LOVE AND AMBITIONS

3: REFRESHING THOUGHTS

VANESSA’S POV

I could not shake off the persistent thoughts of Jason that lingered in my mind. Jason’s presence had disrupted my focus and thought. I came here to see Mark and discuss our new project with his consultancy firm but Jason’s presence had changed all that.

I could not stop contemplating the possibilities that could arise from having Jason in the office with me, assisting me in the firm. I mean truly assisting me. I could not help but notice his biceps and beautifully shaped body. I wondered how it felt under him.

When Mark went to get coffee, I had taken the opportunity to chase after Jason to invite him tomorrow to the office so that I could see him one more time.

I knew that the opportunity I took to invite Jason would probably mean that Jason and I would probably work together and I felt so excited about it.

While waiting for Mark, I played scenarios in my mind; images of Jason’s strong and capable physique aiding me in various tasks. I imagine us as a dynamic duo, we could be that and conquer challenges, achieving a lot of success side by side.

The more I thought about these things, the more excited I became. It would surely inject a burst of energy into my normal routine at work. I will explore every other option to be close to him and be perfect at work.

Mark returned with two cups of coffee. I almost did not see him sitting down, as my thoughts blinded my sight temporarily.

“Here, Vanessa, your cup of coffee with brown sugar and flavored as requested,” Mark said.

“Oh thank you so much. You were gone for a pretty long time. What happened?” I said, trying to show concern.

“I do not know why there are so many people in the queue today, this used to be a very quiet place to meet before now,” Mark said.

He was very angry that buying the coffee took some time. The time it took was part of the time he was supposed to be with me. I am always on a schedule and he knew this.

“Common Mark, you are a business consultant, show some love for the coffee shop, it shows that they are growing too. Maybe they need some expansion, you know,” I said.

“All right, enough of all this business talk, what about going on a proper date with me? This would be like the sixth time I am asking,” Mark said, looking at me as if he was pleading that I should give him a chance.

I laughed and we sipped our coffee at almost the same time. We had finished discussing and I still could not get my mind off Jason.

"So, Mark, why haven't you introduced Jason to me earlier?" I inquired, trying to sound casual while her curiosity peaked.

Mark chuckled, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Well, I have only just met Jason. I thought we could have some fun with him before bringing him into the fold. He's a funny guy, you know?" Mark said.

I nodded, intrigued by the idea of Mark seeing Jason's humor and making him a jester to amuse me. I couldn't help but wonder if his charismatic personality extended beyond the initial impression I had seen.

Mark sensed my interest in Jason as the conversation flowed. He probed further, his curiosity evident in the raised eyebrow and subtle smile that played on his lips.

"You seem pretty serious about Jason. Do you think he's a good fit for the team?" Mark asked, studying my reaction.

A sly smile crossed my face as I considered my response. "I think Jason could bring a fresh perspective to the team. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to have someone with his skills around. I said. I hope he bought it and did not start getting jealous of the broke guy he brought to cheer me up.

"Admiring Jason's skills, huh?" Mark teased, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

“Yeah, don’t tell me you are jealous,” I said, teasing him right back and laughing so that he could see that I was not serious about it.

“Should I be? Jason is just a broke guy I wanted to help,” he said. He sounded very serious.

“Wanted to help or wanted to make fun of, because you said you brought him here to cheer me up. I think you should take credit for that because it worked. Jason really did cheer me up,” I said, teasing him further.

“Yeah, he has some prospects, but I do not think Briggs Engineering needs someone like him,” Mark said.

“Allow me to make that choice Mark, you can not make that decision for us. Your consultancy with my firm is strictly on projects, not on recruitment,” I said, laughing my head off as I watched Mark's face turn sour.

“Okay, I am sure he would choose my firm. He would make more money choosing my firm,” Mark said.

“That decision is up to him and not to you, Mark,” I said. I knew he was only trying to get rid of Jason as he now sees him as a competition.

I have told Make several times that he and I can never be. He was a great business man who would cheat his way if necessary to get what he wanted.

Sleeping with him was my mistake. That was why I stopped. The first time was at a club. It was not as if Mark was great at lovemaking or that I admired him. I was just horny and drunk the first time. I did not enjoy it and he even bragged about it.

The second time, I was s*x-starved and had no option but Mark. I had to tell him before the act that I did not want anything or any attachment after that and if he was cool with it. He acknowledged it, but since then he has been chasing me like forever.

Work did not make it easy for me. Mark was one of the best, if not the best, engineering consultants in the country, and my company needed his expertise in the so many projects we were executing, so I had to put up with him.

Mark's eyes lingered on me, he was attempting to decipher the unspoken words behind my smile. He couldn't ignore the subtle shift in dynamics and the sudden interest in a newcomer that had caught my attention.

“Are you sure there is nothing more to all this sudden interest in Jason? I don’t want you to make some silly mistakes,” Mark said.

‘Like the ones I made with you. Thank you for reminding me,” I said, trying to pull his legs. It was a ploy to make him uncomfortable so that he would leave me alone.

“You know that was not what I meant,” Mark replied.

“How do I know what you mean? I am not in your heart and I am obviously not a mind reader,” I said.

“Please don't tell me it is Jason we have been arguing about. I am done with this. Are you sure there is nothing more to this?” Mark asked.

I refused to give him a direct answer. I wanted my response to be wrapped in mystery because I believed that Mark was jealous and was onto me.

"Let's just say I'm curious to see what he brings to the table. I'd love to hear his pitch," I said.

Mark was well aware of my guarded responses. He could not help but feel a twinge of jealousy. He had harbored feelings for me for a long time, and my apparent interest in Jason added a new layer of complexity to the relationship he wanted that did not exist.

The office conversation about the projects had subtly shifted, with the arrival of Jason introducing an element of intrigue and anticipation.

My mind was a whirlwind of possibilities, and Mark couldn't shake off the realization that my situation had just become more challenging. I knew Mark would never back off.

He would be chasing me while I have got a new man to chase. I just hope that Jason is all I thought, that would be some comfort to Mark’s constant disturbance.

As the coffee cups emptied, the shop buzzed with the unspoken tension between me and Mark. I know that Jason’s introduction and possible arrival would set in motion a series of scenarios that I could not fathom. But whatever it is, I knew that it would reshape my professional and personal life in several different ways if he should show up tomorrow at the office.

I was ready to do everything possible to ensure that he was with me and that is if he could just show up. The stage was set, and the spotlight was on Jason to unveil what would unfold in the days to come if he could accept my offer and make that pitch.

If he chooses Mark, it would be his loss and I would only be seeing him in my thoughts and dreams.