Chapter 1: Opening Image
The conference room was bathed in a sterile light, the kind that made you feel like you were under a magnifying glass. The air conditioning hummed softly, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air like a promise. The wall behind Travis Evans was a floor-to-ceiling window, offering a panoramic view of downtown Raleigh North Carolina. The industrial side was a sprawling beast, a symphony of brick, steel and glass, and it was his playground. Or rather, Polar Enterprises' playground.
Travis stood at the head of the long, polished table, his back to the window.
His tailored suit was as impeccable as his posture, and his silver eyes reflected the cityscape behind him. He held a tablet in his hand, the screensaver a swirling polar vortex, a nod to his company's name. "Alright, folks," he began, his voice commanding yet casual, like he was chatting with old friends. "You all know why we're here. The Walker acquisition is a done deal."
Around the table, the executive team murmured their congratulations, each one dressed to the nines in a display of corporate prowess. A few applauded. Most just nodded, exchanging satisfied glances. Travis leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "I want to hear your thoughts. Let's not sugarcoat it. What's the worst that can happen?"
Marcus Cole, sitting to his left, smirked. "Well, we could lose all our shirts in the process. But let's be honest, Travis, you've made a habit of turning lemons into lemonade." Marcus was Travis's childhood best friend, his CFO, and the only one who could get away with that kind of banter.
His tech-geek glasses reflected the harsh fluorescent lights, and his grip on his tablet was confident, reassuring. "But seriously, we need to watch out for any hidden liabilities in their portfolio. And their client list is a gold mine. We don't want to scare them off."
Travis chuckled, "You're right, as always, Marcus. Let's not spook the cattle." He turned to the rest of the team, "We're looking for potential pitfalls, not praises. Don't forget, we're the devil in the details here."
The meeting went on, a dance of ideas, concerns, and strategies, until they reached Travis favorite part. Marcus broke down their profit numbers, which were fucking fantastic.
"We were in the black by February. Even with our acquisitions and expenditures we are crushing our target goals. Our holdings are currently in ten figures after payroll. And, oh by the way..." Marcus paused, his lips curling into a smile, "We're up for another Innovation of the Year award. I think we have a shot this time."
The room erupted in cheers, and Travis couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. He raised a glass, "To the team. Here's to another year of kicking ass and taking names."
"But we do have something else to discuss. A big change that none of us saw coming." Marcus confessed. The room grew quite for a moment.
"Is there something we need to be worried about Mark?" Travis asked, caught off guard.
A moment later Jennifer, the office secretary, bust through the door pushing in a cake with it's a bit in big blue letters. The calenhad sparklers lit and was finely decorated. The room filled with claps and congratulations.
"I really had my money on a girl this time." Marcus laughed seeing Travis' tension change to a jovial smile. "You guys got me good ," Travis chuckled, clapping Marcus on the back before shaking Jennifer's hand. "You know, I'm starting to think you all enjoy setting me up."
The team laughed, the tension broken. Travis turned to the cake, his eyes scanning the words. 'Congratulations on the Baby Evans!'
Marcus grinned, "Here's to a healthy pregnancy. Hailey has already called me advocating for you to take paternity leave when the baby gets here."
"CEO's don't get days off. You know that." He laughed, "Everyone, Thank you. Get some cake and get back to work. The meeting is over. "
Travis shook his head, a small smile played on his lips as the employees grabbed their cake and made their way back to their desks and officers. Jennifer was slow to leave. She gave Travis a seductive gaze behind her dark brown hair, and a wink as she left the meeting room.
Marcus turned to Travis, "You know the paternity leave wasn't the only thing Hailey spoke to me about."
"I know. She's been talking about separating." Travis's voice was quiet, his smile fading as he looked out at the cityscape. "Says she thinks I'm seeing other women."
Marcus sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I'm sorry, man. Look, I told her that nothing has been going on. She's four months pregnant. I don't think she's actually planning on going anywhere, but it's a really bad time to get caught. "
Travis turned to him, his silver eyes flashing. "And that's why your office is across from mine. So you can watch the door while I go see exactly what Jennifer wants, right now." Travis said with a witty smile.
Marcus and Travis headed back to their shared executive suite. The walked through a think wooden door opening to large space with a private lounge, coffee and bar area, and an executive restroom, and the farthest wall had two large executive corner offices. Travis opened the door to his office, and Jennifer sat on his desk in just bra panties and knee high. Marcus peaked through the open door as Travis walked in. Jennifer waved. "Are you coming in as well Mr. Cole?" She asked with a thick Boston accent.
Marcus smiled at Travis, who waved him in. "Marcus don't be rude to the secretary. She just needs some help finding some office supplies," Travis joked.
Marcus sighed, "Fine but I'm leaving on time today. I can't be telling my wife that I'm working late again. Jennifer's pussy is good, but it has nothing on Lisa's home cooking."
"Then you should try Jenny's mouth, it's amazing." Travis suggested.
Jennifer was on the desk. Travis thrust passionately between her legs while Markus leaned his head back in ecstacy. Jennifer opened her mouth wide as Marcus pounded into her throat, his hand gripping her hair. Jennifer moaned, wildly as the two men chased their own pleasure.
"Fuck, that mouth is incredible," Marcus groaned, his pace quickening. Jennifer gagged slightly, but she only took it as a challenge. She deepthroated Marcus further, her eyes watering slightly as Marcus shot his load down her throat. Marcus pulled out catching his breath and Jennifer looked over her shoulder at Travis biting her lip. "Yes Mr. Evans. Fuck me!" She encouraged as Travis leaned into her. He pushed her legs further apart, his hands gripping her thighs as he thrust into her, his hips moving in a primal rhythm. Jennifer's moans filled the office, her body writhing under his touch. Travis felt his own pleasure building, his body tensing as he came deep inside of her.
"Wow Jen, that was incredible." Travis said, pulling his pants up from around his ankles. Marcus was already fastening his belt. Jennifer crawled off the desk and began to get dressed 'Any time Mr. Evans. Sex overlooking the city is a real turn on." She accented tone was flirty. She gave Travis a slap to the rear as she walked out of his office.
"Travis your way with women is a gift and a curse. I could never pull a girl like Jennifer."
"What are you talking about you get girls all the time." Travis said.
"Yeah, with you. It was like that in high school, in college, and it's still like that. In fact I have never cheated on Lisa without you involved. Women don't just approach me like that." Marcus adjusted his glasses, a playful grin on his face. "They approach you like that, and you talk them into a fucking tag team," Marcus joked, "a dynamic duo."
Travis laughed, "And you complain about it? Come on, man, you love it as much as I do. Where would you be without me?"
Marcus chuckled, "Probably still in my dorm room, playing D&D with the guys and eating ramen. I wouldn't be fucking girls like Jennifer, and I damn sure wouldn't be a CFO living like a king in a mansion by Falls Lake."
Travis shook his head, "Marcus none of this is here without you, man. You're the smart one. I'm just a dumb ass that's good at talking people into what I want. And, if you weren't so good at covering for me Halfway would have left me ages ago." Travis sighed, "You know I love Hailey, but I can't give up other women. I like the thrill of it. I'm sure Hailey wouldn't understand that, but it's just the way I am. You're gonna have to keep covering for me. I don't want her to go and take my son and the baby.".
"I got you, Travis. But, it could happen. A woman's gut is like a fuckin blood hound. They have a sixth sense about that kinda thing."
"Well how do you manage it. I never hear about you and Lisa fighting."
"Hey, hey now we fight." Marcus countered, "I've been cursed out on many occasions. But... I think she knows I fuck around. I just think she likes to be happy. She never brings it up. it's been 10 years and we got three kids. I love her, she loves me, and she fucking loves the mansion. Flexing on her friends and cousins..." Marcus stretched and looked at his watch. "It's 4:30. I'm going to leave the office early, and start the weekend." Marcus nodded to Travis before leaving. Travis watched him go, a hint of envy in his eyes. Marcus and Lisa had always been solid, their relationship a beacon of stability in Travis's chaotic world. He pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts until he found Hailey's number. He hit call, putting the phone on speaker and setting it on his desk.
The phone rang a few times before she answered, her voice sweet and familiar. "Hey, Travis. How's the meeting going?"
"It was good," he replied, leaning back in his chair. "I got your surprise cake. That was sweet baby. I'm really looking forward to our baby boy. Anyways, I'm thinking of coming home early to spend the weekend with you. Can I pick you up anything on my way in?
Maybe some of that ice cream you've been craving?" Travis asked, his voice softening. He could picture Hailey, curled up on their sofa, her hand rubbing her growing belly, her eyes sparkling as she talked about their baby.
Hailey hesitated, and there was a slight pause on the line. "Actually, I was thinking of going to my mom's place for the weekend. She's been pestering me to come over, and I thought it might be nice to spend some time with her before the baby comes."
Travis felt a pang of disappointment, but he tried to keep his voice even. "Of course, babe. Should I come too? I could always help keep her from driving you crazy. It's not like you and your mom have ever had the best relationship. I could be the buffer, right?" Travis tried to keep his tone light, but there was a slight edge to his voice.
Hailey sighed, and Travis could almost see her rolling her eyes. "No, Travis. I think it's best if I go alone. You and Mom just... don't get along. And I'm not in the mood for one of your arguments. I'm taking Dylan as well. He wants to see his grandmother."
The disappointment in Travis's chest turned into a knot of frustration. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Alright. It's good for you and Dylan to go visit. Dylan has school on Monday, so make sure you don't stay too long on Sunday. I'll put extra money in your account so you can do.....whatever you want while you're away."
Travis paused, his voice softening again, "I love you, Hailey. And I can't wait to meet our little guy. Be safe, okay? And tell Dylan I said Daddy loves him."
There was a brief silence before Hailey finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper, "I love you too, Travis. We'll be back before you know it. I didn't expect you to sound so sad. I know we've been fighting a lot... It's just a visit with my mom. I'll call you when we get there. Bye, Travis."
Hailey hung up, leaving Travis staring at his phone, the knot in his chest still present. He ran a hand through his hair, sighing deeply. He knew Hailey was right, he and her mother didn't see eye to eye, but he hated that she felt the need to go without him. He wanted to be there for every milestone, every moment with his family.
Picking up his phone again, Travis dialed another number. "Marcus, I need a favor. Yeah, grab your keys.