Wrapped In Shadows (10 page)

This was so not good! Not good at all. Things were far from settled with me and Josh. He really shouldn’t be here and I shouldn’t be thinking about smiling, or scales—or sweaty sex! Definitely not sweaty sex! I had to tell him to go. I’d thank Livy for the toys and make an excuse about getting back to work.

“It’s a nice day out. I was thinking of taking Livy to the park. How about joining us?”

I started to shake my head, but Livy suddenly perked up in Luke’s lap, her eyes gleaming. “Oh, awesome! Come with us!”

“I really must get back to work.”

“Oh, come on!
Pleeeese!
I show you my dance!”

I looked at Luke, dumbfounded. Livy’s voice and her huge doe eyes were melting my resistance. How could I say no? Luke was trying his best to keep a straight face, but I could tell he was restraining a smile. His mischievous green eyes twinkled when he shrugged innocently. Another round of beseeching came from Livy, and I reluctantly gave in, accepting a giant hug when she hopped off her father, came around the desk, and threw her little arms around me. Luke helped Livy into her coat and she ran into the other room to announce our destination.

I stood and shook an accusing finger at Luke. “Shame on you…using a little girl to get your way.”

I tried to use that same stern voice I’d attempted on my employees earlier, but again failed miserably. He stood, his long legs bringing him closer, and his large body crowding me in the small office. I could barely see past his broad chest and shoulders. My eyes latched on to the sweeping curve of the tattoo showing above his shirt and I felt the scale tilting again, causing my heart to rev faster. Capturing the finger I pointed at him, he drew it to his lips. His pink tongue snaked out and twirled slowly around the tip, coating it in wet heat. I felt the lick down to my sex and bit the inside of my cheek to choke back the groan swimming in my throat. The scent of sandalwood dulled my senses and his heated gaze drilled into mine.

“I don’t need Livy to get my way, Kay. You already know how I accomplish that.”

I swallowed hard as he dropped my finger and turned away.

Damn him! The fucking scale just broke…

The park was within walking distance from the office and Luke had been right. It was a brisk, sunny afternoon. A nice day for a walk. Despite my earlier resistance about coming with him, I figured it might be best if we talked. Considering how we met, he might have misconceptions about me. I wasn’t looking for a lover. I might be married in three months. Our sexual encounter had been a singular event. And although I still had vivid dreams about that night, it had been a mistake. I loved Josh and was still trying to work things out in my head. Luke had to know he couldn’t just show up in my life. I needed to make that clear.

I sat with him on a park bench, watching Livy. Livy had just performed her dance routine for an enrapt audience of two and now she skipped about merrily, chasing leaves and collecting rocks. I smiled as I watched her, seeing the world through a child’s eyes and marveling at the thrill she got out of ordinary things.

“She’s such a happy little girl,” I noted absently.

Beside me, Luke nodded. He was still for a moment, then his quiet voice reached my ears. “She’s a joy. I lost my wife four years ago. Livy was a baby, too young to remember. I guess that’s a blessing. She’s always been a happy child. I make sure it’s that way.”

I listened to the hollowness in his voice, feeling the weight of his loss.

“I’m sorry. Livy adores you. Her eyes light up when she looks at you.”

He chuckled. “Most of the time it’s with defiance.”

“Wait until she’s a teenager.”

He groaned. “God help me.”

I laughed. Luke had an amiable disposition and a warmth that made him comfortable to be around. If not for the strong physical attraction I felt toward him and our unorthodox introduction, I’d really enjoy his company.

His next words caught me off guard. “I hear you are no longer engaged.”

I drew in a deep breath but found I couldn’t look at him.

“Where did you hear that?”

“Michelle told me.”

My head snapped up. “You two were talking about me?”

“She just happened to mention it. I didn’t say anything.”

“Oh.” I inspected my hands resting on my lap. “I’m no longer engaged. But things are…still complicated.”

I sensed him nod. “I imagine so.”

My gaze traveled to Livy, who was practicing a ballet maneuver under a nearby tree. The memory of running from Josh’s apartment came rushing back to me along with the anger and pain that had fueled my impulsive decision to go with Michelle to the club.

“What made you go to
Sensations
?” I heard myself ask. “I know you said your friends gave you a present, but why?”

It took a long moment for him to respond and I felt his body stiffen beside me “The four year anniversary of my wife’s death was three months ago. I guess I had not been very good company. My friends had a hard time getting me out. The only thing I’ve done for the past few months is work and spend time with Livy. They arranged the night at
Sensations
.”

“Why me?”

He paused. “I told Ms. Carmen I didn’t want a professional. I know how the club operates. Some of my business associates are members. The women there are well trained in fantasy and illusion. I wanted it to be…real.” He shrugged with a sarcastic laugh. “I guess as real as it could get in a sex club.”

I thought it ironic because
I’d
been looking for a fantasy. I’d been trying to escape from real life.

“I heard about Ms. Carmen. I can’t believe she was murdered that night.”

He looked away and sighed heavily, his gaze tracking Livy. “It’s a real tragedy. She seemed like a nice lady.” His gaze skidded back to my face. “She said she had someone special for me, someone beautiful. She was right.”

My body started a slow tremble from the intensity of his gaze. The noise of the park and the vibrant colors receded to the background. There was only him, superimposed on a chaotic world I wanted to push away. A frosty wind blew and I huddled into my coat.

“Cold?” He removed his leather gloves and took hold of my hands. He rubbed them between his warm palms and I felt heat move through me like a tingling massage. My gaze dropped to his lips and the moment grew sluggish, almost at a standstill. He was drawing me in and I was powerless to stop it. I remembered his delicious taste and the erotic play of his tongue. The tension between our bodies grew thick and curdled with need, and I knew he was feeling it too. Breathy puffs slid through my lips, marking the desire that was a constant undercurrent between them. A choked sound gurgled from my throat, a sound of anguish infused with desire.

“
Oh, God. I can’t do this…
” I whispered.

“You can’t deny what’s between us, Kay.”

His fingers entwined mine, locking them tight as he leaned forward. His emerald eyes burned hot like his touch and his lips firmed.

“Tonight, Kay,”

Those simple words said everything—meant everything. There had been a question in his voice, a subtle shift in his baritone. My chest heaved up and down, trying to pulled oxygen into my lungs. My mind grappled for purchase, anything to break this spell I’d fallen under.

Just get up and walk away…walk away…this is nothing but trouble…trouble you don’t need in your life…

I could see Livy in my peripheral vision making her way toward us and my heart hammered faster at her approach. Luke commanded my attention, daring me to look away. He waited patiently, his handsome face relaxed. Livy was getting closer. Closer. Time was running out. My heart shattered my ribs and the breath got stuck in my throat. My body was aflame, burning so hot that sweat trickled down my back despite the cold. I grew damp and needy, an almost desperate craving between my thighs.

God help me… I wanted him…but I…I…couldn’t!

I yanked my hands away and bolted from the seat just as Livy appeared in front of us.

“I—I have to go!” I breathed, waving to them as I turned and hurried away, filling my starving lungs with air. I pulled up my collar, almost running back to the safety of my office.

CHAPTER FOUR

Luke

I dropped Livy off at my apartment into the capable hands of Mrs. Rogers. I made it to work just in time for my one o’clock meeting with Tom Grummel, the current owner of ACE, and Grummel’s assistant Glen Callis. I’d known Tom Grummel for many years and had always liked him. I had tremendous respect for the older man who’d run his company for more than two decades.

After I graduated from Cornell with a degree in journalism and communications, I worked for a major network for a few years. I developed many contacts in the PR business. Ironically, it had been Tom who’d encouraged me to branch out on my own and start my own PR firm. With hard work, networking, and offering special services such as investor communications and internet SEO, I’d made Davenport a tremendous success. Having influential contacts such as Matt Wilkinson had been instrumental in getting important clients, but I knew that in this business, success was all about results, and I’d had to work my ass off to prove myself.

ACE was my primary competitor. I had been surprised when, just a few months ago, Tom approached me and offered to sell his company. I had wondered if ACE was having financial troubles, but after looking at balance sheets, income statements, and other financials, my accountant, tax advisor, and other specials assured me the company was not only thriving, but doing extraordinarily well. Other than stating that he was selling for personal reasons, Tom hadn’t offered any further explanation.

I already had my hands full with Davenport PR, but knew I’d be a fool to turn down such an opportunity. Tom Grummel had a great team of computer geniuses that could boost the productivity of my company in the growing field of social media. This should be a seamless transition and one that would greatly benefit Davenport PR.

I sat at a mahogany conference table and faced Tom and Glen. I couldn’t help but notice that Tom looked more tired than usual and he seemed to have lost some weight since the last time I’d seen him. Glen had a friendly, relaxed smile and had done most of the talking throughout the meeting. It was obvious the man was competent and extremely knowledgeable.

I folded my hands in front of me and leaned forward, my gaze steady. The majority of our dealings so far had been through Glen. I didn’t want to pry, but I sensed there was more going on. I also wanted to reiterate things with Tom and make sure we were on the same page as far as his expectations.

“Tom, I’d like a word please,” I stated, nodding to my colleague across the table.

Tom Grummel hesitated a moment, then his eyes widened in understanding. He mumbled something to Glen about meeting him back at the office and the other man stood. Glen stretched a hand out to me.

“I just want to say that we’re very excited about this.” He smiled. “Davenport PR is an excellent company and we’d all be honored to work for you. If there’s anything else you need, just let me know.”

I nodded and stood to shake his hand. I watched as Glen shrugged into his coat and belted it, then left the office. Retaking my seat, I sent a speculative gaze in Tom’s direction.

“Tom, I don’t mean to pry, and I think this acquisition will be good for my company, but I can’t help but wonder again why you’re selling. I know you said personal reasons, but is there something I should know?”

Tom’s shoulders drooped and he faced me squarely. Pushing up his glasses, his bony jaw tightened.

“I’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer and I honestly can’t do this anymore. I want to retire and spend whatever time I have left with my family.”

I let the admission sink in. Tom’s words filled me with a deep sadness. “I’m sorry.”

“Not many people know. I was diagnosed five months ago. I don’t have much time left, they tell me. I’ve been dealing with other health issues on and off for the last few years, but this one seems to have beaten me. After several rounds of chemo, there’s been no change. The chemo’s been worse than the cancer. I can’t do it anymore.”

“I understand. I’ve heard it can be rough. Sometimes quality of life is what’s important.” I cocked my head slightly. Something still bothered me. “Why don’t you sell the company to Glen? He seems like he’d be up to the task and knows a hell of a lot about your company.”

Tom sighed. “Glen’s a good guy, but I started this company from nothing just as you did. There are people who depend on me—people I’ve made promises to. I know that you’ll take care of them. Glen is a wiz with computer software and at business. He’s a hard worker, but he’s not a people person, you know what I mean? It’s important to me that the people who work for me find a home. You have a great reputation and I’ve always known you to be a man of your word.”

I nodded. I’d promised Tom that I’d keep Glen on as well as find a place for his key employees. It had been the only thing he’d insisted on in our negotiations.

“Bruce has already gone through all the personnel files with our HR specialist and the integration team. You have a great group of people. Glen is a real asset. I think I’ll be able to find a management position for him with a comparable salary to what he’s making now. He does need to understand, though, that although there are people here I depend on, I and I alone run this company.”

Tom nodded his understanding. “Honestly, Glen is as thrilled by this new opportunity as I am. He’s worked for me for a long time. He used to run the marketing department at
Universe Magazine
.”

I nodded, impressed.
Universe Magazine
was a top fashion and lifestyle publication that targeted an elite audience. Roslyn had done some modeling for the magazine before she got pregnant with Livy.

“I’m sure Glen understands that things will change,” Tom continued. “My entire staff does. The alternative would be a future that is very uncertain.”

“My attorney said we should have the final purchase agreement in a week or so and then we can go to closing. My accountant is still waiting for a few follow up expense reports from the last quarter, but other than that, we’re ready to move forward.”

Tom visibly relaxed. “I don’t handle that part of the business. Glen takes care of that, but I’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

“Great.” I stood and shook Tom’s hand, noting how his condition had changed him in just a few short months. “I’m truly sorry about your diagnosis. If there’s anything you need, just ask.”

Tom smiled. “You’re already doing it. Thank you.”

I walked Tom out of the office. I could understand Tom’s feelings. I’d feel the same way about Davenport PR if things were reversed. If anything, the situation underscored my view on the transiency of life. Learning to appreciate each moment as a gift had been a lesson I’d learned the hard way.

I said goodbye to Tom at the door of the conference room. We had a formal meeting with attorneys scheduled for next week. Now knowing Tom’s motivation for selling, he knew it wouldn’t be long before they had a done deal.

My mind strayed back to the park, trying to unravel the thoughts of a beautiful blonde woman who’d left me scratching my head. I could tell she wanted me. That sweet blush staining her cheeks whenever she looked at me reflected the desire I felt for her. I wanted her. Badly. It wasn’t that
complicated
. I guessed I’d been a bastard to just show up at her office. It wasn’t as though she’d expressed a desire to ever see me again. In fact, she’d made it clear she wanted to put the night at
Sensations
behind her. What was her deal with Wilkinson? She was no longer engaged to him, yet she’d hedged questions about the wedding during her interview. Why not just say the wedding was off?

I walked down the hall toward my office and my jaw hardened when I saw Josh hovering at Maria’s desk. I immediately thought of Katie and couldn’t help wondering if Josh knew where he’d been that morning. Had she told him that I’d visited her? Was that the reason for his presence? But Josh was leaning close to Maria, a lascivious smile on his face as his eyes devoured her cleavage. Anger caused me to reflexively open and close my fist as Maria tittered coyly at something Josh whispered into her ear. I drew closer and she looked up, startled and coloring red. I ignored my secretary, instead pinning my gaze on my visitor.

Josh stood to his full height when he saw me.

“I need to speak to you.”

I clenched my jaw, guarding my expression as I silently ushered Josh into my office. I closed the door firmly and faced him.

“I know what’s going on,” Josh said immediately.

I folded my arms across my chest and stared. A restless unease edged up my back. I could tell Josh was angry and I wondered if Katie was alright. Josh had a rash temper that frankly worried me at times. I’d seen it directed at his co-workers and had had to intervene on more than one occasion.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, Bruce stole the Kotobuki account. He set me up, picked a fight with me at the party, then fucking stole
my
account.”

I started shaking my head even before Josh had finished his tirade. This was the way Josh operated. He blamed everyone else for his fuck-ups. He never took responsibility, and my patience was quickly wearing thin.

“Listen. You lost the Kotobuki account all on your own.” I circled him and walked behind my desk. I needed to put some distance between us. Anger was starting to tighten my muscles and I didn’t want to do something stupid.

“I had it under control. I was going to re-approach him this week and get the account back. We had a rapport. But Bruce—“

My palm shot up. “Don’t blame Bruce for this. I was the one who contacted him, and frankly, he’d had it with you!”

“
You
contacted him! You didn’t even give me a chance.”

“I’ve given you more than enough chances! I even tried to call you to tell you about the meeting, but you were nowhere to be found! You’re lucky you’re still working here, Wilkinson!”

I felt hatred wafting from Josh like a foul odor. The other man’s fists curled tight and his legs braced as he assumed an openly aggressive stance. I had to take a deep breath and remind myself I was the employer because I was itching to take a hard swing at this man for reasons other than the apparent.

“It’s not fair! That account was mine!”

“You blew it! You fucked up!”

“That’s—”

“Just get out of my damn office!” I sneered, unable to look at him any longer.

I dropped into my chair and shuffled papers on my desk, my eyes turned down in abrupt dismissal.

Josh stood smoldering and I wondered if I’d have to physically remove him. I actually relished the thought, but a moment later I heard my office door open and slam shut. I drummed my fingers on the mahogany desk top.

What the fuck did she see in him?

Taking a moment to clear my head, I leaned back in my chair. The writing was on the wall. I had to fire Josh. Promise or not, I could no longer tolerate the man’s incompetence. Even if my personal feelings weren’t involved, I was certain I would’ve arrived at the same decision. Out of respect, I’d let Matt Wilkinson know.

I dug my cell phone out of my pocket and dialed Matt’s number.

“Hi, Luke! Good to hear from you! It’s been a while,” the scratchy voice instantly bellowed through the phone.

I sighed. “We need to talk.”

“This doesn’t sound good. What’s my boy done now?”

“It’s not working out, Matt.”

A weary breath came through the phone. “Can we talk about this?”

“What’s good for you?”

“It’s a little crazy right now.” I heard some papers shuffling. “But I’ll be in New York on the twenty first for a holiday party. How about we meet for dinner that evening, before the party?”

“Fine. Sounds good.”

I signed off and stared at the wall, feeling a growing need to pull this thorn out of my side.

*************************

Katie

My phone chimed and I looked down at the text marked ‘urgent’ from my broker.

COVETED TWO BEDROOM IN PROTECTED BUILDING. LOTS OF PERKS. JUST GOT LISTING. MUST SEE TODAY. WILL GO.

I sighed. As usual, the cryptic message from my broker left much to be interpreted, but dealing with the Manhattan market for weeks now, I knew the codes. Coveted meant somewhat spacious, probably about one thousand square feet—a number that drew a lot of interest in a market of closet-sized apartments. At least she didn’t say charming retro, that would mean it was an old dump. Protected meant part-time doorman. Lots of perks meant the apartment had windows, but not necessarily a good view. In fact I could be staring at a brick wall.

I started a reply text, my fingers hop-scotching over the screen. I knew there was nothing cryptic about
must see today
or
will go
. Thus was the nature of this cutthroat market. I got a few more details and scheduled a time to meet with my broker. Wondering if Michelle could slip out of work to accompany me, I quickly called her.

After telling her about the apartment, Michelle had one question.

“Elevator?”

I grinned. “Yes.” I’d asked the broker when I’d texted her.

“Well, this at least seems better than the last one. I almost had a heart attack trying to get up to the fifth floor. You know I wouldn't have visited you there unless you had me airlifted through the window.”

I laughed. “Come on, your extracurricular activities are a hell of a lot more strenuous.”

“Yes. But there I’m highly motivated.”

I chuckled. “Are you coming or not?”

“I should be able to take my lunch a little early. Josh is here so I’ll come down. Just call when you’re downstairs.”

The floor of my stomach bottomed out, but it wasn’t the mention of Josh that caused the sudden tumult. The thought of possibly running into my friend’s boss had pinpricks jumping on my skin. My attempts to filter Luke Davenport from my dreams had been regretfully unsuccessful, and imagining those intense emerald eyes trained on me had my heart flipping in my chest.

“Uh…I was hoping you’d meet me there.”

“No way. Just pick me up. It’ll be quicker. Gotta go. See you soon.” With that, the phone went blank and I sighed.