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

  He started to leave and Tiffany could have kicked him from behind. “Fine...Friday night, but I swear it's one time and not a word gets spoken about this to anyone. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, you're being loud and clear. Might I add wise choice?” When the door closed Tiffany sunk back into her chair. She couldn't believe she was being blackmailed by Bruce, she once considered him a friend and now he was a bully. She was going to do everything in her power to stop the evening from happening. She didn't care what drastic measures she had to take.

  Chapter 5

  Friday came quicker than Tiffany would have liked. “She tried to keep her distance from Matt, and for the most part she was doing a good job. However, that day she noticed him heading towards her office. She quickly stood up and headed to the door; she tried to keep him from entering. “Sorry Matt, I was just out.”

  “You seem to be out the last few days. Are you avoiding me?”

  She laughed. “Avoiding you? No, why would you say that?”

  “I don't know. It just seems like you are too busy to even talk to me.”

  “I apologize. I'm just trying to get everything done in a timely manner. After all, I have the clients to consider. I can't just focus on your problems.”

  He stepped back; she knew she had hit a nerve. “Okay, I'm sorry I mentioned anything. You go off and work on your more important issues. He turned away and went back to his office. Tiffany felt bad; it wasn't her intention to hurt him.

  She let out a sigh, and made her way to where he had just disappeared. He was about to get on the phone when she knocked on his door. “I suppose I need to talk with you.”

  He placed the phone in the receiver. “I'm a bit busy, but I guess I can give you a couple of minutes.”

  “I guess I deserve that.” She replied as she took a seat across from him.

  “Something's obviously bothering you. What is it?”

  “I have a lot on my mind, some of which I don't think I can share.”

  “Just tell me what you feel comfortable saying.”

  Tiffany leaned back against the chair, “I don't know. Everything just seems so complicated. Just because I'm the boss, doesn't mean I am powerful. I don't have some magic wand that I can wave, saying this is the way it is.”

  “You're not making any sense.”

  “I know I'm not. Forget I said anything.” She stood up and reached for the door. She paused and screamed. “I don't know what I'm doing here. Someone thinks there's more to our story that friendship, but even if there's not...they are willing to ruin us.”

  “You mean Bruce?”

  “What do you know?” Tiffany asked cautiously.

  “I know that he thinks we are having an affair. He told me that he doesn't know why I would be the one you would choose. He clearly wants you himself.”

  Tiffany nodded. “I don't necessarily think he wants me. I think he wants power over the situation.”

  “You could be right. You're not going to do anything about that, right?”

  Tiffany shrugged. “I'm not going to be bullied.”

  “Tiffany, I don’t like the sound of that. What do you think you’re going to do?”

  “Don’t worry; I have it under control.”

  He got up and met her by the door. “If you are planning something, I would really like to know what it is.”

  “Matt, it’s my problem.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong; this isn’t JUST you’re problem. There are two parties involved and if you need me to talk to Bruce, I will.”

  Tiffany smiled. “It will be fine.” She turned and walked out the door. She was convinced that she was going to have to talk to Bruce and make him see that he could not control them. She just hoped that he backed down; otherwise she was going to have to go along with his plan. She couldn’t let her life get ruined by someone that was telling lies.

  ___________________

  Matt wanted to help Tiffany out, but he couldn’t do that if he didn’t know what she was up to. The rest of the day he planned to talk to her, but she always made excuses and he kept getting knocked back down. As he was leaving for the day, he decided to make one last attempt. “Knock knock.” She looked up from her desk and a frown crossed her face. “What?”

  “Nothing! I thought you already left.” She went back to her computer work and he just stared at her. “So, you’re heading out?”

  “Uh…yeah,” he stammered. “Thought I would say goodbye; I hope you have a nice weekend.”

  “You too; see you Monday.”

  He turned away, but then looked back in her direction. “What are your plans this weekend?”

  She looked at him; a confused expression crossed her face. “I don’t know; I’ll probably just sit around the house, doing nothing.”

  He knew something wasn’t right, because he didn’t expect her to stay home. “Well, that’s no fun. Why don’t you come over to my place and I’ll cook you supper.”

  Tiffany laughed. “Yeah, that’s not happening. What happened to, we need to keep a low profile? Going to your apartment wouldn’t exactly do that.”

  “Back in Wyoming, I had friends over all the time. I make a delicious helping of spaghetti and meatballs. What do you say? It’s a friendly gesture; I don’t know anyone here and I could use the friend.” He tried to pucker his lips, as if he was pouting. However, a smile just broke out. “I promise, nothing is meant by it.”

  He thought she would say no again, but to his surprise she nodded. “Okay fine…what do you want me to bring?”

  He thought for a minute, “How about yourself?”

  “I can’t come empty-handed. I have to bring something.” When he didn’t say anything she rolled her eyes. “I’ll figure something out.”

  He nodded, “Good. I’ll see you about 6:00?”

  “Okay, I’ll be there.”

  He smiled to himself; they could make the friend thing work. “Hey, I’ll pick you up tonight about 6:30; is that okay?”

  His smile fell and turned to see Bruce in her doorway. “Sure Bruce; I’ll be ready.” When he left, Matt stared at her. “Matt, don’t start.”

  “Don’t start? You can’t be serious that you’re going out with him tonight.”

  “Matt, it’s a business arrangement.”

  Matt laughed; “That’s funny; a business arrangement. So, you’re going to sleep with him so that you what? Don’t get fired? Tiffany, he isn’t worth it. I will go to the board, tell them the story, and he’ll be the one to get fired. Do not sacrifice your principles because he has weight over you.”

  “Matt, you don’t get it.”

  “You’re right; I don’t. I don’t get why you would sleep with him when clearly nothing is going on between us. If you want to sleep with him, then do it because you want to; not because you’re worried he’ll squeal.”

  “How dare you!”

  He stepped back; he didn’t know if she was mad because she did want to sleep with him, or because she didn’t. “Tiffany, I don’t want you to do this because you feel like it’s your only way.”

  She shot daggers with her eyes; he nearly had to look away it was so cold. “How do you know that I don’t want to sleep with him? Maybe this just gives me an excuse.”

  He knew she was just trying to prove a point, but if that was the way she wanted it. “Okay, if that’s what you want; you know maybe you will find love in this office. However, then you’ll have to worry about talking to the board, but I’m sure you’ll make them see what a stupid rule it is.” He turned to leave, but then paused. “I don’t think tomorrow will work out after all; I forgot that I have prior plans.”

  He walked out of the office. He heard her call his name, but he kept walking. If Tiffany would rather sacrifice herself to save her job, there was nothing he could do about it. He could only pray that she realized what a mistake she was making, but it was her decision and he wasn’t going to stand by and watch her make it.

  __________________
/>   Tiffany half-heartedly got ready for her evening out with Bruce. She glanced in the mirror and quickly ran her hand through her hair. “Good enough,” she mumbled to herself. She figured if she didn’t spend too much time on her looks, he might find her undesirable. She knew it was wishful thinking, but one could hope. Her skirt went down to the floor and her baggy blouse hid all of her curves. She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a small glass of wine; she needed something to calm her nerves. She was rinsing the cup out when she heard the doorbell. She turned to the door, but didn’t move. She could feel her nerves take over and she feared she was going to cry. She couldn’t believe he wanted to put her in the misery she felt. She slowly walked to the door and took a deep breath before opening it. His smile was irritating and she stepped back for him to enter the room. He looked down over her baggy clothes and then smiled. “You look…nice.” The words seemed to be short and she knew why. He was probably wondering what dumpster she picked the outfit from, because it wasn’t something she would normally wear.

  “Thank you,” was her simple reply. “I’ll get my purse.” She started to turn away, but he grabbed her hand. It was only seconds before his lips were on hers and her mind was reeling. She pulled away and slapped him across the face. His shocked look was unmistakable.

  “Ouch,” then he began to laugh. “Man, you have fire in you; I’ll give you that. Tiffany, you shouldn’t make this so hard. Tonight we’re going to do a lot more than kiss; I just thought we could start the evening out right.”

  “Don’t remind me,” she mumbled under her breath and then grabbed her purse.

  “What was that?”

  “Nothing; just let’s take it slow and let it naturally work out.” She tried to force a smile and he nodded. “Okay, where are you taking me?”

  “I thought we could go to Lincoln Ristorante.”

  Her eyes got big and she looked down at her clothes. “What? I’m not exactly dressed for success and I would stand out like a sore thumb. Pick somewhere else.”

  “Tiffany you look great. I already made the reservations and we’re going.”

  She shook her head, “Fine; whatever.” She followed him out of the house and locked the doors. “She didn’t care where they went as long as they were home quick and she could get the night over with.

  __________________

  The conversation was dry and while she ate her lasagna she prayed that she could warp to the next morning. She tried to smile cordially at his lame jokes, but she just wasn’t into the evening and, in his eyes, it was just beginning. “How was your food?” He asked as the waiter removed their trays and she took another drink of her champagne.

  “It was fine,” she stated. It’s the company that stinks. She took another gulp of her champagne and then looked around the restaurant. “I could use another glass of champagne.”

  He laughed. “I think you’ve had enough. What was that; you’re third glass?” Fourth, but who’s counting? She just shrugged and again tried to find the waiter. “I think we should get out of here.”

  Her eyes connected with his and he tried to find a way out. “I thought we were going dancing?”

  “Well, it’s getting late and I think that it’s best to save it for another night.”

  She wanted to point out there would be no other nights, but she dropped it. “Okay, well you can take me home. We can have dessert some other time. If you’re tired.”

  “Tiffany, I’m not tired. I just don’t want to go dancing.” He paid the check and they walked to his car; she stopped him before getting into the passenger seat. “What?” He asked softly.

  “I don’t feel well. I think you should just take me home.” It wasn’t a lie. She was suddenly feeling very ill.

  “It’s the champagne. Once you are relaxed, you’ll feel better.” He leaned in and tried to kiss her, but she pulled away. He shrugged as she got into the car. “You know, you’ll make this a lot easier on everyone if you just make the best of it.”

  “That’s a joke,” she sarcastically replied. Her eyes caught his, and his smile disappeared. “How can you possibly think that I would be anything but angry that you are black-mailing me into doing something that I clearly don’t want to do?”

  “Tiffany, as many times as you have been with a guy…I can’t imagine this would be much different.” She stared at him until she was sure her tears were going to fall. She quickly looked out the window and remained silent until he drove the rest of the way to his house. Once he pulled in the driveway, Tiffany opened her door. She wanted to make sure he realized he wasn’t in control and she could do things for herself. He didn’t seem to notice the tears in her eyes as they walked quietly to the door.”

  When they were in his living room she turned to him. “Let’s get this over with.”

  “Don’t you want to talk first? Get to know each other better? Or, I have some cake in the kitchen and I can make a pot of coffee.”

  She stared at him; was he for real? “Bruce, there is absolutely no reason to make small talk. This isn’t like we’re ever going to be romantically involved. This is a business transaction and that’s all; so let’s get to it.”

  She moved closer to him and his eyebrows rose. “Wow; you really know how to hurt a guy’s ego.”

  “I’m just stating facts.”

  He nodded. “I get that. You know, you don’t have to do this; if you don’t want to.”

  “What? For a week you have told me that this is the only way. What’s changed?”

  “Nothing’s changed! Let me see if I can make myself clear. If you sleep with me, I will forget all about seeing you and Matt together. If you don’t, then Monday morning the board will hear my tale about your relationship.”

  “Bruce, there is no relationship. Don’t you get that? I…”

  He held up his hand and quieted her. “You keep saying that, but I think it’s convincing otherwise. I have always been attracted to you and thought that we could make a pretty good match. I don’t want to pressure you; that’s not my intention. The choice is entirely up to you.”

  “So, you still stand by this is the only option?”

  He shrugged. “I do, but it’s still up to you.” Tiffany looked away, her blood was boiling. She felt his finger trace a line under her chin and then he lifted her chin so that they could kiss. His kiss deepened, but it didn’t change the fact that she was fulfilling a duty. He moaned slightly and she cringed when his tongue swept a line across hers. “You taste so good,” he whispered. Her eyes looked down as he inched closer to her and covered her mouth was his once more. He gently pushed her towards the couch and she landed on the soft cushion, his lips never left hers. She tried to think about anything, but him with his hands grasping her.

  As his hand slowly entered her shirt, he was on top of her. She felt his hand gently squeeze her breast. Without considering the consequences, she pushed him off of her. “I can’t do this.”

  His wide-eyed expression showed that he wasn’t pleased. “You’ll be sorry Tiffany.”

  She grabbed her purse and stared at him. “The only thing I would be sorry about is if I let you bully me into doing something I don’t want to do. You can throw all the threats at me and I’ll stand by my decision.”

  “You would risk your job and everything you have worked so hard for?”

  “If it means having my dignity, then yes.”

  She reached the door as he laughed. “I didn’t think you had any dignity.”

  She shook her head as she left the house and slammed his door behind her. Once outside she looked at his driveway. She realized she had no way home and it was a good hour drive to her house. She headed towards the direction that she knew was going home and the tears began to fall. She spotted a gas station a block away and she sat down on the nearby bench. She pulled out her phone and thought about the people she could call. She didn’t have any girl friends and the guys all would want something in return. She considered Robert, but even he would want to end the nig
ht making out and she wasn’t in the mood. Her fingers dialed the numbers; she was shaking just thinking about what could have happened earlier. When he answered the phone, she felt a tear fall on her cheek. “I have no one else to call.”

  “Tiffany, what’s going on?”

  “I need a ride.” The tears stung her eyes as she gave him the location. She knew it was the right thing to do, but now she was putting everyone in the fire.

  __________________

  His heart clenched when he heard her crying on the other end of the phone. He quickly hung up and drove to the place where she had directed him. He saw her at the gas station; it was clear that she was still shaken. He jumped out of his car and rushed to the bench. “Tiffany?”

  She looked up; her eyes were red and puffy and it took every ounce of his being not to grab her and promise her the world. “Thanks for coming Matt.”

  He sat down on the bench and reached for her hand. She didn’t pull away, which was a relief to him. “What happened?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  He knew it had something to do with Bruce, but his mind was thinking about all the possibilities. “Okay, but he didn’t hurt you; did he?”

  She shook her head. “Not physically; I wouldn’t let him.”

  He let out a slow breath, relieved to hear that. “Let’s get you home.”

  She was shaky when she walked; so he placed a hand on her lower back to guide her. “Thank you!” She replied softly as she got into the car.

  He closed his eyes; he knew that he would have gone over to Bruce’s house and throttled him if he would have harmed her in any way. He wasn’t so sure that that wasn’t still a possibility. After about 15 minutes of driving to her house he saw that she was asleep. He knew it was best to let her rest. He heard the gentle sound of her snoring and it brought a smile to his face. Tiffany came off as being a person that didn’t want stability, but he could see right through her. She just needed to find the person that would make her believe it; even if it wasn’t him. When they pulled in her driveway, he almost hated to wake her. She looked so peaceful, but he knew that she wouldn’t want to sleep in his car the rest of the night. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, as not to startle her. “Tiffany, your home.”