Wife to the Boss (Managing the Bosses Series, #6) (15 page)

“Well, you just remember that everything is going to get better.” Alex stopped in front of the car and pulled her into a hug. “I don't want you to stress out about anything and end up back here yourself. You're carrying precious cargo.”

“I know. I keep trying to calm myself. Knowing that Christine is okay has me calming down, but I need to get to bed. I'm worn out.” She pressed her hands to her face. “I just wish I could get the image of her lying on the floor out of my mind. That had to be one of the most terrifying things I've ever been through.”

Mark tapped the car and shook his head. “I can't imagine. If I walked in and found Alex unconscious, I'd probably lose it.”

“It's like me seeing you in the garage on the floor.” Alex kissed her forehead. “This has been a fucked up month. I'm ready to put it all behind us. Surely there are better days ahead of us.”

“And if not?” Mark asked and opened his door. “Beer and sex?”

“Yep. Count me in... after I have the babies.” Jamie got in the front seat, buckled up and leaned back, letting her eyes close. Things were stressful and left her tense and worried, but nothing could be worse than where Christine was mentally. To think that life was better over had to be a darkness that was unsearchable. She shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself.

She had to help her sister see that there was more to life than Stephen. So bloody much more.

A Month Later

“
H
ow's the food here?” Jamie reached over and touched her sister's hand.

Christine didn't look her way, but stared at the window absently, her mind lost to the drugs they had her on. She'd tried to commit suicide again a week after being released, and was committed to the mental hospital under doctor’s orders shortly thereafter.

“If you don’t like the food, I can ask if Alex’s cook can make something for you. MacBane is amazing in the kitchen.” When her sister only blinked, she tried again. “Do they let you play games in the main hall?” Jamie moved closer and ran her fingers through her sister's long hair.

She'd come every day for the last week to see her sister. She knew her dad was doing the same, but her mom wasn't able to emotionally handle such a strain. It was disgusting at best, but Jamie had come to expect nothing less from the woman. She was heartless, and nothing would change that. She was still her mother but the realization of the effect she’d had on Jamie and Christine was almost too much too bear. It was probably better for Christine that their mom wasn’t coming to visit. It still sucked, though. She ran her fingers through her sister’s hair again. “Want me to braid your hair?”

Christine's eyes shifted a little, and she gave a slight nod.

Jamie smiled and got up out of her chair to move behind Christine. She worked her sister’s tangles into a pretty braid and reached down to kiss the top of her head.

Whereas her sister hadn't been much better to her over her life, there was something to be said about the darkness she was living in. Jamie didn't care what the past contained. She was going to help Christine get better. Even if her sister resorted back to being the hateful bitch she always had been. It didn't matter. It was more about being true to who she was and less about trying to win over someone who would never change.

“I need to get to work, but I can come again tomorrow. Would that be okay?” Jamie touched Christine's arm.

“Why are you here?” her sister whispered as her eyes turned down toward her lap.

Jamie didn't realize that Christine was crying until her tears landed on her folded hands in her lap.

“Because you're my sister. I love you.” Jamie rubbed her arm and squeezed her shoulder. “I'm always going to be here.”

“I don't deserve that.” Christine glanced up, and the pain on her face would haunt Jamie for a long time. What had Stephen done to her?

“Sure you do. Just because we fight and treat each other like shit doesn't mean that we don't love each other. Even if you don't love me right now, it's okay.” Jamie leaned in to pull her sister into a hug. “I still love you.”

Christine's sobs tore Jamie apart, and she stayed another twenty minutes, holding her sister until the other woman calmed down. She slipped back into her catatonic state, but it was for the better. Jamie could only hope that she couldn't really feel anything in her numbness.

She left the hospital after talking with the doctor for a few minutes. They really believed that, with time and lots of patience, Christine would make a full recovery.

The doctor’s words echoed in Jamie's mind as she walked to the car, her heart full of sadness for her sister. “Some people are mentally susceptible to deep depression, and the only way out is death, in their minds. We need to pull her past that, but it's not going to be easy.”

Jamie got in the car and tried to pull herself together. Her phone buzzed in the seat next to her. Alex.

“Hi, baby,” she whispered and locked her doors.

“You still there with Christine?”

“No, I'm leaving.” She turned on the car and pulled out of the parking lot. “She let me braid her hair today, and she actually spoke for a few minutes.”

“That's great news.” Alex cleared his throat. “Are you headed this way, or do you need the day off? You know I don't want you overdoing it.”

“I'd rather be at the office than at home alone. I think I would just work myself into a depression.” She turned the radio down and let out a long sigh. “It apparently runs in the family.” She forced a laugh. “Besides, I want to see you.”

“Good. I'm going to talk with Zander about moving into upper management today. I think he's the best candidate. Put him as a Senior Advisor.”

“I agree. You've been working with him for quite some time.” She pulled the car onto the freeway and hit the gas, needing to feel like she was in control of some part of her life.

“Good. I was hoping you would think so. He's more of a backseat, in the shadows kind of guy, but I think this will help bring him out of his shell. He's a brilliant businessman.”

“I'm almost there. I can help with anything you need me to.”

“Alright, baby. I love you. Be safe.”

“Me, too.” She dropped the call and set the phone in the cup holder next to her. Going home sounded like a tempting idea; she could crawl into bed and cry for a little while, but life went on. She didn’t want to mope. She needed to focus on the good things in her life and on her growing family. She glanced down at her growing bump and smiled.

Mark had started looking at houses and condos to buy and it made Jamie sad as well. She was excited for him to be ready to find his own space, but she loved having him around. When the babies came, he might be an extra set of hands. She had teased him about that and he’d grinned and offered to be their only free babysitter, but he wasn’t changing diapers.

They needed to find an apartment for her dad, and Mark had been willing to give his place up for him. Alex said that anything Jamie wanted, he would accommodate. Jamie wasn’t so sure. She had the feeling her dad needed some of his own space and had quietly asked Mark to let her know if he saw any condos or retirement living areas, as he was on the prowl for a place of his own. Mark promised to look and also promised he wasn’t in a rush to move out.

Her dad had found a temporary place that had an extra room in case Christine was released before he found a more permanent location. He had already started to work on the divorce papers. Her mom hadn't taken the news too well, and had left town that night after he'd told her.

Jamie hoped like hell that the wayward bird would show back up, if nothing else, to help pull Christine out of her depression. It was sad to think all the years that they were growing up that she acted like she loved Christine more. It was a lie. Her mom only loved herself. If she gave two shits about Christine, she would have been sitting beside Jamie at the mental hospital, but she wasn't. She hadn't visited more than once. Jamie wasn’t angry, she was just sad. All of it was really sad, for all of them.

After parking the car, she got out and walked languidly to the building, heading out of the parking garage to enter at the main part of the building instead of through the garage elevator.

She paused to let her eyes move over the street around her. So much had changed in the last year. Gina was gone and Nicholas dealt with. Paul was back home and loving life completely. Her parents were getting divorced, her dad looking healthier than he had in months. Alex was doing better with his chest pains, and his stress had gone down, even though Mark had set a time frame of three months before he would be hanging up his hat at Reid Enterprises.

She rubbed her hand over her tummy and took a deep breath before walking into the building. One of the security guards greeted her with a broad smile, and she couldn't help but smile back.

Change sucked - good and bad, but it was what it was. She got in the elevator and leaned against the back wall, closing her eyes as someone called out.

“Hold the door”!”

She reached out and stopped it from shutting as Justin got in.

“Hey, Jamie. Thanks for almost losing a hand for me.” He smirked.

“Anything to get you to work a little.” She gave him a cheeky grin. They'd become friends over the last few weeks, and she was glad they'd decided to give the guy a chance as Alex’s secretary. He was as smart as a whip, and wanted to be an advisor for Alex one day, which Jamie could see happening sooner than later.

“How's it going? The babies doing okay?” He glanced down at her tummy and smiled.

“They're great. Just waiting for them to be fully cooked”,” she laughed as she walked out of the elevator and stopped by his desk as he settled in. “How are we doing on the information for the takeover?”

“We shut it down completely this morning. I got here at five to help Alex with the e-mails and phone calls. Only ten percent of our shareholders sold their shares. Reid Enterprises isn't going anywhere.” He gave her a big smile. “Alex is a genius, and it shows. My respect for him was already astronomical. It's out of this world now.”

“You're not a sci-fi guy, are you?” She lifted her eyebrow and chuckled as his cheeks grew pink.

“That obvious?” He sat down at his desk.

“It's a good thing. Ask Alex about Star Wars. It’ll win you points.” She tapped his desk before turning and walking to her office. She paused to press her ear against Alex's door. The sound of him and another guy laughing left her relaxing even farther.

Everything was going to work out. It always did.

She stopped by Mark's office before going to her own, and was surprised to see him packing up a few things.

“I thought we still had you for a few more months. What are you doing?” She walked in and set her stuff down on the table nearest her.

“I'm going to be working some here and some from home. Alex doesn't care about the hours I work, he just needs me to do a few things, so I figured I would get my stuff done early for him, and then go home and spread out my plans and work through the rest of this for the afternoon.”

“You can't go. Who am I going to hang out with?” She walked toward him and pulled his stapler from the box of stuff he had on his desk. She put it back on his desk and smirked. “You're not leaving me. I have three months to prepare for this day.”

“Do I sense some remorse? You want me to stay here and stay at the house? I think you want to adopt me.”

Alex's voice startled her. “Nah. She'll get over it.”

“No, I won't.” She glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him.

“I'm rather memorable.” Mark wagged his eyebrows and picked up the stapler, putting it back in the box. “You need me or your wife”?”

“Both of you. I want you to each talk with Zander this afternoon and make sure I've covered everything. Just a short interview with him. That sound good?”

“Can I do mine now?” Mark asked. “I was going to head out soon and try to meet with some real estate developers this afternoon.”

“Yeah sure.” Alex turned to Jamie. “How about you, baby? You free to talk with Zander?”

“Can I do it now, too? I'd love to get started on my projects and not have to stop until I'm done.” She picked up her stuff and followed him back out in the hall before pausing and looking back at Mark. “This conversation isn't over.”

“Agreed. Have a good day. I'll see you tomorrow.” He smiled as she turned and walked into the hall.

Alex moved in and stole a quick kiss. “You look like sin.”

“Thank you?” she laughed. “I'm thinking you should make good on your promises and get home in time to see me tonight.”

“I think after we wrap up that conference call with the new shareholders at three today, we should both get out of here. We can make dinner and... maybe some dessert? A bubble bath perhaps?” He touched the small of her back as he led her toward his office.

“Those usually turn out well for me. I'm going to commit to that date. Now, let's see if you do.” She lifted her eyebrow at him.

“Consider it done. I know how that kind of night ends, and I'm not missing out, not for anything.” He bit his lip and shook his head. “Behave now, sexy. Get in there and interview Zander for me. I'm going to go to the restroom to adjust myself, thanks to you.”

“Kick Zander out and I'll do it for you”,” she whispered before turning and walking into his office. The sound of his growl followed her, and sent a wave of desire straight through her center.

The man was beyond delicious and had her captivated, but then again he had since day one.

J
amie hurried into Alex’s office a few moments later, but not before she stole a deep hot kiss from Alex that left them both breathless. She knew her cheeks were flushed and she pretended to be busy going through Zander’s portfolio to keep her head down. She hurried over to Alex’s desk, glancing quickly to see that Zander was standing by the shelf where Alex had crystal plaques and certificates of achievement displayed.

Zander stood with his hands behind his back, and smiled politely at her.

Jamie leaved back against the front of Alex’s desk and set the portfolio on top of it. She crossed her ankles and took a deep breath as she forced a quick smile at Zander. He was taller than Alex, almost black hair, brown eyes that were so dark it was hard to tell where the iris ended and the pupal began. He wore a dark navy blue suit that he’d kept buttoned up, either out of nervousness or to appear more professional. Jamie had seen him work at the stock meeting and knew he was more than qualified. He just needed the confidence. He somehow reminded her of a younger version of Alex, before he made his money.