I never thought a man would be able to make me gasp as if someone was choking me, but he did. He was easily 6'3'', close to 230; all muscle and he knew how to work a suit. His dark brown hair and deep brown eyes made my lips tingle. Too bad, I couldn't get a better view of him. The street was very busy. Lunch time crowd rushing to get nowhere extremely fast. I knew I had missed him. Damn, I hate being right. I could've swore he looked right at me and smiled. Maybe it's a fantasy. Hopefully a damn good one. I had found a brand new Mr. Come and Get it to fantasize about while I was in the bath tub tonight. Oh shit, I'm going to be late.
"Dana?" called Mac.
"Oh! Sorry. The travel arrangements have been made and we're going to the convention the 2nd week of February." I said.
'Jackass' I thought. Mac is looking for an excuse to call me out. His bitch ass has hated me since I started here at Lilly Rose. Hopefully he has a new boyfriend or at least loses 10 pounds between now and Vegas.
"Well Bitches, that's all. As head designer, I'm expecting you all to pull your weight." His bitch ass keeps looking at me when he said that. I guess because it means do my job too.
"We have a lot of work to complete people. Ciao!" Mac sauntered out of the room.
As the others looked out the door confirming their absolutely hideous boss was out of hearing range, Dana motioned to Brandon to close the door.
"Okay people" Dana began as she addressed the staff. "We have 3 weeks before we get to Magic. Mac as we have just witnessed is going to do the same thing he has done for the past 4 seasons take all of the credit. As a team we have managed to keep Lilly Rose in business. We all like our jobs; we work fabulously together as a team. I want to keep it that way. The rumors are true; we are prime for a takeover; many of the major distributors are looking to acquire us and make us the new Wal-Mart brand. Lilly Rose is better than that. So, it's our goal to let the world know as well as our buyers know who we really are. Bella is going to finish all of the tailoring on the designs this week. I will approve all changes by Tuesday. Brandon and Tina will book the models and coordinate fittings. Calley will print the collateral pieces and brochures on Wednesday. Frank will finalize all transportation and logistics for Las Vegas. Are there any questions?"
Brandon raised his hand. "Dana, do you really think its going to work?"
"Brandon, it has to work. We've busted our butts. I believe in the designs"
Tina interrupted -- "You should, they're yours"
Dana finished "True. I have loved Lilly Rose since I was a young girl. This is a dream for me. I'm not going to let anyone take it away and damn sure am not going to let Mac destroy it. Are you with me?" They all nodded their heads and smiled. "Alright meeting adjourned."
Dana returned to her office and looked at the picture she had of her son Devon on her desk. 'It has to work' Dana whispered as she began to sketch.
"Jackson, what is it? Did you know that woman?" Allison inquired. He hadn't paid her attention since he sat down. He looked like he had seen a long lost friend.
"No Allison I don't know her personally. But I do know who she is." He said to answer her question.
"Well who is she?"
"A business associate who I have the unfortunate task of firing." He replied.
"Oh." That's what Allison loved about Jackson. He still had a sweet southern charm about him even Chicago couldn't break.
"Well don't think about it now." She said as she ran her foot up the inside of his calf.
"Allison, I'm sorry honey but I need to get back to the office." As he left money for the bill. "I'll call you later and we'll plan a weekend ok?"
"Of course Jackson." Allison replied. He kissed her on the top of her head which always gave her the tingles like he was marking his property. Jackson had to run out of there. Allison was a great litigator but never knew when to switch it off. He knew if he didn't his face might spill the secret. He did know Dana Pierce. She was 28 with a 4 year old son named Devon, lived in Evanston with an aunt, divorced 2 years ago from a male model named Santana, has been the lead designer of Lilly Rose for 6 years, and has the smoothest cherry brown skin he has ever seen. He should know. He's been researching, watching, fantasizing, damn near stalking her for the last 14 months. If Allison was not there, he would've lost his damn composure.
"Agnes, get Rodney and meet me in my office." He said as he walked pass his secretary. Rodney and Agnes walked in not knowing what to expect. Jackson sat in his chair looking out the window.
"Agnes, please take notes. Rodney, get me a meeting with Dana Pierce this Thursday. Tell her you're scheduling the appointment on behalf of a potential investor." Jackson barked out to his employees.
"Boss, I thought we're going to buy it and dismantle it." Rodney inquired.
"We are but I need an inside advantage. We already have Mac but he's not the pulse of the company. She is. And I want her." Jackson suspiciously confessed.
"I need her insight in order to make this takeover possible. The information Mac feeds us is the same shit that has been fed to him. As far as I'm concerned, Dana Pierce is Lilly Rose. And I want it. Rodney, you can leave. Agnes, close the door." Jackson explained in an attempt to conceal his true desires. Agnes did as she was told.
"Give me a reason why I need to walk into Lilly Rose design studio today." He asked his older and wiser assistant.
"Inspection is out of the question. Madly in love or lust with the prey would be a more appropriate. " she truthfully responded.
"Is it that obvious?"
"It was obvious 6 months ago when you had me purchase a present for Devon." She informed him.
"Every boy needs a football. He needs to understand football is a way of life. Plus he obviously loves it."
"You need to go over and introduce yourself. She doesn't leave until 8pm anyway. Just go over and say hi."
"Really? That's the approach."
"Jackson, you're a grown man and talking to women has never been a problem for you."
"She's no ordinary woman."
"I know. That's why saying hi shouldn't be too difficult for you."
"Couldn't do it when I saw her 2 hours ago."
"You saw her? While you were at lunch with Allison?" Agnes said surprisingly.
"On our way to lunch."
"Stop." Agnes had to sit down for this. Jackson Hill was better than her soaps.
"I saw her walking towards us and she looked so beautiful close up. She was like a fresh spring day. I smiled at least." He confessed. Agnes was so impressed with Jackson. He wanted to woo and court Dana. Not just have his way with her and forget her.
"Go to her office at 7:30. Jackson, introduce yourself. That's all." Agnes advised.
"You sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure." Agnes got up to leave. "Your introductions tend to be memorable."
Dana glanced at the clock on her desk. It was a quarter after 7. She called her aunt.
"How's my boy?"
"He's fine. Just finished dinner and is playing with his football. He's in the backyard. Yes, I'm looking at him as he's playing." Her aunt informed her.
"Good. I'll be home soon."
"Don't work to hard."
"I won't auntie. Love you. Kiss Devon for me."
"I will."
"Bye." Dana pushed away from her desk and looked out her window. The view of Chicago was breathtaking. She could see the lights from the pier and the ferris wheel. The water looked so inviting.
"It's stunning isn't it." A voice said. Dana turned around to see her fantasy man standing right by her side. She looked around to make sure she wasn't delusional.
"Jackson Hill" he said as he extended his hand.
"Dana Pierce" she replied. "I've seen you before" Dana said as she tried not to focus on his full and rosy bottom lip. She saw herself sucking on it before fully exploring the rest of his mouth.
"Give me a reason." Dana heard him say.
"Excuse me? I didn't quite get that." She inquired.
"Give me a reason not to takeover Lilly Rose."
Dana was fully awake now. "You? You're the bastard that wants to end what I have built. Mr. Hill, I'm the reason why you won't takeover Lilly Rose. So if you'd kindly leave, we're not for sale nor will we ever be. Lilly Rose is a staple in every American household and I am going to keep it that way. Good night Mr. Hill."
Jackson expected something but nothing as passion-filled as what he got. His hard-on got worse. He wanted to grab her in his arms so she could feel it. And he could feel the softness of her breast pressed against him.
"Dana, I want us to talk about this. That's why I'm here. I understand the value of Lilly Rose a little more than you think."
"No you don't" she interrupted. "There is no value on this company. Its invaluable." Mama never told me the enemy could look this fine. Dana wanted to throw herself on him and ride him like the stallion he was.
"Let's agree to continue this discussion. Would you like a ride?"
"No I'm fine. Plus my office hours are from 9 to 5 and you're intruding."
I"'m in the lobby when you change your mind." He turned and left her office. 'Arrogant, too damn good looking bastard' she thought. She was packing her bag to leave. 'Who does he think he is? Walking in her like he's the second coming or something.' Dana turned off her light and got in the elevator. True to word, Jackson stood in the rain holding an umbrella next his town car.
"No thank you" Dana mouthed as she walked in the rain. The water was coming down so hard her sundress began to cling to her body. After walking a few feet, she turned around. He was still standing there looking at her. Damn she needed a ride.
"Just a ride home" she yelled. "You're not going to kidnap me. Promise?"
"I promise not to kidnap you. Just giving you a ride." Dana walked towards him and got in the car as he opened the door for her. Once she sat down, he closed the door and walked to the other side. Dana was trying not to get the seat wet. "Don't worry about it" Jackson said.
"Driver, I'm going to Evanston." She said.
"Yes ma'am." Dana was trying to sit as graceful as possible giving she was still dripping wet. Jackson removed his jacket and gave it to her.
"You're distracting." He said.
