A Solitary Romance: Book 1 in the Only Love Series (6 page)

"Uhm, uhmm."

Oh, no.

Kate turned to face whom she knew must be Robert. She clamped her jaws together, hoping to control her expression.  With his arm raised over his head and braced against the jamb, Robert's frame filled the doorway, his body and face assuming a nonchalant pose.  His presence filled the office, overwhelming her. 

"Can I help you, Katie?"

Maybe it was the exhaustion.  Maybe it was the stress of getting a new boss, or maybe it was how her blood coursed through her veins, making her heart beat wildly whenever she found herself in proximity to this man. Whatever the cause, Katrina lost it.  She slammed her report down on his desk, then determined to confront him.

"I don't appreciate you trying to make me look foolish in front of my peers with lies about our past.  You
never
asked me out, and I can't fathom why you'd say such a thing!"  Her voice rose in volume to almost a yell.  She added, "And don't
ever
call me
Katie
again!"

She stalked towards Robert, expecting him to move out of her way.  A crowd gathered outside his office.  The man didn't budge.

"Excuse me!" she spat.

He still didn't move.  A gasp of exasperation escaped her lips as she advanced on her superior.  She intended to squeeze by him if necessary.  Now just inches apart, he shifted his body to block her exit.  She raised a defiant face to meet his.  The infuriating man grinned.

"What do you think of my flowers?" he whispered, so no one outside could hear.

"Out of my way!" Katrina ordered in a low tone, ignoring the effect his voice had on her and attempting to push by him.  As her body pressed past his, she felt his taught muscles bunch against her.  An electric shock held her in place for a moment, but she managed to charge on, ignoring those who gathered nearby.

Once home, Katrina scrubbed the kitchen, then rearranged her closet.

"Insufferable, egotistical, infuriating, annoying man!" she said aloud.

Her phone rang.  Caller I.D. let her know Kiki was trying to reach her.  She snatched the phone from its cradle.

"I'm going to file a sexual harassment suit against him!" she exclaimed.

"Now, now, Girlfriend.  Just settle down.  I can't figure out what's got you so riled up."

"He's lying about our past, for one thing."

"Maybe you just never
heard
him ask you out.  You tend to drift, ya know?" Kiki said.  Her friend continued, "Just don't do anything rash.  Try and relax and rest this evening, and hopefully everything will blow over by morning.  Okay?  The market's not good for job hunting right now.  You need to make this work.  Besides, William will be back before we know it."

Kiki was correct.  She could outlast this troglodyte.

"You're right.  I'll calm down."

"So, I'll see you tomorrow?  You can't miss Dodd's going away party, Katrina.  It's going to be a blast."

"If I can stand, I'll be there.  Good night, Kiki, and thanks for talking me off the ledge."

The friends signed off.  Possible reasons for her being so upset bounced about her brain.  Was it due to the note?  Discovering the two-timing scoundrel had a girlfriend did bother her, if she were honest.  He had no right to ask her to dinner the other night. 

Katrina decided a hot bath was in order.  She pushed Robert LaSalla from her mind and ran the water.  Sliding into the tub, she focused on next week's meeting with Barry at the Heller.  Home sick when the director called, she spoke with him at length about the upcoming exhibit.  Her excitement grew about her unique opportunity and dismissing thoughts of her new boss became easier.

After her soak, she called her father.  She knew her brother, James, was home for a visit, on leave from the Navy, and she hoped to chat with both of them.  Speaking with her dad always made her feel better, even if she didn't discuss whatever bothered her.  Since her mother died, they'd become even closer, forming a special bond.  Jim, as the older brother, was a horse of a different color.  She'd been a target for his teasing most of her growing up years.  He still treated her like a kid.

"Hi, Sugar," Donald Crimshaw answered the phone on the first ring.

"Hello, Daddy."

"Something bothering you?"

"What makes you say that?"

"The big sigh you let out before saying
hello
."

"That obvious, huh?"

"Yes, Sugar, it's that obvious."

"I found out this week that I'm getting a new boss.  Sweet, old, Mr. Dodd is hitting the road and left an insufferable cave man in charge!"

"I see."

"I'm sure you don't, Dad.  At least, not all of it."

"Well, I know my baby, and I know you'll figure out how to handle it all with grace.  If not, James can come down there and lay him out for you," Donald said, chuckling.

She heard her brother making comments in the background and snickering.

"Give Jim the phone, Dad.  I want to put him out of his misery."

Her father complied, and soon she bantered with her brother about everything from the weather to the state of her old room.

"So, when am I going to see you, Kate?"

"I'll come up this weekend."

After more conversation and a lift in Katrina's spirits, the family said good night.  She'd been correct.  Phoning home put everything in perspective.  She longed to tell her dad and brother about her gig at the museum, but that would mean spilling the beans about her blog, and she wasn't quite ready to do that.  She felt happy as she slipped into a sound sleep, brought on by exhaustion.

Chapter 5
-Party Time-

Katrina glided into the office Friday morning with a box of muffins.  A wave of nervous fear ran through her when she saw the lights on.  The idea of running into her new boss gave her the jitters.  She guessed Robert came in early again, but didn't see him when she crossed the floor to leave the breakfast treats in the conference room.  She then headed straight for her office, shut the door, removed her coat, and flipped on the computer.  Knowing she'd be out late for the party, she chose an ice blue sweater dress, a favorite strand of faux pearls, and cream suede boots.

One of her best pieces, the necklace contained Venetian glass, square intaglio cameos every six inches.  The jeweler had carved a different image in each periwinkle piece of glass and left a maker's mark on the clasp, increasing the long strand's value.  Not quite opera-length, the pearls still swished with every step she took.  She'd managed to find earrings, made from a similar glass, on matte wires that matched the gold framing the cameos. 

The tap on the door startled her.  She braced herself for the awkward conversation that must follow.  She sat silent for a moment.  Since he hadn't burst in, maybe he'd give up and leave. 
Don't be ridiculous
.

"Come in," Katrina heard herself say, then watched as the knob turned.

Robert pushed the door ajar and poked his head inside.  He smiled at her, the way he'd done at the library.  It was almost enough to put her off her guard.

"Can I have a seat?" he asked.

So polite.  What's gotten into him?
  She had to remind herself that he was a no-good, two-timing womanizer.

"Of course," she said, feigning a professional friendliness.

"I like to start my day early as well, so we'll have to get used to being alone together in the office each morning."

She lifted an eyebrow but kept her gaze trained on her new boss.

"I mean, I'm just letting you know in case you're feeling a bit awkward."

"Not at all," she replied with a cool tone.

"Also, so I won't startle you.  I'm sure we don't want a repeat of yesterday," he said in a conspiratorial tone, lowering his voice and leaning forward.  He had the nerve to grin and dip his chin, gazing at her over the top of his trendy frames.

She fought the urge to avert her eyes, sensing it would give the man some kind of dominance over her, but could feel the heat of a blush coming on.  Her new boss leaned back in his chair and, using his forefinger, pushed his glasses to the bridge of his nose.  She couldn't help but notice his square jaw, set like granite, his thick hair, dancing eyes and muscular build.  The man resembled a Greek god.

"So, we're all good, right?" Robert stated more than asked.

What your management style lacks, you more than make up for in looks, Mr. LaSalla
.   Katrina felt all soft, weak, and trembly again.  She reminded herself what a jerk this man was.

"All good."  She hoped she portrayed indifference in her manner.

She saw his gaze drop to her lips and linger there.  She expected him to get up and leave, but it appeared he wasn’t going anywhere.  She decided to wait him out.  Minutes passed, as Robert's eyes shifted from her lips to the ceiling, her desk, her face, the windows, the bookshelves, and back to her mouth.  He seemed content to sit, totally comfortable in his own skin.  She decided to get on with her day and punched a few buttons on her keyboard.

"So, about that report of yours."

The sound of his voice startled her, shooting her backbone ramrod straight. 

"
Yes?
" she said, worried but still staring at her computer screen.

"Uh, Katrina, eye contact, please, so I know you're with me."

The nerve!

She shifted her gaze to Robert and waited for him to drop a bomb.

"Good work overall.  I'd like a little more background on that privately held company that issued those securities.  Why don't you dig around a little more?  I want to give the client some juicy tidbits that prove our worth.  I'll expect the information by Wednesday.  Can you handle that?"

She forced her thoughts to focus on those incredible diamonds from the photos in Barry's office.  In a few months, she'd get to see the real thing.  A serenity overtook her.  Jewels always had that effect on her.  It was akin to visiting one's
happy place
.

Once composed, she mustered her best demure smile, fluttered her eyelashes, and said in her sweetest voice, "I'll do my best.  I'm sure you won't mind advising me, or my calling on you for help, should I hit any roadblocks or dead ends."

The man appeared caught off guard. He stumbled over his words, coughed, and glanced away.  She was on to something.

"I, I'm sure you'll do fine.  But, if you do want me . . . uh, I mean my advice . . . of course, I'll make myself available." 

She watched as he rose from the chair.  She couldn't help but notice his powerful thigh muscles. 
Keep it together.  You're winning this one
.

"Uh, one more thing," Robert said, pausing in the doorway. 

This isn't awkward for you, is it, Greek god?

"Yes?" she purred, allowing the tip of her tongue to slip from her mouth and graze the bow of her upper lip as she dipped her chin, and flitted her lashes again. 
Stay strong, Kate. He's almost gone
.

"You left yesterday before we had a chance to discuss it.  I'll be setting up lunch appointments for all of our key employees, starting next week.  So we can get to know each other better."

"Fine."  The auditor summoned her most feminine tone.

Robert gave her a quick once-over and left in a hurry.

Katrina threw herself back in her seat and let out a sigh of relief.  She hated using her feminine wiles to accomplish a goal.  It made her feel cheap.  Still, it was worth it to see LaSalla uncomfortable.  He'd think twice before insinuating that she couldn't be professional.

Two hours later, William stepped into her office and shut the door. 

"Katrina, about that outburst yesterday," he said, taking a seat.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Dodd.  You know, I really didn't feel well."

"I understand, and that's why I'm going to let it slide, and the fact that Robert claimed it was no big deal.  I won't suffer insubordination, Miss Crimshaw, even if I'm fond of you."

"I understand, and I'll apologize—publicly, if you'd like."

"No, no.  That won't be necessary.  Let's not tarnish my last day here.  You haven't been yourself all week, but I need you to promise me you'll help make this transition smooth for Robert and not cause him any trouble, as a personal favor to me."

"I promise, Mr. Dodd."

"Thank you, Katrina.  Now, come join everyone in the conference room for breakfast."

A party atmosphere prevailed in the office the rest of the day.  No one even pretended to work.  Employees mingled outside offices and around the floor, and laughter could be heard from all corners.  Best of all, Robert LaSalla kept his distance.

A happy group headed to the restaurant for William's going away party.  They all but took over the bar area while waiting for their private dining room.  Kiki took her usual spot next to Katrina.  She looked as though she had news.

"Last night, I went up to the gym after work, and you'll never guess who else was there," she whispered.

"Your attorney from seventeen?"

A fully equipped health club near the high-rise's top floor proved to be one of the most popular amenities of the building. 

"No, Mr. Man-of-Your—"

"Shhh, Kiki. You have to stop saying that!"

"All right, all right already.  I'll try.  Anyway, Mr.
You-Know-Who
was up there pumping iron with a vengeance.  Then, he jumped on the treadmill and pounded out several miles.  The trainer says he's been up there every night.  Didn't even notice me, and let me tell you,
I
looked
good
.  Sure seemed like he was working off some frustration.  Ooh, all that sweat dripping off him and every muscle in his body rippling—"

"Kiki!  Enough already!" Katrina interrupted her friend.

"Well, get this," Kiki continued as if nothing she said had been inappropriate.  "I went over to Barstow's after dropping you off the other night.  The attorney wasn't there, but I overheard something really fascinating."

"What?" Kate asked, happy to move on to another subject.