"To Depths Unknown"-16

by Leslie

"To Depths Unknown"

Chapter 16

Jax laid his head back on his pillows. His adrenaline was still pumping at the not-so-distant memory of Kendall's physical response to his kiss, and it didn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. His whole body ached, and he wasn't sure whether it was his illness or the fact that he wanted to finish what he'd started with Kendall.

Kendall was having a difficult time concentrating herself. After she'd poured Jensen a drink, she had put the juice in the pantry instead of the frig. One kiss and my brain turns to mush!

She had seen the hunger in Jax's eyes -- that same hunger she felt buried so deep within her. She wondered if she would ever be able to completely give herself to a man again. She'd opened herself up before with her husband, and he had rejected her. She wondered if her fears would cause her to miss out on somehing her instincts tell her could be so wonderful.

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V was wrapping up another long and lonely day at the office. Without Jax around, her days seemed endless and she felt so isolated, although there was plenty of work to be done!

The doorbell rang, and she wondered who it could be. Too late for deliveries, she thought.

She opened the door to a very cheerful Brenda. "Brenda! Hi! What are you doing here?"

"Oh, nothing. Just wanted to stop by and see the new home of J&J Jacks."

V welcomed her in, telling her that there really wasn't much to see, and that Jax wasn't in today.

"Oh, I know that. I just talked to him a little while ago."

"You did?" V wrinkled her brow.

"Yeah, I had to call and get his advice on something in my Genie Motors contract. He said there was alot going on at work -- so I guess he decided to work at home today?"

"Yes -- he did. He said needed to make some phone calls and figure out his next move," V replied without missing a beat.

"So -- do you like it here or do you miss the penthouse?" Brenda's sudden change of subject was a red flag to V.

"The penthouse was more comfortable, but I'll adjust." V watched Brenda, who looked as if she weren't even listening to the answer to her own question. "Brenda -- is there something I can do for you?"

Brenda shifted gears quickly. "Oh -- no!" She shrugged her shoulders, squinted her eyes and gave a beaming smile, "It's just been a while since I've seen you, and, besides, I knew Jax had been busy with, ummm, oops!" she shrugged again, "I'm awful with names! What's her name again?"

"Who -- Kendall?" V questioned, instantly regretting it as soon as she saw the look on Brenda's face.

"Yeah -- that's right -- Kendall. Unusual name. I spoke with her on the phone earlier when I called Jax. She seems really nice."

"Oh, she is. She's been taking . . . " V caught herself this time, realizing what she was about to reveal. "She's been taking, ummmm, some time to come here and act as a . . . as a mediator between Jax and Mr. Toryaki from the Hunaan deal. Are you familiar with that?" Whew! I almost blew it!! Now, let's see if she bought it.

Brenda absently said, "Hunaan, yeah, I think Jax mentioned it. So, how long will she be staying?"

"Just until Jax and Mr. Toryaki work the kinks out -- shouldn't be too much longer." V was frustrated with herself for not realizing Brenda's purpose sooner. She knew Jax would be angry if he were to find out what she'd done, or had almost done.

"Well -- I've gotta go!" Brenda abruptly announced. "Got to meet a friend for dinner. It was great to see you. Love your office! Bye!" She waved and was out the door before V could even respond.

V hit herself in the head repeatedly with the manilla folder she held in her hands, saying, "Dumb, dumb, dumb!"

Brenda, on the other hand, had a huge smirk on her face. She was feeling quite satisfied with herself, and it must have been that over-confidence that spurred her to make her next move.

She walked up to the door of Jax's guest penthouse, and knocked boldly.

Kendall was in the middle of making dinner. She had been trying to simultaneously feed Jensen, and had food all over her. She hastily opened the door, assuming it was V.

Brenda looked Kendall up and down a little taken aback by the mess. With one eyebrow sanctimoniously lifted, she introduced herself, "Hi -- I'm Brenda. And you must be Kendall."

"Brenda -- yes. Hi! It's nice to meet you," Kendall found herself fumbling with her words.

"May I come in?" Brenda was attempting to look past her.

"Ummm, I'm in the middle of getting dinner ready -- it really isn't a good time." Kendall had a feeling that this was more of a scouting trip than a social call. Jax had told her of Brenda's incessant efforts to win him back, and the space that he had requested she give him.

"I won't stay long. I just wanted to meet you. V's told me so much about you." Ding, ding, ding, ding! Off went the alarm bells. Kendall distinctly remembered Jax saying that he told V she better keep this all quiet. But what was she supposed to say? Here's Brenda standing right in front of her. How was she supposed to get out of this one?

She didn't have to. Jax's voice echoed from around the corner, "Kendall, did Mr. Toryaki fax you those new figures yet?"

Huh? Kendall thought. It took her a few seconds, but she caught on. "Not yet, but I'll go check again. Jax, someone is . . . . "

"No, no, that's ok." Brenda said in a hushed tone, "I know how busy he is. We'll have the chance to talk later. Oh, and it was good to meet you. Maybe we can have lunch together soon?"

"Sure, I'm sure that would be interesting" Kendall replied.

"You better go check that fax, Jax can be impatient when it comes to business."

"Really?" Kendall said, "I haven't found that to be true at all." Her voice dripped with that sarcastic sweetness.

"Kendall, did it arrive?" Jax called out again.

"Just a minute," she answered. "Bye, Brenda."

"Bye, Kendall."

Kendall closed the door. Her face was flushed with anger. She had taken an instant dislike to Brenda. Actually, it wasn't instant. Anyone who would completely disregard the feelings of someone they supposedly loved had no chance with her.

"All clear!" Kendall yelled out.

Jax came around the corner. "V called me and told me Brenda may be on her way over. V had an unacceptable slip of the tongue. What did she say she wanted?"

"I think all she wanted was to see what your 'mystery guest' looked like. I make one heck of a first impression, don't I?" Kendall looked down at her dinner-stained clothes.

"I'm impressed -- and that's all that matters."

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