Disclaimer: I do not own Trixie or the Bob-Whites. No profit is being made from their use. Thanks to Karen and Mylee for editing this story. It takes a lot of their time and I really appreciate their input, and it saves me a lot of embarrassing mistakes. :) I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Her Heart's Desire
Chapter One
Trixie stood nervously in front of the Wheeler-Frayne Building. It had been a week since her ordeal with Mr. Kramer, a week of dealing with over-protective parents, brothers, and friends. She had wanted desperately to talk to Jim but fate, it seemed, had other plans. Or her brothers. Like radar, they had zeroed in on every effort she and Jim had attempted to be alone. Now her first day back at the CAP offices was starting as usual. She was late.
Frowning, she yanked open the door, not waiting for the automatic system to work. When she looked in she couldn't help but giggle. There before her was Jim Frayne pacing the immense lobby. She could see his mouth moving as if he were talking to himself. A tender look passed over her face. He hadn't noticed her, but she could see him clearly. Stress was evident on his face and also in the way he clenched and unclenched his hands.
"Jim," she called softly, "I'm late."
Jim's face immediately broke out in a huge grin. Taking long strides to reach her, he pulled her into a hug. "Yes, you are."
"Is anything wrong?" Trixie asked. "You looked so fierce just then."
Jim hesitated for a moment, then answered, "Nothing's wrong, love. I was just anxious to see you. Alone."
Trixie blushed at his choice of endearment. She knew how she felt but he hadn't expressed his feelings as of yet. Was this his way of testing her reaction? With a small sigh, she smiled up at him, "It has been rather difficult, and today probably won't be any better."
"Come to my office, Trixie," Jim urged her. He rubbed his hands up and down her arms before adding, "Just for a moment, please. I'll make sure you don't get into any trouble."
"Okay," Trixie agreed, not at all unhappy with the situation.
They were standing facing each, hands clasped, when the elevator stopped on the next floor. Trixie felt Jim's hands squeeze hers tightly when Missy Kramer entered the elevator. Trixie could feel the thud of heart as it hit her stomach when Jim acknowledged Missy with a small nod. When Missy gave Jim a bright smile, Trixie looked warily up at him.
"Jim," Missy said happily, "I just love working here. After everything that's happened everyone is so nice. I really appreciate it."
Trixie, who had been staring at Jim, jerked her head around at Missy's words.
"Hi, Trixie," Missy said cautiously, "I'm glad you're back."
"Thank you," Trixie mumbled in response. An awkward silence followed until Missy exited the elevator.
Immediately Jim pulled Trixie into his arms. "Trixie, I know what you're thinking. It wasn't my idea."
Stunned, Trixie remained silent, trying to understand exactly what she was thinking. Recalling the horrible lies Missy had told her, she was unable to utter a sound. She even had to remind herself to keep breathing. She was still silent when Jim led her into his office.
"Talk to me, Trix," Jim said as he shut the door. "I can't stand this silence."
Taking a deep breath, Trixie looked at Jim. "How did she end up working here?"
"It's complicated," he answered. Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered, "Will you let me explain?"
"Okay," she answered slowly and exhaled, "explain."
"Mr. Kramer, Dad, and Matt Wheeler have been the best of friends for years," he began. "They feel responsible for Missy. She's broke, Trixie. Her dad wasted so much of his money, and then you add in legal fees, paying back the money he embezzled…, well, you get the picture."
"I guess," Trixie answered, still not convinced, "but, Jim, where will she be working? I'd rather avoid her if at all possible."
"She's working in marketing," he said. At her look of wonder, he added, "She does have a business degree. It just made sense."
"Jim," she said hesitantly, "what about…will she be seeing a lot of you?"
Jim tightened his embrace. "Trix, Dad insisted that I talk to Missy before she was hired. Missy apologized for everything, and she wants to apologize to you, too."
Trixie knew she would seem churlish if she didn't at least listen to Missy, and Jim was so forgiving. She couldn't bear for him to be disappointed in her. Everyone seemed so ready and willing to give Missy a second chance. Warning bells pounded in her head but she pushed them aside. She couldn't very well challenge any judgment made by Matt Wheeler or Win Frayne, but their decision caused a small ache in her heart. Missy's welfare must be very important to them, she thought. More important than me? She tried to clamp down on the selfish thought and made a determined effort to see their side of the story.
Swallowing her disillusionment, she smiled brightly at Jim and said, "I have to trust they made the right decision."
"No, you don't," he murmured as he began kissing her neck, "but I hope knowing why makes it easier for you."
Nothing would make it easier. Trixie felt betrayed by Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Frayne. They had known how Missy had treated her and yet they still allowed her to work here. She drew strength from Jim's embrace. He would never betray her, of that, she was certain.
"I probably should go to work now," she said quietly.
Jim groaned impatiently. "I really wanted to talk to you about us, not Missy."
Disheartened, Trixie could only agree. It seemed that Missy had already interfered in their relationship again. She laid her head against his chest, taking in the scent of him.
"How about lunch?" Jim suggested. "We could talk then."
Trixie stroked Jim's cheek. He really was sweet when he looked so worried about her. "I think that would be great."
She was rewarded with a crooked grin before he kissed her goodbye. "Tell them you had a meeting with me. They'll understand."
Subdued, Trixie entered her work area. Honey noticed immediately that something was wrong. Casting a worried glance at Trixie, she walked over to her.
"How's your first day back?" Honey inquired. "I hope it's not too overwhelming."
"It's fine," Trixie shrugged. "I was late again as usual."
"Have you seen Jim?"
"Yeah," she answered softly, "this morning."
"And?" Honey prompted her.
Trixie pushed a curl out of her face before answering. "Did you know about Missy?"
Uncharacteristically at a loss for words, Honey fidgeted with the ink pen she held in her hand. Finally, she spoke. "I don't think it's a good idea," she admitted frankly. "I wish they had taken your feelings into consideration; or, at least talked to you before they hired her."
Relieved to feel her support, Trixie gave Honey a swift hug. "I needed that."
"I think Dad and Mr. Frayne feel like it's their fault," Honey tried to explain. "We've known Missy forever. When her mom died, well, she changed a lot. Dad thinks they should have talked more to Mr. Kramer and Missy during that time. Now, it's too late."
"She wants to apologize to me," Trixie told her. She looked almost ashamed at her lack of enthusiasm. "Jim was very forgiving."
"Oh." Honey suddenly understood the real problem. Trixie was still insecure about Jim's feelings for her. "Jim's like that, Trixie. He would want to give her the benefit of the doubt, but he's not a pushover. I would hate to be in her shoes if she ever tried anything again."
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to listen to her," she conceded, "but not today. Today Jim is taking me out to lunch."
Honey grinned encouragingly at her friend. "Things will work out once you and Jim have some time alone."
That's what Trixie was counting on as she looked through the files from the human resource department. This rotation was much easier than the one spent in the finance department, and she was finding that she enjoyed this section quite a bit. It even gave her time to think about Jim.
As she flipped through the personnel files, Trixie took the time to study the background checks. They had stressed that it was important to understand each step in the hiring process. With all the names blacked out for privacy, she didn't feel like an intruder, but more like a detective.
She was surprised by the background in one of the files. Not only had this person been Miss New York City, she had competed in the Miss New York State pageant. Wondering who she could be, Trixie read more of the file. With a degree in business, the company had placed her in marketing and just recently. It had to be Missy, and of course, Missy was a beauty queen.
The insecurities that plagued Trixie washed over her anew. Why couldn't Jim see that Missy couldn't be trusted? Frowning, Trixie resolutely pushed the unpleasant thoughts from her mind. The answer to that question was not one she wished to consider.
Trixie had somewhat succeeded when Jim strolled into the room. Greeting him with a big smile, she said, "I'm glad to see you. I'm starving."
"Is that all I'm good for, a meal?" he joked.
"Maybe not all," Trixie answered shyly.
"Come on, then," Jim pulled her to her feet. "Get your stuff together and I'll show you just what I am good for."
Blushing furiously, Trixie hurriedly put away her things and went to her locker to retrieve her purse. Finally, she and Jim would get their chance to talk. We'll make it work, she thought. It just has to.
With a renewed attitude, Trixie returned to greet Jim with a smile. She faltered, however, when she found him talking with Missy.
"Jim?" The look she gave him was questioning and unsure.
"Are you ready, love?" He grabbed her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
There was that word again, causing Trixie to flush once more. Did he really mean it?
Missy interrupted the intimate moment. "Jim tells me you two are going to lunch."
"Yeah," answered Trixie, "he's practically convinced I'll starve if he doesn't feed me."
"Do you think?" Missy asked hesitantly. "Never mind, it was a bad idea."
"What, Missy?" Jim asked curiously, much to Trixie's chagrin.
"I'd like to treat you both to lunch," she said nervously. "It's the least I can do, and I owe Trixie a big apology."
NO! Trixie's mind screamed. She cast a glance at Jim. Would he be disappointed in her if she refused? He looked helplessly back at her, knowing that it wasn't what they had planned. She realized he was waiting for her response.
With the memory of her lunch with Mr. Kramer still fresh in her mind, Trixie looked at Missy. Lunch would be harmless enough, she supposed, especially with Jim by her side, but still. "It's really not necessary."
"Oh, but it is," pleaded Missy, "please."
Feeling cornered with no way out, Trixie smiled and nodded her agreement.
"Wonderful," Missy gushed, "let me get my things. I'll meet you in the lobby." She rushed away leaving Trixie to stare after her.
"Trix," Jim said softly, "you didn't have to do that, you know."
"I guess there goes that time alone," she smiled feebly.
Jim pulled her close. "I promise, Trix, we'll find time."
Trixie rested her head against Jim's chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "I didn't realize it would be this difficult."
"Want to try again tonight?" he asked.
"Don't you have a late class?"
"It's not that late," he assured her, "and I really want to see you."
"It's a date," she grinned.
Missy greeted them enthusiastically when they entered the lobby. A little too enthusiastically, thought Trixie. Her irritation was tempered, however, by the firm grip Jim kept on her hand.
"Would the little café around the corner be okay?" Missy asked sweetly. "I think we could talk there."
"That would be fine, Missy," Jim answered as he ushered the girls through the door.
Trixie gritted her teeth as she sat through lunch listening to Missy tell her how wonderful Jim had been. Not that she didn't agree, she just didn't like anyone feeling like that about Jim. And even though Missy was gushing about him, he remained quietly polite and cordial. She couldn't find any fault in the way he treated Missy, so why did she feel so uneasy? Was it the way Missy was looking at him? Her eyes softened to a warm glow every time he spoke to her. Or was it the way she responded to his every word? With a small frustrated sigh, Trixie tamped down on her womanly instincts. Instincts that were telling her that Missy wasn't finished. Yet.
"I do want to apologize to you, Trixie," Missy looked gracefully ashamed as she spoke. "With everything that has happened, it made me realize that how you get things is more important than what you have. I'm really sorry I treated you so badly."
Trixie shifted uncomfortably as Missy spoke. Had she really given up her pursuit of Jim? Missy had failed to reveal that. Although reluctant to trust her, Trixie smiled and accepted her apology.
"I realize we'll never be the best of friends," Missy added regretfully, "but I promise to be nicer."
Feeling Jim's eyes upon her, Trixie smiled and said, "I'll try, too."
Later, when Jim escorted her back to the CAP offices, he insisted she stop by his office for a moment. Just for a minute, he promised.
"You amaze me, Trix," Jim said as he pulled her into his arms. "I can't imagine how difficult that was for you."
Feeling a little bit like a fraud, Trixie shrugged off his praise. "I'm trying, Jim. I'm just not sure I'll ever be comfortable around Missy or trust her."
Jim cupped her face with his hand and gently stroked her cheek. "You know you don't have to worry about me and Missy, don't you?"
No, I don't know that. The stubborn thought flashed through her mind. Instead of that, she nodded and said, "Make sure you remember that."
"You captured my heart from day one, Trixie," Jim said looking intently into her eyes.
Jim allowed his hand to run through her curls while he tightened his hold on her waist with the other, focusing his gaze upon her lips. Pulling her head toward him, he captured her lips, drowning in the sensation of her lips against his, her body pressed securely against his hard frame. It was exactly what he needed, and she needed that, too. She needed him. The more she kissed him, the more she needed his reassurance of his feelings for her. Missy might be more beautiful, but she wanted Jim's love not just his desire.
