Mixing Business With Pleasure (Love Conquers All Book 2) (4 page)

“Suzanne had told him, but he didn't care.  I proposed to her on our college graduation night.  She immediately, without hesitation said yes, and I was
the happiest person in the world.  We decided that we were going to wait about a year, then make preparations.  We both wanted to get a job and be stable, before taking the leap.  I got a job in the next town over and she got a job at the hospital in the city.  We were both finally happy with what we were doing.  So, it was almost a year after graduation and I talked to her and said that I was ready to begin planning for the wedding.  She tried to put me off and when I questioned her, she told me that she changed her mind.  She didn't want to get married, she felt like she didn't get a chance to see things because she was saddled in a relationship.”

“Are you serious?  Just like that and it's over?”

He nodded, “I guess so.  I didn't know what to do.  After all, Tabitha was already a huge part of my life and Suzanne is saying that she wants nothing to do with me.  Not only that, she doesn't want me to see Tabitha, because it will confuse her.  By this time, she's almost 8.  I have spent every waking hour with both of them and I'm cut out of their lives.”

“I'm sorry Matt, that's not fair to you.  She shouldn't have done that.  No matter what her reasoning’s were.”

“It is what it is, but I waited 3 years until I realized that I couldn't stand living in the same town and not being able to see Tabitha.  I got over losing Suzanne, but I don't know that I will ever get over having to say goodbye to Tabitha.”

“That means she would be 11 now?”

“Yeah and I haven't talked to her since that final day.  I saw her a couple of times.  I went to her school and watched her from the playground, but it obviously wasn't the same.  Yes, I know that that's creepy.”

“It's not creepy, you were a concerned father.”

“The exception being that I'm not a father.”

“It just proves what a great one you'll be when you get the opportunity.”

He laughed, “I think that ship has sailed.”

“Don't cut yourself out; I'm sure you'll have plenty of more relationships.  You act like you're ancient.”

“Just old, not ancient.”  He replied with a smile, “If it happens then fine, I just won't hold my breath.  Are you finished?  We probably shouldn't be late.  The boss might yell.”

Tiffany laughed, “You're right, that would be awkward.”

Matt grabbed the check and paid the cashier then he walked her out to the car.  “Thanks for listening.”

“Thanks for sharing.”

He nodded as she got into the car.  “He had to admit, he felt better.  He would never get past losing Tabitha, but it helped knowing if he needed to talk to someone Tiffany would be there.

Matt briskly walked through the office, he was glad to see he was the only one there.  He made his way through Tiffany's office door and placed the single long-stemmed rose on her desk.  It read simply,
Congratulations! Matt.
  He smiled in satisfaction that he had made it without being caught and then went back to his office.  He was busy working at his desk when he heard someone walk in and clear their throat.  He looked up and smiled, “Hey Bruce, when did you get here?”

“About 5 minutes ago.”  He looked around and then focused his attention back to Matt.  “I have to hand it to you, you are smooth.”

“I don’t understand what it is you're trying to say?”

“Tiffany...I have been trying for several years to get her to notice me.  You come in and, within months you have a date.  Is it a Friend with Benefits relationship?  Or is there more to the story?”

“Bruce, you don't know what you're saying.  You might just want to leave right now.”

Bruce laughed rudely and then shook his head.  “Why keep it a secret?  She's a very attractive woman; it just hurts
that you were the first one to get your hands on her.  What's your secret?”

Matt stood up and walked over to his door, he peeked outside to make sure there was no one else around.  “I don't know what you think you know, but you're way off base.  Tiffany and I are friends and that's all there is to it.”

“So, it is friends with benefits.  Should have known.”

He stared at Bruce; he was two seconds away from throwing him through a wall.  “What do you mean by that?”

“Tiffany isn't the type to have relationships where she can love all the way.  She goes through men like most people go through Kleenex, use it once and then throw it out.”

“Bruce, I would appreciate it if you would just leave.”

“Hey man, I know you want to defend her, but it's true.”

He knew that Tiffany had said she wasn't the loving kind and that she only used men for one thing, but it felt wrong to hear Bruce degrade her like she wasn't worth his time.  “She's a great girl Bruce and I enjoy spending time with her.  There's nothing going on and I would appreciate if you would stop talking about her.”

“Maybe that's it; you're angry that you can't get some when she's so easy.  Then you wouldn't mind if I make my move?”

His jaw dropped and he seriously thought he was going to punch him, but then he spotted Tiffany from afar and lowered his voice.”

“You don't have a chance, so get that thought out of your mind.”

“That sounds like a dare.  Are you daring me to ask her out on a date?”

“Good morning gentleman.”

Matt jerked back to reality when he saw Tiffany enter his office.  “Good morning Tiff,” Bruce replied with a hunger in his eyes.  “I'll be seeing both of you around.”

When he walked out of the room Matt watched Tiffany stare after him.  “What was that all about?”

“Nothing, no worries.”

“Can I believe that?”

“What would you say if he was to ask you out on a date?”

Tiffany laughed, “Why would he do that?”

“Just answer the question.”

“I told you...I'm not into relationships.  Not to mention, is it really any of your concern?”

“I guess not,” he mumbled and took a seat.  “It was just a question.”  He didn't know what to say to her to make her realize that it would be a mistake.  She was right, it wasn't his concern.  However, that didn't mean he didn't care what happened to her.

___________________________

Tiffany started to leave, but then turned back around.  “Oh yeah, I forgot the reason I came in here.  Thank you for the rose, but it's precisely things like this that can make people wonder.  Is that why Bruce was here?”

Matt shrugged, “I don't know.  I got to thinking, I don't care what people think and you shouldn't either.  We are two grown adults and if I want to be friends with you that should be good enough.  If rumors fly we'll deal with them as they come.  No one should get the chance to tell someone who they can or can't associate with.”

“Are you prepared to face the consequences?  I mean...what if the board comes to us and decides we can't work together and one of us has to go?  I'm not going to back down.  Are you?”

He smiled, “Tiffany, if it comes to that...I'm not going to let you lose your job just because we were friends.  We have a solid case.  They won't be able to get the evidence together that we were having an affair, because there won't be any.  That's all there is to it.”  Tiffany thought for a while and agreed.  It wasn't like they had done anything wrong.  Nothing in the rules stated that two co-workers, even a boss and employee, couldn't be friends.

“You're right; I'll stop worrying so much.”

“Good, now that that's settled.  You're welcome for the flower.”

She laughed and turned away, he was sweet and the perfect guy...if she was ready for something like that.  She almost forgot the question he had asked earlier about Bruce.  That was before she spotted him heading towards her office and he appeared to be on a mission.  “Bruce.”  She nervously stated as he approached her.  “May I help you with something?”

“Actually, it's something I can help you with.  Let's go in your office and talk.”

She reluctantly led the way and once they were inside he closed the door.  “What are you doing?”

She grabbed for the door, but his hand brushed hers.  “We need some privacy, you'll understand soon enough.  She pulled back and stared at him.  We have known each other for a few years now and I don't know why you have never given me the chance.”

Her eyes got big and she couldn't believe he was there in that moment.  “Bruce, I ne
ver really thought of you in...That way.”

“I'm sure that there are a lot of guys you could say that about.  It doesn't mean that you haven't gotten to know them better.”

Her face reddened and she looked away.  “What's this about?  You know that co-workers can't date.  I wouldn't want you to get into trouble.”

“That doesn't stop you from being with Matt.  I mean, I saw you guys go out together yesterday.  I know that something's going on.  Just be honest with yourself.”

“Nothing is going on between Matt and me.  We're friends and yesterday was just a business luncheon.  I needed him there to help with the public relations.”

“Is that what you're calling it now?  Public Relations?  Who are you trying to fool?  I see he gives you flowers, he beams when you're around.  You don't have to deny your feelings, not when I am finding it quite
fascinating.”

Tiffany swallowed hard; she could feel a headache forming.  “What's this really about?”

“I have a proposal for you.  I won't spill the beans about Matt, if you go out with me.”

“What
? That's nuts.  You won't tell about Matt and me being friends if I go out on a date with you?  News Flash...you're a co-worker too.”

“True, but if you go out with me...no one will get in trouble and everyone will be happy.”

“Everyone except for me,” Tiffany mumbled.

“Come on, it's j
ust one date.  Who knows you might like it.”

She doubted that, she wasn't agreeable about being blackm
ailed.  “You're blackmailing me.  You're okay with that?”

He smiled, “If it gets me what I want.”

“What's in it for you?  What exactly do I have to do on this date?”

“That's the fun part.  I thought we could do dinner, dancing; afterward we can go back to my place for some dessert.  Just a typical night that you are used to.”

“Dessert?  As in...”

“Come on Tiff, you're a smart woman.  You know what I mean.”

She unfortunately did.  “I don't know. I'm pretty busy.  With this new campaign and all.  It might be several weeks to months before I can squeeze you in.”

“You have till Friday.”

“WHAT???  You can't mean that.”

“Oh...I do.  We will have a great time and you will be so thankful you agreed to this.  Trust me, you will enjoy yourself.”

“I can't possibly make it by then, pick another time.”

“Tiffany, you don't seem to realize that I hold the cards now.  I play a hand in your future and if you don't care about that then don't go with my plan.”

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.

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 o
ffice.  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.”