The Negotiation Read online

“Inflation, my friend.” He smiled.

  “So you’d agree to sell to me if I paid you two million dollars?”

  “Yes. I would have the contracts drawn up tomorrow if you wanted.”

  I extended my hand to him. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

  “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” he asked.

  “I know what I’m doing.” I finished off my drink.

  Chapter 23

  Emily

  I slipped into my black short skirt, pulled on my burgundy cami, and reached into my closet to pull out a short black stylish jacket. Stopping in the bathroom, to double check my makeup, I heard my phone ding with a text message.

  Walking back into the bedroom, I smiled when I saw it was from Jackson.

  “What are you wearing?”

  “Black skirt, burgundy cami, and a black jacket.”

  “Send me a picture.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Very,” he replied with the wink emoji.

  As much as I hated those damn emoji’s, that one was cute. Standing in the front of the mirror, I took a selfie and sent it to him.

  “Hot damn. You look sexy.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I may have to use that picture to pleasure myself. You wouldn’t mind, would you?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “No. Not at all. Pleasure away.”

  “Have fun tonight.”

  “Thanks, Jackson.”

  “You never said where you were going.”

  “We’re going to Club S.”

  “Have a good time.”

  “Enjoy your meeting.”

  The feeling of disappointment hadn’t left me all day and it bothered me as to why I felt it. I tried to reason with myself and find the answers I was looking for, but instead, I just ended up more confused. I also couldn’t stop thinking about Gregory and how he knew my mother. No shock there, though. My mother had known a countless number of men in her lifetime. In order for him to say I had her smile, he must have been very close to her. In fact, she must have known him before I was born, since he didn’t know she had a kid. Sighing, I told myself I needed to put these thoughts of Jackson and Gregory out of my head and have a good time tonight.

  ****

  Club S was hopping. The music was blaring and the floor underneath my feet felt like an earthquake was in motion. We finally found an open table by the bar and sat down quickly before anyone else could snatch it up. For a Thursday night, the place was packed.

  “What can I get you to drink?” Alex asked.

  “Neat martini with three olives,” I shouted over the blaring music.

  As I looked around, I watched the girls with their half-naked bodies, twerking and shaking their hips to the techno music that played. Guys were bumping and grinding all over them with the hopes that maybe they’d get lucky with one of them tonight. I smiled at the flashback I had when I was here about six months ago and had sex in the bathroom with some random guy who did the same exact same thing to me. He was tall and handsome. I was horny and had a few too many drinks without a care in the world. I had run into him a week later at Starbucks and when I said hi, he looked at me like I was trying to pick him up. He had no clue who I was or that the act even took place, and that was fine with me.

  Alex and Keith returned to the table and Alex handed me my martini. As I brought it up to my lips, I threw it back as if it was a glass of water. I wasn’t sure why I did that. Normally, I would sip on a martini with the utmost respect. But not tonight and I didn’t know why. The five of us sat around, drinking and celebrating Alex’s passing of his bar exam. After a few more drinks, Katie grabbed my and Elizabeth’s hands and dragged us to the dance floor. Tonight, if some guy started grinding up against my ass, he was going to be sorry. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, and I always thought it was kind of fun. But now, I was in a contract with Jackson and I no longer desired it.

  Katie and Elizabeth left in the middle of the song to use the restroom, but I stayed back to finish dancing. I was in my groove and I didn’t want to leave. As my body moved to the rhythm of the music, I felt someone from behind lightly press up against me. Rolling my eyes, I moved away with the hopes the person would get the hint and move along. But instead, I felt it again. This time, the touch wasn’t so light. Then, I felt hands tightly grip my hips. Now I was pissed. How dare anyone touch me without permission?

  “What the fuck!” I shouted as I whipped around and into the arms of one Mr. Jackson Caine.

  “Good answer.” The corners of his mouth curved up into a sexy smile.

  I bit down on my bottom lip and wrapped my arms around his neck.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “You looked far too sexy to stay away.”

  “What about your meeting?”

  “I ended it early so I could get here before you left. Are you done celebrating yet? I really need to get you out of here and to my limo so I can fuck you.”

  A heated desire coursed through my body and I couldn’t refuse his offer. I wanted him as much as he wanted me at that very moment. Leading him to the table, he congratulated Alex and then the two of us walked out of the club and climbed into the back of his limo where the privacy glass was already up.

  Our lips locked tightly together as his hands took off my jacket. My fingers fumbled with his belt and then successfully unbuttoned his pants. He was already as hard as a rock. I stuck my hand down his pants and the feel of him in my hand further excited me. Pulling down my cami, he unhooked my bra and tossed it to the side. His mouth ravished my breasts as he laid me down and his hand pushed my skirt up, removed my panties, and his fingers dipped inside me. Moans escaped my lips as his fingers penetrated me with force, causing me to orgasm on the spot. Our lips found each other’s once again as he pulled down his pants and thrust inside me. Hard, deep, and breathtaking was what he was. Several grunts rumbled from his chest as he moved in and out of me. Fuck, he was so damn good and I didn’t want it to end. The pleasure he gave was overwhelming and addicting. My heated body was on the rise again as another orgasm took over. One last push and he halted, straining with everything he had and exploding inside me.

  His head dropped and his lips brushed against mine. His breathing was out of control. Our eyes met as our chests heaved and our hearts pounded out of our chests. His smile captivated me as he pulled out and sat down with his back against the seat. Sitting up, I pulled down my skirt and reached for my panties. His hand grabbed them before I could.

  “Let me,” he spoke as he held them in his hand.

  Slowly slipping on my panties, his hand swept over my slick spot before pulling them over my hips. I thought that was the sexiest thing I’d ever experienced.

  “Thank you.” I smiled.

  “No. Thank you.” He grinned.

  When the limo pulled up to my apartment building, he took hold of my hand and walked me to the door. Brushing his lips against mine, he spoke, “Don’t forget Saturday is my sister’s party at my house. I’m having everyone show at five o’clock.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  “Plan to spend the night. We’ll do something on Sunday.”

  “Do you get to choose or do I?” I slyly smiled.

  “Did you have something in mind?”

  “Not really. Do you?”

  “Not really.” He chuckled. “We’ll just see what the day brings,” he spoke as he leaned in and kissed my forehead.

  Chapter 24

  Jackson

  I finished signing off on some paperwork when my phone rang and Leon was calling.

  “Hello, Leon. I hope you have good news for me?”

  “I do, Jackson. Can you come to my office around two o’clock? And by the way, I would prefer two million cash.”

  “Come on, Leon. It’s going to take some time to get that much in cash.” I sighed.

  “It’s only nine o’clock, Jackson. You can get it within the next five hours. Just work your magic
with the bank like your father always did.”

  I leaned back in my chair. I was now aggravated.

  “Fine. I’ll see you at two o’clock.”

  I ended the call and immediately dialed Walter Simmons, the bank manager with whom my father and I had a good relationship over the past several years.

  “Walter Simmons,” he answered.

  “Walter, it’s Jackson Caine.”

  “Hey there, Jackson. What can I do for you?”

  “I need to make a withdrawal of two million dollars and I need it in cash by two o’clock.”

  “You know we need at least twenty-four-hour notice for that.”

  “I know, but it’s something that just came up. It’s a deal I’m working on and cash is the only option.”

  “Be here at one fifteen and I’ll make sure it’s ready.”

  “Thanks, Walter.”

  “No problem, Jackson.”

  Was all of this worth it? If it was anyone else, absolutely not. I was only doing this so she could expand. She had a plan and I trusted her. The worst thing she could do was let me down. After grabbing some lunch, I went to the bank, collected my money, and headed over to Leon’s office.

  “Have a seat, Jackson.” He waved his hand to the chair across from his desk. “Emily called me today and inquired about the space next door to her shop. I told her that the two buildings were sold and she’d have to talk to the new owner.”

  “Did you tell her I was the one who bought them?” I asked.

  “No. I saved that part for you. I just said that they’d be in contact soon.” He smirked. “I need your signature here and on the next three pages.”

  “Is there a reason for this private transaction?” I arched my brow at him.

  “Nah. Sometimes private business is best.”

  I signed the contracts and handed him over the briefcase with the two million dollars.

  “Your father would say you were being foolish,” Leon spoke.

  “It doesn’t matter what my father would say. It’s my company.”

  “Well, thanks for your business.” Leon held out his hand. “And good luck with the buildings.”

  “Thanks, Leon.”

  ****

  The caterers were occupying my kitchen, prepping for the party that was to take place in two hours. The bartender was scheduled to arrive at any moment and the bakery had just delivered the cake. I wanted this night to be perfect for Jules. The plan was that I had invited Jules and Carter over to have a home-cooked meal at my place instead of going out. She wouldn’t think twice about it since it was something we sometimes did. I hadn’t talked to Emily since Thursday night and I wanted to make sure she was still coming, so I sent her a text message.

  “Don’t forget, my place, five sharp.”

  “I haven’t forgotten and I may just be there a little before five.”

  A smile crossed my lips.

  “You can come anytime you want. In fact, I’ll send Edward over to pick you up now. You can bring your things and get ready here.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  “Alright. Then send Edward on his way.”

  I had found myself thinking about her yesterday, and even though I tried not to, I couldn’t stop my mind from wandering back to her. Even when I was at the bar with Samuel last night, I kept thinking about her, which was something I didn’t do. And it wasn’t even sex I was thinking about. It was just her.

  The bartender arrived and started to get things set up when I heard the elevator doors open and Emily’s voice calling my name.

  “Mr. Caine, Emily Wade has arrived and needs your assistance.”

  I chuckled as I walked into the kitchen and found her standing there holding a garment bag in one hand and a small suitcase in the other.

  “Good afternoon, Miss Wade.” I stood and stared at her in her gray sweatpants, matching zip-up hoodie, her hair in a high ponytail and not a trace of makeup on her face. Fuck, she looked adorable.

  “Would you mind taking this suitcase upstairs for me?” she asked.

  “It would be my pleasure.” I grabbed it from her hand.

  When we reached my bedroom, I set the heavy suitcase down on the bed.

  “Are you moving in or something?” I smirked.

  “No.” She laughed. “Since I’m getting ready here, I had to bring my makeup and my clothes for tomorrow.”

  “You couldn’t just bring one of those small cosmetic bags for your makeup?”

  “I need options, Jackson.” She smiled as she unzipped the suitcase and took out a large black trunk full of makeup.

  I followed behind as she took it into the bathroom and opened it up.

  “I still have to shower,” I spoke.

  “Go ahead. I’m just going to be putting on my makeup.”

  “You showered already?” I asked.

  “Yes,” she replied as she dabbed foundation all over her face.

  “Damn. I was hoping you’d take one with me,” I spoke as I started the shower and stripped out of my clothes.

  She didn’t say a word, but I caught her glancing at my naked body through the mirror. She pretended she wasn’t looking, but I knew she was. My cock was starting to get hard just knowing she was doing it. Stepping into the shower, I thought about when the right time was to tell her that I was her new landlord and that I approved of her expanding the shop.

  When I stepped out of the shower, she glanced at me as I wrapped the towel around my waist.

  “Were you just staring at my naked body?” I smirked.

  “No.”

  “Yes you were.” I slowly walked up behind and kissed her neck.

  She let out a soft moan. “Okay, maybe I was. If you weren’t so sexy, I wouldn’t have to look.”

  “You think I’m sexy?” My lips continued to graze her neck.

  “Yes.” She moaned.

  “Is this sexy?” I pushed myself against her, letting her feel the hardness of my cock on her back.

  “Very sexy.”

  I pulled down her sweatpants along with her panties and gripped her round beautiful ass as tight as I could. A low moan escaped her. My fingers slid across her slick spot, feeling the excitement that was already there. While my one hand focused on her lower half, my other reached around and unzipped her hoodie, revealing only a pink satin bra underneath.

  “Fuck. I didn’t know you weren’t wearing a shirt under there.”

  “Surprise.” She smiled.

  I couldn’t wait any longer. My cock was throbbing and needed to be buried inside her. Turning her around, I lifted her up on the counter, slid her hoodie off her shoulders, and quickly unclasped her bra, tossing it on the bathroom floor. Her hands reached out and took off my towel and then softly stroked me to the point I thought I was going to already come. Bringing her to the edge, I grabbed her legs and forced them around my waist while I thrust inside her, moving in and out at a rapid pace. She leaned back, her hands planted firmly on the counter as the sounds that escaped both our lips intensified. My fingers gripped her ass as I lifted her from the counter and took her over to the wall. Our lips locked tightly together until she gasped and her legs tightened around me while she came. The buildup for me was there and my cock was ready to explode. One more thrust and I buried myself deep inside and strained while I blew everything I had inside her.

  “Wow.” She smiled brightly.

  “Wow is right.” I kissed her lips.

  I set her down, and she stood with her back to the wall and didn’t move.

  “Are you okay?” I laughed.

  “I’m fine. I just need a minute for my wobbly legs to catch up with the rest of my body.”

  Chapter 25

  Emily

  Jules was in disbelief when she walked inside Jackson’s house and we all yelled “surprise.” The look on her face was pure shock until the tears formed in her eyes when she realized what her brother had done. She hugged him tight and the feeling of brother and
sisterly love poured out of them. Wiping her eyes, she greeted her guests and Jackson looked at me and smiled, knowing he had made her happy.

  “Emily, it’s so good to see you again,” Jules spoke as she grabbed my hands. “Can you believe he did this?”

  The smile grew wide across my face as I replied, “Yes, I can believe it. He’s a good man.”

  “He certainly is and I wouldn’t trade him for the world.”

  As Jackson and I were talking over a glass of wine, he rolled his eyes as his mother and her husband walked over.

  “Thanks for coming, Mom.” He kissed her cheek. “Stuart, good to see you as always. I would like you both to meet a friend of mine. This is Emily.”

  “Very nice to meet you, Emily. How long have you and my son been dating?” she instantly asked.

  “Oh, we aren’t dating. We’re just friends.”

  “Oh.” She raised her eyebrow.

  Jackson and Stuart walked away for a moment to grab another drink and I was left standing there in an awkward moment with his mother, Gwen.

  “I was hoping you’d be dating,” she spoke.

  “Why?” I cocked my head.

  “I’m going to ask you a question and I want nothing but the truth from you.”

  “Okay.” I sipped my wine.

  “I believe Jackson is gay and I need you to confirm it for me. Is he?”

  I wanted to bust out laughing, but I couldn’t. If she only knew how gay he wasn’t.

  “Jackson is not gay, Gwen. Why do you think that?”

  “Because he never brings any girls around. Not for holidays, visits, nothing. He’s always alone and I suspect that he doesn’t know how to tell his father and me that he’s gay.”

  “Would you have a problem with it if he was?” I asked as I narrowed my eye.

  She was silent for a few moments as she looked away from me.

  “Well, I wouldn’t like it.”

  “Jackson told me that you’re on your fourth marriage and his father is on his fifth. Did it ever occur to you that maybe Jackson doesn’t bring any women around because he doesn’t believe in relationships? I mean, look at the example you set for him.”