Determined & Derailed (Storm Corp Book 1)

by Gracie Wilson

  Chapter Two

  Nolan had compiled a list of people he though would be suitable for the team. Most were names I recognized, since they were from other divisions of Storm Corp. I told him that certain people listed were too valuable to lose in their divisions and I had some better applicants for some of the positions that had worked contracts like this before. The company we had contracted with had also recommended some people. There was a computer genius on this list that I’d heard of in my computer science course at school and was thrilled to interview him. I told Nolan I’d do this one alone and he was hesitant, but I told him if he were any good, Nolan would also get to meet with him after. I had other reasons for wanting to do this interview alone. I wanted him to help me design a program just for Storm Corp as well. I had come a long way with computers since I was sixteen and was now quite the computer geek. I wanted him to help me devise a program to closely monitor all the items on the computer here and bypass the one we had in place that everyone knew about. I also wanted him to help me program a way to disable each weapon we created in case it was ever brought into the wrong hands. It was my safety net to help me sleep at night. My biggest fear about going into the weapons business was the fact that my ideas and company would be responsible for some deaths. Furthermore, that if it came down to it, I could shut everything down, but no one would know that but me. Not even this computer genius. He would only think we were installing an elite tracker and evaluation program on the weapons and I would add in my coding safety net.

  I’d hired ten new faces and brought on fifteen of Storm Corp employees from other divisions along with Nolan. Our new offices on the tenth floor were coming along nicely and were supposed to be wrapped up in two days to start working. I decided today would be the perfect time to interview Cohen Price. I had him escorted to my office by one of the security guards as I sent Tory out with Nolan to do some research. To be honest, I just wanted them out of the building so they wouldn’t have a reason to barge in. When he walked through the door, I almost fell out of my chair. I’d never seen a man so attractive other than Nolan. I was used to the awe I felt around him, though. This caught me off guard. He had light blond hair, hazel eyes, and the body of a Calvin Klein model. He was tall, slim and even though he was in a suit, I knew he had a defined body. As he approached my desk, I stood and extended my hand to shake his. As soon as our hands touched, I felt a tingling spark go up my arm and I retracted my hand at the shock.

  “I’m Alexis Storm and you must be Cohen Price.”

  He nodded with agreement. “Pleasure to meet you, Miss Storm.”

  Oh, God, no, the pleasure is all mine. I didn’t say that, though. God, why was I thinking that way, that was embarrassing. I knew I’d be twenty tomorrow, but he made me feel like I was fifteen again.

  “Mr. Price, please have a seat, I have so much I’d like to discuss.” He gave a small smile and I was stunned again. Did he know the effect he had on women? He must.

  “Please call me Cohen.” I nodded to give him my reply, as my words were still lost. He went over his resume, his achievements and I must say they were quite exceptional. It was no surprise that Maxwell Finch recommended him for the job when I signed his contract.

  “You’re most definitely qualified. However, with your recommendation coming from Mr. Finch I worry it may be a conflict of interest. I am looking for someone to stay on and work other contracts, not just his. I need complete confidentiality and you will have to sign paperwork stating all of this.”

  He waited, and then told me something shocking. “I am not fond of Maxwell. He can be an arrogant prick and he knows he can be because people want his business. I will never be the employee who sits back and says ‘yes, Mrs. Storm’ just because I think it’s want you want to hear. I will tell you the blunt truth whether you’d like it or not.”

  Well, that was not what I expected. “You’re perfect.” Oh, wow, had I just said that? I was sure there was a blush on my face. He was just staring at me and I knew he was holding back a laugh. “For this job I am going to need someone who will be honest and not worry about hurting the boss’ feelings. I don’t need you to tell me that everything is roses. I want the truth. I feel this is a good fit. Wouldn’t you, Cohen?” His eyes were drilling right into me, they had me pinned to him and this was a disaster.

  “Definitely.”

  I tried to hide a smirk. He was exactly what I needed to get this off the ground. He signed all the paperwork and he now officially worked for Storm Corp. “What would be expected of you is to work closely with myself and others I may enlist to help us on any projects we have going on. Mr. Nathans will be a hassle I’m sure, but I don’t want him to know anything unless I tell you to say anything. Make no mistake. I am the boss and this is my project. You will be in charge of devising a program allowing me to track and get feedback from the weapons we sell so that we can use this to enhance our next generation of weaponry. I also want a back door program on our system that reports only to me and is detected by no one. I think I’ve given you a lot to think about and I’m sure you’d like to get right to work. If you step out to my assistant he will show you to your office.” I was not trying to cut him off, but the longer this went on, the higher the risk of Nolan coming to back. Cohen said his goodbyes and went off in search of his office.

  I was working on my code when Nolan finally came back. He didn’t knock, but just walked in like always. “Hello, Nolan. Can I help you with something?”

  He looked worried. “Yes, I’d like to take you to dinner tomorrow night for your birthday. Before you try and say no, because it’s not really an option, but I know you hate that, so I’m going to ask anyway.” Well, he did know me well when he wanted to, but I didn’t need a pity dinner for my birthday. He was only doing this because Lucas was gone and had taken on the role as big brother.

  “I’m actually busy. I was going to do something special.” Yes, I pulled that one out of my ass and he knew it.

  “Well, good, we can do something special together.”

  I shook my head. This wasn’t going the way I had intended. “Nolan, really, I’m fine. I don’t need a babysitter or a pity party, and I don’t need another big brother.”

  He looked at me like he wanted to flip his shit on me. “I will pick you up from the penthouse at seven. I’m taking you someplace nice, so dress formal. I promise no surprise parties or anything like that. It will just be us and Tory driving.” He turned to leave, but stopped with his hand on the door handle. “I definitely am not looking to be your big brother even though that is the wiser choice. I just want to spend some time together.” With that he headed out the door before I had time to comprehend what just happened.

  What in the hell was that? Not looking to be my big brother? Just wanting to spend time with me? See, what you all don’t know is that three years ago that would have been the best thing I’d heard in my entire life. I loved Nolan Nathans since we were children. He was the sun in my life. My drug. It was a child crush that turned into love on my part. Everything was amazing; we had many great times together. Until that night he broke my heart.

  It was a few months or so after my parents died. My brother had to travel for work and he didn’t want me to be alone. So Nolan being Nolan offered to stay. We stayed up watching movies and eating popcorn. It was so much fun and so perfect. I started to drift asleep during one of the action movies and he pulled me to cuddle into him. When I woke up he was stroking my back with one hand and caressing my hand with his other. When he noticed I was awake he stilled and looked at me. In that moment I decided I was going to go for it. I had always wanted to be with Nolan. I sat up and pulled myself closer to him. I was so close I could smell everything about him. Just as I was about to touch his lips, he said, “I’m sorry, I can’t.” And he pushed me away and got off the couch. He was grabbing his stuff and was leaving.

  “Where are you going? What just happened?” He just shook his head and kept gathering his things.

 
“Lexi, you can’t do that again. I’m sorry, I know you have a crush on me, but I’m too old for you.” I was sure I was getting paler by the second. With each second that passed my heart was being further crushed.

  “It’s not a crush, Nolan. I’m in love with you. I always have been.”

  He turned to the door and started to walk away. He stopped as he opened the door. “I’m sorry, Alexis. I love you, but I will never be in love with you.” With that he left and shattered my heart.

  That night was one of the hardest nights. I cried and it took everything not to run to my brother like I always did. But Nolan was his friend and I wouldn’t do that to him. I called Trisha and she stayed with me that night. She called Nolan and ripped him a new asshole for leaving me alone. That night changed everything with us. We eventually found our way back to best friends.

  Why would he say that shit? Now of all times when I’m finally happy and moved on...or I thought I was, at least.

  Chapter Three

  Before I knew it I was rushing home from work the following day to get ready for my dinner with Nolan. Tory drove like a snail. I’d love to say it was on purpose, but he was honestly just extremely cautious when I was in the car. As soon as we pulled up to the penthouse I rushed out of the Black Escalade, that I picked but never got to drive, and headed to the elevator with Tory running behind me. “You need to stop taking off on me, Miss Storm.”

  I huffed and just lowered my head. “I want to get ready. I still have so much to do at the office and I don’t like that it didn’t get done.” When the door dinged I was already running toward it and continued past the kitchen to my master bedroom. I jumped in the shower and got lost in the thought of everything that had become my life lately. I dried off, blow dried my hair and added light makeup. I went and put on a light pink lingerie set I bought with Trisha this past summer. It fit perfectly under my dress that I wanted to wear and didn’t make any of those awful lines. As I walked to my other closet to get the dress, I saw my guitar. I hadn’t picked it up in such a long time. I could tell you I played it the day before my brother went missing and hadn’t touched it since.

  For some reason I just couldn’t let it go. I walked up to it and picked it up. It felt heavy and strange back in my arms again. I sat in the chair and started strumming a nice light tune. I got lost in the music for the first time in a year and forgot the outside world. I didn’t even notice the door opening or the fact that I heard a gasp until I heard him speak. “Oh, I’m sorry.” With that, Nolan shut the door. Sorry...what was he sorry for? I was just playing my guitar. I looked down and realized the mistake. I’d forgotten that I was not dressed. I was sitting and I probably looked completely naked hidden behind the guitar. Shit, well, wasn’t that a nice start to the evening. I put the guitar down and ran into the closet. I grabbed my favourite black peep toe heels and this black cocktail mini dress I bought with Trish, that I had never worn before. My hair was curling and cascading down my back. I debated trying to straighten it like I always did, but I didn’t have the time nor did I care to.

  As I opened the door and headed into the living area, when I walked in I saw that I’d startled Nolan. “Sorry about that. I wasn’t naked, I had underwear on, it was just hidden by the guitar.” Okay, that wasn’t what I wanted to say, but it just flew out.

  “Yeah, that doesn’t help.” He chuckled and continued. “When did you go and grow up on me?” Are we back to me being a child?

  “I’ve been grown up for a while, you just never noticed.” I sneered, not that I meant to, I was just annoyed by his comments. He went and grabbed my coat. When he walked up to help me put it on, I stiffened. He was so close that I could just reach out and take him. Oh, Lord, what is wrong with me? I am over this, remember that, Lexi. He bent down and I could feel his lips graze my ear.

  He whispered, “Oh, I noticed, Alexis.”

  I wanted to turn around to him, but I didn’t. I stayed there frozen, unsure what to do. He’d told me he’d never love me and now he was saying this. Was I just a toy or a hook-up? Nope, not going to happen with me. I’d always want more.

  Nolan had always been a player, so to speak. Not that he had to try. Women just flocked to him wherever he went. Every one of them looked like they just walked off the cover of a lingerie cover shoot. They were all gorgeous with legs that went for miles. I wouldn’t just be another notch on his headboard like the rest. “Let’s go. I’m not getting any younger.” I giggled at my incredibly lame way of changing the direction of this conversation and started to scurry over to the elevator. I didn’t have to turn and look to know that Nolan was right behind me. When we stepped into the elevator there was no way not to look at him, as all the walls were made up of mirrors. He was beyond attractive, sexy, or handsome. He was wearing a black three piece suit that fit him in the most perfect ways. His hair was messed up in a purely, on purpose, but sexy as hell way. He was one of a kind. I wanted to launch myself at him right then and get all my sexual frustration out. I didn’t, and to make sure it stayed that way, I kept my hands pinned to the hand bar on the wall.

  When we walked outside I saw that Tory was waiting for us at the Escalade. Tory opened the door for us and Nolan gave me his hand to help me get in. I was going to slide into the other seat but the door was shut and Nolan walked around and got in beside me. “I could have shimmied over,” I said.

  “No, you couldn’t have, don’t ever do that in a dress like that. It’s only asking for trouble,” he replied deadpanned. He never looked at me and just gave directions to Tory as to where to take us. When we pulled up to a restaurant I had never been to, I was stunned. It was empty. There were tables in the windows, but no one was in there. I went to open my door, but it was locked. Are you kidding me? They turned the damn child locks on? “Oh aren’t you two smart.” They both laughed, knowing I was not mad but more amused. Nolan got out and came around to open my door. He leaned in and helped me out by taking my hand in his. It was like electricity went through me when we touched.

  “I’ll call you, Vic, when we are done.” With a nod to Tory he closed the door and Tory pulled away.

  I noticed that Nolan was still holding my hand and I didn’t think I was breathing. I had moved on, I had moved on. Oh, I had so not moved on and I was totally done for. He turned while still holding my hand and led us into the restaurant. The whole place was empty and a single server remained. “Mr. Nathans, your table is ready for you.” Well, I hoped so. It was not like they’d have to have us wait for one. He led us to a back room that only had two walls. The other was made of sheer curtains. It was very nice with low lights and a single table for two. This was clearly romantic, what was he up to? He pulled out my seat and helped me get my coat off. He took his seat and just stared at me, not talking.

  “Nolan, why are we here? This place is empty.” He ran his hand through his hair. It was a nervous tick he had.

  “I’d hope so. I’ve paid a lot of money to have this place all to ourselves.” He paid to have this place empty.

  “Why would you do that?” I was utterly mystified by him right now.

  “For more than a few reasons. However, I thought it was fitting. We haven’t had much time together. Now I know why you were so dodgy, but there’s also the fact that this is your first birthday without Lucas. I wish you wouldn’t hide things from me, Alexis.”

  Lucas, I felt tears pooling in my eyes. I missed him every day, but today would be a day where he would have been by my side for every minute of it. “I’m sorry I hid this from you, Nolan. It wasn’t my intention to cause worry. I just needed to do something on my own. I just wanted you all to be proud of me and see that I am serious about running this company.” I looked down and played with my napkin that was lying across my lap. I heard the chair move, but I didn’t look up. I felt his hand on my shoulder and he knelt down so that he was looking up at me.

  “I am proud of you, I just worry about you and that’s not something that is going to go away. I want to protect
you and for me not to know about all this means I wasn’t doing a very good job. Before you get all bent out of shape I’m not doing this because of Lucas, due to some loyalty. I just worry and I need you to be honest with me.” His hand was now on my thigh and I placed my hand on top of his. I wiped a few tears that had come down my face.

  “Thank you and I will try to be more honest with you, but you do know I can’t always tell you everything. But I promise, if I’m in trouble I’ll tell you no matter how much a pain in the ass you are or if I’m mad at you.”

  “I guess that’s all I can ask for, Lexi, I just can’t lose you too. Fuck, I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t have you in my world.” His words shocked me. What did they mean? His eyes were filled of unspoken emotions and my heart ached.

  With that the waiter walked in and Nolan took his seat again. He brought in appetizers and we ate in peace. We talked about nothing much important. It was so easy and carefree. It had always been like this with Nolan. It was one of the reason I loved him. Had loved him, it was one of the many reason I had loved him. When I looked up and saw his smirk, I felt like I’d been caught. I was in way over my head and I clearly still loved this man. I wouldn’t be a toy. I wouldn’t expose myself again to him. If he wanted more, it was going to have to be all on his terms as I was not putting myself out there again. Not after the last time he broke my heart. We continued eating in effortless conversation until he said the one thing I thought he wouldn’t bring up. “I haven’t seen you with your guitar in a very long time. I’m glad you’re playing again and I’m sorry for walking in on you like that. I wasn’t thinking. I just heard the music and wanted to see you play.”

  I laughed a bit. “It’s not like you haven’t seen a woman in lingerie before, Nolan.” Holy shit, I did not just say that out loud.