"There were several invoices from a fictional firm. I did a little research and found no entity registered under the name Soliloquy Consulting firm. This company received over seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. They paid the decorators that modernized this building more than the contracted amount. There were no agreements to support the extra payment. I searched the building for additional furniture and decorative items. I didn't find any marble cocktail tables or abstract art pieces."
"I can ask SecOps to look on the dark web for any information on the hacker," I said.
"We already have someone looking into it." She flashed a gentle smile. "Jazzy's doing everything she can to support us. I ask that you and Hunter stay out of it. The less you know, the better."
My heart did a double beat at the mention of Jasmine's name, and I asked what had been on my mind all morning. "How is she?"
"I spoke with her last night. She's well,” said Lilah.
I wanted to seek more details. Did she ask about me? But I knew that Lilah's loyalty wouldn't allow her to say too much about her best friend. Then again, I couldn't help it.
"Let her know that I asked about her."
"Remember when I said that she respects strength? The advice still applies," Lilah said.
I clearly remembered.
"You want to explain why your ass is still here?" Hunter leveled a glare my way. "Your heart is in Atlanta. You need to go get it."
I retrieved my cell phone from my shirt pocket and navigated to a travel website. If I left now, I could make the next flight. I put down my sandwich and pushed back my chair. I balled up the wrappers with a bottle of water and dumped it in Hunter's trash can.
"I'll text the address. Good luck!" Lilah called over.
"Thanks!" I yelled back.
I rushed to the lobby and surged out of the circular doors. Hailing the first cab in sight, I slid into the back seat. "Midway, please. Delta."
The taxi driver eased us into midday traffic, and we navigated between inching vehicles. I arrived at the airport with less than fifty minutes to reach the gate. I joined the pre-screened passengers' line, but I still encountered long queues and was subjected to extra screening measures.
The agents released me in just enough time to make it to the flight if I ran to the gate. Mildly winded from exertion, I made it in time to board with the first group, and I fell back into the last seat in first-class.
Throughout the two-hour flight, I practiced what I would say to get my woman back. My leg bounced the entire way with nervous anticipation.
Walking through Hartsfield airport burned off some of my nervous energy. In the cab, my heart ran sprints across my chest as we drove down the major street leading to her community. We wound through perfectly manicured neighborhoods of nearly identical brick and stone townhomes, stopping at the driveway of an end unit. In the opened garage, sat a white BMW. She was home.
I paid the taxi driver and watched as he drove away. This could end horribly, Jasmine wouldn't hesitate to slam the door in my face. I could piss off Jasmine. Or she would see me as a stalker for showing up at her home unannounced and uninvited. Ringing the doorbell, I regretted not picking up a few dozen roses or a bunch of balloons.
I wasn't a fucking stalker. I was a man coming for his woman.
She peeked out of the sidelights before opening the front door. Two clicks of the locks later, and she stood before me. Fresh-faced, she was the epitome of youth. She'd styled her usually straight hair in a mass of curls that touched her shoulders. Even with the bored expression on her face, she'd never looked more beautiful.
"I had to make sure that you made it home safely. I thought you were lying in the gutter somewhere. I see you're okay. I'll go home now." I smiled a shy smile and turned to walk away.
I turned back when I heard her sigh. She opened the door wider and gestured for me to enter. "You're just in time for dinner," she said.
I stepped into the foyer, my eyes roaming the well-appointed space.
She shut the door and locked it behind her. When she turned, I moved in close, giving her no place to run. With her back pressed against the door, I placed my palms at the side of her head, caging her in. We were so close, I caught a whiff of the hint of mint on her breath. Her eyes locked onto mine as she crossed her thin arms over her chest, as if the slight gesture would force me to back down. I would never back down, not when her luscious mouth parted, and the speed of the rise and fall of her chest increased.
I came for what was mine.
"You left without so much as a goodbye. I grabbed my keys and ran down the hallway to the elevator. When I reached the lobby, you were gone. I drove to the Langham and the Sofitel, and there was no sign of you. I went to O'Hare and Midway, hoping that I would find you and talk some sense into you. I've sent dozens of text messages. Why didn't you respond?"
She avoided meeting my eyes. "You weren't honest."
"If you had stayed, I would have told you everything. Next time you're angry with me, don't walk away without talking it out."
She swallowed, her throat bobbing. Her eyes scanned my face. "Next time? You presume there will be a next time?" Her chestnut-colored eyes sparkled with challenge. She uncrossed her arms and splayed her hands on the door. "Just a hint, I don't find the implication that you'll disappoint me again the least bit attractive."
My lips burned to touch hers, but I wouldn't allow it. I was there for a reason and wouldn't leave until I knew she was mine.
"I'd hoped that I would spend my last year at Dynex preparing for the IPO. I would finish on a high note, then put it all behind me and start fresh. Then I met you and life as I knew it would never be the same. You are so strong and wise. I was afraid of fucking it up, so I kept that part of me locked up and hidden. I should never have let you leave. I should have barricaded the door and made you listen."
"That's kidnapping." The faintest of smiles appeared on her mouth. Then she did it, she licked her lips.
I leaned forward and kissed her, taking care to keep the kiss soft. It was an apology kiss, a I’m-so-sorry gesture. At least that was my intent. But when our lips met, my baser instincts took hold, it’s power overrode everything. I pushed my hands against the door until they were firmly lodged, as I got caught up in the taste of her. Jasmine’s mouth opened wider and our tongues met. I pulled back when her hand palmed my arm. The move startled her, confusion painting her lovely face. I couldn't give in yet; I needed to know what she was thinking.
"Why don't I get started on dinner?" she asked. She ducked under my arms and walked along the hallway. I followed behind her, taking tentative steps into the open floor plan.
"I'm preparing strip steak and vegetables."
I sat at the island as she pulled out a stainless-steel bowl with a whisk. She crushed garlic, balsamic, and rosemary with olive oil and spread it over the well-marbled, salted steaks. Then she trimmed and washed asparagus and grape tomatoes before laying them on a sheet pan.
"There's a bottle in the fridge. Your choice. Everything you need should be in the cabinets next it." She nodded to the stainless-steel SubZero refrigerator.
I selected a bottle of red, and opening the cabinets, I grabbed two wine glasses before pouring for both of us. I slid one to her and took my seat.