Unlikely Venture (The Venture Series Book 1) (32 page)

“I love you, too,” she whispered. “Thank you for being here.”

His eyes widened and the corners of his lips turned up into a hopeful smile. “So…what do you think? Will you give us another shot?”

She smiled through her tears. “I don’t know, it’s a pretty big risk. Lisa doesn’t believe in empty threats. If she tells you she’s going to do something, you can take it to the bank. Are you prepared to handle that?”

He grinned. “I’ve got nothing to be nervous about.” His blue eyes turned serious and he squeezed her hand. “Can we get past this? Will you forgive me for being a complete jerkoff? Because I want you.
Forever
. No matter what.” He leaned closer. “How can I convince you? Do I need to shower you with Starburst jelly beans?”

Jessica’s face relaxed into a smile and she winked. “Well, as long as they’re part of the offer…”

James grinned and pulled a bag out of his jacket. “I knew that would work.” He cupped her face. “I love you, Jess.” He leaned in gently, his lips so gentle and warm on hers. She shivered against him, the delicious sensation traveling throughout her limbs.
Oh yes, this is truly worth the risk.

“Ahem.”

They jumped apart, startled by the unexpected intrusion.

An older, gray-haired doctor strode in with a grin on his face. “Hello, folks. Sorry for the interruption.”

Jessica cleared her throat. “Excuse us, Doctor, we were just…”

The doctor held a hand up. “No need for explanations. I was young once.” He walked to the bed and picked up Jessica’s chart. “I’m Dr. Chandrasekaran.” He smiled. “Dr. C for short.”

“Nice to meet you, Doc, although I wish it was under different circumstances. Can you tell me anything about what happened earlier?” Jessica bit her nail. “To say I’m a little bugged out would be an enormous understatement.”

Dr. C nodded. “Understandable.” He flipped through the pages and looked up. “Well, we’ve confirmed your current diagnosis, however, what you experienced on the plane was nothing more than a side effect from an injection. We got information from your doctor in New York that you had your first dose yesterday, is that correct?”

Jessica nodded. “Yes.”

Dr. C smiled. “It’s a rare side effect, though a pretty troublesome one if you aren’t prepared for it. The medication brings out intense flu-like symptoms that tend to last a couple of weeks. It can be scary, especially in light of the symptoms you’re dealing with day to day.”

Jessica breathed a sigh of relief. “So I haven’t gotten worse?”

Dr. C shook his head. “Everything is stable as of your latest test results. This was just a minor blip. Of course, we’ll have to monitor you for the rest of the day to see how the injection continues to affect you. You may require a different medication down the road, but time will tell.”

James squeezed her hand and looked at the doctor. “So, what can she do in the meantime?”

“Well, since you’re only out here temporarily for business, I’d recommend getting a referral from your current doctor. You can manage the flu symptoms with over the counter medication and with any luck they’ll fade sooner than later. You’ll be back to normal in no time.” He smiled. “The nurse will be in a bit later to check your vitals. Don’t expect to get any sleep tonight because someone will be in every hour to monitor you.”

“Thanks, Doc. I really appreciate it.” Jessica smiled at James as the doctor left the room. “Thank
God
.”

“Jess, I don’t really like the idea of you being by yourself out here.” James looked at her, his eyes darkening. “I mean, what happens if you have another episode or if you get sick again and need help—”

Jessica shot him a coy look and fluttered her eyelashes. “So what should we do about that? Are
you
volunteering for the job, James?”

He stroked her cheek and smiled. “Yeah,” he whispered. “I thought I already told you that, but I’ll say it again and as often as you need to hear it. It’s you and me.
Forever
.”

“ARE YOU SURE Chris isn’t mad that you’re coming to New York with me?” Jessica snuggled closer to James as they walked hand in hand toward Philz Coffee, warm afternoon sunshine illuminating the tree-lined street.

James kissed the top of her head. “I’m sure he’ll get over it. You’re much more important.”

Jessica clasped her hands together. “I’m really excited for you to meet my parents and Haley.”

“Are you sure they’re going to be okay with you moving out here? Or will they hate me for stealing you away?”

“That’s always a possibility. Maybe I should just stay in New York to keep them happy.”

“No way, gorgeous.” He tightened his grip around her waist. “Don’t worry. I can be pretty charming. I’ll get them to come around. Hey, did you hear back from the realtor yet?”

“Yep, I move in two weeks.” She stopped and pulled on his hand. “Hey, you know this is a pretty big leap I’m taking with you.”

“It’s only the beginning.” He drew her close and kissed her so deeply she thought she just might swoon right in front of the café.

When they reluctantly pulled apart, she shook her head, breathless. “See,
that’s
how I know I made the right choice.”

“There’s plenty more where that came from.”

She giggled and tugged him along. “Come on, I’m
desperate
for a latte. Oh, I need to pop into the office to pick up some paperwork before we head to the airport. Justin said he’s going to call so we can review the new clients I signed.”

The door to the café swung open and Jessica jumped back with an involuntary gasp.
Oh my God.
Seriously? This cannot be happening.

Paul sauntered out of the café, regarding them with his signature penetrating gaze. If he was surprised, his face didn’t give it away in the least. A smug smile tugged at his lips as he looked from Jessica to James for what seemed like the longest minute of her life. She squirmed under his cold stare, not knowing what to say. James gripped her hand and managed a tight smile.

Paul took a sip of his coffee. “Callahan, I’m glad to see you finally got your shit together, in
all
regards.” With a sidelong glance at Jessica, he gave a curt nod. “Nice to see you both.”

He continued past, not waiting for a response. Jessica let out her breath and turned to James with wide eyes. “Do I want to know what that was all about?”

James grinned and held the door open. “I may have stopped by his office a while back to discuss some things.”

“You stopped by.”

James placed their order with the barista and turned to Jessica with a mischievous smile. “Okay, I
may
have barged in. It doesn’t really matter. If you’d have picked up the phone one of the million times I called you, I wouldn’t have had to make the visit.” James wagged a finger at her.

She smacked it away with a playful grin. “Uh-huh. And did he give you all the juicy details?”

“Of course, why else would I have been so intent to fly to New York that very afternoon?”

She snickered. “I should be weirded out by your apparent stalker tendencies, but somehow I find them endearing.”

“Great. They’re effective tactics as long as they don’t scare you off.” With a flourish, he handed her the drink. “Latte for the love of my life.”

“Oh
yum
.” She took a sip and recoiled. “Yikes, that’s
steamy!
”

He slung an arm around her shoulders. “You really should have them throw in an ice cube or two.” James flashed the lopsided grin that made her knees buckle. “You don’t have the best track record for holding on to your cups. You know?”

She nudged him with her hip. With another cautious sip, she backed away from two teenagers who were rushing past. “Dammit!” Her leg got caught in the rope divider and she swung around it, crashing into James. Coffee sloshed out of the cup and she yelped, flinging out her arm.

“Ahh!” James yelled as the scalding hot liquid sprayed over his arm. “
Hot!
”

“Oh no!” She mopped the coffee from his bright red skin. “Are you okay?”

He groaned. “That’s the universe talking, right? Karma—coming back to bite me?”

She giggled and kissed his arm. “I don’t know, I think fate’s been pretty good to us.”

Last One You Love –
Goldhouse

Don’t You Worry Child –
Swedish Mouse Mafia

Everlong –
Foo Fighters

Replay –
Zendaya

Bittersweet
– Fuel

Barely Breathing
– Duncan Sheik

I’m Not Over
– Carolina Liar

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) IS the most widespread disabling neurological condition of young adults around the world. You can get MS at any age, but most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.

It’s estimated that more than 400,000 people in the United States and about 2.5 million people around the world have MS. In the United States, about 200 new cases are diagnosed each week.

A portion of the proceeds from each copy of
Unlikely Venture
will be donated to fight against MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education and contributing to programs and services that help those afflicted with MS move their lives forward.