Shifter Starter Set

by Candace Ayers

  Debra came marching toward me, her stiletto heels rapping sharply on the wooden floors.

  “I need you in the Varga meeting. The comms manager just called me to say they want digital input.”

  “What time?” I replied, unfazed by her brisk tone.

  “In an hour.”

  “I’ve got a call with Yo-Go, do you want me to reschedule?” Yo-Go was a new trendy yogurt drink that was just about to launch in North America. We’d only just won the pitch. Rescheduling it wouldn’t be ideal, but Debra knew that.

  “You’ll have to. Sorry.”

  She swept passed me, and I continued on to my office texting my perpetually late, but nevertheless brilliant PA. Hopefully she could reschedule the call for later in the day.

  “How are you feeling, Chloe?”

  Laker called out to me from the water cooler. I smiled and waved, not having time to stop. If I was going to be in a meeting with a client in an hour, I needed to do some prep work, stat.

  Debra had spoken to me about the Varga client last week, but I’d been focused on two on-going pitches at the time, and most of it had gone in one ear and out the other. All I could recall was that the company was heavily involved in surgical and medical products.

  I did a search online, and found their site. It was what you’d expect from a business-to-business enterprise, blue and white design cues of the medical industry, somber fonts and lengthy, detailed texts. There was a ‘For Investors’ tab, and I clicked on that. It sent me to a page with streams of press release links on financial profits, and a few recent photos of a company event; nothing of particular value. But I couldn’t find out who owned the company, if anyone actually did, or who the major shareholders were.

  “Are you coming to the meeting?” Brianna poked her head around the office door. I looked at my watch. I’d managed to have a hugely unproductive hour.

  “I am. Any heads up on this thing?” I hissed at her as we sped to the central meeting room.

  “Not much, I can fill you in later. Basically they want the same thing all major corporations want, a friendly face and a Twitter feed. You’ll be fine.”

  “Who are we meeting?”

  “The CEO, Nathan Varga, head of marketing, Lucy Fielding, and a couple of other marketing heads.”

  Another Nathan.

  I sighed, frustrated. Having the name of a key client replicating the name of my strange obsession wasn’t going to help me get over him. I took a sip of coffee and forced myself to stay focused. Ranger Nathan would be forgotten within a week. Nathan Varga, CEO and head of Varga Corporation, would mean thousands of dollars-worth of business pumping into our company coffers.

  6

  Lucy Fielding was an attractive, willowy woman in her late thirties. I warmed to her immediately as she entered the room. I generally liked seeing women heading up departments in Fortune Five-hundred companies, and she had an easy manner that set a relaxed tone for the start of the meeting.

  “I’m sorry Nathan’s running late. He had a conflicting appointment that’s run over, unfortunately,” she smiled brightly at Debra, Brianna and me, “In the meantime, it would be great if you could take me through your usual process. I’m particularly interested in amplifying our digital presence, so if you could start with that?”

  “Sure,” I returned the smile, “I can show you a couple of cases studies as well, if we have the time.”

  I didn’t normally like giving presentations without any prior notice, but our digital process deck was something I’d talked through with clients hundreds of times before.

  I was half way through when Cory announced Nathan Varga’s presence. I looked up, my client-friendly smile at the ready.

  Standing in the doorway to the meeting room, taking up the entire doorframe, was Forest Ranger Nathan. Except this man looked every inch the CEO of a billion-dollar company. He was dressed in an impeccable grey suit and white shirt, with his longish hair tucked neatly behind his ears.

  Debra and Brianna turned to stand and welcome him. I watched Brianna look confused, as if she vaguely recognized him, but clearly dismissed the thought and welcomed him in a professional manner.

  I wasn’t as capable. He came toward me, arm outstretched in greeting. I shook his hand slowly, feeling goosebumps run up my arm and over my body as his warm skin touched mine.

  “I’m Nathan Varga, pleased to meet you.” His tone was formal, giving little indication that we’d met before, but his eyes said something else. They were teasing, challenging. Daring me to say something.

  Two can play at that game.

  I smiled as breezily as I could, “Chloe Carpenter, a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Varga.”

  He cocked an eyebrow, and shot me a quick smirk before taking a seat at the table.

  “It seems I was interrupting something. Please, go ahead Ms. Carpenter,” he drawled.

  I nodded and turned back to the screen, trying to recall what the hell I’d been saying before he came in. The words on the deck seemed to swim and dance, completely nonsensical. Starting to panic, I looked over at Debra. Her face was turning puce as I stood there, unable to speak.

  Though it said I’d be getting my ass chewed later, Debra’s look saved me. My job swam back into focus. Nathan Varga might very well look like sex-on-a-stick, he also might very well be a deadly stalker tracking me all over the greater Denver area, but he was also our client. Debra didn’t pay me to stand, admire and drool.

  The meeting progressed without any more hitches. Lucy did most of the talking, outlining what they were looking for in terms of creating an ‘approachable’ face for the company.

  I tried not to stare at Nathan as we discussed the project, but I couldn’t seem to tear my eyes away. He didn’t belong in that suit. Not that it didn’t look good. It looked amazing, but there was something about him that made the suit resemble a shackle – like he wanted to break free of the confining tie and buttoned shirt, shed his clothing completely and…

  And what?

  Oh, crap, where was my mind going? I blushed as he caught my eye. I looked away. Honestly, in that moment, I irrationally wondered if he was psychic. I hoped to God he wasn’t hearing my thoughts. He cleared his throat, a strange gurgle of a sound that was suspiciously like suppressed laughter. I glared at him sharply, but his face was a mask of composure.

  “It was lovely to meet you, Chloe,” Lucy smiled at me as we shook hands goodbye, “The digital approach you guys take is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to us working together.”

  I nodded in agreement, pleasantly surprised by her enthusiasm. Clearly I hadn’t been that bad.

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  Nathan’s voice was quiet as he leaned toward me. He placed a hand firmly on my upper arm, moving me a step backward. I glanced to see what everyone else was making of this, but they were all preoccupied with the removal of laptops and swapping business cards.

  “Chloe, Have dinner with me tonight.”

  His words were a gentle murmur. I looked up into his eyes; their midnight depths burned brightly with amusement and I couldn’t help but wonder if this was all a game to him. Was I a mouse to his predator?

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I hissed back, “Besides, who would I be going out with, the park ranger or the CEO?”

  I instantly got the impression that he hadn’t expected that response. His eyebrows rose and inwardly I laughed with glee at finally being able to turn the tables on him.

  “I’ll explain. I promise. Please consider dinner. I won’t bite.”

  I hesitated, weighing the pros and cons. Dinner with a man I was undeniably attracted to, okay obsessed with really, but who could also be a crazed stalker and some sort of weird billionaire bear hunter? Hmm.

  “I will explain, and we can go anywhere you choose.”

  “Fine,” I agreed eventually, “Pick me up here at seven.”

  “Here?”

  “Here,” I repeated adamantly. I wasn’t comfortable
with him knowing where I lived, not yet.

  Debra made her way over, giving me warning eyes. She was obviously correctly concluding that I had the hots for the guy, and wanted me firmly back in my professional box.

  “At seven,” he confirmed, and walked out with his employees.

  “What was that about?” Debra asked sharply as she smiled at their retreating backs.

  “Nothing,” I lied smoothly, “Seems everyone’s digital crazy these days.”

  She gave me a look, and then folded her arms.

  “Careful, Chloe,” she warned, “I need this client.”

  I nodded meekly, feeling guilty. If she found out I was having dinner with Nathan she would not be pleased. I vowed I’d have one meal with the guy and then gently untangle myself from this obsession – for the sake of my job and my sanity.

  7

  Debra left at six, as I hoped she would. That gave me an hour to transform myself in the office restrooms, and I roped in an enthusiastic Cory to help.

  About six months ago, I had signed up on a dating app. It had been fun for about two months, and I’d frequently had several dates lined up during the week. After a while, though, I’d lost interest. The men were fun, and I’d enjoyed myself, but hadn’t really found any connections that sparked my interest. However, as a result of my dating spree, I’d kept a few dresses in the office and a full make-up bag for last-minute emergencies.

  I chose the most casual dress I could find, a dusty pink skater dress which complimented my skin tone and dark hair. I was wearing gold-strapped sandals already, and didn’t want to change into anything with a heel, with the dress it would be overkill.

  “Hair down, princess,” commanded Cory.

  I unraveled it from the tight bun I’d been wearing, and then let Cory go to town on with my make-up.

  “Don’t go all out, just natural, please Cory,” I begged. He tended toward drag-queen creativity if he wasn’t reigned in.

  “I know what I’m doing,” he sighed, “Trust me. I’m so jealous, by the way. Nathan Varga is gorgeous. You know he’s a billionaire, right? Where are you going tonight? Please tell me it’s somewhere fancy.”

  I laughed, “Rioja on Larimer. It was my choice.”

  “What? You could have gone anywhere. We go there all the time!” Cory was disgusted with my choice. I guess in his opinion it was a complete waste of a date with a billionaire. I chose it because it had good food and a terrace area, so if we got stuck for conversation there would plenty of people-watching to do.

  Cory stood back to admire his handiwork. I checked myself out in the mirror. He’d done a good job. It barely looked like I was wearing makeup, but he’d done a fair amount of genius contouring so that my cheekbones appeared more prominent, and my skin seemed to glow.

  “Oh, Cory, you’re my fairy godmother. Thank you.”

  “Thank me by inviting me to the wedding and private pool parties,” he winked at my reflection and I rolled my eyes. At least one of us was wildly optimistic about the success of the evening.

  “Okay, I’d better wait out front. He’s going to be here soon.”

  “Wait!” Cory squealed at me.

  I turned to him alarmed, and he liberally covered me in perfume.

  “Jesus, Cory, I don’t want to smell like a department store. Enough,” I coughed, waving the spritz away.

  “Perfect,” smiled Cory, ignoring me. I left him smiling in satisfaction as I strutted out of the office and went to wait by the entrance.

  As soon as I left Cory, my confidence started to diminish and I felt the nerves that I’d been holding at bay all afternoon return. I was grateful at least that we’d be going to a restaurant I knew. Hopefully it would make the experience less overwhelming. But I had my doubts.

  Nathan’s car was waiting for me as I exited the building. It was the same one I’d seen in the gas station over the weekend. He opened the door when he saw me, and rose out of the car. Had it been anyone else, I would have noted the good manners with approval, but in Nathan Varga it only served to make me more skittish.

  “You look absolutely beautiful, Chloe.”

  The compliment and the matching smile where given lightly, but his midnight eyes were intense as they watched me approach.

  “Thank you. You look nice yourself.”

  He was still wearing his suit, but it was as fresh and un-crumpled as it had been this morning. Either Nathan had a closet full of matching outfits, or he’d done nothing all day but sit in an office chair controlling his empire with the touch of a button. I didn’t know which was more plausible.

  He opened the car door for me, and then walked over to the driver’s side. I sunk into the plush seat, marveling at the interior. It looked like it was built for space travel, not cruising the streets of Denver.

  “Where to?” He asked.

  “Rioja. Do you know it?”

  “I do.”

  He picked up his phone, “Elle, get me a table for two on the terrace of Rioja…yep, Rioja,” he smirked down the line, “Thanks.”

  I’d completely neglected to make a reservation. It would be unlikely that we’d be able to get a table outdoors at this late notice, which threw a massive wrench in my people-watching back-up plan. But then again, maybe Nathan’s had some substantial influence in this town.

  “She was surprised at the restaurant choice,” I stated, referring to his smirk.

  “Very.”

  “It’s good,” I replied, “But perhaps a little below your standards.”

  “Nope. I agree with you. It is good. It’s just usually when I’m eating out I’m wooing clients, and their tastes tend toward something flashier. This is a blessing, trust me.”

  I emitted a small smile of satisfaction. Just having Nathan in such close proximity was playing havoc with my nervous system, but perhaps tonight would be more enjoyable than I had first anticipated.

  8

  When we arrived, we were shown to a terrace table immediately and the Maître d’ practically fell over himself trying to make us feel welcomed. Okay, Nathan had a lot more influence in this town than I realized.

  Nathan caught my eye and smiled. I don’t know if it was my imagination but I got the idea he was slightly embarrassed by the attention. We ordered a bottle of wine and water for the table, and then were left alone with our menus.

  “Do you know what you want?” He asked. It took me a moment to realize he was referring to the food. I smiled smoothly, and didn’t bother to check the menu before I replied.

  “The mixed seafood with fries. You?”

  “Steak. Rare.” He replied, placing the menu back down on the table, “With fries. Of course.”

  “Of course.”

  Well, at least we had something in common – even if it was as arbitrary as french fries. He leaned back in his chair, studying me. A silence fell between us, but it wasn’t uncomfortable; I was just as interested in studying him.

  I tried to find the tell-tail signs of a man that spent a lot of time outdoors, but there was nothing. His hands, though large and capable-looking where smooth and clean, his nails clipped short. His face didn’t convey ruddiness or windswept coloring. He was tan, but this was summer in Denver; we were all tan.

  “Okay, so tell me,” I asked, stumped, “The park ranger thing, that was a lie, right?”

  “Not exactly,” he started to re-arrange the cutlery on the table and didn’t meet my eye, “I have hobbies. Other interests besides my business. Babysitting bears currently seems to be one of them.”

  It was a vague answer, and I was dissatisfied.

  “You said you’d tell me. You promised. Can you be a bit more specific?”

  “That was me telling you,” he smirked, “Trust me. I can’t really divulge more than that.” He looked repentant, and strangely subdued for a moment.

  “You’re not,” I hesitated, “Doing anything…weird with them are you? Like using them for animal testing?”

  He laughed out loud. It was a relie
f.

  “Nope. No science experiments. Our company doesn’t do animal testing. But then, I’m sure you already knew that?”

  Now it was my turn to feel uncomfortable.

  “Honestly? I was only asked to come to the meeting an hour before it was due to take place. I really don’t know much about your company.”

  He cocked an eyebrow in my direction, but before he could speak the waiter came to take our order. I took a sip of wine and settled back into my chair, enjoying the sunset’s warmth without the afternoon glare as Nathan ordered for us both.

  I found it baffling that the man I was sitting with was the same man who tended to my ankle in the woods only a few nights ago. They seemed like they were two different people entirely, and it made me curious. I wondered which one was the real Nathan, the one in the thousand-dollar suit sipping wine, or the one who trekked the wilderness of the Rockies tending to wild animals.

  “Well, we don’t do animal testing, and the bear is making a full recovery in a sanctuary not far from here.”

  “Which sanctuary?” I asked, knowing that Brianna would want to look them up.

  “A good one,” he replied sternly, “Please trust me on this. The bear is safe,” he added, a little gentler.

  I did trust him. I wasn’t exactly sure why. I wasn’t really in the habit of trusting strange men that appeared out of nowhere, who I then repeatedly ‘bumped’ into, but with Nathan I did. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, the desire for this man who made my pulse race to be honest and good on the inside, too. Whatever the reason, I uncharacteristically decided to let it go.

  “Okay, I trust you.”

  “Thank you,” he replied softy. The midnight blue of his eyes started to glow again, the electric flairs dancing in his irises. I must have leaned in closer, because he jerked his head backwards and laughed softly to himself.