DESPERADO: LUST & POWER

JEFFREY'S POV:

A DAY AT REINHARDT BREWS & DISTILLERY-OFFICE COMPLEX

"I'll be in tomorrow morning to review the press release. Please have Shelley place it on my office desk once she finishes," I informed Fred, my assistant.

"Of course, Jeff. Just a reminder, the annual entrepreneurship conference will kick-off tomorrow and followed by an interview with Leo Gavin of RGS TV," Fred reminded me.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Thanks".

Walking past Fred's office, and down the hallway, I reached Susan's office. I lightly knocked on the door before entering. Susan sat at the edge of the work desk, her long blonde hair neatly tied in a bun, and her lips hanging out colored in red lip gloss.

"Are you here for one final farewell, Mr.Jeffrey?" she inquired, ruffling through some documents.

"How did you know it was me?" I questioned, stepping fully into her office.

"You're the only one who knocks and enters right away," she chuckled, lifting her head with a radiant glow in her bright blue eyes.

"Well, as your boss, or former boss now, I didn't feel the need to wait for permission. The knock was merely an act of courtesy."

"You've always been quite considerate Jeff. It's one thing I'll miss about having you as my boss."

"How can you miss a boss when you're going to become the boss yourself?" I asked with a bit of sarcasm in my tone of voice.

She grinned as I mentioned her departure to establish her own firm. Susan had been a dedicated employee at Reinhardt Brews and Distillery, my family's company, but she recently resigned from her position-a decision I supported, despite she being one of my top employees.

"Indeed," she replied, exhaling deeply.

"Are you having any second thoughts?"

"Yeah. I'm just uncertain if I'd made the right decision," she chuckled.

"If you're interested in reclaiming your former position, simply express your desire, and I will be more than willing to help." I tried to convince her.

"I'm just surprised that you've become interested in my welfare suddenly," Susan said, crossing her arms beneath her chest.

"Really? Well, I would still extend my support if you ever returned and worked with us again."

"Thank you, but no. I have made my decision and I intend to stick with it. Did you come to bid a final farewell or attempt to persuade me to stay?" She arched her eyebrows, giving me that look.

"Neither. I just wanted to experience the feeling of entering this office one last time and seeing you here. By tomorrow, you won't be here anymore. I couldn't be more delighted and proud of what you have done. There is no farewell, especially since you have moved in with my brother and become part of the family."

"Well, in the long run, I am content staying there, at least for the time being." She said, trying to position her glasses well.

"Fair enough." I nodded.

Ever since my brother Mark and Susan moved in together, my other siblings and I have trolled about both of them getting married. However, both of them were more comfortable with just living together, at least for now. Knowing my brother well, I doubt he will wait long before proposing.

"Will you be alright here on your own?" She asked, smiling.

"If I said no, would you stay?" I jokingly asked.

"No, but it's kind of you to ask."

"I will miss this. Our conversations, sharing ideas, and you keeping me grounded whenever necessary."

"Oh, if you need any of that, just call me," She said winking at me.

As a knock echoed through the door, my attempt at a witty remark was interrupted, and I eagerly expected the incoming visitor.

Susan called out, "Come in," while shooting me a glare.

But when I saw who walked through that door, words escaped my mouth, leaving me breathless.

Although I knew Susan and Bethany Harris were friends, and it wasn't unexpected for her to visit Susan, it always felt like a slap to the face whenever I encountered Bethany.

It had been close to 7 months since we last crossed paths, yet she kept her status as the most stunning and hottest woman I had ever known. Her brown side locks had grown slightly, and she appeared to have shed some weight, igniting my concern about her well-being.

We first met some four years ago when I became her mentor during her freshman year-a requirement for my master's degree. From the moment I laid eyes on her, it captivated me. There was something special about her.

An air of confidence settled as she entered any room, gracefully displaying her buxom frame as an asset rather than an obstacle that demanded the attention of all who watched her every move.

Her vibrant spirit drew me in, even though she saw me merely as a mentor.

"Oh, Jeff. I apologize. I didn't realize you would be here," Bethany remarked as she stepped into the office.

"You don't need to apologize. I was simply bidding farewell to her. Are you here to assist her with the packing?" I asked.

"Actually. I just dropped by to say hello. Is that alright?" She queried, looking optimistic.

"Of course. You're always welcomed here, although Susan is already out to seek for greener pastures."

As her cheeks tinged with a subtle blush, I found myself perplexed by the cause of her apparent embarrassment.

"Is everything going well at school?" I inquired, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had settled between us.

"Yes," she replied hastily.

A warmth settled on her face, illuminating her eyes. My heartbeat increased its pace. I cherished her passion for education, among the countless other qualities that I held in high regard.

"Beth is about to complete her PhD program and is eagerly awaiting the results," Susan interjected.

I turned my attention to Susan after I'd momentarily forgotten her presence. Her intended look upon me seemed curious. I suspected it was because she caught me staring at Bethany.

Susan had a sour expression on her face which I interpreted as a sign for me to take my leave.

I hinted that I was about to leave before turning my attention to Bethany. It was almost a mistake because the moment I looked at her, my thoughts scattered like autumn leaves in the wind.

"It was nice meeting you," Bethany acknowledged.

"Yeah, likewise," I stumbled over my words.

Her statement helped jolt my brain back into reality, and with a brief nod, I exited the office. As I closed the door behind me, I leaned my back against it, rested my head on the wooden frame, and exhaled. Seeing Bethany Harris had been the highlight of my day, but it also brought a bit of anguish.

Her presence was a stark reminder of her beauty, intelligence, and incredible nature. She possessed a life, a purpose, and a career, all of which I knew I could never be a part of. If there was ever a chance between us, I had long since lost it.

Bethany was a woman who could have any man she desired, and she would never consider being involved with someone as ordinary as me, no matter how much I dreamed about it.

The truth remained that I had been in love with Bethany Harris since the first day I laid my eyes on her, and from then until now, I understood she would never be mine.

BETHANY'S POV

"What was that about?" Susan inquired as soon as Jeff exited her office.

"I'm not sure what you're referring to," I replied, feigning ignorance.

"Don't act innocent with me. There was definitely a connection between you and Jeff. I sensed it."

"You must be imagining things."

I walked over to her desk and began packing the remaining items into a box, attempting to keep myself occupied and divert my thoughts from Jeffery. However, my flushed cheeks betrayed my embarrassment.

"Is there something going on between the two of you?" Susan probed further.

I lifted my head, attempting to appear shocked by her comment.

"What? I barely know Jeffrey."

"Yet, your interaction seemed friendly while he was here. Care to share the story behind that?" Susan pressed.

"Shouldn't we focus on packing up your baggage?" I deflected.

"We still have time," she insisted, leaning against the side of the desk.

"There's really nothing to tell. I've known Jeff for years. Our paths sometimes cross in social circles."

"Uh huh," Susan responded skeptically, clearly unconvinced.

"You're aware he was my mentor back when I was a freshman in college," I began.

"Yes, I remember. Did something happen during that time?" she prodded.

"No, not at all. He was simply my mentor, and it wouldn't have been appropriate."

"Well, he certainly doesn't hold that role anymore."

"It's irrelevant. For God's sake. He is the head of public relations for his dad's company...." I stated, attempting to provide an explanation.

"And so?" Susan responded, evidently unconvinced.

"You're familiar with who he is, his family background, and his esteemed status. The man is in line to inherit a massive fortune from his family's multi-billion-dollar corporation. They only hangout with the top dogs, they see themselves as celebrities. Meanwhile, I'm just a doctoral student in Business Administration."

"And?" she reiterated, demanding further clarification.

"He doesn't have any interest in someone like me. I don't fit the mold of a person he would find appealing. I exist on an entirely different level compared to him, not even in the same league."

"What kind of nonsensical thinking is that, Beth? You must be high on something, I guess."

"Meaning? I'm just being flatly honest about this," I replied.

"As a matter of fact Beth, I don't possess your beauty, background, upbringing, or anything else, and yet I managed to win over Jeffrey's younger brother. If anyone should doubt their worthiness, it's me."

"Nonsense," I countered, and Susan laughed.

"Exactly. If I can be with Mark, why can't you make it with Jeff?"

"It's different. I can't just wrap my head around it. Jeff is just being himself and as for Mark, I don't know what assertions to make about him."

"You find Jeff appealing, and you don't feel the same way about Mark. That's the difference." She clapped back.

"Mark is a remarkable person, but yes, I don't perceive him in that manner. It's not solely because you're in love with him and you two are a perfect match. I never regarded him as anything more than a good acquaintance."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I recognized my mistake.

"But you certainly have a different perception of Jeff. You practically acknowledged it."

"Who wouldn't?" I replied, laughing, knowing that Susan wouldn't see Jeff in the same way I did.

"You understand what I'm trying to convey," I added.

"I comprehend, but do you? Are you aware of what you're saying?"

"It doesn't matter if I'm interested in him; he's not interested in me. He has never regarded me as anything more apart from being his former student."

"He certainly didn't sound like he was simply killing time when he was passionately talking with you, nor with the way he was lustfully staring at you," Susan said as she smiled mischievously

"Shut up. He wasn't looking at me like that," I protested, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks.

"You didn't notice how his gaze lingered on you when you weren't looking. There's definitely something there, and you should explore it without delay."

My initial inclination was to tell her I would consider it. Part of me wanted to, the idea that Jeff might be interested in me was exhilarating. However, the reality of the situation quickly dampened my enthusiasm.

We served together on various charity committees and moved in the same social circles. The last thing I wanted was to risk embarrassing myself by asking him out and then having to face him at one of those events

.

"It will not happen. I am just on the verge of completing my PhD program, and the last thing I need right now is to get involved with someone. Besides, I'm meeting up with Harry in half an hour from now."

"Oh, what's going on between you two? I thought you had called it quits."

"It was more of a mutual fade-out. I wouldn't say we ghosted each other; life just got busy. He was occupied with opening his new restaurant, and I was keen on rounding up my studies. With him being in Colorado, it didn't seem practical to continue anything."

"He's considering opening more restaurants. We were discussing it the other day," Susan revealed.

"Right, I forgot that he's one of your clients. How's that going?"

"You know I can't go into details," Susan replied.

"Fair enough. Is he planning to open restaurants here or thinking of moving back?" I asked

"Do you want him to? From what I recall, you two were more of a convenience to each other than anything serious. I didn't think it was a deeply committed relationship."

"It wasn't. It couldn't be. I'm not even sure. We never allowed it to progress to that stage. After such a long time without seeing him or even thinking about him, I do not know how things will unfold."

"Haven't even considered him. That's not a promising sign," Susan commented, her face displaying concern.

"Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking."

"So, why agree to meet him?" Susan winked.

"He asked, and I didn't want to be impolite by declining."

"Leading him on with false hope would be even worse if you don't intend to reconcile, Beth."

"He doesn't have those expectations," I replied, but an icy shiver ran down my spine, causing me to wonder if he did after all.

"Are you certain? When a man meets a woman while he's in town, it's typically because he either wants something raunchy or a serious commitment."

Susan smirked, waiting for me to react.

BETHANY'S POV

"I have no intention of getting involved with him romantically."

"Does he know that?" Susan queried

"We were intimate once, and it wasn't particularly memorable," I confessed.

"In that case, it's definitely best to avoid repeating that experience," Susan advised, chuckling.

"Even if he were to return to the city, which I highly doubt, we're not compatible. We have different personalities. He's a nice person, but we're not suited for each other."

"Perhaps it's necessary to use this opportunity to close that chapter, to convey to him that the relationship was never substantial."

"From the start, there was never a genuine relationship," I responded.

"Once again, does he know that? I suspect he might seek something more. Harry is only here for a few days, and he's chosen to spend one of those nights with you. It suggests he desires something more".

"Maybe. He may desire it, but that doesn't mean he'll get it. Perhaps I shouldn't have accepted the invitation to meet. It was just for drinks; I didn't perceive any harm in it. He mentioned he had a meeting in the city and wanted to catch up afterward. He presented it as a casual encounter."

"Ah, so that's how he lured you in with a false sense of security. Sneaky," Susan remarked, nodding.

"Regardless, it's inconsequential. I can have one drink with him, engage in conversation, and then politely express that it was nice catching up but unnecessary to continue further."

Susan laughed. "Yeah, like you would actually say that."

"Okay, maybe not that straightforward." I admitted.

Susan understood my soft side in opposition to and being stern with people. The likelihood of me being so direct with Harry or anyone else was exceedingly low.

"Although it would be amusing if you did, if it comes to that. Perhaps he simply wants to meet you for a friendly drink. Maybe he even wishes to end things with you and prefers to do it face-to-face."

"You are taking this too far. It was just meant to be a casual meeting," I said.

"It's an integral part of my profession, and I excel at it. If you were not looking for a thorough analysis or any other approach, you wouldn't have sought my advice."

"Perhaps. I had some spare time and thought I'd check up on you. Are you prepared to depart from here?"

"Yes, and no. However, the inclination leans more towards yes."

"Does it still feel strange?" I inquired.

"I spent like a goddamn four years in this place. For a while, the thought of leaving never crossed my mind. I was content here. I could still find contentment if..."

"If you hadn't developed feelings for the CEO of the company. If you hadn't discovered that leaving while you had the chance would be much better for your career. I comprehend these factors, bitch."

"Undoubtedly, things have changed now, but in an exceedingly positive manner," Susan remarked with a smile.

"You appear content, settled, and happy."

"Yes, more than I could have ever imagined. I never expected to fall in love with my boss, or for our feelings to develop the way they did." Susan admitted.

"It's certainly an extraordinary story." I nodded and smiled.

Mark and Susan had become a couple when she assisted him in navigating a supposed paternity lawsuit. To improve his public image, they initially pretended to date, which eventually led to them officially starting a relationship. And from there, love blossomed.

"Have you forgiven Mark's father for initiating the whole drama?"

"To some extent. I'm gradually getting over it. He explained everything to me. His intentions were good. He meant well."

"It's still hard to believe that he was the one behind that," I said.

"Exactly! I love my parents and how involved they are in my life, but the Reinhardt family wins the trophy on this one."

"Do you think it's too much? Are you concerned about it becoming overwhelming?"

"No, at least not at the moment. I think Mark's decision to cut off contact with his father once he found out everything. He's just trying to give him that distance until we decide to get married."

"Oh, is that something you see happening soon?" I asked, my eyes filled with curiosity.

"I do not know. I would assume so, eventually. But not right now. I'm trying not to dwell on it. I'm starting my company, and Mark and I have only been dating for less than a year. There's no need to rush anything."

"As long as the two of you are happy, that's all that matters."

"Speaking of happiness, imagine how much happier you would be if you were dating Jeffrey." Susan smiled.

"Really? Are we going back to that topic?"

"We never left it." She clapped back.

"It's totally unnecessary. I'm not sure what you saw or what you wanted to see, but there's nothing between Jeff and me. There never has been, and there never will be." I emphasized.

"If that's what you need to believe to make yourself feel better about not pursuing it, then so be it. I genuinely believe there's something there, and you should explore it."

"Pursuing? No one pursues Jeffrey Reinhardt." I said, looking straight into her eyes.

"I find it interesting that you use his full name. What's the reason behind that?"

"It's his name, that's all. Nothing too special."

"Did Jeffrey come out as a wealthy, famous, and charismatic person when you first met him?"

I reminisced about the time we spent together. It was pleasant, effortless, and even wonderful.

He made me feel at ease about an endeavor I was initially hesitant about. He mentored me and helped me transition as smoothly as possible.

During all the time I spent with him, I forgot about his family or his wealth.

"Not at all. He only did that to make me feel comfortable. But it doesn't change who he is."

"He's a man with emotions, thoughts, and desires, just like anyone else. You should focus more on who he is as a person rather than what he represents, okay?"

"Is that how you approached your relationship with Mark?"

"It differed from Mark and me. We didn't start dating because of a mutual attraction. We got together to save his reputation and his company. It allowed me to see him as a man, as an individual, and to get to know him on a deeper level."

"It was easy to fall in love with Jeff when our guards were down. I do not know if we would have ended up together if we had continued the usual hit-and-run encounters. I'd like to think so, but who knows?"

"If you gave Jeffrey a chance, you might see him in the same light."

"As a man I love?" I playfully teased her.

"Eventually, maybe. I meant it in the sense of recognizing him as a person, with no further implications. Give him and your emotions a chance, even if you're reluctant to admit it."

"Thanks for the advice. Speaking of time, I need to get going or I'll be late for my date with Harry."

"Was that the purpose of your visit?" She questioned.

"No, I really wanted to check up on you, and it seems like you're doing well. I didn't expect the interrogation, but thank you, I suppose. Good luck with your move, and we should definitely meet up for drinks soon to celebrate," I said as I made my way towards the door.

"Sounds like a plan. Don't forget to fill me in on how your evening with Harry goes," she remarked.

"I will," I replied, making my way out of her office.

Yet, despite my efforts, I couldn't help but acknowledge that my thoughts were more occupied by Jeff than Harry.