Chasing Glory

by Galbraith, DeeAnna

  That would give him a chance to find out what had gone on. “Great. Thanks.”

  She linked her arm with his and maneuvered them toward the others. “Good luck.”

  Glory excused herself and headed to the ladies room. Tal saw Alyssia standing with Kingston’s CFO, Jeff Lassiter. He approached. “May I have this dance?”

  Her gaze rounded the room, then she shrugged. “Of course.”

  Tal’s heartbeat picked up as he took her into his arms. “The Welker account looks like a lock. You did a great job.”

  Pale blue eyes regarded him coolly. “They’re giving me their decision tomorrow.” She looked over his shoulder. “Are you here to defend Glory?”

  He struggled to give context to her words. “Why would Glory need defending?”

  Alyssia brought her gaze back to his. “Didn’t she tell you about our conversation?”

  “No,” he said. “She didn’t.”

  “This evening was critical to round out Kingston Limited’s index of top accounts. There’s been a lot of pressure. Glory’s presence and interactions were … unexpected.”

  Tal considered Alyssia’s answer. It sounded like doublespeak and made him uncomfortable. “By interactions, you mean being professional and courteous?”

  Alyssia’s posture tensed. “This event was planned with a certain number of people. People who were chosen to create the right mix to entertain a well-researched future client.”

  He blinked at the vitriol in her answer. She acted like he and Glory showed up to undermine the function. “Is that why I wasn’t on the guest list, even though I said I planned to attend?” he asked.

  Her face was a blank mask. “An oversight. It was Glory’s entrance …”

  Tal interrupted her. “You need to understand something. Glory came as my guest. If you have an issue with that, talk to me, not her.”

  The mask hardened. “Then I’ll leave understanding the importance of the company organization and where she stands in it, to you. I might also point out the money, time, and energy that went into tonight. As a Kingston, I’m sure you can appreciate the hope that the effort wasn’t spoiled by an unexpected ‘famous’ person. The contract was nearly signed before she arrived.”

  Alyssia’s attitude that the other guests were better than Glory, whose arrival had somehow affected the expected closure of the deal, irked Tal. “If Glory’s presence upset the tone of the party, I could see your point,” he said. “But she was gracious and polite, and all three Welkers enjoyed her company. I’m sure they’ll decide in our favor tomorrow.”

  Alyssia said nothing, her body language now so ramrod straight Tal felt like he was holding a mannequin. This was definitely not working toward getting her to notice him in a good way. He didn’t know what possessed him to choose Glory’s side over Alyssia’s. Probably because letting her views on Glory stand didn’t feel right.

  Tal sighed. His longing for a romantic dance had ended, along with his hope that Alyssia might concede another point of view. “Well, I just wanted to say congratulations.”

  The music started to slow, and Alyssia didn’t wait to be escorted off the floor. She murmured “Thank you,” and walked toward Jeff Lassiter.

  Tal felt dismissed and let down. Glory had been right about the timing. Unfortunately, neither of them could have guessed that the evening would end with her being blamed for the fact that the contract was still unsigned. Something Tal had no intention of telling Glory since the whole evening was his idea.

  He cheered when he saw her waiting for him. She’d read his thoughts about wanting to dance with Alyssia, putting him before her headache. And now he knew why she had that headache.

  She smiled. “How’d it go?”

  Tal shrugged. “She’s very focused on getting the account.”

  “We can stay longer if you like.”

  “Yes, please do. I’d like another dance.”

  Tal didn’t have to turn around. It was Pryce Welker.

  “I’ll leave the decision up to the lady,” Tal said, wanting to return Glory’s favor.

  She shook her head. “That’s very nice of you, Pryce. But I asked Tal to take me home because I have a headache. Maybe some other time.”

  When Junior squeezed Glory’s hand, Tal’s irritation rose again. “Ready to go?”

  Glory smiled at Pryce. “See you soon.”

  “Count on it,” he said, nodding at Tal and turning to rejoin the party.

  Tal waited until they were out of earshot, then stopped Glory. “What did Welker mean by that?”

  She seemed lost in thought. “Hmmm? By what?”

  “He said ‘See you soon.’ I thought he was here visiting his parents.”

  Glory’s glance went back to the partygoers. “It’s complicated.”

  Tal couldn’t explain why it upset him to see the smile that played around her mouth when she talked about Junior. He supposed it had to do with the annoyance he still felt toward Alyssia. He also hadn’t known Glory long, but didn’t want to see her conned by some Romeo. “You’re not falling for that guy’s line, are you?”

  She blinked in surprise. “What are you talking about?”

  “Will you have a glass of wine with me, downstairs?” he countered.

  • •

  Glory accepted Tal’s offer. Her headache had been receding since they made plans to leave. Imagine that. They went to the bar and got comfortable. She waited.

  “Look,” he said after a few minutes, “Junior seems like a nice guy, and it’s my fault for bringing you, but …”

  It dawned on Glory that Tal was trying to protect her. She thought it was sweet. “You mean all that sophistication, good looks and money isn’t mine for the taking?” She put the back of her hand to her forehead, ala Camille. “I feel so used.”

  Tal sat back and shook his head. “I deserved that. I’m not good at reading signals between men and women. When I’m in some so-called backward culture, everything hangs out there for the world to see. Here? Things are not so simple. Now you understand why I need your help.”

  He had loosened his tie, looking more comfortable than he had at any point in the evening. He’d even managed to muss his hair a little. Too bad success with Alyssia would mean eliminating that comfortable look permanently.

  Glory shook off her musings at his appearance. She liked his self-deprecating honesty. Alyssia was not only mean; she was stupid not to see that Tal was a great guy. “Alyssia doesn’t know what she’s missing.”

  He smiled. “Thanks. I appreciate the pep talk.” He cocked his head. “Tell me about this blog of yours. It sounds great.”

  She felt her face warming. “It was small potatoes until a year or so ago when it was mentioned in a German travel magazine. They’d liked the piece I wrote about the long-distance footpaths in the Black Forest. The hits started building from there and I developed a good-sized following in Europe.” Glory sighed. “Haven’t done much traveling lately. Can’t afford it. So, I take three-day weekends and explore the northwest.

  She was glad he’d changed the subject. She’d been on the verge of telling him about Alyssia’s accusations that she, Glory, had spoiled the contract deal by “parading in and distracting the prospective clients.”

  If they continued doing things Tal’s way, i.e., showing up at company marketing functions, Alyssia made it clear; Glory’s job was in jeopardy. The problem being, Glory not only needed the money, but wanted to help Tal. If only to see how wrong Alyssia was for him. That in itself would be worth taking a few more chances. They would just have to be more careful.

  “We can still make this work,” she said, warming to her speech. “Maybe we need to be more subtle. Alyssia is the kind of woman who likes to think something is her idea. What if we changed the way she sees you? Break the pattern?”

  The spark in Tal’s eyes came to life as he leaned across the table. “I like it. When do we start?”

  For an instant, Glory wanted that spark for herself. Nope. Take the m
oney and run. Besides, you don’t need the rejection. She eased back. “Let me work on a few plans. Now, change of subject. Are you busy for lunch tomorrow?”

  Tal was perplexed. “Sort of. I usually have lunch with one or two of my staff on Fridays. Keeps me up on what’s happening in the department. Why?”

  “Because I’m supposed to have lunch with Pryce, but I need an excuse not to go. Could you show up or call with a made-up emergency around noon? We don’t really have to eat together.”

  He didn’t like what he was hearing. “See what I mean about games? Why didn’t you just tell Junior you didn’t want to go to lunch with him instead of saying you’d see him soon? Easier all around.”

  Glory tapped the table with a nail, grinning. “I’m hatching a plot that’s going to make two people much happier at my not being available. Are you in or out?”

  Tal surrendered. “I guess I’m in as long as everyone gets to be happy.” He grinned. “Including me being happy you’re on my side.”

  She raised her glass. “Here’s to our team.”

  They did make a good team, he thought. And he’d be sorry when their month was over. Heck, he’d be sorry when the evening was over. Tal sighed inwardly. Getting sidetracked by someone as pretty and fun as Glory was a mistake. He should stick to his original, safe plan. “Shall we go?”

  • •

  Glory was quiet on the drive back.

  “I hope you’re plotting ways to further my chances with Alyssia,” he said as they stopped in front of her house.

  Tal got out and opened her car door. “This is a nice neighborhood. Are you buying or renting?”

  “Buying,” she said. “My parents bought it in 1970 and rented it out for years. They owned two others and were fixing them up one at a time. This was the last one. My mother was the driving force and decorator. When she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, my father lost heart in the project. Later, when she had passed away, he sold it to me for a very reasonable price. Now, it’s my project.”

  She shrugged. “It’s ancient and a money pit. I love it, but it’s an uphill battle.”

  “These older places are great,” he said, admiring her taking on a house in a hundred-year-old neighborhood. “I live in a restored brick apartment building on Queen Anne.”

  As they walked up to the house, a couple of outside lights came on. Tal stood on the second step down as she opened the screen door. “Thanks again for this evening. Talk to you tomorrow.”

  She’d started to open her front door when Tal reached to hold the screen door. “I almost forgot. I wanted to ask you if you think new clothes will help my case with Alyssia? My wardrobe doesn’t have anything in it like on the list of clothes she prefers on men.”

  Glory took a step toward him. “That fits …” Her sentence ended abruptly when she caught her heel and fell forward.

  Tal grabbed the wrought iron porch railing with one hand and grasped Glory firmly around the waist with the other. She threw out an arm for balance and now had part of her upper torso hard against him. Her ragged intake of breath changed from shock to something far more personal as blue eyes widened with surprise.

  Wine. That was it. He’d had two glasses with dinner, then two more in the bar. That’s why his imagination went full tilt.

  He set her down and she plastered herself against the house.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  Glory looked down. “Been meaning to get that patched,” she mumbled, pointing to the porch step with a large chip in it. “I’m so sorry.”

  For the second time that night, she didn’t wait for his response, but rushed into the house.

  Tal stood on the porch until she closed the door, then turned and walked to his car. The fact that he needed his other arm to keep them from falling was the only thing that had prevented him from taking Glory in his arms and kissing her. She’d seen the look on his face, pushed away from him, and ducked into her house. He could have sworn that for a split second, though, she was as interested in kissing him as he was in kissing her.

  That would have screwed up everything.

  He jabbed and missed his seatbelt lock, then made another frustrated attempt before he latched it. Glancing at the house, he saw diffused light outline a shadow on Glory’s upstairs window before he drove away.

  Slow down and analyze the situation, he commanded after his adrenaline eased. First of all, she was his employee. Not only because he had controlling interest in Kingston Limited, but also because of this extracurricular activity he’d dreamed up. It was bad policy to mix business with pleasure, and Glory was there to help him win Alyssia, not because he was drawn to her on a physical level.

  That was it. He had to keep his goal in mind. Keep everything businesslike. He could do that.

  Chapter Eight

  Persistent buzzing violated Glory’s restless sleep. One bleary eye squinted at the five – three – o. Decision time. Going in to exercise meant getting blood to her extremities and endorphins in her system. Hitting the snooze button could mean REM sleep. Something she’d gotten very little of last night.

  Oh, hell. She turned off the alarm, sat on the edge of her bed and sighed. This never happened when she traveled. Early mornings, long days sightseeing, and restful sleep were the norm. Glory slumped. Falling into a handsome, unavailable man’s arms wasn’t.

  • •

  At six-thirty, her gym bag was packed and she still had ten minutes before the bus came. She called Catherine.

  “Helg.” The grunt came across as an attempted greeting. Catherine was not a morning person.

  “Hi, it’s Glory.”

  “Why?”

  Glory chuckled. “Because I’m doing you a big favor. Are you listening?”

  “Mmumpf.”

  “Pay attention. Wear that gorgeous red suit you bought last month, today. It will look stunning with your cream silk shell and that faux Aztec gold collar necklace.”

  Catherine yawned loudly. “I told you I was saving that for a special occasion. What’s the deal?”

  “Gotta catch my bus. Just trust me and do it, okay?”

  “’Kay. See you at nine.”

  At work, Glory ran an extra mile on the treadmill, but it didn’t help. Her gaze kept drifting to the closed door of the workout room and conjuring Tal standing there all damp and bright-eyed.

  Two cups of coffee a day was usually her limit, but she was on her way to get a third when Catherine walked in. Glory was right. Her friend looked gorgeous.

  As soon as they settled at their desks, Glory’s phone rang.

  “I don’t see anything special, or did I dream your call?” Catherine asked.

  “Be patient. You’re going to have lunch with a new acquaintance. By the way, do you know a broker who could find some exclusive office space downtown and a great residential spot?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then my instincts are still sharp.”

  “Your instincts? What happened last night?”

  Glory sighed. “I promise to spill all later this afternoon. We’ll both be busy at lunch. I hope.”

  “I’ll hold you to that. ‘Bye.”

  • •

  At twelve sharp, Glory saw Alyssia’s line ring. A minute later she came to the door of her office and spoke to Catherine. Catherine nodded, then walked to Glory’s desk. “Watch my phones for a minute? Alyssia wants me to escort Mr. Welker up. Odd that he doesn’t have an appointment.”

  “Be my guest,” said Glory. “I’ll be right here.”

  A few minutes later, Catherine and Pryce Welker got off the elevator. The look on Catherine’s face was well worth Glory’s plotting. Her friend was beaming. Pryce nodded at Glory, but never left Catherine’s wake.

  Pryce entered Alyssia’s office with a look of regret. After Alyssia closed the door, Catherine hurried to Glory’s desk.

  “Oh my God, you knew. Why didn’t you tell me?” Catherine squealed.

  “Because you look your best when you’re f
irst smitten.”

  “I do not. I mean I am not. He took me off guard, is all. I was expecting Philip Welker.”

  “So was Alyssia,” Glory said. “But the new account for Welker International will be handled by Pryce. Which means he needs office space. Since he just got into town and doesn’t know anyone, he’ll need help from say, a native.”

  “Done,” Catherine said. “I happen to know the right woman. What else can you tell me? And how come you’re assuming he and I are going to lunch? Or do you mean you, him, and me?”

  “One at a time. He’s a terrific dancer, and he’s looking for a woman with a passion for life. He asked me to lunch last night, but Tal is going to come up with an emergency, so poor Pryce will be left dateless. From what I’ve seen, all you have to do is look available.” Glory heard Catherine’s console buzz.

  “That’s CTB. Talk to you later.”

  Glory watched Catherine take the call, then carry a contract folder into Alyssia’s office. Pryce must have concluded the signing in record time, because he came out shortly thereafter. She was beginning to wonder if Tal remembered his promise, when the elevator opened and he stepped off. His hair stuck up like he’d been running his hand through it and his shirt had a berry stain by the elbow. Tal’s face remained neutral when he saw Pryce approaching Glory’s desk.

  Pryce crooked a GQ eyebrow when he took in Tal’s attire, but smiled big at Glory. “Ready?”

  Glory nodded and started to stand, when Tal interrupted. “Sorry if this spoils your plans, but that documentation you started day before yesterday has to be finished and out in today’s mail.” He tipped his head at Pryce. “She can take a rain check, right?”

  “I did promise,” she said. “Maybe my friend Catherine could fill in for me this one time.”

  Undisguised joy at his good fortune was swiftly followed by comprehension on Pryce’s face. He took Glory’s hand and leaned in, speaking softly. “You are a genius.”

  Alyssia chose that moment to leave her office. She gave the men at Glory’s desk a quick appraisal, then headed their way. She ignored Tal and spoke to Pryce. “Is there something else we can do for you?”