The Love Game

CH.8 Jealousy

Chapter 8 Jealousy

Nate P.O.V

Here I am laying on my bed in my hotel room, starring at the ceiling. Flashes of last night appearing in my mind. I saw her finally leave the dance floor to the lady’s room. I waited at my table ready to swoop in and take what if mine. I downed my shot of whiskey and notice her darting towards to bar ignoring any attempt at her. She was a woman on a mission. I stand and start to make my way towards her I get caught dead in my tracks. Zander comes in last minute and starts talking to her. I see her down her drink and holds hands with Zander. He escorts her out of the hall while she looks like she is typing something on her phone. I go to check my phone and no messages received. Could this night get any possibly worse? I came here with the hopes of igniting a fire in her. I desperately need her. That Zander will pay for taking what is mine. I knew I should not have waited so long to claim her.

I finally get the will to get out of bed and get ready for the day. Once I was done showering and dressing myself in a band t shirt and a pair of jeans. I grab my cell and text Rachel.

Mate: Hey Rach… so what happened last night? Coffee?

I put my phone in my pocket and begin to pack my things before checkout. Then my cell dings.

Rach: sorry with the kids right now, Wednesday?

Nate: yup Wednesday. So what happened to you last night after we danced? Where that many guys hitting on you Miss popular?

Rach: LOL… Lets just say I was given way to many business cards last night. I was in such a rush to get out of there. Luckily, Zander help me escape. Sorry forgot to text you I was leaving.

Nate: No Prob… you owe me coffee and details.

Rach: will do captain!!!

I hope she does not go to the Business summit in two weeks.

Rachel P.O.V.

I am back home with the kids as we get ready to start the week. I have a ton of work to do on Monday since rumor has it every business elite in California is curious about RJ Holdings. Conner and I made extra precautions to conceal my identity. I knew good informants that made me aware of each and every company out to take mine down. I had the respect in this town. I trusted this town to keep my privacy. So now I must be prepared for war, I am not prepared to take any chances.

“Mom you ok?” Jackie askes ready from bed.

“Yea sweetie…I’ve got paperwork to gather up for tomorrow. Go to sleep I’ll be there to tuck you in soon.” I wave Jackie off while putting some files in my black satchel. And lean over to type something on the computer.

“You knew mom I am almost 13, you don’t have to tuck me in bed anymore… I just was to make sure you don’t stay up to late.” Jack rolled her eyes at all playful.

“Awe when did my baby get so responsible.” I cooed at her.

“Please mom… I love you too.” She said emphasizing the please then glanced once last time before making her way to her room.  

“Love you more!!!!” I yell at her. When did I get so lucky to have such thoughtful kids?

Monday came all too soon. I was dressed in a black pencil skirt, white blouse, and my black blazer. I decided to go with a pointed toed heel and diamond studded earrings. I let my hair loose and just wore eyeliner mascara and my plum burgundy lip. I was ready to be all business.

Ding, Ding, Ding…

The elevator opened up to my executive floor where my office is located at the corner.

“Good Moring Mrs. Hamilton!” Beatrice greeted me. Yes, I kept her as my personal secretary. I could just not let her go, not to mention I did increase her salary substantially.

“Good Morning Beatrice! Can your info Conner that I’m in thank you.”

“Absolutely!” she winks at me.

I walk to my office chair, sit, and pull out the files in my satchel. Before I dive into work, I swiveled my chair and took a moment to admire my view of the city. I had a minimalist office that had a glass desk and a large white chair for me. I had enough space for me to also have to white cushion chairs facing my desk and a section with a glass round coffee table. I am so happy with my office. Just then the door burst open to reveal Conner.

“Ok I’m here lets begin…”

It took us three hours to create a strategy. We had all our chest pieces in place, if everything goes well, we will have a long and lasting future for RJ Holdings. Our work was not quite done, but Conner and I decided to start back up tomorrow. He was business with a few more meetings this evening. As he walks out of my office, I hear my cell ring. I pick up the unknown number.

“Hello?” I ask hesitantly.

“Hi Rachel Its Zander… you know from the Masquerade.” He had a shy tone in his voice.

“Hi.. yes I remember you. So… what’s up?” I tried to ask casually. Last thing I want is to sound desperate.

“Work… I am going on my lunch pretty soon and wanted to know if you’d like to accompany me?”

“Ok… Where would you like me to meet you?” At this point I was thankful that we both worked a few blocks away from each other so I could walk instead of taking my car.

“How about that sushi place on J street? In 20 minutes?”

“Ok I’ll meet you there.”   

I walk up the sushi place, which was just across the street from my workplace. Instantly I spot him, he was wearing a dark grey perfectly fitted suit with black dress shirt and black shoes. He stood there close to the entrance pacing himself waiting for me. God he was sexy! But I had to play it cool. I don’t want to rush things just in case there is nothing there.

“Hey” I called out

“Hey! Glade to see you!.” He had the biggest smile and came to me embracing me in a hug. Ok I have got a hugger here. Was I ready for this much contact so soon? I lightly hug him back no wanting to be rude. “Let’s get a table.” I just nod and softly smile at him.

We are seated in a booth and glance over our menus sitting across from each other. We finally decide to share a plater and drink water.

“So are we going to talk about what happened Saturday night?” He askes as I choke on my water.

“Um….. Ok…. Would you like to start?” I ask trying to keep my composure.

He took a deep breath in “I do not regret what happened that night. Do you?” he stares at me intently.

“No” I shook my head.

“Ok, now that that’s out of the way. I can’t help but stop thinking about you.” I unconsciously hold my breath keeping a straight face. “I do wish for there to be more between us.” At first, I was shocked, but then my cheek tinted pink and I look down trying to contain my soft smile. Deep down I really wanted this to happen, but my reserve is begging me to take this slow.

“Rachel…?” I look up into Zanders Eyes as if begging me to tell him that I feel the same way.

“If I told you I felt the same way, what would you do?” I know I gave him a hypothetical response, but I needed to make sure he was ready for this. We both lost our spouses tragically and I do not want to feel the pain of rejection. Suddenly he instantly smiled.

“I would take you out on an official date and ask you to be my girlfriend.” I bite my lower lip to surprise the giddy scream the teenage me would have let out. “So… will you give me a chance to show you?” he asked taking my hand to his.

“OK” I shyly say smiling from ear to ear. Did this just happen? I do hope I know what I am doing.

We finish eating our food while playing a game of 20 questions to get to know each other better. After we where done he holds out his hand to escort me out. Once outside he whips me around to face each other and leans in to kiss me softly. “I’ve been wanting to do that since the morning you left.”

“Well if you play your cards right, we may be doing more of it. And you know I had to be with my kids, and I couldn’t stay that morning. You are lucky that I left my personal number. I don’t really give that away to just anybody.” I slightly pout at him playfully.

“Well I am glade I am that special, and pout at me. Unless you want to keep looking that adorable for me.” He said with a wicked smirk.

“O Shut up… I have to go back to work! See you soon?” I start to walk off.

“Very soon!!” he yelled back. I turn to take one last glace before heading to my office.

Nate. P.O.V

I hate Today, not because its Monday, but because I still can’t stop thinking about Rachel. It is finally time to get some lunch. I walk of to the deli shop close to Rachels office, maybe I might just bump into her. Hopeful at that thought, I walk out of the Deli Shop with my order and sit on a table outside in front of the shop. Before I can get settled, I see Rachel walk out of her office building and walk to the opposite corner towards a sushi place. She was beautiful in her professional attire and flowy hair. My eyes follow her as she walks down J street. She stops at the Sushi place and my jaw clenches. I ball up my fists as I see Zander there hugging her. Millions of questions where going through my mind. They enter the restaurant together. What the F**k! I thought to myself. I stayed there trying to eat my food waiting for them to exit. I lost my appetite and can barley hold still in my chair. All I wanted to do was go over and beat the s**t out of Zander. An hour later They both exit hand in hand. Zander then takes Rachel by the waist and kisses her. I was furious. Not only did her touch her but kiss her too. He will pay for taking what is mine. And once I have everything in place, I can claim her as my ultimate prize. I get up though my trash away walking back to the office.

“I can’t wait until Wednesday… Don’t worry Rachel I will save you from him.” I say to myself.