of our
shopping trip we head back to the car. I know I need to speak to Matt about the
situation and find out exactly what is happening between us, he referred to me
as his girlfriend, is that really the case? Or did he just say that to please
me? Would he say something he didn’t mean?

I
need to know where I stand and I need to find out sooner rather than later.

~~~~~