Out of the Darkness: Jaden & Chase: The Broken Series, #1

By Angela Fattig

Fairy Tales, Happily Ever After’s, and finding that one man like your father is every little girls dream. Then there are first loves, even at the age of 3 years old.

What happens to a little girl when her father is taken so suddenly from her, the little boy who swore to love and protect her never returns, and her mother uses and abuses her?

Jaden Smith was that little girl. After her father died when she was 9 years old, she was forced to live the life her mother said she was condemned to live. She had to learn to submit to men or she would pay the price.

Her first love never died. As she grew up and she was forced to submit, she reminded herself of his promise. She knew that one day he would keep that promise.

How can a man forget his first love and what he promised her? He doesn’t.

Chase Daniels was 8 years old when he first set eyes on her. He made her a promise, but he was forced to break that promise.

Over the years, her memory was forced back, but he never forgot her. He always knew something was missing in his life and it was when a woman betrayed his love and trust that he remembered.

As deep as his hurt went and trust was a thing of the past he wanted her, his first love.

Follow Jaden and Chase on their path of self-discovery, healing, and finding their Happily Ever After.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela Fattig
• Release date: Apr 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507095218

Angela Fattig

Angela Fattig spent most of her childhood reading any book she could find. That's when her passion of writing was born. When she was 10, she started writing short stories and poems and kept quite a collection. In 1998, she met Paul and they have shared a life together for 15 years. In 1999, she introduced the world to her first born, Brandi, and again in 2000, Sarah. Today, when she is not doing what she loves, writing, she spends time with her beautiful family and the addition of two dogs named Izzy and Herly. Angela's inspirations have always been Stephen King, E L James, and Poe.

Book preview

Dedication

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I want to thank everyone who is following me on my journey. I decided to offer the first three books in the series as one book since they focus on two main characters.

Casey and Sammie’s story, Don’t Let Go Of Me, is already out there. Keep watching for book 5, Open To Me: John and Patty’ story, the final in the series.

Writing is me in a raw and opened form. This is where I leave myself bare, for you.

Please enjoy the journey through my mind, heart, and soul...

~~Angela

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.

~Oscar Wilde

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.

~Aristotle

The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.

~ Victor Hugo

There is no disguise which can hide love for long where it exists, or simulate it where it does not.

~ Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Prologue

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Sitting outside a small street café on South Vermont Ave. were a devilish beautiful couple. They nervously discussed two of their dearest friends. It was a beautiful sunny day in Los Angeles and they enjoyed watching the hustle of the lunch crowd.

The small blonde-haired woman sat back as she closed her eyes. The sun kissing her skin she said, Jaden’s birthday is in a week. She opened her eyes to look at the man beside her. I want to take her to the island.

The handsome tanned blonde man smiled, it was a smile that most women would die to see each day. Ah, the island, he hummed. That sounds heavenly. I will ask Chase to join us as well. You know how much he loves the island. He took in the woman’s screwed up face and frowned. What’s wrong? 

She shook her head and her golden locks bounced. Should we wait until after the dinner to ask them, just in case? she questioned.

He smiled again, flashing a perfect set of white teeth. I’m sure the dinner will go fine, he shrugged. If not, then shaking the ground beneath them might just be the wakeup call they need.

Do you really think it will work? she nervously asked the handsome man seated across from her.

Yes, sweetheart, it will work, he answered, reaching for her hand. Jaden and Chase have been alone for far too long. They need each other. They just don’t know it, yet. Laughter radiated from them.

I won’t back out, it’s too late for that, but I’m worried, she said as she bit her lower lip. You know how hot headed Jaden can be. After Steven, well, she closed herself off. She thinks love is now a fairy tale.

A small chuckle rumbled in his throat. Yes, she is, he said, remembering the first day he had met her. Boy, did she let him have it when she thought he had been cheating on her friend. But so is Chase. He too was screwed over and it fucked him up. Don’t worry, it will work.

What do we do if they find out that we set them up? she asked.

Honey, please, he said. Just...breathe. 

Chapter One

Jaden’s Bad Day

I should have thrown the towel in and went back to bed when my alarm didn’t go off this morning. I had been an hour late for my shift at the diner and had known I was going to hear about it. I just hadn’t expected to be fired today and it hadn’t had anything to do with being late.

A guy that had been coming in for the last week had tried to hit on me again and I had lost it. Everywhere I went it was all about sex. Grow up; there is more to life then sex. How about love? Of course, I wasn’t a virgin; I’d had a few lovers. At least that’s what I call them. My past is something that is only thought about during the dark hours of the night as I lay there screaming.

I knew in my head that there was no such thing as great sex, hell for that matter good sex. No guy has ever given me an orgasm; I would take care of that when I go to the bathroom to clean up. Romance was also an illusion, but a girl could dream, right?

What was with guys and me? I am not very great to look at, rather plain, wavy brown hair, brown eyes, and a decent figure. I am short, 5’3"; just plain and average. This time, the guy had grabbed my ass; I lost it and slapped him. Mac fired me on the spot in front of everyone.

Now I was down to one job; one job that barely paid minimum wage. How in the world am I going to pay my bills? Most of the time I didn’t even eat I was so broke.

My friend, Lori, was always trying to give me money. Lori had been born into money, but chose to work at a fashion magazine. She was always bringing new clothes home and giving them to me claiming that once she tried them on she did not like them. I knew what Lori was doing. I was not blind. However, I loved Lori like a sister so I let it go.

I walked back to my dump of an apartment since I did not need to be at the bookstore until five and it was only ten in the morning. Maybe I would get a newspaper and see what jobs were open that I did not qualify for.

It is not that I wasn’t smart; I just never had the money to attend college. I wasn’t born poor, but would probably die poor and alone.

I stopped at the corner newspaper stand and saw that there was one paper left. Maybe my luck was changing. I reached into my pocket, pulled out the correct change and got the paper; then I continued on my way to my crappy apartment, dodging the drunks out front.

Once inside, I set the paper on my ratty couch and went to the kitchen for a drink. I spied my note pad and sighed. ‘Maybe one day I will be a famous writer,’ I thought. Ya, right. Like that will ever happen.

I loved to write and Lori was always telling me to send them into writing competitions. I refused, I was too afraid. Besides, Lori had to say she liked my writing since we were friends, right?

Once my thirst was quenched, I made my way back to the couch. I picked up the paper and thumb through to the help wanted section. Maybe today is the day I find a real job, I said aloud, Ya and maybe I will see a pig fly.

Twenty minutes later and ten phone calls, I had an interview for a personal assistant position at a big law firm, Daniels Law Firm. They were a very big deal and I knew the guy who owned it was filthy rich. I saw him in the papers, a real ladies man.

Not only did he have the law firm, he also owned CSD Inc. It had something to do with oil. He had an office in New York, Chicago, and here in Los Angeles. Yes, he was very rich.

I looked at my watch and saw I had an hour to get ready and be there. I had better get a move on. It should not take me long seeing as I am limited on clothes. I sighed, and slowly made my way to my bedroom.

Ten minutes and I was as ready as I would ever be. I took a second to look at myself in the mirror. Unruly hair, simple make-up, straight knee length skirt, and white button down blouse, all courtesy of Lori, of course. Well, this will have to do, I said as I walked out of my bedroom, collected my purse, resume, and walked out the door.

As I lived in what was commonly called skid row, it did not take me long to arrive in downtown LA. The bright sunny day was a blessing. I love the way the sun kisses my skin, warming me to the bone.

The sight of the business district always excited me. I had once dreamed that one day I would be joining the hustle of the upper crowd, joining them for work. That dream ended the day my dad died.

I wasn’t born poor. I was ten and my sister Sammie had been six. My dad had been called away for a last minute business meeting in New York. The private jet hadn’t been properly checked before flight and it had gone down, killing all six people onboard. I still shudder just thinking about it.

My mom, having never really loved her husband, had begun searching for a new moneyman without luck. Finances began to run low and bills could not be paid. We lost the house, all possessions, and were forced to move into a two-bedroom trailer.

My mother became desperate to find a man to supply her with endless money and she had used Sammie. I had protested but my mother was forceful. I remembered the hurtful words, ‘You look too much like your father.’ She spat out with venom in her voice. ‘What man would ever look at you more than once?’ She turned to look at Sammie and smiled. ‘Now, just look at your sister. She is a copy of her mother. The men will always fall at her feet.’

Her words still hurt to this day. So much so, that I firmly believed them.

I shook my head to clear it. I had arrived. I looked up at the building, shielding my eyes, and immediately felt fear. Fear of the unknown—fear of the handsome man inside.

I glanced at my dime store watch. I still had ten minutes. I studied the building, wondering if the building reflected what was inside the man upstairs.

It had to be a good forty stories tall. It was sliver; sleek. The entire building was reflective glass, shielding people to what was truly inside. The sign out front read ‘Daniels Law Firm’ and underneath it, ‘CSD Inc.’ The building truly was beautiful, just like the man.

I shook my head once more trying to be rid of the thoughts. ‘This is business,’ I thought. ‘Even if it wasn’t, do you really think a cold fish would turn his head? I’m damaged goods, I’m broken and no one wanted damaged goods.’ With a sad sigh, I straightened my skirt and entered the building.

The inside caught me off guard. It was stunning; the colors, the paintings, and art work. It was enough to take my breath away. Maybe I was right. The building just might reflect the man himself.

I walked over to the receptions desk. The beautiful blonde smiled at me. May I help you? she asked.

Yes, Jaden Smith to see Mr. Daniels, I answered. I have an appointment.

She typed into her computer then looked back up. Please have a seat and someone will be with you shortly. She indicated the chairs behind me.

I smiled back, nodded, and took a seat. I enviously looked at my so-called resume feeling the shame wash over me. I had to lie just to get this far. Will he be willing to listen to my reasoning? Will he give me a chance to prove myself?

Ms. Smith? I heard my name being called. I looked up to see a smiling motherly type woman. The warmth in the woman eyes had me feeling a little better and she returned the smile.

I stood and extended my hand. Yes, I’m Ms. Smith, I said.

The older woman took my hand and said, You are a refreshing sight. I am Mr. Daniels other assistant, Sandy. Please follow me.

I nodded and followed the woman to a row of elevators. I was trying to wrap my mind around what the woman had said, ‘You are a refreshing sight.’ What did she mean? Sandy pressed the up button and I looked at her again. I could see joy in her eyes and it unsettled me. The elevator arrived and we stepped inside.

We rode up to the fourth floor and stepped out. The colors here were the same as the main level, bright and beautiful. We stopped in front of a set of office doors and Sandy pushed them open, then gestured me through.

This room was no different. Next to another set of doors was a Van Gogh painting; ‘Starry Night’, my favorite.

I stepped closer and reached out to touch the glass. A painting that can make you believe in fairy tales, I whispered.

I heard Sandy gasp and turned. There was a surprised look on her face. She recovered quickly. That’s what Mr. Daniels says, she clasped her hands together. He is going to love you. Please go on through, he’s waiting.

I nodded frowning, not sure what Sandy meant, but shook it off. I turned to face the door, squared my shoulders as I let a breath out, and reached for the door handle.

Just...breathe, Jaden, I whispered to myself as I pushed through the door.

Chapter Two

Chase’s Bad Day

I did not think my day could get any worse, I was so wrong. Sitting in my lavish office on the fourth floor staring out the window, I was lost in thought. My assistant walked into my office three days ago declaring her love for me then threw herself at me. I had no choice but to let her go.

Now, I had been through ten interviews and not one of them cut it. I learned the hard way that you needed to read a woman. All of them were money hungry, well with the exception of my sister Patty, and would do what it took to get it.

Romance and great sex, hell even good sex, was an illusion, but a guy could dream, right?

Samantha had taught me well. I was close to asking her to marry me. I got the ring and went home early expecting to surprise her. Instead, she surprised me.

I found her in bed with a friend. I was dumbfounded. She laughed it off saying that I never spent time with her, never bought her things.

As I was packing my bags, she said something that rocked my world. Awe, come on Chase. Don’t you know that all women want one thing and one thing only, money? she laughed. Don’t look so shocked. I never gave you any indication that I wanted anything more than that.

From that day, I held women at bay, never allowing my heart to become involved. ‘She was right,’ I thought as I shook my head. Why would any woman want me for my heart? Looks are not everything. At thirty-one, I still had a youthful look about me; brown hair and eyes. I stand six foot two, slim, firm build, and tanned. No, not a model, but I was not ugly.

The intercom buzzed, bringing me out of my daydreaming. I reluctantly turned back to my desk. Yes, I snapped.

Sir, your next candidate is here, the voice said. I ran my hand over my face. If I have to sit through one more woman flirting with me, I will scream.

Send her in, I said, knowing it had to be a woman.

Yes, sir, came the voice again. I stood and placed a fake smile on my face waiting for the door to open.

When it did, I was struck speechless. The woman that walks in was nothing like what I was used to. She was plain; pretty, but plain. Simple, conservative clothes and she looked scared; utterly afraid, why?

When our eyes meet, I felt my stomach do a flip and that had me even more confused. I ignored it and reached my hand out. Welcome, thank you for coming in. I’m Chase Daniels, I said. She just stared, not accepting my hand.

I was not sure what to do. Most women fall over themselves just to touch me, yet she just stood there with a deer in the headlight look.

Just as I was about to drop my hand she snatched it. I’m sorry, she said. Thank you, it’s nice to meet you, Mr. Daniels. I am Jaden Smith. I believe you will want this.

In her other hand was a piece of paper, but I didn’t see it. I only saw Jaden Smith and felt how warm and shaky her hand was. I tightened my grip on her hand and she stiffened. I shook my head to clear it and released her hand.

‘What the hell are you doing?’ I silently questioned myself. ‘Get a grip.’ I now looked at the paper she was still trying to hand me and saw that it was her resume. I reached out and took it. Yes, thank you, Ms. Smith. Please have a seat, I said as I pointed to the chair in front of my desk. She quickly took a seat as I walked back around my desk and sat down.

I noticed that the resume she handed me was rather short. Without really seeing the words, I continued to wonder why I had such a reaction to her. She does not look like any of the women I usually dated, nor was she acting like any of the women that threw themselves at me, daily. I shook my head again. I needed to look at the paper in front of me and get this over with.

Are you ok, sir? she asked me. My head shot up. She actually sounded concerned. Couldn’t be, women don’t really care how a man feels.

I ignored her question and looked at her resume again; high school, no college, part time here, part time there, and not for very long. I don’t see anything here indicating that you have experience with being a personal assistant. So why are you really here? I barked out. She jumped as her eyes went wide. It can’t be for a job. You already knew that you would be turned down. So let’s just get it out of the way. My lips formed a snarl. You’re in love with me and want my money. Isn’t that right?

Jaden looked as if she had been slapped across the face. How dare you! she fumed. You have no right! It was now my turn to feel as if I had been slapped, but I recovered quickly.

Yes, Ms. Smith, I have every right, I snapped back. If I’m wrong, then tell me why you are really here. She glared at me and it made my member stir. ‘What the hell is going on here?’ I wondered.

I am here for a job, nothing more, she answered. I know I don’t have the qualifications, but I had hoped that my luck would change and a place would give me a chance to prove myself. I can see that I was wrong. Goodbye, Mr. Daniels. She went to stand but I stopped her.

Wait, Ms. Smith, I said and she turned back to me with a look that could kill.

What? she barked.

I picked her resume up and handed it to her. Don’t forget this, I said. She snatched the paper from me and stormed out of my office muttering under her breath as the door slammed shut.

I smiled. I really did enjoy rattling the wenches up. She tried and failed. Score eleven for me; zero for them, I said aloud and laughed.

Sandy stormed in with an angry look on her face. It took me back. She was a longtime friend and like a second mother to me. ‘What has her so pissed?’ I wondered. ‘It takes a hell of a lot to piss her off.’

She closed the door and stalked to my desk shaking her finger at me. I knew I was in deep shit now.

Chase, what in the hell did you say to that sweet girl? she demanded to know.

I was stunned as if she had just slapped me. What are you talking about? I asked. She’s like all the rest.

Her face softened. Oh Chase, that bitch really did a number on you, she whispered. When are you going to get it through that thick skull of yours that not all women are like that?

Again, I felt like she had just slapped me. But she lied, I reasoned. She is not qualified for this job.

She put her hands on her hips. I know that, Chase, she said. I’m the one that spoke to her on the phone. I questioned her. I knew just by asking a few simple questions, but I also knew she would be great for the position and you. When I saw her downstairs, my thoughts were confirmed and again right outside this office. She took one look at that painting and quoted you, ‘A painting that can make you believe in fairy tales.’ Her look hardened again. You made her cry Chase.

I sucked in a breath. I had no idea, but I still cannot shake the bad feeling. The one I got when a woman was up to no good. However, I felt like shit.

Should I call her or are you going to? she asked.

You really think she’s right for the job? I questioned and Sandy nodded. I growled, Get me her number.

Sandy smiled and handed me a sheet of paper. Already have it, she beamed.

Like before, my intercom buzzed. What? I growled.

Sir, your next candidate is here, the voice said. I dropped my head down on my desk and groaned.

Reaching out, without raising my head, I pressed the button. Tell her the position has been filled, I said. Call the rest and tell them the same.

Yes, sir, the voice answered.

I looked at the paper in my hand. It was a background check on Jaden Smith. I glanced back to Sandy. She smiled and left the room.

I saw she had a home phone, but I knew she could not have made it home yet. There was another number, looks like a cell phone, but it must be a prepaid. I dialed the number and it rang.

Hello? Jaden answered with a sniffle.

Damn, I really did make her cry. ‘I am such an ass,’ I thought.  Ms. Smith. It’s Chase Daniels, I said. I’m sorry for the way I had acted. I’ve had a very bad day and it was not right to take it out on you.

You are correct Mr. Daniels, it wasn’t right, she said.

I ran my hand through my hair. Would you consider coming back to my office? I asked. I would very much like to offer you the position.

I heard her swift intake of air, yet there was silence. I thought for a second she had hung up.

Yes, Mr. Daniels, she finally replied. Thank you. Then the phone went dead.

I placed the phone back in its cradle and pressed the intercom. Sandy, when Ms. Smith returns please join her and me, I instructed.

Yes, Mr. Daniels, she giggled.

How the hell am I going to pull this off? I questioned aloud. I am very much attracted to her and I don’t date employees.

I felt panic starting to set in. Just...breathe, Chase, I mumbled. 

Chapter Three

Dream Job?

I could not believe the gall of that man. How dare he make accusations like that! ‘I am not my mom,’ I silently said. I could not hold the tears back as I rushed pass Sandy.

Jaden, Sandy called, but I just kept running.

I held my breath until I was outside. I slumped down on a nearby bench and allowed the tears to flow. The pain from his accusations was almost as bad as the day I walked in on Steven and my sister in bed. My mother and Sammie were the gold diggers, not me. All I has ever wanted was to be loved.

After Steven and Sammie’s betrayal, reality seized me. Love, respect, and good sex were fairy tales, nothing more. I blamed the books I have read for my mislead delusions about relationships.

Reality is; I will never have the one thing I have dreamed of. I will grow old alone, no love, no children, and no future. This was my darkness, my hell. I cannot help but feel like I am being punished, yet not sure what I did wrong.

My prepaid cell rang and I rummaged through my purse for it. ‘Damn, this will expire tomorrow.’ I thought. Looking at the caller ID I didn’t recognize the number and hesitated. Oh, well. What more can happen today? I mumbled.

Hello? I answered.

. Ms. Smith. It’s Chase Daniels. The disembodied voice said. I’m sorry for the way I had acted. I’ve had a very bad day and it was not right to take it out on you.

Oh, my, was he really apologizing? You are correct Mr. Daniels, it wasn’t right. I said.

Would you consider coming back to my office? he asked. I would very much like to offer you the position.

I gasped. Was this for real? Was he for real, my dream job finally being offered to me? It took me a second to steady my voice. Yes, Mr. Daniels, I finally replied. Thank you. Then I hung up, not giving him a chance to retract his offer.

I stepped back through the door and was greeted by Sandy. She smiled warmly and said, Let’s stop off at the ladies room so you can freshen up, ok?

I nodded and followed Sandy. I couldn’t help but feel like this was more of a hand out. I don’t do handouts.

Sandy opened the bathroom door, a smile still on her lips. In you go, dear, she said and I stepped through.

One look in the mirror confirmed that I really did not want to come face to face with him again. The harsh reality was; I must. I had to have a job. There is no getting around it.

I splashed my face then patted it dry. This will have to do, I said as I took one last look in the mirror. It was still evident that I had been crying. I sighed and stepped through the door.

Sandy ushered me back to the fourth floor, but this time she joined me in his office. He was sitting there with his face buried in a folder. He looked up and our eyes connected. I gasped and his eyes widen. I could feel the heat, yet I knew it was one sided; what looked like sadness flashed in his eyes.

He shook his head and stood. Ms. Smith, please have a seat, he said, motioning to the chair in front of his desk. Sandy, please take notes so the contract can be drawn up later.

My eyes widen. ‘Contract,’ I silently questioned while I watched Sandy take the chair next to me, flipping open a note pad. Mr. Daniels, I never said I would take the job, I said looking back to him. I said I would come back in so you could offer it to me. I would very much like to hear the details before I agree to anything.

He sat back in his chair studying me rubbing his chin as a smile played on his lips. Well, Ms. Smith, as this is not the way I normally handle things, I am at a loss, he said. My normal protocol is to hire people who are actually qualified for the position. Seeing as you have no college experience or rather no experience in anything, I figured we would create the job description as we go. Is that fine with you?

May I see a copy of the normal job details? I asked not breaking eye contact. I would have a better understanding as to your needs. Only then will I know if I can satisfy you.

Sandy chuckled as he sucked in a breath and his face turned a shade of red. He recovered and with a twinkle in his eyes, he leaned forward. Ms. Smith, I have no doubt as to your ability to satisfy me, he whispered.

I was shocked when the realization of what I had said hit me and my face reddened. I looked quickly down to my hands. I heard shuffling and peeked up as he was pushing a file towards me.

This is the job details for a qualified person, he smirked as he leaned back in his chair.

I scooted my chair closer to his desk and opened it.

***

Personal Assistant to Chase Daniels

Daniels Law Firm/CEO, CSD Inc.

The attributes of a good PA are:

Personal assistant, office personnel, secretary, PA-

- Efficient

- Self-motivated

- organized

- Good communicator, and

- IT literate

- Reading, monitoring and responding to the principal's email

- Answering calls and handling queries

- Preparing correspondence on the principal's behalf

- Commissioning work on the principal's behalf

- Liaising with staff, clients, etc.

- Managing the principal's electronic diary

- Booking meetings

- Organizing travel and preparing complex travel itineraries

- Attend meetings on your boss's behalf

- Writing minutes

- Taking dictation

- Planning, organizing and managing events

- Managing a budget

- Attending events/meetings as the principal's representative

- Conducting research on the internet

- Writing reports, executive summaries and newsletters

- Preparing presentations

- Preparing papers for meetings

- Managing and reviewing filing and office systems

- Updating websites

- Typing documents

- Sourcing and ordering stationery and office equipment

- Managing projects

- Managing an Assistant

-Travel

- Accompanying to Events

- Must dress appropriately

Work hours: Must be available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.

Salary will be paid monthly at the sum of $8300.00 directly deposited into banking account.

The company will provide travel expenses, company car, Blackberry, and an expense account. Expense account may be used for business and pleasure.

Starting Balance- $100,000.00

This will be refilled monthly at the amount of $20,000.00.

Expected start date: June 9, 2014 7:00 AM

My eyes kept flashing back to the pay. ‘Could I do everything he wants?’ I asked myself. ‘If not, then I see that pay going way down and God knows I need this money.’

I squared my shoulders and looked up to him. Mr. Daniels, I’m sure with a little training I could exceed your expectations, I announced.

A look shot through his eyes. I was not sure what it was, but I was not going to squirm under his intense gaze as I held his eyes. ‘Damn it! I need this,’ I thought to myself.

He cleared his throat and sat up. I’m sure you could, Jaden, he agreed. Without breaking eye contact, he addressed Sandy. Sandy, take Ms. Smith to fill out the paperwork. After that is complete, take her shopping for business attire. He then turned his eyes to Sandy and she nodded as her face was beaming with delight. He turned back to me. I will assume you have a passport Ms. Smith?

‘Shit!’ I thought as I felt my skin flush. No, sir, I don’t, I admitted.

He shook his head. I should have known, he mumbled. Sandy, see to it that one is obtained.

He glared at me. I could feel my temperature rising. You know what they say about assumptions don’t you Mr. Daniels? I fumed as he tilted his head just looking at me. It makes an ass out of you.

Sandy laughed as she stood and I followed suite. As he sat there speechless, I turned to follow Sandy and he spoke, You are going to be the death of me Jaden. You know that don’t you?

I turned back to him, as it was my turn to be left speechless. No Chase, I don’t know, I whispered once I found my voice and his eyes widened.

I turned back to Sandy and we walked to the door. Sandy then turned back. Anything in particular we need to look for on this shopping trip? she asked, smiling broadly at him.

He waved a hand. You know what I like, he said, completely horrified. I mean you know what’s appropriate. Oh hell! Just get out of here and put it on my personal credit card.

It was Sandy’s turn to be shocked. Not the expense account? she questioned. He shook his head. Very well, she added with a smile and opened the door.

Now I was pissed. I am not a charity case Mr. Daniels, I hissed.

No Jaden, you most certainly are not, he whispered, running his hand over his face.

I just stood there stunned. Sandy touched my arm. Come on dear, let’s get this all taken care of, she said.

I nodded as confusion filled me and I followed Sandy out of the office.

Chapter Four

John

I was sitting in my office trying to forget the day I had while listening to my 70’s and 80’s mix music.

The string of women throwing themselves at me, and then Jaden Smith, was just too much for me. Such a plain looking woman and I had accused her of doing the same as the others. She had denied it, of course.

I shook my head and turned to look out the window at the darkening sky. Who was I kidding? There was nothing plain about Jaden. She had a sharp tongue, beautiful brown hair and eyes you could get lost in, and a figure to die for. Hair I would love to run my fingers through and a body I would love to kiss. Then there were her lips, so full and soft looking. Just thinking about her made parts of me grow.

Looking over her resume, one could assume that I was right in my first assessment of her. However, having Sandy come down on me and a closer look at a background check on her, I could see that