A/N This will be a doozy, fyi! A HUGE thank you to all of you that have read and and even BIGGER THANKS to those that reviewed. It truly means a lot to me.
My lovely beta Nic held my hand through this, and never had a bad word to say. Thank you bb, really, thank you.
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Coldplaywhore, a million thanks for pimpin me. If you haven't read her stories, go immediately and read. I'll wait. Done? Good! To my partner in smut crime ARenee363, many thanks and spanks to you! Flightlessbird11, MaggieMay14, spargus, GreenEyedGirl, addict2twilight79, vanessarae1, and all the others.... I've enjoyed getting to know you. I hope it continues!
Brit darling, I lurve you hard!
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Disclaimer: they aren't mine, but the things I would do to them if they were.... I need someone to paint my house! Hehe... dirty minds, all of you!
Enjoy the show!
Chapter 4
APOV
The sound of the door closing jerked me back to reality. "Sorry about that gentleman." I drew myself up to my full height and smiled my best professional smile.
"Well, that's no problem at all darlin'." The grin on him could've taken the panties off my Grandma Brandon. "I believe we spoke on the phone the other day, I'm Jasper Whitlock."
He held his hand out to me, his eyes twinkling when I didn't immediately extend my own to his.
"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Whitlock." I tried using my work voice on him as I shook his hand, but it came out softer, breathier. Pull yourself together Alice!
"And you must be Mr. Cullen." Once again, I extended my hand, this time I was the one with my hand held out, waiting for him to stand and acknowledge my existence.
With my head cocked to the side, I studied my new project for a moment. He looked back at me and I clearly saw the anger on his face, mixed with confusion, and... What was that? Desire? Longing? His eyes cut away from mine to the door. Ah, this may be easier than I thought. He liked what he saw.
"Well, Edward, there's no time like the present to begin. When someone introduces themselves to you, it's customary to stand, offer your hand to shake, and say your name. It would be good if you added a 'How are you today?' in the mix." I couldn't stop the grin spreading on my face as he scrambled awkwardly to his feet, finally meeting my hand with his.
"S-sorry about that, Ms. Brandon." His voice quavered a bit and his hand shook as it reached for mine; I felt the stirrings of sympathy watching him handle a simple introduction awkwardly. "Please call me Edward. It's nice to meet you, and I look forward to working with you."
"Wow, you almost sounded sincere saying that! Maybe I won't have to work as hard as I thought with you." He flushed at my teasing, but remained stiff, refusing to relax at the banter. My resolve stiffened at the rebuff of my joke. That does it; I WILL succeed in bringing him out of the rock he's been living under!
"Well, no use putting it off anymore. Please, let's go into my office and get down to business." As we filed into my office, I noticed Jasper enjoying the view as I rounded my desk. Without my head agreeing, my hips twitched a bit in acknowledgement of his perusal. His mouth quirked and his brow rose in response. Oh yeah, I still got it! "May I offer you gentlemen some water or a soft drink?"
"No, thank you. I just want to get this over with." Edward's voice tensed up immediately after entering my office. This may be harder than I thought. Please don't fight me on this.
"Anything for you Mr. Whitlock?" My voice quivered a little as my eyes met his again.
"Nothing for me right now, darlin'. But later, you may have something I want." His eyes once again trailed along the parts of my body still visible to him.
Oh dear baby Jesus in Heaven help me right now, please! I took a deep breath to settle myself, frowning a bit when his lips quirked a bit.
I straightened my papers first before looking back up to them, giving myself some time to settle down. "Well, let's get down to business, shall we?" I settled into my chair and leaned back to face them. "I like to start these first meetings by getting to know a little bit about you. For one, what brings you here for my help?" I asked Edward.
He shifted in the chair, his eyes still downcast. Arms crossed, his body language clearly spoke of his unwillingness to participate. How am I going to get him to cooperate?
"Nothing. I don't need any help." His brow rose, daring one of us to disagree.
"Now Ed, you know that's not true. You can't head up a big company looking like this. You look like the Unabomber's crazy cousin." Jasper laughed out loud at his joke. Too bad I didn't find it funny. I frowned at him, looking over to gauge Edward's reaction. From the look on his face, Edward didn't either.
"Shut up Jazz. I look just fine. Jeez, no one bugs Bill Gates about how he looks." Edwards face, once red with embarrassment, turned into a defiant sneer at the mention of the computer mogul.
"You're right, of course, Edward. You do look fine. However, you need to look even better in order to represent your company in the best light. I also have it on good authority that Bill Gates has a personal shopper and an assistant to pick out his clothes." I gave him a wink when he looked up incredulously at me.
"I don't want to change you. I want to enhance you. It's like you squared." When I said this, he looked up at me with a startled expression. Why does he think I want him to look completely different? Doesn't he know how gorgeous he his?
"C'mon Edward, you know why we have to do this. You need to make it work or we can kiss any thought of your company moving forward good bye." Jasper eyes, so full of fun and mirth before, now looked at me with worry. "People are counting on you."
That comment was the one that did him in. His face fell with defeat.
"I know it seems like we're ganging up on you, and believe me, that's the last thing I want to do. Why don't you take some time to think about what we said and let me know what you decide?" It was a big risk, allowing him to walk away without a commitment. By the way Jasper looked at me; I could tell that I wasn't the only one who thought this.
"No, no. You guys are right. I need to do this. When do we start?" I looked him over once more. It seemed like he made more of an effort on his appearance today. His black slacks and dark blue polo were clean, but not pressed. His hair looked untamable at that length and he had yet to shave. Still, his fingernails were short and clean, obviously because he picked at them when he was nervous. I wondered what Bella would think of him. Would she like the awkwardness and discomfort he displayed now, or would she prefer him cleaned up and head held high with confidence? Hmm I'll keep that in mind as a motivating factor for him. I know he liked what he saw now, what will he think when I'm done with her?
"Well, formalities first, please." I opened up a folder and produced a set of papers. "This is a standard contract, set within your timeframe. Please read it and fax it back to the office after signing. Once everything is in order, we'll start right away."
"Now I hate to say this, but Edward doesn't sign anything without me reading it thoroughly first. It's for his protection." Jasper looked at me coyly, clearly ready to play once again. Does this mean he's interested? Why is he so hard for me to read?
"Jasper, I understand completely, and wouldn't have it any other way." I looked up at him from underneath my lashes. Two can play at this game buddy! "Please call me anytime with whatever questions you may have. I look forward to working with both of you soon." I rose, extending my hand to shake Jaspers.
"I look forward to seeing you again very soon." His hand brought mine up to meet his warm and firm lips. Holy hell, what else is warm and firm on him? No, no, bad Alice! No thinking about his lips, and his hips… Stop! My eyes moved from staring at his lips to meet his. Twin ice blue orbs danced with mirth and interest. The rustling of clothing reminded me there was someone else in the room.
I reached over to Edward, momentarily forgotten in my daydream of his sexy lawyer. His hand was a bit clammier, evidence that he wasn't as okay with this as he led us to believe.
"Please know that I will never do anything you aren't seventy percent comfortable with." As his eyes threatened to fall you if his head, I hurried to explain further. "I can't say I won't push you out of your comfort zone because that's a part of my job. I'm here to help you expand and grow that part you've neglected. In order for that to happen, I need to challenge you, but know I'll never push you farther than I think you're capable of."
His smile reached his eyes this time and he looked much more at ease with me than he did before.
"I'll look over the contract with Jasper and get it back to you as soon as possible." He smiled at me and my jaw almost dropped. While he wasn't as hot as Jasper, once he relaxed and went with the flow, he had the definite possibility of catching a woman's eye. My insides gave a little squee at the thought of bringing that guy to the forefront.
I showed them out of my office, and Jessica jumped up from her desk and took over the task of offering thanks and ushered them to the door. She flipped the lock before turning to me with a grin.
"Wow, that blonde certainly was a hunk! What kind of help does he need and can I offer my services?" She giggled and rolled her eyes in appreciation.
"He was just here with his client... My second new client of the day. Your services with him won't be needed, sadly. How could I improve on perfection like that?" I laughed, and hoped I hid the longing in my voice. "How did everything go with Victoria? I hope she didn't make you too crazy!"
"No, not at all! She loved the dress. Plus, when I stopped in Zafrina's salon on Saturday to check that everything was up to Vic's standards, she was actually nice to me!"
I looked at her in shock. Victoria was never nice to hired help. If she could pull that miracle out of Victoria, imagine what else she can do!
I felt a surge of pride at the fact that Jessica not only handled a difficult client, but at the fact that she did so with apparent ease. With everything I would have on my plate with whipping the dynamic duo into shape, I needed her to step up and take over any other new projects that might happen to come along. With Jessica in the coaching position, I wouldn't have to turn away any new business.
"I know! I was surprised too. When I did the follow up call on Monday, she was actually happy. She said she wasn't going to extend the contract, but she was extremely satisfied with my service. She also talked of referring us to a friend of hers in the same situation! Can you believe it? A referral on my first client! I'm in heaven. I think I ate a pint of ice cream to celebrate." Her eyes shone with victory. I couldn't hold my tongue any longer.
"Jess, you did a great job. I also talked to her this week and she seemed pleased with your work. In light of that, I have a new task for you to begin first thing tomorrow. Your job will be to find a suitable replacement for your position. I'd like to promote you as soon as the assistant position is filled."
Her scream of joy almost deafened me for life. She threw herself in my arms and squeezed the breath right out of me.
"Thank you! Thank you so much Alice! You won't regret it! I can't wait to start interviewing people. I have a couple of people in mind for the job, and I hope one works out. Oh! I need a drink to celebrate. Come with me Alice please?"
"How can I resist those eyes begging me? Let me wrap up in here, and we'll be on our way." I made a quick phone call, wincing when it went to voicemail. She better call me back, pronto. I slammed the receiver down and proceeded to put my paperwork away and hand over the files to Jess to put away. I shut down the computer and turned the lights off in my office, my jacket already in my arms. Before we could switch the phones to the answering service, it buzzed loudly cutting through the hustle of getting out on time.
"Come on, Alice blow it off, let's go before there isn't a place to sit!" Jess begged me. As I was just about to relent, the buzzing stopped. "See Ali? They didn't want to talk to us!" She giggled as she quickly hit the sequence of numbers that would send any calls to the service.
Suddenly the sound of Hall and Oates "Maneater" rang out from my bag.
"Sorry Jess, I have to take this," I said as I hit the talk button. "Hey there Rose, what took you so long to call me back?"
"Alice, it took me twenty minutes. I was with a client if you must know, and she didn't like the fact that her ass was too fat for the size she insisted she was." Rose never did tolerate bullshitters and it pained her almost daily that she had to do just that in her shop.
"So? What did you tell her?" I held out the hope that she told the lady that if she didn't like it, she could take her fat ass to Target to shop. That had happened several times in the first year her lingerie shop opened. Too bad she'd learned a little bit of restraint.
Rosalie Hale's shop came second to her designs, of course. Victoria's Secret tried for years to get her to work for them. But after modeling their designs for several years, she learned their form wasn't always functional. So she set out to make underwear that was not only comfortable, but understated and sexy. She always loved the pin up girls of the forties and the lingerie they wore. Taking those inspirations and putting a modern twist on them, she took the lingerie world by storm. Her flagship store in Watertower Place was the only store to stock her merchandise. Most of her work still came from custom orders. "What do you think I told her? I told her there was obviously some sort of mistake, took the tags off a larger pair and told her they were custom make for Ashlee Simpson, and she could have those because Ashlee couldn't fit in them!" Her laugh rang out loud and sultry, undoubtedly attracting the attention of every male in hearing distance. Too bad for them she already had the love of her life, and had no intention of letting him go.
"Rose I can't believe you told her that!" I laughed along with her. "What's worse is that she believed it!" We both dissolved into hysterics as we said the exact same thing at the exact same time.
"Okay, okay enough about my clients, what is it you need from me?" Trust Rose to get right to the point.
"I have a new client. She was actually referred to me indirectly by you." I started, knowing full well it would intrigue her.
"I haven't spoken to anyone about you lately. Who is it?"
"Her name is Bella Swan, but she was set up by her editor, an Esme Cullen?" I asked, arching my newly waxed brows. She never told me when she referred someone, liking me to be surprised instead.
"Oh yes, Esme. I forgot I told her about you. Well, what exactly is it you need from me?"
"I need you to be free on Saturday around noon for a personal consultation. She'll need at least three bras to walk out with, one to wear out. We're shopping and you know I don't allow clothes to be purchased with substandard undergarments on." Rose not only knew it, but loved it enough to help me come up with my motto. Nothing's right on the outside if it isn't right underneath. Rose also liked it because I brought her business; business that usually stayed with her.
"Let me look... Oh okay. I can shift things around and be ready. Do you want to discuss specifics now, or would you rather meet up later?" I knew she was either canceling or moving someone else's appointment for me. Saturdays were her busiest days, and were always the most difficult to squeeze an appointment in. I guess it paid to be the designer's best friend.
"I'm about to go celebrate Jessica's promotion, can I talk to you about it later?"
"Not a problem babe. I gotta run, I have an appointment in five. Talk to you later!" And with that, she hung up. Typical Rose. Never patient enough to wait for someone else to say bye.
"There's a new bar over on Clark I've been dying to try. I wonder if any cute guys will be there. What do you say Ali? Think I can pick up a little present for my promotion?" Jess' hips gave a little twitch at the thought of unwrapping a present later.
"It's your night Jess. Just don't settle for a dud, when a promotion like this deserves a stud!" We laughed together as I locked the door to the office. She stepped down to the curb and hailed a cab.
A night of debauchery, here we come!
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Jessica's head poked into my office, disrupting me from my daydream of my meeting with Edward and Jasper yesterday.
MMMM Jasper. I could lick those lips all day...
"Hey Alice," Jess once again pulled me back to reality. "The candidate for the assistant's position will be here in about forty five minutes to meet you. Is that okay?" Her bleary-eyed anxious look reminded me of how much she celebrated her forthcoming promotion.
"That's fine Jess. Why don't' you run and pick up some of that chai latte hangover remedy you love so much?" She just didn't know the true secret to hangover prevention...
"Thanks Alice. By the way, how do you look so bright eyed and bushy-tailed this morning? I swear you drank just as much as I did!" She started to giggle, and then winced when that action appeared to have tried to split her head open.
"I, the all-knowing Alice, have the key to stopping hangover in their tracks. Since you are moving up in the ranks of the company," she snickered at the reminder of her raise. "I suppose I can tell you the secret to hangover prevention." I looked side to side, as if I were making sure we were all alone. The phone rang, interrupting our little talk.
Jess pouted as she answered the line, her phone voice perfect despite her hangover.
"One moment please," she pushed the hold button, and handed the phone over to me. "Ms. Cullen is on the line. I'm off if that's okay with you?"
"That's' fine Jess. Can I have a caramel macchiato, too?" I fluttered my eyelashes at her. "Pretty please Jessie-poo?"
She nodded her head and rolled her eyes, only wincing slightly at the movement. I hit the flashing button to speak with Esme as Jessica turned to leave the room.
"Esme, what a surprise. I was just going to call you." I smiled, firmly believing a person can hear a smile through the phone, "What can I do for you?"
"Hello Alice. I was just calling to hear your thoughts on our pet project. What did you think of Bella and Edward?" Her voice held just a hint of a New England accent.
"Well, after meeting both clients, I can honestly say the prospect of my success on all counts is very high. I find Bella to be charming and sweet, and once we rid Edward of his shyness, I think he has real potential." My lips curved a bit more at the thought of the two of them together.
"What do you think our chances are of getting them together?" I could hear the twin emotions of hope and anxiousness in the question.
"Well, I think it may be better than I anticipated. I had Edward meet me right after my appointment with Bella, and he showed definite signs of interest. I couldn't tell with Bella, she didn't give much away." I sighed a bit, remembering I was too busy being eye-fucked by Jasper to remember Bella's reaction to Edward. "I can work with a one sided attraction. We just have to see what will happen, Esme. Remember, I'm not a miracle worker."
"I understand Alice; I just want them to meet and get to know each other." She sounded almost child-like in her enthusiasm. "I can't thank you enough for all your help."
"Well, you'll be paying out the nose for it, so they better be worth it!" We both chuckled at my joke. Well, almost a joke. Wait until the bill comes in! "I have a meeting now Esme, but I'll be sure to keep you updated on their progress."
"Thank you so much Alice. I appreciate all you've done for me. Have a great day!"
"Bye Esme!" I hung up the phone, feeling both pride at her praise and fear from it. I knew I was good at my job, but to do all we planned seems like trying to take over Atlas' job. Knowing that I'd never failed any of my clients was both a relief and a very high bar I'd set for myself. Pull yourself together Alice! You can do this. Remember, we never promised they'd fall in love.
But wouldn't it be great of they did?
I checked the clock, noticing I only had about ten minutes left until the interview. I quickly picked up the phone and dialed the number for Bella. I sat impatiently as the phone rang and then the voicemail clicked on.
"Hi, this is Bella. Leave your number and a message, please. Thank you."
"Hey Bella, this is Alice. I just wanted to discuss our meeting tomorrow. Why don't we meet in front of the Watertower Place at eleven forty five? We'll shop a bit, have a bite, and then finish up. Let me know if that's not convenient for you. Thanks Bella! See you tomorrow!" I hung up the phone just as Jess once again popped her head in my office.
"Is this a bad time? I have your sugar concoction and Heidi is waiting for you. Can I send her in now?" Her eyes shone with the hope I would hire the first applicant that waked through the door. It was too bad that I had high standards, and that was unlikely to happen...
"Send her in Jess, but remember I'm not making any decisions until Tuesday. I have several more people to interview." I hated to see the light fall from her eyes, but I couldn't hire just anyone. My reputation was at stake.
"I know Ali; I'm just so excited to start. She'll be right in," she said as she bounced out the door.
I sighed, thinking that I was lucky to have found Jess in school. We both graduated with degrees in Sociology, but Jess opted to stay with me and help me out here instead of going to grad school. The fact that her parents were so well off meant that she didn't have to work at all, making her dedication to Futures all that much more valuable to me.
The door opened, and I almost laughed out loud at the woman that walked in the door. Her hair still held the style that Rachel from 'Friends' made popular in the nineties. Her makeup looked like it was applied with a putty knife, and when she smiled and me her front teeth revealed that they, too, liked her lipstick.
I rose and held out my hand. "Hello, I'm Alice." She limply shook my hand, and then dropped it, sitting before she was invited. Her top was yellow and about two sizes too small, and as she adjusted her tiny denim skirt, I couldn't help but notice she had on red underwear. Ack! Bleach! My brain needs bleach!
"Like, hi, I'm Heidi. I would so love to work here! It's so fancy. Is your desk made of real wood? Wow, my last boss had one of those metal ones, and he fired me when we broke it. I mean, that's so, like, not fair! He broke it too! That's why I want to work for a chick this time." As she paused for a breath, she suddenly blew a bubble.
Oh my lord, this interview is over!
I went through the motions of interviewing her, only asking a quarter of the questions I would have normally asked. As I rose to usher her out, my eyes glanced over the waiting area and skidded to a stop when I saw Jasper seated in one of the chairs. Heidi noticed as well, sticking her chest out a bit more and sending a smile his way. Jasper's eyes never left mine however, earning him extra points in my book.
"Thank you again Heidi for applying. If you don't hear from me by Wednesday, then we have given the position to another candidate." She pouted at me, but left without another word.
"Well, Jasper, care to follow me to my office?" I looked up at him through my lashes. God he looks amazing in a suit! Can I help you with your jacket, Mr. Whitlock? I turned without speaking and he followed me, closing the door once we were both inside.
"Am I interrupting anything Miss Alice?" He looked almost sheepish, and remained standing until I sat. His hands were worrying a folder, the same folder I'd given Edward yesterday.
"No, you aren't, Jasper, but I do have to leave for an appointment shortly. What can I do for you?" He couldn't stay long. If he did, without Edward serving as a buffer, I'd end up attacking him.
"I have the contract, signed and notarized for you." He shook his head a bit, and then extended the folder to me.
"Why thank you. You really didn't have to hand deliver it. I do have a working fax machine." I let out a low laugh, and watched fascinated as his eyes darkened.
"Why, Miss Alice..." The way he said my name had my girly parts tingling. "If I didn't bring this to you, I wouldn't get to see you gorgeous face." The way his words flowed over me almost stunned me stupid.
"Is that a line, Mr. Jasper?" I faked a southern drawl, laughing as he winced at how bad it sounded.
"Well, it sounds like we need to work on that drawl a bit darlin'. How about we go to dinner tomorrow and I'll teach you how to let those words just… Flow out of you." The blue in his eyes melted me and without thinking, I heard myself talking.
"Is this a lesson or a date?" What did I just say? Oh god, way to put him on the spot!
"It's whatever you want it to be darlin'. Now how about you give me your address and I'll pick you up at seven thirty." He smiled and, I swear by all that is holy, my panties ran for cover. Once again without thinking, I watched myself write my address on a card and hand it over.
"Thank you Miss Alice. You won't regret it. Be sure to wear something pretty for me now." His eyes danced with laughter, then darkened as they dropped to look at my lips. He took the card from my hand, raising it to his lips for a quick kiss.
"I'll see you tomorrow." He smiled once more, and left. I had not idea how much time had passed before I noticed Jess waving her hand in front of my face.
"Alice? Alice if you don't leave now, you'll be late." I looked at the clock, wincing at the time. I grabbed my things and headed out the door.
"Don't forget to lock up Jess!" I ran to the corner and hailed a cab, thinking about the fact that it seemed to be too late for me to lock up.
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