by TC Matson
Aimee: Ohh! Keep us in the know.
* * *
I didn’t bother to change when I left work. This isn’t a date and I’m not trying to impress Cody. My hair is still pulled back into a sloppy ponytail, my face still displays the stresses of the day, and I’m still rocking my scrubs.
When I enter the pub, I scan for Cody, immediately spotting him at the end of the bar with a drink in front him.
“Hey.” I sidle up on the stool beside him.
There’s a hint of something playful in his eyes when he smiles to me. “Glad you came.”
I order a mojito and watch the bartender as he makes it. When he slides it to me, I take a sip and then shift to Cody. “Do you work with Nathan?”
“I do.”
“What do you do?”
His gaze still possesses the mirthful mystery it held when I first sat down. “Remember when I said I liked numbers? I work in the financial department.”
“So you’re a nerd?” I tease playfully.
A smirk slides across his lips. “A very handsome nerd. I’ll have you know a lot of women enjoy my brain.”
I’m positive he just referred to his dick as his brain. Not surprising since that’s where most men do the bulk of their thinking.
Something catches his attention behind me before he shifts his view back to me. “How interesting do you enjoy your evenings?”
My brows pull together. “Do what?”
I feel his presence behind me. My heart flutters and my skin warms.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Cody?” Nathan sounds infuriated.
Cody’s grin doubles in size. “Having a drink with a friend. Care to join us?”
Scolding heat crawls up my spine and splashes across my cheeks. I’m certain this doesn’t look good and I’m petrified to turn and face Nathan.
There’s a pregnant pause that feels like hours as Cody looks above me. I can feel the anger radiating off Nathan’s body behind me while playfulness billows off Cody. I’m certain I’m stuck in the emotional tornado as the two clash.
Cody slides off the stool and buttons his navy blue jacket. “Would you look at the time. I forgot I’m meeting my mother for her yoga class. I’m glad we got to catch up, Brooklyn. Call me.”
The sonofabitch winks and walks away, leaving me alone with what I can only assume is a pissed off Nathan behind me.
Closing my eyes, I drop my head and pinch the bridge of my nose as Nathan moves to where Cody was just sitting. “This isn’t what it looks like,” I defend myself for some reason.
“I’m assuming we’ve been set up again,” Nathan says, sounding calmer.
Swallowing, I look up to his sexy scruffy jaw, his tantalizing mahogany eyes latched on to me. “He asked me on a date, but I told him I wasn’t interested. Then he said he’d like to have a drink this evening, and the subject surrounding the conversation forced me to say yes.”
His expression may be stoic, but the storm in his eyes is anything but emotionless. “And what was the conversation about?”
Lie or not to lie… “You.”
There’s a small tic in his left eyebrow. “What about me?”
I’m nervous under his scrutiny. “Nothing really. We didn’t get that far. He…” What the hell was Cody saying?
Nathan’s eyes are narrowed with annoyance even though the browns of his irises show concern. It’s ruthless and honestly, it pisses me off. I sit up straighter. “He said you never make time for yourself, so he’s trying to light a fire under your ass because you’re a douche.”
Surprise splatters his expression. He flinches back as his brows hike high, tilting his head slightly to the side. “He said that?”
“Not in those exact words, but yes.” Done with the uncomfortable interrogation, I start to slide off the stool when he grabs my arm gently.
“Brooklyn.”
I snap to him. “I need to get going. It was good seeing you although this was really awkward.”
He sighs, not letting go of my arm yet. “Stay. Have a drink with me.”
His tone is soft and it melts my heart and body. “Are you going to continue to be mad?”
“No.” He shakes his head. Releasing me, he orders a drink. When the bartender hands it to him, he takes a large gulp before turning to face me. “I’m sorry.” Although his words are sweet, irritation still pours from him. “Cody means well, but he’s sticking his nose in business that’s not his.”
“He seems to really care about you,” I say taking a sip of my drink.
Blowing a chuckle under his breath, he shakes his head. “No. He just doesn’t listen.”
I narrow my eyes. “I think he does. Probably more than you know. And I know he thinks very highly of you.”
“He should.” The words are stern. “I’m going to be honest. I don’t have the time to invest in dating. I spend a lot of time out of town. My work keeps me busy, sometimes well into the night.”
My heart fractures at his words and anger seeps out of the crack. “Cody said you put everyone else before you and your happiness. He also said that if you set your eyes on something, you’d build it from the ground up.”
“What woman enjoys an absent man?”
“What man takes the choice away from the woman?” I retort angrily and slip off the stool. “I get it. You’re not interested. But word of advice, instead of stringing someone along who is interested and willing to make the time, be up front about it. Be a man from the start,” I snap. “Have a good night.”
He doesn’t follow me as I stomp out of the pub. Not that I expected him too. Sure it would’ve been nice, but apparently all of this is a waste of my time. And I deserve better.
NINE
“You design blocked Lindsay?” Cody groans stepping into my office and shutting the door with more force than he should’ve. “Do you realize she has the power to laser your dick off in your sleep?”
I don’t look up from the papers in front of me.
“You denied the designs for West Plaza. The ones that need to be done this week. You’re so fucked.” He parks his ass in the chair in front of my desk.
Inhaling a steady breath, I fold my hands on top of my desk, giving him a pointed look. “I hated it. It was a design better suited for a fucking cheap stay motel. Not my hotels.”
His eyes narrow, crinkles appearing at the sides. “What motel in the US of grand A has a palm tree paradise in their fucking lobby, dude?”
“Aren’t you in finances?” I grit. “Don’t tell me how to run my business.”
“The birds’ nest suspended above the restaurant would’ve been the first in the nation. It would’ve added a romantic feel. And I think that’s your problem,” he grounds out, bouncing his finger at me.
I glower, not responding.
“You like her. You like her a whole damn lot. And you’re pissed off that you do so you’re tossing the romance shit out your window. What the hell is your hang-up?”
“I don’t have one,” I reply and he just stares at me. I sigh. “Tell me when I’d have time for her.”
His lips contort to the side. “You’ve made it several times in the past couple of weeks. What are you afraid of?”
“Not a damn thing,” I snap.
“Then why the hell aren’t you acting on it?”
Leaning back in my chair, I press my fingers to my lips and train my gaze on him.
“Oh no.” He shakes his head. “Not going to work. Do that Bennett death stare all you want, but that shit doesn’t faze me one bit.” He scoots to the end of the chair, resting his forearms on his thighs. “You won’t know if you can trust her unless you offer her what you have. But the little that I know of her, she’s not interested in anything sitting in your pockets. She’s interested in you, but you’re a damn chicken shit.”
“I have a business I’m focused on. And my focus is the reason I’m so successful.”
He blows a laugh. “Damn shame you’ve busted your ass to get this fa
r but have no one to share your achievements and successes with.”
“Tell me, Cody. What CEO would put himself out there and run the risk of losing everything.”
“What the hell would you be losing?” he snaps. “I didn’t say sign your fucking will over to her.”
“I don’t have the time whether I like her or not. She deserves better.”
“Says who? You? Isn’t that her choice to make?” He stands and straightens his suit jacket. “But for the record, I think you’re right about one thing. She does deserve better. Someone who isn’t a damn pussy.”
Anger flares. I rise, slamming my palms to my desk. “What the fuck is in it for you, Cody? We know you don’t do shit for the fun of it. Something is in it. Why are you so fucking invested?”
His hunter green eyes darken with exasperation. “Call me a sensitive prick, but seeing you smile with a true happiness behind it.” He tips his chin arrogantly. “That’s what’s in it for me. I’ve watched you since you were twenty-one build the business you’re running. For seven years, you’ve disregarded everything to make this empire the way you wanted it. It’s planted. You watered it. It’s successful. Now it’s time for you. So fuck you for getting mad at me for giving a damn about you. For once in your life, put your damn self first. You fucking deserve it.”
I’m still bent over my desk grinding my teeth when he pulls open the door, pausing to look back to me. “You know good and damn well she’s woken something up inside of you. You’ve given her glimpses while hiding everything else and yet she’s interested. She likes you. I know it.” Asshole winks and shuts the door behind him.
Dropping my head, I close my eyes and pull in a few deep breaths. I hate when Cody sucker punches me like that. He’s done it for years. He’s got a way with words and shoving them down my throat. It’s one of the reasons why I wanted him in my company. He’s brilliant with numbers and not afraid to put anyone in their place.
My office phone rings and I’m expecting round two of his ass chewing when I pick up.
“Mr. Bennett? I have two flights you can board. Thursday evening or Friday morning. Which do you prefer? Your meeting isn’t until three Friday.” Patricia Murphy has been with me for five years, managing my calendar and assisting in keeping me sane. She’s a fucking saint and I love her.
I dig my fingers into my forehead. “How early Friday morning?”
“Six-thirty.”
“Put me on it. Thank you, Patricia.”
“You betcha.”
After she disconnects, I scour the internet for local pharmacies. I know she works close by from the way she manages dates after work. I don’t have a plan, but when I see the search results, I realize this will take longer than expected.
Me: Which pharmacy do you work at?
Brooklyn: I don’t readily give out that information.
Me: Then what is your address?
Brooklyn: Nope. Not that either.
Me: I’m going to have to call each and every pharmacy to see if they have a Brooklyn with beautiful espresso eyes and hair to match.
Brooklyn: Have you seen how many pharmacies are in this town?
I snap a picture of my computer screen and send it to her.
Me: I’m starting to call them now.
Brooklyn: Why do you want to know where I work?
Me: What if I wanted to surprise you?
Brooklyn: I hate surprises if I know one is coming.
Me: Then quit asking me questions. I’m calling the first one now.
Brooklyn: Third one down. But please don’t show up. We’re busy and I have a meeting with corporate that I need to be focused on.
Me: Thank you. Have a good day, Brooklyn.
I grab the phone and place a call to the nearest florist. I haven’t ordered flowers in a long time, normally having Patricia do it for me. But this is personal and I can’t help but grin during the order.
TEN
When Caroline came in and relieved me, I was instantly whisked into the office with Ted, a corporate representative and Lew, the head pharmacist. My palms begin to sweat when I’m told to sit. I don’t really want to, but I do as I’m told.
My pulse is through the roof. They don’t normally call meetings unless it’s to fire someone or hold an employee meeting. I’m the only one in here so there’s only one reason why I’m here. I’m getting fired. It confuses me. I’m an outstanding employee. I’m never late, except a few times when Shyla and Aimee won’t get off the phone when I’m at lunch. Is that a fireable offense without disciplinary actions? Surely not. I can’t tell you the last time I called out for any reason. I don’t mess up with scripts. The till always balances.
My head is pounding when Ted sits at the desk. He definitely looks the corporate part with his sandy blond hair parted on the side and slicked back. He’s got a long slender face, thin lips, and a very bland look.
“Miss Anderson. How are you today?”
“Good,” I answer, trying to sound levelheaded and not like I’m freaking out on the inside.
“Good. Good.” He nods, flipping open a folder and pulling out a piece of paper. “You’ve been selected by Lew Serrano to be the one who learns the new system we will be implementing in the next month. We want you to become the lead, which means after you attend training you’ll come back and teach the staff.”
Relief runs through my veins. I feel like sliding out of the chair onto the floor as a pile of goo. I’m fifty pounds lighter instantly. “Wow. Okay. What’s this entail?”
“There is a seminar in Grand Rapids near corporates headquarters. Employees from stores all over will be in attendance as well. It will require an overnight stay at the same hotel as the seminar and all expenses will be included.”
This sounds like a mini vacation. One I really need. “Sounds good. When is the meeting?”
He clears his throat, his view flicking to Lew before back to me. “This weekend. You’ll leave Friday and come back Sunday.”
I’m certain my eyes bulge out of my skull. “As in a few days from now?”
“Yes. We apologize for the short notice, but some unforeseen circumstances surfaced.”
Right. Lauren quit last week. I nod, understanding.
He hands me a thick envelope. “Your flight tickets and hotel information are in there. Come prepared to take notes. This is very important. You’ll be the one in charge of educating the rest of the staff here.”
“No worries. I’ll be ready,” I reply.
He shakes my hand and dismisses me. Caroline peeks over the shelves as she grabs an order from the window just as a customer comes to the counter. Immediately, I help the lady and once I’m finished, I look through the script orders and begin filling them.
My mind is racing, excited about my educational vacation. My last vacation was four years ago. Aimee, Shyla and I went to the beach where we had four days of sightseeing, beach going, and drinks.
An older gentleman comes to the counter carrying a vase full of beautiful red roses and sets them down.
“Can I help you?” I ask.
“Lady up front said I’d be able to find Brooklyn here.”
“That’s me.”
He stretches out a clipboard. “These are for you. If you could, please sign here.”
I do and immediately after he leaves, I pull out the card.
I’m INTERESTED in another date, but the choice is yours.
Nathan
Oh, hell…
* * *
“I think you should call him. Or at least shoot him a text,” Aimee says, wiping her mouth with her napkin and placing it on top of her plate. “Maybe he didn’t realize he was being a super douche until you said something. I don’t know.” She shrugs. “Men are stupid.”
Shyla nods in agreement. “But if you’re not interested, you might want to tell him to stop sending you flowers.”
For three days, I’ve received flowers at work. They’ve been beautiful and my home smells amazing, but I haven’t c
ontacted him yet. Not that I haven’t wanted to, but he’s so full of mixed signals. One minute he’s sweet, mysterious, and unbelievably sexy. Then the next he’s guarded and standoffish. It confuses me and messes my head up. I have to focus on work and not all the jumbling he’s doing.
I chew on my lip. “I am interested,” I admit. “I guess I’m gun shy now.”
“Grab your phone and text him right now,” Aimee suggests. “We’re here. Moral support.”
“What if he calls me instead?” I ask, my nerves evident in my voice.
“Then you answer it,” Aimee says slowly. “That’s how phones work. Ring. Answer.” She mimics answering a phone by bringing her fingers to her ear.
“I know how phones work,” I snort. “I’ll just text him tonight.”
“Make sure you keep us in the loop. Your soap opera has become my addiction,” Shyla says.
“It helps keep my mind off William proposing,” Aimee adds. “If I don’t think of something else, it’ll consume me.”
“Doesn’t help you’re incredibly impatient,” I say.
“I have to get going. I promised Brady I’d be home at a decent time. It’s period makeup time.” She waggles her brows and I laugh.
“I’m going to go too,” I say standing.
We give each other hugs and say goodbye before all three of us head off into different directions.
* * *
I’ve showered, cleaned my kitchen and debated on cleaning out my closet to get away from texting Nathan, but the flowers throughout my house are keeping me from fighting it. Since his admission at the pub caused my heart to hurt, I do what I do best—avoidance. It’s a defense mechanism. I can’t get hurt if I stay away. I’m at war with my mind and heart and unfortunately, my heart is winning.
Me: Thank you for all the flowers. They’ve been beautiful.
Immediately, my phone rings. I knew he’d call and it’s the very reason I didn’t want to text him at dinner with the girls.
“I’m glad you liked them,” he says. “Does you texting me mean I have a chance to redeem myself?”