by King, Sadie
I nod and he continues. “I kept getting my ideas rejected. It was too frustrating. So when a position came up in sales, I took it.”
“And are you happier working in sales?”
He shrugs. “I’m the type of guy who’ll be happy anywhere. I like my team; I like visiting clients.”
“But are you satisfied? Do you feel fulfilled?”
He looks at me for a long time.
“Honestly? No. I don’t think I am. But does anyone really have job satisfaction?”
“Have you thought about starting your own business?”
He snorts. “I left school when I was sixteen. I don’t know anything about business.”
“It’s not as hard as you think.”
“Easy for you to say. I bet you’ve got a degree.” He looks at me expectantly.
“Yeah, I do actually.”
“There ya go. What in?”
“Business studies.”
He puts down his fork. “Business studies. Well, you should be the one going into business.”
“I don’t have anything I’m passionate about.”
“Do you need passion to start a business?”
“I think so. I mean, I think it helps.” He eyes me over the table.
“I’m not like you, okay. I left school with no qualifications. I’m lucky with my situation at Ballyholme. They’ve been good to me, and I work hard for them. But that’s all I have. Your degree will get you a job anywhere, but my future is Ballyholme.”
He stands up suddenly and pushes the chair back.
“I’m going to get an early night. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He walks out of the restaurant, and I’m left feeling like the progress from the day has taken a giant step backwards.
4
Joe
I pass a sleepless night thinking about Madison and what a jerk I was. It’s not her fault she was offered the job.
I almost get up in the night and knock on her door to apologize, but even I know how inappropriate that would be. Her opening the door in her negligee . . .
Once I’ve thought it, I can’t get the image out of my mind. I’ve got no idea what she wears to bed, but in my imagination it’s a thin negligee, her heavy breasts swinging under the tight lace fabric.
I push the image out of my head. It’s so inappropriate to fantasize about the boss, and besides, who actually wears a negligee to bed? She’s more likely to be in thick, sensible pyjamas that hug her curves. Damn, my dick twitches at the thought of her.
I pass a restless night trying not to fantasize about the boss. When I come down to breakfast the next day, she’s already dressed in a smart pants suit with her hair pulled back. She looks professional and sexy, and I’m not sure how I’m going to concentrate today.
“Morning,” she says warily.
“I’m sorry I’ve been a jerk,” I say. “It’s not your fault you got the job and I didn’t.”
She nods slowly as she butters some toast.
“Can we start again?” I say.
“Sure,” she says.
I breathe a sigh of relief and vow to myself to stop being a jerk.
Madison is a hit with the clients. They love her direct approach and sincere attitude. I offer to drive home, and she dozes in the passenger seat as we pull into Winter Town.
I pull up outside work, reluctant to wake her. She looks peaceful sleeping. The worry lines that I’ve noticed around her eyes fade away when she sleeps.
She stirs as I turn the engine off.
“We’re here,” I say.
She smiles sleepily at me, and I can’t help but smile back at her.
“I hope I wasn’t snoring or anything embarrassing.”
“No snoring, only dribbling.” She looks horrified, and I laugh. “Only joking. You slept like an angel.”
She rolls her eyes at me but laughs. God, she’s beautiful.
“A few of us are going for a drink tonight if you want to join us.”
“Thanks, but I’ll give it a pass.”
I get out of the car to hide my disappointment. “No worries. We’re a pretty social bunch. There’s always something going on if you want to join.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.”
I pull my bag out of the back while she goes around to the driver’s seat.
“I’ll see you Monday.”
“Yeah, have a good weekend.” I watch her drive off, wondering why the hell I wasted the last two days sulking when I could have been getting to know her better.
Later that night I’m at the bar with a few friends from work. My brother, Flynn, has come out to join us and he’s chatting to me about some game, but I can’t concentrate.
I keep thinking about Madison, how peaceful she looked sleeping in the car and how it would feel to have her sleeping next to me every night.
“What’s up, bro?” asks Flynn.
“Huh? Nothing.”
“You’re not listening to a word I’m saying. What’s up?”
“Nothing’s up. I’m just distracted.”
He looks at me knowingly. “Oh yeah. Who is she?”
“What? There’s no one.”
He sips his beer and raises his eyebrows.
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“You’re not listening, you’ve barely touched your beer, and the chicken wings you ordered twenty minutes ago haven’t turned up and you haven’t even noticed. Don’t tell me something’s not up.”
“The chicken wings! I forgot about those. I’m gonna go find out where they are.”
He puts an arm out to stop me. “Don’t change the subject.”
I take a sip of beer and am about to tell him about Madison when I see a familiar face walking toward our table.
“Oh great, Martin’s here.”
“Is this the asshole CEO you keep whining about?”
“Yeah.”
I watch Martin as he heads straight for the group of girls from the office. When he sees me, he changes course and makes a beeline for our table.
“Well, well, well, Joe, how was the road trip?”
“Yeah, good, had some good meetings. Madison seemed to be a big hit.”
“I bet she was.” He gives me a knowing smirk that makes the blood throb in my veins.
“She made a good impression on the clients,” I say stiffly, trying to keep it professional.
“You lucky dog, taking a road trip with her. You see any action?”
I clench my fists by my sides. “Don’t speak about her like that.” I can feel my face getting hot.
“Of course ya didn’t.” He laughs. “If that was me, I would’ve been hitting that sweet thing.”
I lunge forward, and Flynn steps in to grab me before I can throw a punch. Lucky my brother’s as big as I am and able to hold me back.
Martin laughs. “Whoa kiddo, relax. I’m just having a laugh.”
“You should talk about women with more respect,” I say through gritted teeth.
The grin slides off his face. “And you should remember who you’re talking to.”
We stare at each other for a moment.
“Extra hot chicken wings!” I turn towards the waitress holding up a plate of wings. When I turn back, Martin has moved on to the table with the women.
I watch him lay a hand on the back of one of the receptionists as he leans in to talk to the group.
“That guy’s an asshole,” says Flynn.
“Yup,” I say. “He sure is.”
5
Madison
It’s Saturday morning and I decide to take a walk downtown. I browse the boutique shops and stop at a busy cafe. I grab a table outside and sip my cappuccino watching the busy main street.
The hum of approaching bikes fills the air, and I look up to see three riders coming down the street. One of them has a young girl on the back casually holding on, obviously comfortable on a bike.
They pull up just down the road, and as they pull their helme
ts off, I recognize Joe. My heart beats a little faster when I see his broad shoulders and the way he throws his head back in an easy laugh, talking amongst his friends.
He sees me and waves. I wave back, wishing I’d put some make-up on before I left the house.
“Hi Madison,” he says, bounding over.
“Hi Joe. Nice day for a ride.”
“Yeah, I’ve just been out with my brothers.” He indicates the guys by the bikes. “You, ah, wanna get a coffee?”
“I’ve just had one.”
“Oh yeah, of course.” He looks down at my empty cup and nods. “Okay, then. You wanna go for a ride?”
“What, on a motorbike?”
“Well, I left the helicopter at home...”
I laugh at his joke. “I’ve never been on a bike before.”
His face lights up. “Oh yeah? You’re gonna love it.”
“I don’t think...”
“No.” He cuts me off and holds his hand out. “No excuses. You are coming on the back of my bike.”
I look at his hand, and he beckons me with it. “Come on. Right now, young lady.”
“I’m hardly a young lady,” I say, taking his hand. It’s big and warm, and I let him pull me out of my chair and lead me to his bike.
“Nick,” he calls to his brother, “I’m borrowing your helmet.”
He pulls a helmet onto my head and adjusts the straps. He’s so close I can smell his warm skin and spicy soap.
“Throw your leg over this side.”
I raise my eyebrows at him and climb onto the bike as elegantly as I can.
He slides on the front and pulls his helmet on.
“It’s easiest if you hold on to me,” he says.
He starts the engine, and I put my hands on his waist as we pull out of the parking space.
He turns left at the end of the main street and turns again until we’re on the edge of town. He picks up speed as we ride along a country road that’s lined with tall trees.
The world rushes past in a blur, and I hold onto him tight. I close my eyes for a moment, enjoying the smell of his leather jacket and the feel of the wind on my face.
We climb into the hills and pull up at a rest area surrounded by trees. I get off the bike, not able to hide my smile.
“That was awesome,” I say.
“There’s nothing else like it.” His grin matches my own. “I want to show you something.”
He takes my hand, and before I can protest, he leads me over to the edge of the rest area. There’s a low wooden fence and he climbs over it easily then turns to help me over.
“Where are you taking me?”
He laughs. “It’s a surprise.”
He follows the line of the trees, and I step carefully behind him. The ground slopes down beside us, and any wrong foot could mean a fall.
There isn’t a path, but he seems to know where he’s going. After a few yards, we come into a clearing.
There’s a ledge here with a big rock on it on and a clear line of sight all the way to town.
He helps me climb up onto the rock, and we look out over the trees to the town spread out below us.
“Oh wow,” I say. “Great view.”
“I used to come out here when I was a kid. Great place for thinking.”
We sit in silence for a while.
“So what do you think of Winter Town?” he asks.
“It’s beautiful from up here.”
“Will you stick around?”
I don’t answer for a while. Looking out over the peaceful town makes me feel safe, like maybe I could start a life here. But it’s not that easy. “It depends,” I say finally.
“What is it you’re running from?” he asks. “Is it a boyfriend? Or ex-husband?”
I laugh. “No, nothing like that.”
“You’ve never been married?” His eyebrows shoot up.
“You seem surprised.”
“I know it’s none of my business, but I can’t believe you haven’t been snapped up already.”
“I guess I never met the right man. I was always too busy with work.”
He looks out thoughtfully. “Well, I hope you slow down a bit. Don’t work so hard that your life passes you by.”
Looking out over the town sitting next to Joe, for a moment I get a hint of what life could be like with a man by my side. We sit in silence for a while.
“Come on, then,” he says, standing up. “I’d better get you back.”
6
Madison
We fall into an easy routine, meeting at Charlie’s for a coffee before work. I tell myself it’s to go over the work for the day, but mostly we end up chatting about other things. I haven’t laughed this much in a long time.
I find myself looking forward to the mornings as the highlight of my day.
I visit some local clients, but there are no more overnight trips. Friday comes around again, and this time I agree to join Joe and the others for a drink after work.
I stay at the office a little late, so by the time I get there everyone’s already a drink or two in. I order a glass of wine at the bar and join the table.
Joe’s talking with Tim in the corner. I feel glad that they’ve made up. I join Michelle and the other girls from HR, and we chat easily. They’re a nice bunch of people, and I find myself relaxing.
Suddenly my neck prickles, and I feel a hand on the small of my back.
“Madison, I was hoping you’d make it tonight.”
It’s Martin, and he’s standing a little too close for comfort. I can smell the wine on him. “How are you settling in?” he asks.
“Good, I think.” I lean over to put my glass on the table which gives me an excuse to maneuver away from him and his unwelcome hand on my back.
“Let me get you another drink,” he says.
“No thanks, I’ve still got a full glass of wine.”
“Nonsense,” he says moving his hand to my shoulder. “You’re new here. It’s tradition to have a bottle of champagne.”
“I’m not a big drinker these days. But if you really want to get me a welcome drink, I’ll have a coke. Excuse me, I need the restroom.” I extract myself from his clutches and go and find the toilets.
I come out of the restroom and almost bump into Martin. He holds out a glass of champagne to me, a predatory grin on his face.
“I told you we were celebrating,” he says.
I take it and sip it politely. He is the CEO after all, and I can’t be seen to be rude.
“Which night are you free next week?” he asks. “I’ll take you out to dinner.”
My heart sinks. The last thing I need is the CEO trying to hit on me. “I’m not sure that’s appropriate.”
He smiles, showing a row of sharp teeth. “It’s common practice for the CEO to take his senior staff out.”
“Oh, um, I’ll have to check when I’ve got my planner on me.”
He leans in, and I step backwards. My back is against the wall and he leans his arm on the wall next to me, blocking me in.
I look around to see if I can get someone’s attention and politely escape. But we’re in the alcove that leads to the restrooms, and I can’t see our table from here.
“I’ve got something I want to discuss with you,” he says.
“Can it wait till Monday; I prefer to keep work at work.”
“It’s not about work.”
I give him a polite smile. “I’m feeling a little boxed in here. I could do with some air.” He may be the CEO, but I’m not going to let him crowd my personal space. I’ve not made it where I am without having to deal with a few unwanted advances. Unfortunately, he doesn’t get the hint. In fact, he leans in closer, and I can smell his wine breath.
“I know all about you.” My blood runs cold. “I know what you did at your last company.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” My voice comes out shaky, and I know I’m not fooling him.
“I’ve got quite a network, and I
did some digging.”
My mouth’s gone dry, and I lick my lips. It’s a mistake; his eyes focus on my mouth.
“So if I were you, I’d stay still and behave like a good girl.”
He’s right in my face now, and suddenly I realize he’s going to kiss me. I’m too stunned to move. His face comes closer, and I shut my eyes and turn my head to the side.
His clammy lips brush my cheek as I duck away from him. He grabs my arm and pins me against the wall.
“Don’t be a bitch about it.”
I struggle to get free, but his whole body is pressed up against me now. Fear rises in my stomach. Then suddenly he’s been pulled off me.
Joe grabs Martin and pins him against the wall. He’s so angry I can see the veins pulsing in his neck.
“What the fuck, Joe?” spits Martin.
“You okay?” Joe asks me, his face a mix of anger and concern.
I nod, blinking back tears.
Joe throws a punch, and Martin lets out a scream. Blood spurts out of his nose as he slides to the floor.
“You’ll pay for this, Joe,” he says, clutching his face. “And I know your secret, Madison.”
“You stay away from Madison.”
Martin laughs. “Fuck you, Joe. You know what, you’re fired. You’re done.”
“That’s fine.” Joe stands over Martin who’s cowering on the floor. “I don’t care about my job, but if you touch her again, I’ll kill you.”
Joe takes my hand and leads me away.
“I’m taking you home,” he says. I nod and let him lead me out of the bar.
I’ve stopped shaking by the time we get to my place. Joe gets me a glass of water, and we sit in the living room.
“You okay?” he asks for what seems like the hundredth time.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“I don’t mean to pry, but what did he mean by ‘he knows your secret?’”