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"They're potential designs for some of the buildings I'm developing downtown."
"Clarissa's work?"
He eyed me warily. "Much of it. She's good at what she does."
"She is." I eyed the pictures again, trying to find flaws, but finding none. I recognized one of the buildings already finished. I was hit by a surge of pride in Jax's vision, even if it took Clarissa to help him make it come to life. "I remember what this building looked like before you took it over. It's amazing what you've done." I quirked an eye up at him. "You've a keen eye for potential."
He smiled and shrugged as if it was no big deal, but if I wasn't mistaken, his cheeks took on a pinkish hue. Another picture caught my eye. "What's this one? Something about it looks familiar, but I can't quite place it."
"It was the topic of the discussion when you got here. It's the old printing press building. I plan to turn it into a parking garage. The city needs it desperately, especially if it wants to draw new businesses downtown successfully. I need it to make my new office spaces more marketable, or I run the risk of having premium office spaces with no room for parking. I thought I had a deal with the City Manager, but now he's hedging on me. It could end up being a poor investment if I can't get it."
I had to swallow my heart back into place. Now I knew why it looked familiar. It was the same building that the new Kidz Korner had hoped to purchase. Of all the buildings, it had the most checks in the 'pro' column. It had large open spaces that could be converted to gym floors and dance classes, it was on the bus route, and it already had an elevator. Best of all, it was cheap because it wasn't designed for offices so anyone else wanting the space would have more major renovations to make it ready for all of the office equipment and internet needs they would require.
Now, two causes I believed in wanted the same space. Both had valid reasons and legitimate needs for it. Both seeking to learn about the other. I sat down, shaken by the realization that I was the key to what each wanted. How could I choose? My loyalty was to Jax, but I'd also invested so much of myself and my time into trying to gain the building for the kids I'd come to care about so much.
"Grace, everything okay?"
No, I'm not. I know who your roadblock to getting what you want is. "I'm fine. I just spaced out for a few minutes." I faked a grin at him trying to relieve his concerned expression. "I think you wore me out. Maybe we should head home soon if you're ready."
"Sit. I'll clean up. Maybe you should ride back with me. I can have someone bring your car to you in the morning."
"No, that's okay. I'll be fine." And I need the time by myself to decide what to do. I can't tell either one without betraying the other. They could each use the information to fight against the other.
Jax finished cleaning up our dinner, then followed me back to my apartment. Concerned that I was still too quiet, he ran a warm shower insisting that it would help me relax. Long minutes later I returned to my bedroom to find the sheets turned down and a mug of warm milk and honey. While I drank, he brushed my hair, murmuring once again that I worked too hard and I should hire someone. Whether it was the homemade sleep remedy, the soothing brush strokes, or the slow, gentle way he made love to me, I fell asleep in his arms, only to dream of buildings crumbling on top of everything I held dear.
34
Grace
"Something on your mind tonight?" I stood behind Jax, burrowing my thumbs deep into his muscles. It had been a week since I'd discovered Jax's plan to buy the Press Building. How ironic that the building had sat there for almost over a decade unused and unwanted, only to be coveted by more than one buyer at the same time.
I'd wished for a new solution for either party, but neither had backed down, neither knowing the other person who wanted it. I'm not sure what his actual intentions were, but Alan Phelps had really made a muck of my life, as well as Jax's and Gene's.
Jax rolled his head and sat back from his desk. "Just work." He swiveled his chair so that he could face me. He clasped the back of my thighs and pulled me closer and leaned his head against my stomach. "I'm sorry. I know I promised not to bring work home, but I have a meeting at the City Council the day after tomorrow. I need to review what my staff put together for me. A lot of things hinge on it. If this deal falls through, so do a lot of other things. If I knew what or who I was going up against, I'd feel a lot better."
My fingers stilled for a minute as a wave of guilt passed through me. I hadn't known how to handle this. But I knew I hated when other people interfered in my business, much less my life. I'd racked my brains for a different solution, but so far hadn't come up with one. It was the cowardly way out, but I'd decided until I could think of something else, I wouldn't say anything to either Jax nor Gene, letting the chips fall where they would as if I'd never discovered the link.
I threaded my fingers through his hair. "I'm sure it will all work out. You can be very convincing, you know. After all, you managed to convince me to go out with you." I winked at him.
He grinned back. "My greatest accomplishment. And the most meaningful. I've never known someone like you, Grace. Never had someone in my corner."
Ouch! Doubt filled my mind. Surely, if I confided in him, together, we could find a solution. I couldn't let him down. Gene would just have to understand.
His hands moved up the back of my thighs under my skirt to squeeze my ass.
"Jax, there's something I need to—"
I stopped when his phone rang. I saw the regret in his eyes when he looked to see who it was. "I'm sorry, but it might
be important."
I smiled and stepped back, nodding that I understood. To give him some privacy, I decided to go to my bedroom and put away some laundry that I'd folded before Jax came over. I smiled as I worked, enjoying hearing the rumble of his voice in the distance. I smoothed a wrinkle in a shirt that belonged to Jax before I put it in a drawer I'd cleaned out for him. He'd started leaving a few articles of clothing and some shaving supplies, so he had something to change into if he came over straight from work.
I knew this was a new step for him. It was the start of a future together. That meant he should be my priority; his needs should be my needs. As hard as it might be, I needed to tell him what I knew about the building. It wouldn't really be interfering since I wouldn't be manipulating the decisions. He'd still have to justify why he should be the one to purchase it.
Finally feeling at peace, I headed out to tell him but was halted when my cell phone rang. I was excited to see it was Nina, Micah's mom. I'd given a lot of thought to Jax's suggestion about hiring an assistant. I studied my finances to see if I could support the addition. Jade double checked my figures and confirmed that I easily could, and with a few adjustments she suggested, I decided to take the plunge.
I'd been impressed with Nina when she volunteered at the shelter, easily seeing the big picture and breaking it up into manageable tasks and delegating them with authority. She'd been thrilled when I suggested it to her, but she wanted to take a few days to think about it rather than jump in, which impressed me further to know she wasn't impulsive.
