Eight Reasons Why

by Jeannette Winters

  Any other time in any other place, he actually might enjoy this game. Right now all he could think about was damage control. Pushing her buttons meant he needed to work harder to cover his tracks. Damn, how do you fuck with my head? No one has ever been able to do that.

  He knew why too. She held herself as though she was cold as ice, all proper and unyielding, but behind those beautiful green eyes, he saw fiery passion. If only she’d throw the rule book out and let loose.

  She’d be a distraction and could cost me everything. He’d rather have her hate him. He could deal with that. So, for now, he was going to push her further away, out of the picture, until she avoided him at all costs. Then he could easily continue with his plan of action. And she will be safe.

  * * *

  Allyson sat with her mouth hanging open in total disbelief. Somehow Caydan was able to pull every bit of control from her, and in her own office. That had never happened to her before. If she needed to bring someone into her office for disciplinary action, they sat quietly and let her do the talking. They might not have liked it, but they knew doing anything else wasn’t going to help their case. But Caydan didn’t respect her position, or her. What she didn’t get was why? He was a new hire who acted as though he didn’t need the job. Didn’t he understand getting fired would tarnish his impeccable résumé? One I still question.

  Obviously, Caydan didn’t think in terms of longevity. So what was his agenda if not to add the Hendersons as a good reference? He didn’t strike her as foolish, actually he seemed to be continuously in thought. It was difficult reading what those thoughts were. Somehow she knew asking wouldn’t get her the truth.

  All she knew about him was what she’d read on paper. The man was a closed book about his life. She knew he traveled the world and currently resided in his birth country, Switzerland. Even on their long flight, he never mentioned anything personal, not even if he had a family or any siblings.

  He was a mystery, but anyone that reclusive had to be hiding something. That’s why she’d thought bringing Shaun in would provide another set of eyes and things would change. Apparently they did, just not the way I imagined. And I’m still in the dark why two employees quit yesterday.

  Timing of Shaun’s arrival couldn’t have been worse. To an outsider, it would appear as though she and Caydan had an easygoing friendly, maybe too friendly, working relationship. Nothing could be further from the truth. His remarks weren’t the least bit sweet or playful. She knew he’d been trying to spark some sort of snappy response, and normally she would’ve enjoyed bantering. But she was distracted with the news Shaun had arrived hours earlier than expected, and she was flustered.

  She wasn’t sure what angered her more: that Caydan didn’t seem surprised to see Shaun or that the two of them seemed to have teamed up against her. As HR manager, it was her job to make sure no one was discriminated against for any reason, including gender. Yet that was exactly what just took place. Caydan is a man. He can go. Me? I have a vagina and can’t take care of myself.

  Errr. That was unacceptable. Who could she complain to? The rules in Tabiq were not the same as back home. Calling Scott would be waving a white flag. No way was she about to admit she couldn’t handle the job. If a staff member had come to her with that issue, how would she have proceeded?

  Everything she thought she knew didn’t apply. She couldn’t picture any of the employees actually coming to her for such a matter. Tabiqian women were even more reclusive. It saddened to her to realize at New Hope, a form of abuse could take place, and they wouldn’t turn to her for help. Not because she couldn’t assist, but because they didn’t trust her to address it properly. And for so long, they haven’t had someone to champion their cause.

  Allyson didn’t blame them. After all this country had been through, why would they trust a foreigner to fight on their behalf? People had come to Tabiq and done such disgusting, inhumane things to women. It would take a hell of a lot more than a job title to break down the walls they’d built around them.

  That didn’t mean it was impossible. She needed to alter her approach and show them her word meant everything. Hopefully, over time, that would be enough to earn their trust. It sounded easy, but she knew otherwise. Yet Caydan wasn’t any different from her, but when they’d met with the staff, Caydan hadn’t seemed to have the same hurdles to overcome as she had.

  If it had been anyone else, she’d have been thrilled for them and wouldn’t hesitate asking them for guidance in her dealings with staff. But no matter how badly she wanted or needed his help, she would never admit it to him. The last thing he needs is an ego boost.

  She wasn’t going to let him know how impressed she was. She’d thought the staff from Tabiq would’ve been petrified of him. When Caydan walked into a room, his presence demanded your attention. All eyes had been on him, and rather than averting their eyes, they made eye contact and listened intently as he spoke, seeming to really believe what he was saying.

  Allyson had been so busy observing the interaction, she couldn’t recall the details of what had been said. That was not good; the whole reason she had accompanied him was to monitor his words. If there had been anything off the mark of the company’s policies, she was positive she’d have picked up on it. Instead she’d been shocked that the abrasive tone he used with her hadn’t been there. Instead, he’d presented himself as . . . approachable.

  Damn it. He’s good. Mind you, he did get this job, and Scott is not a pushover. Scott hadn’t seen anything untoward in Caydan. She sighed heavily. Caydan had everyone believing he was a great guy. Shaun seemed to have joined that list too. Was she the only one who wasn’t blinded by his so-called charm and good looks?

  Sitting alone in her quiet office, she realized she was too. This sucks.

  If his plan was to make her look incompetent, he was in for a rude awakening. She wasn’t a child who was easily intimidated, and she sure as hell wasn’t going to let some new hire come in and walk all over her. It might be an uphill battle, but she was going to turn the tables on him and show everyone she was equally, if not more, qualified than he was.

  The person she needed to win over first was Shaun; she had to get some alone time with him. Caydan had monopolized the first conversation, but there wasn’t going to be a replay of that. Allyson knew Shaun was probably unpacking, but she would “bump into him” later, one way or another. All she needed was a few minutes of his time so she could voice her concerns. It would be up to Shaun what he wanted to do about them from there. Hopefully he’s as open-minded as I think he is. Otherwise, this is going to really look bad for me.

  There wasn’t another option. If she didn’t speak to Shaun soon, how was she going to explain her request for him to come to Tabiq? She needed to make sure he agreed that being there hadn’t been a waste of his valuable time.

  She looked at her phone and debated what to do. Waiting wasn’t going to help, so she dialed Shaun’s number.

  “Hello, Allyson. Your meeting over that quickly?” Shaun asked.

  Never really had it. “Yes. I was wondering . . . hoping you wouldn’t mind if we . . . touched base later today.”

  “I thought we were going to talk earlier, but when you didn’t mention anything I assumed—”

  “No. I still would like to. It just . . . wasn’t the . . . right time.” She couldn’t bring herself to say it right out. Shaun was an intelligent man and surely he could read between the lines.

  “Do you need me to come down now or can it wait until tonight?”

  She didn’t want him to believe there was anything dire. After all she had no facts to give him, only a gut feeling. That itself wasn’t going to be easy to explain. She earned this position after years of hard work. That itself should be enough for Shaun to take what she had to say, seriously.

  “No, there isn’t any rush. Please, call me when it’s convenient for you.”

  There was a brief pause and then Shaun added, “I assume you would prefer Caydan to be left out
of this . . . meeting.”

  Awkward. “Yes.” It was her preference, but after all, Shaun was one of her bosses. He had the final say.

  “Bennett and I are going for a ride this evening, but I’d like to touch base as soon as I return.”

  “Thank you.”

  He ended the call. Even though nothing had been said, she knew enough had been implied. Allyson wasn’t going to spend the rest of the day worrying about what she had no control over. Tonight would arrive fast enough.

  Things might not have gone the way she’d planned, but she and Caydan were both in Tabiq for the next year. If Shaun felt there was nothing to be concerned about, she would make the best of the situation. And if Caydan wasn’t willing to change his . . . controlling ways, she’d find a way to do it for him. Either way, the gloves were off and he was going to see a side of her he wasn’t expecting.

  Now all she needed to do was find the confidence to pull it off. Her ethics were backed by rules and policies. Caydan didn’t seem to be a policy man . He referred to them only when they were beneficial to him. Otherwise he acted as though he was above them all. Somehow she was going to make Caydan understand that no one is an exception, not her or the staff, and definitely not him.

  She looked at the clock and realized the day was slipping by while nothing she had wanted to accomplish had been addressed. If Caydan hadn’t high-jacked the meeting maybe it would be different, but the issue of two employees quitting without notice was still outstanding. Caydan had promised to provide her the details, yet he’d said nothing. Maybe he had nothing to say in the first place.

  There hadn’t been time for Caydan to get those facts. And since he hadn’t been allowed to travel off the resort either, he couldn’t have spoken to the employees after they quit. It was just another ploy to make me look bad.

  But Caydan was going to learn Allyson took her job seriously, maybe too much so. Those two employees could be replaced. That was true of any of them, including her. Yet replacing someone without understanding what had transpired in the first place was setting New Hope up for others to follow suit. It wasn’t the legacy she wanted to leave.

  First HR manager at New Hope. Last one too, because they closed due to my incompetence.

  Sitting in her office was a good way to ensure her fear would come true. She needed employees to see her face, get to know her. Both staff and management needed to understand her role there. It was her job to ensure all employees were treated equally, to make sure no one got injured, and all while protecting the interests of the company. Though it might not mean anything to anyone right now, she was about to show them how invaluable such a person could be.

  As she was about to leave her office the phone rang. She hoped it was Shaun offering to meet her sooner. Unfortunately it wasn’t.

  “Hello, Scott. How are things at High View?” Directing the conversation to him might eliminate any unwanted questions.

  “Actually, it has been nonstop since you left.”

  “I thought you liked being busy,” she teased. Scott wasn’t one who sat idle for long. If there was down time, he found a project to keep himself occupied.

  Scott grunted. “I’m thinking I should’ve taken the job at New Hope and left you here at High View.”

  You say that now! She would’ve taken that offer in a heartbeat. “You know you couldn’t be away from your wife and children that long.”

  “That’s true. And I doubt they would’ve relocated either.”

  Allyson didn’t believe Scott called to chat. That wasn’t his style. There was something wrong. “Is there anything I can do from here to alleviate some of the workload?” Paperwork could be done from anywhere. Even if he needed assistance with payroll, she could help. All he needed to do was say the word. And I really could use the distraction.

  “Your replacement quit.”

  “What? Corinne seemed so excited for the promotion. What happened?”

  With a sigh he added, “Corinne said it was too much and felt as though she was going to let the company down. I tried telling her it took time and would get easier. But she kept making mistakes and was harder on herself than I was on her. She wanted her old job back, but it was already filled.”

  “Scott, it’s only been a few weeks. I told her when I trained her that nothing happens overnight. I explained she would need patience, but it would all come together.”

  “I told her the same thing. But the confidence wasn’t there.”

  “I’m sorry. I guess I didn’t choose the right person for the job.” She had interviewed several people, but Corinne had been working on the High View HR team for two years. She had earned that promotion. Allyson thought she was ready. What if I’m not ready for this job any more that Corinne was for that one? Once again she began to second guess herself. That’s when she realized Caydan hadn’t been the only cocky person on the flight over.

  “Allyson, you’re not to blame.”

  “Really? I’m the one who hired her.”

  “And you think I haven’t hired someone who didn’t meet my expectations?” Scott asked.

  Anyone in particular? Please tell me it’s Caydan and you’re correcting that. “I guess I never thought about it.”

  “Well I have. And don’t worry, Allyson, you’re not one of them,” Scott said with a chuckle.

  “That’s good to hear. But I have to admit, I’ve found my new position . . . challenging as well.”

  “And you’re wondering if you’re cut out for the job?”

  Unfortunately, yes. “It’s different than I expected. There have been a few times I’ve thought you may have been the better choice.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  Because you’re a man. “Experience.”

  “When it comes to Tabiq, we are on a level playing field. Don’t cut yourself short, Allyson. If I didn’t think you were capable, I’d have told Drake not to give you the promotion.”

  “Well thanks for letting me know you have such pull.” Allyson knew Scott did. Drake never said it, but he trusted Scott’s judgment and for good reason. He was a by-the-book guy. Honesty was everything to Scott. Even if Scott wanted the job in Tabiq, Allyson wasn’t sure Drake would’ve let him go. High View Falls needed someone like Scott overseeing the HR side. A place where you actually could do some good.

  “You know I don’t have the final say,” Scott added.

  “No, but at least you have one. Here I feel as though my voice is like a mouse.”

  “Squeaky?”

  She laughed. “No. I mean small and unheard.”

  Scott laughed. “That doesn’t sound like the woman who worked in this office.”

  He was right. Allyson didn’t back down; even in a room filled with men, she held her own. This wasn’t any different, was it? All she needed to do was think and act as though she was back in Connecticut and it would be easier dealing with Caydan. And maybe I won’t feel like he’s the cat and I’m the mouse. She didn’t think Caydan was playing with her, but she hoped he wasn’t out for the kill.

  What am I worried about? He can’t fire me. And I sure as hell am not going to quit like Corinne.

  “You’re right. But then again, you don’t sound like the man I reported to either. Why don’t you let me help with some of the workload while you look for a replacement for Corinne?”

  “Are you sure you can manage that with all the new things you need to adapt to?” Scott asked.

  She felt better knowing Scott understood things weren’t the same here. Although he no longer was her boss, she still looked up to him. He had managed, along with Drake, to maintain High View Falls’ impeccable reputation. With the support of someone like him, she might be able to do the same for New Hope. All I need to do is get Caydan on board with that plan. Scott had also taught her you can’t fix everything and sometimes have to cut your losses. Although frustrated at how the first few days had gone, she wasn’t ready to give up on Caydan. There was something there; all she needed to do was
find it. Most likely with Shaun’s help.

  “Trust me, I have time. New Hope has a lot less employees than High View Falls. And I can use the distraction right now.”

  “Is there something going on you haven’t told me?” Scott inquired.

  “No. Like you said, I have a lot to adapt to.” Although she trusted Scott, he would confront Caydan straight out if she even hinted he wasn’t being one hundred percent cooperative. And worse, he might let Drake in on that fact as well. Allyson wasn’t out to get Caydan fired. She really believed he had some great ideas, and New Hope could benefit from his knowledge. All she wanted was to be able to trust him. Scott, Drake, or anyone else couldn’t give her that. He needed to earn it. All I need is a reason to. Just one good reason.

  Scott bought her excuse, probably because he’d been the one to bring it to light in the first place. They spent the next hour going over things she would take on and deadlines to complete them. As usual, Scott underestimated how quickly she could complete certain tasks. When they ended the call, Allyson dove right into work.

  The hours flew by, and the only reason she looked up from her monitor was the constant growling from her stomach. Although her waistline might not mind missing a meal, missing two was more than she could stand. She sent another file to Scott then closed the laptop. That was more than enough for one day. If she didn’t slow her pace, she’d be out of things to do by morning. Besides, she needed to eat.

  Allyson stopped by the dining room and ordered a strawberry and walnut salad with goat cheese and raspberry vinaigrette dressing instead of the death-by-chocolate cake calling her name. All that sugar on an empty stomach would surely be more than her system could handle. She didn’t live on caffeine, but her sweet tooth was an addiction she struggled to control every day.

  Instead of taking her salad to her room like she had intended, she opted for something more refreshing. Kicking off her heels, she held them in one hand, her food in the other, and made her way down the sandy beach to a cluster of boulders far enough to be semi-secluded. The sun hadn’t begun to set yet, but the heat of the day had already passed. A light breeze made it bearable. She would’ve taken off her suit jacket, but her sleeveless silk blouse was a bit thinner than she’d like, and having it cling to her warm body wasn’t going to be very attractive. Maybe I should’ve eaten in my room.