by Jill Sanders
When she hung up, she immediately called Kristen.
“I’ve done it.” She rested her head on her desk and felt like laughing.
“What?” her friend asked, eagerly.
“Another two items from the list.”
“Two? Tell me.”
“Well, you know I’ve already done items four and seven,” she whispered, glancing at the door nervously as she played with her bracelet.
“Yes.” Kristen sounded excited. “So far so good.”
She held back a giggle. “Well, I just pulled off item three and part two of six.”
“Three and part two of six?” She could almost hear Kristen’s mind working trying to remember what each one was.
“Three, for when, in junior high, he told me gym class was being held outside and I got locked out of the building for the entire period.”
She heard Kirsten hold back a chuckle and frowned. “What?” Her eyes narrowed.
“Nothing.” Her friend cleared her throat. “I was just imagining Logan getting detention like you had.”
She smiled, imagining it herself. “Yeah, that would be nice.”
“What’s part two of six?” her friend interrupted as Amy imagined Logan sitting in detention in the spacious conference room down the hall.
“Well, I guess it was a little childish of me, but when he drove up in a new, shiny Audi this morning—you know after yesterday’s number seven incident—I neglected to point out that he’d parked in a handicap spot. Knowing our building’s security, his new car is already on the back of a tow truck.”
“His car being towed is a whole lot bigger than your bike having a flat.” She could tell that her friend was trying to hold back her laughter.
“It took my dad a whole year to fix that tire.” She sat back, leaning her head against her chair. “I had to walk everywhere that entire summer.”
“I remember. At least when I wasn’t giving you a ride on my handlebars,” Kristen added.
She smiled remembering. “Yeah, good times.”
She could hear Kristen’s sigh as she remembered it as well. Then she came back, her voice softer. “Maybe we shouldn’t be doing this?”
Amy closed her eyes. “I’ve thought about that too. You know, I wasn’t going to at first, but then he smiles at me with that same smile he would use right after he’d given my arm an Indian burn.”
Kristen chuckled. “Okay, I’ll leave it up to your good judgment.”
“Besides, I haven’t really done anything major like when he . . .” She shivered thinking about item number ten on their list.
“Don’t even mention it,” her friend broke in. “I still don’t know what you’re going to do to get him back for that one.”
“Neither do I.” She took a few deep breaths and tried not to let the guilty feelings start to overwhelm her. “Well, I’d better get going.” She glanced at her watch. “Meetings all day.”
“Okay, are we still on for dress shopping in a few weeks? I’m trying to set up the appointments at some bridal stores.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” She thought about shopping for her friend’s wedding dress and a hint of sadness crept into her mind. She guessed it was due to the fact that she kept thinking she was losing the number one spot in Kristen’s life, but then sanity would take over and she knew that no one could ever fill her spot as far as their friendship was concerned.
“Can you believe it? I’m getting married!”
“I know, I know.” She felt her friend’s excitement spread into her.
“Okay, I’ll let you go. Ta-ta.” She listened to Kristen hang up and couldn’t help but smile all the way down to her car.
By the time she walked into the McCormack Group’s offices, she was glancing over her shoulder repeatedly, waiting for Logan to spring out and expose her for what she’d done.
As the meeting went on, her nerves continued to grow. She was so wound up by the time everyone stood that her palms were so sweaty, she had to wipe them on her skirt before shaking anyone’s hands.
As she walked out to her car, she was too preoccupied with guilt to notice the car parked next to hers.
“So”—the deep voice caused her to jump and spin around—“how’d the meeting go?” Logan was leaning on the hood of his car, looking quite comfortable. He’d removed his jacket and was wearing dark sunglasses, shielding his blue eyes from her view. It was so hard to tell his mood by just looking at his mouth and jaw.
“F-fine. Why didn’t you come in?” She tried to act concerned, but since she hadn’t thought to put on her sunglasses, she was sure he could read her guilt. She looked down at the keys and paperwork in her hands and shifted everything around so she wouldn’t drop it.
“I actually just arrived.” He stood up and walked toward her, taking the bulk of the paperwork from her hands.
“Oh?” She glanced up at him and took a deep breath, trying to hide her emotions. She twisted her watch a few times until she felt her nerves settle. His eyes followed the movement. “I guess I was a little too eager to show off my new car this morning and parked in a handicap spot.” He looked over her right shoulder as he waved at someone behind her back.
“Oh, I hope your car wasn’t towed,” she said, glancing behind her as Nick, the head of the McCormack Group, started jogging toward them. The man was just a few years older than they, but already had a full head of silver hair. His athletic build and very tan skin told her that he cared a little too much about his physique.
“Logan.” Nick held out his darker hand and Logan shook it with his own lighter one. “I thought that was you. What the heck have you been up to?”
“Getting my new car out of impound. Sorry I missed the meeting.”
Nick looked between Logan and her a few times. “You’re working for RMR now?”
“It’s been a couple of weeks now.” Logan reached up and removed his dark sunglasses and she saw his eyes for the first time. They were filled with laughter as he watched her face closely.
“Well that seals the deal then.” Nick smiled and patted Logan on the shoulder. “I’m sure the board will feel much better knowing you’ll be there to handle anything we need during this buy.”
Instantly, Amy felt deflated and a little pissed. She threw her shoulders back as her chin rose a few inches, then as she started to open her mouth to retort, Logan beat her to it.
“Well, I’m just sitting on the sidelines for this one. Besides, Amy here is the best in the firm. I’m sure if there’s anything that comes up, she’s more than capable to handle it.”
Nick glanced her way. “Yeah, sure. Hey, we were just about to hit lunch, want to . . .” He nodded toward some parked cars where the rest of the men from the meeting were standing around waiting.
Logan shook his head. “Can’t. I’ve already got plans.” He looked toward her and she felt like punching him. He made it seem like she had him on a leash—or worse, like they had plans together.
“Well,” Nick said, glancing at her again, then back at Logan. “Another time. I’m sure glad you’re back in town. We should shoot some hoops sometime.”
“Look me up.” He waved as Nick raced back to the rest of the group.
“Why did you do that?” she hissed as she reached for her car door.
“Do what?” He put his hand on her door, stopping her from opening it.
“Give him the impression that I had control over you.”
“Trust me, that’s not what he got from the conversation.”
She frowned and tried to move his hand from her door. He leaned against it instead.
“So, where do you want to go for food?” he asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re buying, since I just spent almost a week’s salary getting Kelly out of impound.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Kelly?”
His smile grew as he slipped on his sunglasses again. “Sure, why not. I remember how nice Kelly Steven’s curves were in junior high.”
She instantly fe
lt her frustration grow.
“Oh come on. Don’t you have a name for . . .” He patted her Jeep door and she frowned even more.
“Nothing I’m going to tell you.” She took a step back, knowing she would explode with frustration if she stood too close to him.
He laughed. “Fair enough. Oh, come on. I’m starving after fighting with the towing company all morning. Besides, it’s kind of your fault anyway.”
She felt her stomach drop and held her breath as her head grew dizzy. A million questions raced through her mind. Did he know? Was he just playing with her? He had to know. After all, he remembered Kelly Steven. Why not her?
“I mean, I was distracted by those legs of yours.” He made a point to tip down his sunglasses as his eyes raked over her legs. Then he whistled, and she couldn’t stop herself from smiling.
“Fine, but we go Dutch.” She yanked on her door, successfully dislodging him from his spot.
“I’ll follow you.” He hurried to his new car and she tried not to watch him too closely.
Did nothing get this guy down? She pulled out of the parking spot and watched as he followed her out of the lot.
CHAPTER FIVE
The next day, she received a call from the McCormack Group with an official offer for the old Coors building. The offer was higher than she’d ever expected. Maybe now was the right time to ask Gary about becoming partner.
She tried not to dance a jig all the way to Gary’s office to tell him the good news. She was also trying to build up the nerve to talk with him before she entered his office. In her excitement, she forgot to knock on his door and caught Gary and Leah in a heated embrace.
“Sorry.” She backed out, giving the couple a moment to untangle themselves from each other.
“You can go in now, Amy,” Leah said as she walked out of the door while adjusting her hair.
“Thanks. Sorry.” She smiled at Leah.
“Oh, dear, no harm done.” Leah winked at her.
“Hi.” She walked up to Gary’s desk and set the file down in front of him.
“What’s this?” he asked, straightening his tie and looking down at the folder.
“An official offer on the old Coors building.”
“What?” Gary’s eyes jumped up to hers.
She nodded.
“Dare I look?” He rubbed his hands together and waited.
“Three point two.” Her heart skipped again at the thought of the commission.
Gary whistled. “That’s my girl.” He stood up and wrapped her in his big arms and started spinning her around the room.
She was just about to ask Gary about taking her on as partner, when a voice from the doorway caused her to jump.
“I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” Logan stood just inside the door, a frown on his face as he took in the scene.
“There you are, my boy!” Gary pulled away from the hug and walked over to slap Logan on the back. “We were just celebrating Amy’s big deal.” Gary glanced over at her. She could see the pride and excitement in his eyes from across the room.
“Oh?” Logan said, still frowning in her direction.
Instantly she was on guard. What did he have to be upset about?
“Yup, my boy. This woman just landed the deal of the year.” He slapped him again on the back and did a little skip as he walked back to his desk and picked up the folder she’d set down.
“What kind of deal?” Logan asked, walking more into the room.
“Oh, nothing short of a miracle. She took a run-down, almost-condemned building and sold it for three point two, cold.” Gary danced around his chair while she laughed at him.
When she looked again, Logan’s frown had been replaced by a smile that caused hers to fall away. His eyes were glued to her, instead of his uncle.
“This calls for a celebration!” Gary said loudly. “Drinks tonight.” He rushed to the door. “Leah, tell the staff to meet at Main Street at five, if they can make it. I’m buying,” he bellowed out the doorway.
In the all the years of working at RMR, Gary had bought drinks at Main Street Pub and Grill, a place a few doors down from their office, only six times. Four of which were all thanks to her.
“You’re coming.” He pointed at her, then turned to Logan and did the same.
Logan nodded, and she felt a lump in her throat. How was she going to possibly make it through a night of drinks with him there?
The next few hours seemed to tick by slowly. Logan sat in the small chair in the corner of her office, punching away at his computer and answering calls regarding potential real estate sales he’d hooked up earlier that week.
He was starting to build a list of his own clients and she couldn’t wait for him to move into his own office space, even though she knew it wasn’t going to be any time soon. RMR was housed on the second floor of the building and every possible space was already taken.
They would have to let someone go before he would have his own space. She frowned at the thought of that. Every person in the agency had earned his or her spot and she couldn’t imagine going a day without each and every one of them.
“Something wrong?” Logan asked, leaning back in his chair.
She looked up at him. “No, just thinking.” She twisted her bracelet as she thought about it further.
“It’s about time to head out.” He glanced at his watch. “I just need to file some paperwork.” He walked over and waited as a stack of papers printed out. Then he tapped them straight and put them in a folder.
“Leah can file those for you,” she said, mentally ticking off item number one on her list as she played with her watch. It was a small consolation prize knowing that the paperwork would most likely never be seen again. But after the sixth grade incident when he’d purposely tossed her backpack into the large, deep puddle, sufficiently ruining her science project that had been sealed inside, she was pretty sure he deserved it.
She watched him exit her office and smiled. Five down, five to go. She almost leaned back in her chair and propped up her feet as a reward, but stopped herself just in case he decided to come back or someone walked by her office and caught her.
Logan followed the small crowd of people down the street to Main Street Pub and Grill, his eyes on Amy’s back for most of the trip. She walked with a few of the other ladies from the office, and he watched her smile and laugh as they made their way down the narrow sidewalks. Her hair shone brightly in the dying sunlight, making him wish he knew how soft it would be in his hands.
When they finally made it to the pub, he glanced around and took stock. The glass doors opened up to a place that was small and cozy. They were greeted by music as a band played just inside the doors on a small stage area. Everyone from the office continued toward a seating area in the back that had been blocked off just for their party.
He made it a point to crowd closer to Amy so he would be seated next to her. When she noticed him sitting on her left, she frowned quickly and turned away, causing his smile to grow.
He was really enjoying how unsettled he could make her feel. Actually, he figured he’d take the little ruse as far as he could. After all, he was sure she had guessed that he knew who she was after he’d mentioned Kelly Steven, but so far she hadn’t come out and said anything.
After the second round of drinks and hors d’oeuvres had been delivered, he caught Amy’s eye and nodded toward the back, where a pool table sat in the middle of the room. “Care for a friendly game?”
Her eyes followed his to the far end of the room, then went back to his. “I don’t think so,” she said, taking another sip of her beer. He’d been surprised that she hadn’t ordered a girlie drink like most of the other women from their office had.
“Scared I’ll beat you?” He used the one tactic he knew would work on her.
“Not in the least.” She set her almost empty beer down and played with her watch, twisting it vigorously.
“Then come on.” He reached for her hand, pulled her up o
ut of her seat, and started walking.
Her hand was small in his and he realized he could get used to holding it. He dropped it when they reached the table and he snatched up a cue stick. When he handed it to her, she took it and looked toward the front of the bar nervously.
“What shall we wager?” He took up a cue stick for himself, testing the length and weight of it slowly as he watched her make up her mind to play.
“How about money?”
“That’s no fun.” He thought about it. “Well, since we’ve got an outstanding bet for a date . . .” Her eyes heating, she quickly glanced at her coworkers around the table again, who were laughing and joking with one another. “How about dinner and drinks?”
“Gary’s buying dinner and drinks tonight.” Her eyes moved back to meet his.
“I wasn’t talking about tonight.” He leaned slightly on the table. She tilted her head as she twisted her watch. He was becoming accustomed to the motion.
“Come on.” He could tell when she’d finally made up her mind.
“Fine, but I get to shoot first,” she said.
He nodded. “Fair enough.”
It was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to do in his life. Keeping his eyes from watching her tight little butt when she wiggled it as she got into position to hit the balls he’d lined up. She leaned over the table slowly and a strand of her perfectly coiffed hair fell into her eyes. The way he figured it, a few more drinks and she’d loosen the clip that held most of it away from her face. She’d already removed her blazer, giving everyone in the bar the beautiful view of her body.
His eyes moved over her arms as she lined up the cue for her shot. Instantly, he knew she’d get a few balls in.
Two solids shot into the end pockets, and when she moved around the table to line up the second shot, he guessed he was in trouble. Shot after shot, she sank her balls quickly. He leaned back and watched a pro at work. When, finally, after five turns, she missed a rather expert shot, he walked over to where she stood.
“I think I’ve been swindled.” He leaned closer to her as she chuckled.