Mixing Business With Pleasure (Love Conquers All Book 2) Read online

  Mixing Business with Pleasure

  BY Cheryl Persons

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  Tiffany anxiously waited in line; she tried to ignore the guy that was standing next to her. “Just calm down,” he whispered as she felt herself beginning to sweat. She couldn't believe this was happening; not with him here, there had to be another way. “Tiffany, you have to come to the realization that they might not be able to do anything about it.”

  She ignored him; it was their turn to talk to the Receptionist. “Hi, may I help you?” The woman smiled as if nothing was wrong, when clearly Tiffany felt differently.

  “I need a ticket to New York City, as soon as possible.”

  “Well, the first flight we have is...” she typed on her computer and then looked up with a smile, “Noon, tomorrow.”

  Tiffany felt her stomach drop and she stared at the woman, behind the counter. “Excuse me? That's not possible. “We haven't been given a clear explanation as to why tonight's flight was even cancelled.”

  “I apologize about that,” the woman paused and nervously looked around and then turned back to Tiffany. “The pilot has turned ill. They have attempted to find a replacement, but they haven’t had any luck. That's all we know. We can transfer your tickets to the next flight... which would be tomorrow.”

  “Isn't there any other airlines that have an earlier departure?”

  The woman just shook her head and shrugged. “I'm sorry.”

  Tiffany looked over at Matt; his expression proved that he wasn't too concerned. “What are we supposed to do about tonight?”

  “We have many hotels that are nearby; we can book you a room there. It's just...” she paused and Tiffany wanted to jump over the counter. “Well...”

  “What is it?” She didn't hide her irritation well, as she waited for the worker to continue.

  “There were a bunch of weddings in town tonight. From what I hear...there might not be much hope. On the plus side, if we find you a room it won't be any cost to you. We will gladly take care of it. After all it is our fault you are in this predicament.” She grinned, but Tiffany rolled her eyes and turned away.

  She was well aware of Texas having one wedding on schedule; it was the whole reason they were there. When she looked back around she saw that she was already on the phone and getting ready to find her a room. “We need two,” she whispered urgently as the helper talked to the hotel. “Did you hear me?”

  The woman nodded and went back to speaking to them. “Okay, that should be fine. They'll be right there. What is your name dear? They're for Jenkins and Oswalt. Did you get two?”

  The woman ignored her and went back to talking to the desk clerk. “Put it under Jenkins. Thank you!” She hung up and smiled. “Okay, it's reserved at The Hilton. It's just right across the street. You really lucked out.”

  “It?” Tiffany asked quietly, praying that it was just the wrong term that was used.

  “I told you, they are very swamped. You're quite lucky we were able to book this room. After all, it's already 10:00.”

  Tiffany went to say something, that wasn't going to be too nice when Matt stepped in. “Thank you Ma'am. We appreciate it.”

  With that he took her hand and pulled her away from the desk. They were just about to reach the door when she stopped. “What was that about?”

  “Tiffany, you weren't getting anywhere. There's nothing her, or anyone else could do. We might as well just get over it and try to make the best of this evening.”

  “Yeah right,” she mumbled under her breath, he didn't seem to notice.

  “Besides, I don't know what the big deal is. We're two consenting adults. If we want something to happen...then, so be it.” Her jaw dropped and he laughed. “I'm teasing. Tiffany, lighten up...it's not the end of the world. Nothing will happen. There will probably be two beds and we don't even have to look at each other. Gee Wiz; you would think that you hated me.” He turned away, and left her standing there speechless.

  She hurried after him and reached for his arm. “Please slow down.” When he slowed to a light pace, she let out a breath. “I'm sorry; you're right. I just...” she shrugged, and stopped talking.

  They didn't say anything as they walked towards the direction of the hotel. She wondered if she had really upset him that much, or if he was just tired. She worried that it was the first option. “It's a nice night tonight.”

  She nodded as she pulled her shawl closer to her. She didn't want to mention that she was actually beginning to get chilly. Before she could say anything she felt his arms around her as his jacket was lying up against her shoulders. She stopped walking as he allowed his hands to linger on her arms a little longer than necessary. “Thank you,” she whispered as he turned to face her. “Matt, I...” she began to speak but he placed a finger on her lips to quiet her.

  “Tiffany, I don't know why the sudden change of mood tonight. I just, don't want you to feel uncomfortable.”

  “I'm not uncomfortable, I just don't want...” she pulled his jacket tighter around her. “I just want us to be clear on what...this is.”

  He smiled, “What...this is?” He chuckled as he glanced away and then his laughter grew.

  “I don't see what's so humorous.” She felt her anger grow and his laughter began to die down.

  “We better get to the hotel.”

  Tiffany couldn't believe how different the evening was shaping up. She slowly began to follow him as his stride became longer and quicker. She just let him go as she kept her even pace. When she talked to Cassie at her wedding, she began to wonder if maybe a relationship could happen with Matt. However, as the evening went on, she questioned it. Sure, she felt the chemistry. Yet, she was his boss and unless she was willing to give up her newly promoted job that wasn't going to change. She watched the back of his head as he remained focused towards walking and ignoring her.

  They entered the hotel and he quickly made his way to the front desk. “Hi, the airport just called. They reserved a room under Jenkins.”

  “Yes, Mr. Jenkins. I will get a bellboy for your luggage.”

  Tiffany shot a glance to Matt as he didn't deny his last name. “My last name is Jenkins and we don't have any luggage. We're not married.”

  “Oh, pardon me. Well, I can get you someone to show you up to your room.” She began to say it wasn't necessary but the teenage boy was already gone. They waited for a few moments until an elderly woman appeared. “This is Edna; she will show you the way.”

  Tiffany smiled at the lady as they followed her to the elevator. Once they were headed up to the 14th floor the woman turned to them. “You were given a nice room. It's the ideal place for two young people who are in love.” She smiled to herself as if she was thinking.

  Tiffany turned to Matt and saw that he was staring at her, so she quickly looked away. “You have this all wrong Edna, we're not...”

  She stopped when the lady appeared to not be listening. “My husband and I stayed on this floor once. It has a wonderful view. Charlie...” she turned to Tiffany who was just staring at her. “He's dead, rest his soul. He died of a heart attack, 3 years ago. We got a littl
e frisky; I told him we were two old. He just didn't want to hear it.”

  “Oh...I'm sorry.” Tiffany replied quietly. She didn't know what else to say. She shot a quick glance to Matt, who appeared to be trying not to laugh. The elevator dinged, alerting them that they were on the correct floor. When they got off they took a right and followed Edna to their room. Tiffany felt like she was going to the guillotine. As they waited for Edna to unlock their door, she began to get even more nervous. However, once inside her mouth dropped. “Edna, we can't stay here. Surely there has to be another room, or a closet. Maybe a couch in the lobby?”

  “What? I don't understand? This is a lovely room and there isn't another one open in town. There were a lot of weddings this weekend.”

  “Yeah, so we've been told.” Tiffany replied sarcastically.”

  “They also don't allow guests to sleep in the lobby, but I don't know why you would want to. This place is so romantic.” She smiled as she looked around the room.

  “You're right Edna, thank you very much.” Tiffany watched as Matt handed her some money and walked her to the door. “We appreciate you showing us the way.”

  “You're welcome sonny. You both have a good night’s sleep.” She winked as she walked out the door.

  When Matt faced Tiffany he began to chuckle. “That's one sweet woman. It's too bad about her husband.” He shook his head and moved past Tiffany, seemingly unaware that she was looking at him with wide eyes. “I wonder if...” when he looked up at her he stopped. “What?”

  “Have you gone mad?”

  He cocked his head, “What do you mean?”

  Tiffany looked around the room, “Did you notice something?”

  He glanced around the room and shook his head. “No, what?”

  Tiffany walked over to the bed and sat down. “There's only one.”

  A realization fell across his face, “Oh, I get it. You're worried because there's only one bed. It's big enough, I'm sure we could both fit into it quite nicely.”

  Tiffany looked at him in horror. “I am NOT going to share the bed with you. It's just not going to happen. So, you get that little notion out of your mind Matt Oswalt.”

  “Whoa now...using my full name? Tiffany calm down, I was only kidding. You really need to just take a deep breath. The fact of the matter is...” he walked over to the couch and pulled off the cushions. “The couch folds down into a bed. We'll be fine.”

  “Oh,” she let out a sigh and then tried to smile. “I just thought...”

  “I know what you thought, I'm not a monster.”

  “It's not that. I mean, this room is romantic.” She looked into the room that was attached and her eyes got big. “After all, look...” she pointed to the hot tub that she was staring at. “How many rooms have one of those?”

  “Not many,” he laughed. “It is a shame that it won't be put to use.” She saw the expression on his face, but then he shrugged. “Some other time.”

  “Keep dreaming,” Tiffany replied with a giggle. When he glanced at her she raised her eyebrows. “Just saying...”

  “Cassie and Seth, they both seem like a great couple.” She was surprised and relieved that he changed the subject. “Cassie had my job first, right?”

  Tiffany nodded, “Yeah, she worked there for about 6 years. She was promoted before she decided she wanted to marry Seth and move back to Texas. That's when she went to Mr. Bishop and told him that she thought I would do a good job. Fortunately he agreed and the rest is history.”

  “Then you made the wonderful decision of hiring me.” Matt replied with a laugh.

  “Yeah, I don't always make smart choices,” she teased.

  He appeared as if he was hurt, but then they both laughed. “You know, I don't get it.”

  “Get what?'

  “We seem to get along. I thought we had a nice time at the wedding. Yet, you act like it's a chore to be in the same room as me. Why is that?”

  Tiffany got up from the bed and moved away to the other side of the room. “That's not true. I just don't want anything to change. That's all.”

  “So, you're afraid that if something was to happen between us...what?”

  Tiffany stared at him, “Nothing can happen between us...end of story.”

  “Why?” It was simple question, but there were no simple answers. “I don't get it, what are you so afraid of?”

  “I'm not afraid of anything. It's just that I don't want a relationship right now. Not with you, not with anyone. End of story.”

  She looked away and began to nervously play with his buttons on his jacket that was still keeping her from the cold. She didn't notice him approach her, but she felt his hands on hers. She looked up at him, they were inches apart. “You keep saying end of story, but I don't buy that, not for a minute. You feel something, almost as much as I do. You can't lie your way through that.”

  She pulled her hands out of his clutches and shook her head. “You're wrong, for so many reasons.”

  “Okay, tell me. Why am I wrong?”

  “Sit down and I'll tell you,” she knew her voice was shaky. She slowly followed him to the bed and they sat down. They were still only few inches apart, so she quickly moved a space away from him. “Nothing good would come out of us being together.” When he began to interrupt she placed her finger to her mouth to quiet him. “Let me go on.” She paused for a moment and took a deep breath. “There are some things that I am going to tell you that I haven't told anyone else before. Not even my closest friends and I beg of you not to speak a word of this.” He nodded his agreement and she began. “I have gone most of my adult life from one man to another, trying to satisfy my need. I suppose that I sometimes feel that if I am with someone and I know that I don't love them, then I don't risk the chance of getting hurt.”

  He stared at her and nodded, but he honored her wishes and didn't speak. “When I was young, I bounced from foster home to foster home. I never really had a family, a place that I could be proud of. When I turned 13, I had probably been in about 15 different homes. My parents died when I was just a year old and Social Services took me into custody. They tried diligently to put me into a home and yet they never had any luck. I began to realize that the chances of finding a safe and happy environment were slowly dwindling.” She paused for a moment and looked to see if she saw pity. When she didn't she sighed with relief. It was my 13th birthday and my Case Leader came to me and told me she found me a perfect match. I was skeptical, because I had heard that before. However, I was longing for that connection. The one where you had a mom and a dad that loved you for who you were.”

  “When I met them, I was convinced that this was different. They seemed loving and caring and my ideal family. Over the next year I was so happy. I made a ton of friends at school and I could have sleepovers and parties and they didn't care. They gave me the best life anybody could ask for. One day my foster mom was at the grocery store and I was home alone with him. It was no big deal, because we had been alone lots of times. Yet, something was different. He seemed distant and sad and I didn't know what had changed. I asked him what was wrong and he informed me that they were getting a divorce. He said that she was cheating on him and he figured that that was where she was.”

  “I tried telling him that I was sure she was at the grocery store and they could work it out. That's when it happened.” She could feel a tear fall down her cheek and quickly brushed it away. “He told me that he was attracted to someone else too. I didn't know what was happening, but then he pushed me to the couch and I kept hitting him, but he wouldn't stop.”

  “Tiffany, I...”

  She looked away and covered her face with her hands. “I don't know why I told you, maybe because...”

  “You needed someone to confide with.” He spoke softly as he moved closer to her and she laid her head down on his shoulder. “You don't have to run from me. I'm not the enemy. I can protect you. You just have to trust me.”

  She quickly pulled away and stood up. Facing
herself in the mirror, she wiped her eyes free of the tears. “I can't do that.”

  “Why not?” He asked, his voice rising.

  “I was told once that I could trust someone and you see how that turned out. That's why I lean on men with no strings attached. It's easier that way.”

  “Easier for whom? It's no way to lead a life. What kind of happiness can that bring?”

  She stared at him, her arms crossed in front of her. “Maybe it's my life and you should let me worry about that.”

  He stood up and crossed the room, leaving no space between them. “Is that a way to treat someone that's only trying to help?”

  Tiffany chuckled and then took off his jacket and threw it at him. “Trying to help? You're judging me. You're no different from any other guy. Forget I said anything.” She turned away and ran into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. She felt the tears running down her face before the sobbing became uncontrollable.

  __________________________

  “Tiffany, open up the door.” Matt yelled as he pounded on the door to get her attention.

  “No, go away.” She cried out. He could hear the sobbing through the door and it was breaking him up inside.

  “This is crazy. I have nowhere to go. We're stuck here tonight and I didn't mean to make you upset. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to judge you. I want to talk, please open the door.”

  “Talk, I'm not stopping you.”

  He sat down on the edge of the bed and stared at the door. He hated not seeing her face to face, but he figured that if she was listening it didn't matter. “When we danced tonight, I thought I felt a connection. I was sure you felt it too.” There was no answer, so he continued. “I get that you don't want to have pity. That's not what I'm doing. I don't feel sorry for you; no one should have to go through that. It's nothing you did and I feel that you have been beating yourself up about it, when it's not your fault.”

  “You don't know anything about me.”

  “You're right, but that's not by choice. You are the one that is shutting me out, all because of some stupid idea you have.”

  “It's not stupid, just because I don't want to get hurt...”