Unlikely Venture (The Venture Series Book 1) (13 page)

“Yeah.” James fiddled with the top of the soda can. “He was. And I know I made the right decision by leaving but I missed out on so much time. That’s been the hardest thing to deal with because I can never get it back.”

Jessica took his hand; her touch made his skin tingle.
I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this, but it feels good to finally open up to someone.

“You know, I haven’t even talked to Chris about the stuff with my dad. Not that he isn’t concerned or interested, it’s just that I haven’t felt comfortable discussing it.” James studied her face. “Not until I met you. You know more about how I feel than anyone else right now.”

This is so bizarre. I’ve been holding back all this time only to unload on someone I barely know. And she doesn’t seem to be scared off by it either.

This girl is special.
James realized it before, and as time went on she kept re-confirming those feelings.
What kind of idiot would let her get away?
Not him, that was for sure. James was more certain than ever that she came into his life for a purpose and he wasn’t about to let their geographical disadvantage dictate the future.

When Jessica reached out to hug him, his heart felt like it might explode.
How the hell can she do this to me?
He breathed in the citrusy scent of her hair as they embraced with no words exchanged. A shiver shot through him as she nestled her head into his chest.
God, I need this girl in my life. I want to make this work.
He closed his eyes, trying not to concentrate on the way her body felt pressed up against him.

She pulled back and smiled, her eyes telling him everything he needed to know.
Okay, Jay, relax yourself.

“You know, I’m really happy I met you.” Jessica shook her head in disbelief, an incredulous smile on her face. “I guess someone’s looking out for us, huh?”

“Yeah.” He gazed down at her, twirling a lock of her hair. “Someone definitely is.”

They spent the rest of the game chatting with Gus, who had plenty of war stories to share about his experiences at the stadium. When they left the game later that evening, their sides were hurting from laughing so hard.

“So, now what do you have up your sleeve?” They were standing in the parking lot and Jessica tapped the foam finger to her cheek. “Hmm, let me see if I can predict…”

James grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into his arms. “Was this what you were thinking?” He brushed his lips against hers.

“More like hoping,” Jessica whispered after the kiss broke.

A grin spread over his face. “Happy to oblige.”
Things can’t go any further tonight, Jay. You don’t want to ruin this.

She reached behind his head and stroked his neck. Standing on her tippy toes, Jessica kissed him again. He drank in her sweetness and melted into her, unable to complete a coherent thought.

No, no, no, we need to stop.

But his body responded in the exact opposite way. He needed her naked, right then.

Mmmm, no…not happening.

His heart raced as her fingers raked through his hair. She wanted it too. But not now, not tonight. It would make everything so much better if they just waited. He wanted it to mean something and if they moved too fast, it might blow up.
It took me too long to get to the point where I want to be with a girl again. I’m not messing this up.

Jessica raised her eyes to his and he saw the apprehension on her face. “Wait…I-I can’t do this, James. I’m sorry. I mean, I
want
to but—”

He let out a deep breath.
Thank God she’s got enough sense to stop this from going too far.
“I know, it’s okay. I don’t want to ruin this, Jess.” He stroked the side of her face. “Today was amazing and I want to share so much more with you. We don’t need to rush things.”
Even though other parts of my anatomy are revolting against me right now.

“Can this really work, James? There’s so much counting against us…”

James silenced her with another lingering kiss. He opened his eyes. “Do you feel that too?” He waited for her breathless response, his heart racing in anticipation.

“I do.”

A slow smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Then the answer is really simple, Jess. I think we both feel enough to give this a shot. It’s going to be hard, but I think we came into each others’ lives for a reason.”

“You know, I never believed in any of that stuff until now. Meeting you changed my view.” She tapped him on the shoulder with her foam finger and shot him a playful look. “I’m
in
.”

“WAIT, JESSIE, YOU’RE
where
?”

Jessica looked up as the buildings zoomed past. “I don’t know, somewhere in Oakland.”

“Why the hell are you in Oakland? Aren’t you flying home today?”

“I’ll get to the airport in time, Li. It’s still early. I just needed to pick something up.” She fingered the bag sitting next to her on the seat.

“Fine, play coy. I’m not biting.” Lisa hesitated. “Well, maybe only a little. What did you need to get so desperately that you had to take a cab back to Oakland?”

Jessica smiled. Lisa was so predictable…and nosy
.
“Let’s just say I needed to get a parting gift for James.”

“
Why
? Did he happen to do something that warranted a present?” Lisa sighed. “I told you not to give it up right away. What happened to keeping things casual?”

“Lady, wasn’t it
you
who said I couldn’t pull it off? Believe me I tried. And for the record, I didn’t give anything up.” Jessica giggled. “I had an amazing time with him. He’s fantastic. And even though I’m nervous to get hurt again, I realized that I have to take a chance. It’s the only way for me to move on. I can’t close myself off forever.”

“Mmm hmm. I kind of figured you’d come to that conclusion.”

Jessica furrowed her brow. “Meaning?”

Lisa chuckled. “Jess, you’re a serial monogamist. You aren’t the love ’em and leave ‘em type. I knew from the first time you told me about James there was something between you. The long distance thing isn’t ideal but I’m glad you finally let someone in. It’s healthy. It’s also about damn time!”

“He’s a good guy. I don’t want to miss out on something great because of my fear of rejection. He’s not Drew. And I’m in this cab right now because I need to see him again. I got him a little keepsake, just something to remember me by.”

“I understand, Jessie. Cute thought. But how are you going to find him? Do you know where he is right now?”

Jessica looked at her phone. “As a matter of fact, I do. Gotta love Facebook.”

“Great sleuthing, girlfriend! You’ve got the makings of a successful stalker!” Lisa laughed.

“Okay, let me go. I’ll text you when I land.”

“Good luck, sweetie. Can’t wait to hear how it goes.”

“There it is.” Jessica alerted the cab driver and pointed to the tall gray building on the corner. “I can get out here.”

She trotted across the street, hoping he’d be alone in his office. She greeted the security guard and gave her name. “Hi, I’m here to see James Callahan with LazerShark.”

A few minutes later, James bounded off the elevator with a surprised smile on his face. “Hey!”

“Hi, I hope you’re not busy, I didn’t mean to interrupt your work or anything but I wanted to bring you something before I leave.” Jessica held out the bag.

James furrowed his brow. “Wolfgang’s Vault? In Oakland?” He opened the bag and pulled out an autographed Foo Fighters laminated VIP badge. “This is awesome, Jess! You went all the way to
Oakland
for this?

“Yes, I really wanted to see you before I left.” She took his hand. “And since you’re as big a Foo Fighters fan as I am, I figured this would make a great excuse.”

“Yeah, but how did you even find me?” James looked confused. “Did I ever give you my card?”

“Um, no, you didn’t.” Jessica pulled out her iPhone and showed him the Facebook entry. “So I guess I’m officially stalking you.”

James grinned. “Pretty slick, Jess.” He pulled her closer. “Thanks, this really means a lot to me. Every time I put it on, I’ll think of you.”

“Perfect.” Jessica giggled. “I’m sure nobody will mess with you if you wear that badge around town.”

“So when do you have to get to the airport?”

Jessica sighed and looked at her watch. “I’ve probably got to go now.”

James looked crestfallen. “Can I take you?”

“I want to say yes.” Jessica paused. “But I hate the finality of an airport goodbye. We’ll be sitting there, sad, waiting, knowing that the moment is coming, watching the clock, wishing we had more time together.” She looked up at him. “I don’t want our last moments to be that depressing. It’ll be easier if I just leave and you go back to your office. Does that make any sense?”

“It does.” James sighed, running his hands though his hair. “I don’t want to make this harder on you, either. It just sucks that you have to leave now.”

“I know.” Jessica felt her eyes well up.
Please don’t let me cry in front of him.
“I promise I’ll text you when I’m at the airport. It’s just better this way.” She forced a bright smile. “I’m going to try so hard to get out here again soon. I’ll figure out how to deal with my boss.”

“Okay.” James embraced her one more time. She breathed in his cologne, closing her eyes and drifting away into a sea of complicated emotions. His gentle touch sent a chill down her spine and she willed herself to remember the feelings he invoked.
Keep it together, Jess.

She tilted her face towards his and let out a shaky breath. “I better get going.”

James dropped his arms, still holding her hands. “I know…”

Jessica managed a weak smile. “I can’t stop thinking about you. You really changed everything.” She drew him closer with a deep kiss.
And even though I’m scared to death to feel this way so soon, I’m happy. And hopeful.

When she opened her eyes, the sadness on his face was heart wrenching.
This torture has to end.

“I’ll see you soon.” Jessica squeezed his hand one more time and hurried out of the building as fast as she could. She ran to a waiting cab and slid into the backseat as the tears flowed.

JAMES WATCHED THE taxi peel away from the curb. His heart ached with the reality that Jessica was gone, at least for the foreseeable future.
I should have insisted on taking her to the airport. At least we’d have more time.

Deflated, he went back up to his office. Since it was Saturday night, he figured he would be left alone to lament since focusing on work was impossible.

No such luck.

Chris bombarded him as soon as he sat down. “So, what was
that
impromptu visit all about?”

“What? When did you even get here?” I’ve only been gone a few minutes.”

Chris smirked. “I know. You two looked pretty cuddly so I wasn’t about to intrude.”

James slumped over his desk. “I’m not in the mood to work right now. Come to think of it, I’m not in the mood for your questions either. No offense.”

“None taken. I know you don’t like to kiss and tell. Guess I’m just hoping that one day I’ll break you.”

“There’s not much to tell, anyway. She stopped by on her way to the airport.” James shrugged. “Nothing earthshattering.”

Chris sat down next to him. “Listen, I know the circumstances suck, but you met a great girl. Things will work out. You’re finally back, man. And in the meantime, we have a lot to take care of in the next few days that should keep you occupied.”

James sighed. “Okay, so where are we with this Blue Coat presentation?”

“We’re in real good shape, Jay. I’m meeting with the accountants next week so we can review all the numbers one last time.”

“So, what do you think is going to happen when we finally get in front of Emerson?” James tapped a pencil on the desk. “I mean, you’ve already met with the rest of the team. What more do you think he’ll want to know?”

“Well, the first couple of meetings I had with the team covered our financials, our business plan and our strategy for the next few years. They have more than enough information to make an investment decision. But he wants to get a feel for us as business partners. I guess he wants to see how we work together, what we’re like as people, strategists, I don’t know. He’s a freaking
Forbes
wonder, I’m sure he’s got a whole checklist on us.”

“So, tell me more about him. What’d you dig up? I’d like to get a little insight on the guy who may become the primary investor in our company.”

“Ah.” Chris grinned. “Well, there’s the public resume—graduated summa cum laude from Stanford, financial genius and all around-business mastermind.” He paused with a wicked smile. “But I did some additional investigation and uncovered some interesting stuff that isn’t part of his company bio.”

“And? Don’t leave me hanging.” James leaned forward with interest.

Chris paused for dramatic effect. “Evidently there was a different company a while back, one that Emerson founded with another partner, a guy he knew from his college days.”

“Okay. Get on with it, Chris.”

Chris smirked. “It’s all in the buildup, Jay. Wait for it.”