by Ramona Gray
“Shut the door, Ms. Jones. We need to talk.”
She closed his door and shook her head when he started to talk.
“No, I’m talking first,” she said.
He sat back in his chair and glared at her as she clutched the file tightly.
“Don’t you glare at me, Edward Turner,” she said angrily. “I just came back from a conversation with Doug where he asked me if I was sleeping with you. Do you know why? Because you yelled at him about having lunch with me and felt the need to remind him, a married man, that he can’t sleep with me. Your stupid comments gave him the idea that maybe you were jealous because I’m fucking you.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t be going for lunch alone with male co-workers,” Edward said.
“Oh you did not just say that to me,” she snarled. “Sharing my bed for two nights does not give you the right to interfere in my personal life. I will go for lunch with whomever I damn well please. Is that clear?”
He continued to glare at her and she scowled at him. “Is that clear, Edward?”
“Yes,” he bit out.
“Good.”
* * *
By Thursday evening, Kate was exhausted from lack of sleep and pretending to be cheerful when she was completely miserable. After their fight on Monday, she and Edward had developed an unspoken truce and were walking on eggshells around each other all week while maintaining an image of polite professionalism around their co-workers.
“Katie?” Olivia said. “I’m worried about you.”
“I’m fine,” Kate replied.
Olivia had insisted that Kate go for dinner with her after work and as she watched Kate push the food around on her plate, she said, “You’re not fine. You’re not eating, you’ve lost weight, and you look kind of terrible.”
“Thanks,” Kate said with a forced grin.
“Are you sleeping at all?”
“Some,” Kate said. “I – I dream a lot.”
“About Edward?”
Kate nodded and pushed her plate away. “I made a stupid mistake, Olivia. I was a fool to think I could sleep with him and then just walk away.”
“I’m sorry, honey,” Olivia said. “Maybe if you talked to Edward – “
“No. Things are still tense between us and besides, what good would it do? I’m not going to quit my job to try and have a relationship with a man who’s still in love with his dead wife.”
“Just because he’s still in love with her doesn’t mean he isn’t ready for a new relationship,” Olivia said. “If God forbid something happened to Jon, I’d never stop loving him but I wouldn’t shut out the idea of finding someone new. It’s been two years.”
“He isn’t ready,” Kate said flatly. “You didn’t see the look on his face when he talked about her. He isn’t over her loss and I understand that but I should never have agreed to casual sex with him.”
“Maybe you should talk to Lina. Didn’t you say she was sleeping with her boss?”
Kate nodded. “Yes. And it’s all worked out for her. They’re living together now.”
She took a drink of water. “Can we talk about something else? I’m so tired of talking and thinking about Edward.”
“Of course,” Olivia said immediately. “We need to start making birthday plans for you. Since it falls on Thursday this year, I was thinking we’d have a bit of a birthday bash on the Saturday after.”
“That’s sweet, but I’m not sure I’m up to a party,” Kate said.
“It’ll be good for you. We’ll keep it on the small side. We’ll invite a few people from the office, Leslie and Angela from the book club, your parents and maybe my parents. Do you think Lina could come out?”
Kate shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s next week and the flight would be super expensive. Of course, her new boyfriend is on the wealthy side.”
“I’ll send her an invitation,” Olivia said. “We’ll have a barbeque at our place and have some beers and birthday cake.”
“I don’t want you making a fuss,” Kate said.
“Oh please, you know I love a good party,” Olivia replied. “Besides, Jon bought a new, larger grill and he’s dying to try it out. Hey, speaking of parties – did you get a final list of attendees for the party tomorrow?”
Kate nodded. “Yes. Just over a hundred.”
“Well, I told the caterer that it would be one-twenty-five so that works perfectly,” Olivia said. “Are you going to be there?”
“Yeah, it’ll look weird if I’m not. I don’t think I’ll stay long though. My plan is to try and slip out early.”
She took another drink of water before reaching across the table and squeezing Olivia’s hand. “Thanks, Olivia. I’d be lost without you.”
“What are best friends for?” Olivia replied. “Besides, it’ll all work out – I promise you.”
* * *
Kate checked the time before cursing under her breath and hurrying to the bathroom. It was late Friday afternoon and the office was quiet. Edward had been out all afternoon at meetings and Arthur had closed the office an hour early so her co-workers could get to the welcome party. She had volunteered to answer phones so Rose could leave early and if she didn’t move her ass, she was going to be late.
She absentmindedly adjusted her skirt as she headed back to her desk. Olivia was right, she had lost weight – almost ten pounds in the last two weeks – and her clothes were a little too loose. She checked her texts as she walked back to her desk. She was taking a cab to the party and she needed to call and –
She yelped surprise when she ran into something solid and warm and stumbled back, clutching her phone tightly. She tripped over her own feet and hit the floor with a hard thud, wincing when her elbow banged on the floor.
“Shit! Kate, are you okay?”
Edward picked her up from the floor and set her on her feet, keeping his hands around her waist for a moment too long before releasing her.
“I’m good,” she said as she rubbed her elbow. “Just clumsy.”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going,” he said.
“Neither was I. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be at your party?”
“I needed to drop off a file. What about you? Aren’t you supposed to be there?”
“I was just on my way,” she replied.
“Do you need a ride?”
“No,” she said a little too quickly.
“You drove your car to work today?” Edward asked.
“Uh, no,” Kate said. “I’m calling a cab.”
“You can ride with me. You’ll be late if you don’t,” Edward said.
When she didn’t move, he gave her a slightly impatient look. “Ready, Kate?”
“Yes.”
Bad idea, Kate! Very bad idea!
* * *
Kate stared silently out the car window at the passing scenery as Edward drove. He was a fast driver and weaved the powerful car quickly and confidently in and out of traffic. She stared at his long tanned fingers as they gripped the steering wheel, idly remembering how it felt to have those same fingers gripping her thighs, gently urging her to open them so he could settle his body between them. She flushed and cursed to herself, forcing her gaze away from Edward’s hands. She was acutely aware of his very male presence beside her and she wished that she had just taken a damn cab. She was pretty sure she wouldn’t have been trying not to drool on a cab driver.
Edward gripped the steering wheel and did his best to concentrate on the road in front of him. It had been a mistake to give Kate a ride to the party, especially given the anger and awkwardness between them, but he couldn’t resist the urge to be alone with her. He stole a quick glance at her. She was sitting quietly in the seat beside him with her hands folded in her lap as she stared out the windshield. Her face was pale and thinner and he had felt her ribs when he had picked her up off the floor at the office.
Say something, my love. Tell her you’re sorry for being such a jackass on Monday,
Tabitha whispered in his head.
“Kate – “
“Edward, I – “
They smiled awkwardly at each other and he said, “You first.”
Kate cleared her throat. “I like your car.”
He flashed a boyish grin that made her pulse rise. “Thanks. I’ve had her almost two years now. I have to admit I’m pretty fond of her myself.”
“Her?”
For the first time in a week, Kate gave him a genuine smile and he returned her smile with a mixture of relief and embarrassment.
“All my cars have been women,” he said.
“Of course they have been. Does she have a name?”
“Uh…”
“She does!” Kate laughed. “Tell me.”
“Nope. I can tell when you’re making fun of us.” Edward gave her a mock scowl.
“Oh c’mon, I have to know. Give me just the first letter - maybe I can guess,” Kate said.
“If I tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone else at the office. I can’t have them knowing I’ve named my car. It would seriously undermine my position as an authority figure in the office.”
“No problem,” Kate said.
“Promise?”
“I will take it to my grave. Hand to God,” Kate said solemnly.
Edward burst out laughing as he stopped the car for a red light.
“Her name is,” he paused for dramatic effect, “Matilda.”
“Matilda?” Kate stared at him, “You named your car Matilda?”
“Matilda was my grandmother’s name,” he said.
“You named you car after your grandma?” Kate laughed. “I’m sure she loved that.”
“My mom says she would have approved. Apparently I got my love for fast cars from her.”
“Your family sounds interesting,” Kate said. She relaxed against the seat, looking out the window. This was the best she’d felt all week. It seemed right to be sitting in Edward’s car, laughing and joking with him. She smiled as they passed a mini-van full of kids and a frazzled looking woman.
“Kate, I want to apologize for what I said and did on Monday. I was a complete – “
Jackass, Tabitha prompted in his head.
“I was a complete jackass and your personal life isn’t any of my business.”
“I’m not the type of woman to sleep with a married man, Edward,” she said.
“I know you’re not. I have no excuse for my behaviour and I’m sorry.”
She studied him for a moment before nodding. “Apology accepted.”
She hesitated before blushing a little. “I should probably apologize in person for the night you came by to pick up the Yang file. I had too much to drink and I acted really inappropriately with you.”
Edward turned into the hotel parking lot. “Don’t worry about it, Katie. It’s already forgotten,” he lied. Every moment with Kate was burned into his brain. Especially the moments where she ended up half-naked and in his arms.
She gave him an uneasy smile as he parked and shut off the car. He returned her smile before opening his car door.
“Ready for the party, Katie-did?” He asked.
“Yes. But you need to remember to call me Kate - not Katie or Katie-did. Okay?”
“Right. Sorry,” he muttered. Kate stepped out of the car and the two of them walked across the parking lot in silence.
* * *
“The food is delicious, Katie. You should try some.” Olivia said as she took a sip of wine.
“I will,” Kate said. “I’m just waiting for the crowd to thin out a bit around the buffet table.”
They stood silently in the large conference room, watching the crowd of people milling around, before Olivia smiled at her.
“I think we’ve outdone ourselves this time.”
Kate laughed. “All I did was email people. This success is all on you, Olivia.”
“Thanks, honey. Although I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Olivia took another sip of wine as she stared over Kate’s shoulder. Her eyes widened and she grabbed Kate’s arm. “Shit. Henry Dobson has spotted you and is moving across the room. I repeat, Henry Dobson is on the move.”
“Ugh, I need to hide,” Kate muttered.
“Too late,” Olivia murmured before smiling politely. “Henry. How are you? It’s so good to see you again.”
“Hello, Olivia!” Henry shouted. His round face was beet red and, instead of the usual overpowering scent of cologne, he smelled of garlic and wine. Kate wasn’t sure which smell was worse. He staggered a bit as he turned to Kate and reached for her hand.
“Henry,” Kate said as he grinned greasily at her and took her hand in his, planting a loud kiss on her knuckles.”
“Kate, you’re looking as lovely as ever, my dear.” His eyes skimmed down her body, pausing at her breasts, and Kate grimaced inwardly before yanking her hand free.
“Thank you, Henry. Enjoying the party?”
“Now that I’ve found you, my dear, absolutely.”
He smiled again and weaving a little on his feet, crept closer to her.
“If you’ll excuse us, I need to use the ladies room and I was just telling Olivia that Arthur was looking for her,” Kate said quickly.
She grabbed Olivia’s arm and, giving Henry another polite smile, steered her to the opposite side of the room. They squeezed through a couple of large groups of people and slowed their pace.
“Yuck,” Olivia said. “That man is nasty.”
“You’re telling me,” Kate replied, “It’s only two hours into the party and he’s plastered. At least he didn’t have time to offer me a different position at his firm.”
“Kate?”
She turned to see Josh standing behind her.
“Josh! It’s good to see you,” she said.
“You too,” he said and after a brief moment of awkwardness, gave her a hug.
She returned his hug, patting his back gently, before stepping away. “Olivia, this is Josh Dumont. Josh, this is Olivia Stafford. She’s Arthur Harper’s personal assistant.”
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Stafford,” Josh said and shook her hand. “If your office is anything like mine, you’re responsible for this fantastic party. The food is unbelievable.”
Olivia grinned at him. “Well, Kate and I both worked on it but thank you. And please, call me Olivia.”
“You both did a wonderful job.” He grinned at them again, the dimples in his cheeks deepening.
“If you’ll excuse me,” Olivia said, “I need to speak with Arthur.”
She disappeared into the crowd and Josh smiled again at Kate. “How have you been?”
“Good, thank you. And you?”
“Not bad,” he replied.
“I haven’t seen you on the train lately.”
“I’ve been taking the earlier train,” Josh said. “It’s been super busy at work.”
Across the room, Edward watched as Kate and Josh talked animatedly. His eyes narrowed when Josh leaned forward and whispered something in her ear and Kate laughed up at him. His stomach tightened when Josh offered his arm to her and they headed to the buffet table. He unclenched his fists and took a few deep breaths. Kate had said that she and Josh were just friends and even if that had changed, it was none of his business. Which was why his urge to stalk across the room and punch Josh in the face was completely irrational.
You know, my love, I always thought your jealousy was adorable but you should probably reign it in a bit.
I am not jealous.
Do you forget who you’re speaking to, my love?
No. I know exactly who I’m speaking to and I’m starting to wonder if maybe having conversations with my dead wife is a sign that I need therapy.
Therapy is always a good idea. You can talk to them about why you won’t admit you want to move on with Kate.
He grimaced and shoved Tabitha’s voice out of his head as Melissa approached him.
“Hello, Edward.”
/> “Melissa.”
He stared silently at her. She had been avoiding him and Kate for the last two weeks but he wasn’t sure if it was because he had piled enough case files on her to keep her busy for months or if she had decided it wasn’t worth her time to try and get Kate fired.
“I was thinking we should meet first thing Monday to go over the Martin file. It’s got – “
“I’m in New York next week,” he interrupted her. “And you’ve been moved off the Martin file.”
She frowned at him. “Are you really going to keep switching me off of files just to avoid working with me?”
“In a word – yes,” he said bluntly. “Excuse me.”
He walked away, forcing himself to smile politely when Arthur waved him over to introduce him to yet another person.
* * *
Kate washed her hands and checked her reflection in the bathroom mirror. The party was starting to wind down, although there were still plenty of people drinking and mingling, and she was tired and ready to leave. She had spent most of the night with Olivia and Josh and when Josh had offered to give her a ride home she had accepted.
She left the ladies’ room, groaning inwardly when Henry Dobson stepped out of the men’s room at the same time. The hallway was empty and she wrinkled her nose at the smell of garlic and booze emanating from him.
“Hello, Kate,” he said before stumbling toward her.
“Henry,” she replied briefly and tried to slip around him. He grabbed her wrist in one beefy hand and forced her to a stop.
“Leaving the party so soon?”
“Yes.”
“Let me give you a ride home,” he slurred.
“No. You’re drunk.” Kate tried to pull her wrist free but Henry squeezed her wrist, grinding the bones together. She gasped in pain and glared at him.
“Let me go. Right now.”
“Just give me one little kiss and I’ll let you go.”
He leaned toward her and Kate pushed him in the chest. He stumbled, his hand tightening painfully around her wrist and she made a low curse of pain.
“You’re hurting me,” she gritted out between clenched teeth.
“Just one little kiss,” he mumbled. “That’s all I want.”