“Thank you.”
“She is the quietest cleaning lady. I never know she’s even in the room. Hope she’s not a spy for one of my competitors,” Adam joked.
“Somehow I just can’t picture her in such an intriguing profession.” Katie tried to conjure up an image of the woman listening at doors, or whatever it was spies did to get their information.
“You’re right.” Adam’s deep chuckle filtered through Katie’s nerve endings, causing her to swallow.
“You know, Adam, most employers would have made her retire instead of letting her continue to water plants, dust, and do other odds and ends. Especially since she can’t do her duties after working hours.” Katie winked at him. “I think you’re just an old softy on the inside.”
Adam cleared his throat and changed the subject. Katie hid her smile. “When do we leave on this romantic cruise you have planned?” Adam wanted to know.
For a moment his use of “we” caused butterflies to chase around her system, even though the “we” didn’t include her. “You set sail this Friday at about six o’clock in the morning. I’ve checked the forecast for the weekend and you’ll have perfect sailing weather. Friday, you both can sunbathe. There will be a candlelit dinner out on the deck. The stereo equipment is state of the art, and I’ve made sure they have your favorite romantic CDs. You’ll spend Saturday on the island shopping, or whatever Ms. Beeman wants to do. Sunday morning you’ll sail for home, unless you want to change the plans.”
“Everything sounds wonderful. Do you have anything lined up for Nan Thomas?”
Katie blinked at the change of subject. Usually Adam was full of questions of how she found and planned every little detail. When she had first started working for him, his enthusiasm for his weekend trysts had been a little overwhelming. She’d had to write every detail down. A lot of the time, he would participate in most of the planning, just leaving the reservations and boring part for her. The last few months, though, it seemed as if he were just following through on his rendezvous because it was expected of him, as if he didn’t really have any anticipation for the actual event.
“I looked on the website for the founder of Orphan Find International and found some information about Ms. Thomas. Apparently, her grandfather was an engineer for Union Pacific. She’s been fascinated with trains since she was a toddler. You mentioned the other night you’d always wanted to go on the Amtrak. I’ve booked you on one that goes from Penn Station to Chicago’s Union Station as it may fill one of her fantasies.
“You’ll have your own train car. One end will be prepared as an eating area, with candles, stereo, and your own private waiter to cater to your every need. You’ll have a four course dinner served to you, along with champagne. We mustn’t forget, also a place to dance the night away. Then the other end of the car will be a sleeping area. As always, I’ve made sure it has two rooms so the moment can be spontaneous if needed, but you aren’t forced to share a bed.” The thought of Adam sharing a bed was something Katie tried not to picture when making arrangements. She made sure he wasn’t forced to share one. Secretly, she hoped he’d take advantage of the separate accommodations.
“Is there anything planned in Chicago, or do we just turn around?”
“In her bio, it’s mentioned that her favorite place to visit is Mount Rushmore. Sounds weird to me, but I planned that too. There is no train that goes there, so I’ve arranged for you to fly from the airport in Chicago into the closest airport in South Dakota. You can spend the day exploring and Jamie will fly you home at the end. He will be flying your parents to Kauai. That’s why I had to arrange for other air travel for you and Ms. Thomas. As I did with Ms. Beeman, I’ve forwarded all the information to you so you can review it.”
“And when will this happy event take place?” Adam asked without enthusiasm.
“In two weeks. Your parents leave the same weekend for Kauai. I thought you’d like to see them off first. You can fly with Jamie to Detroit to pick them up and I’ve booked a commercial flight back so you’ll be back in time to pick up Ms. Thomas to go to Penn Station.”
“Sounds like I’ll be busy. You’ve outdone yourself with both of these trips, not to mention my parents’ dream vacation. Not that I would ever want to lose you, but have you ever considered a career in the travel industry?” Adam teased.
“No, I enjoy planning and making arrangements. If I had to do it for a living, it wouldn’t be any fun. With you, I get to hear about it when you get home. Making travel plans for people I didn’t know, I’d never get the satisfaction of knowing how things went.” Katie stood and gathered her things, preparing to return to her desk.
“You never answered me about going to the Stage Deli for lunch.” Adam stopped her with his words.
Heart pounding at the unexpected question, she turned back to Adam. “I’m not doing anything.”
“I’m having lunch with your father. He and I are considering another investment company. We may acquire it as a joint venture. I was wondering if you’d like to sit in,” Adam said.
“Oh.” Katie tried not to let her disappointment show. “I have some reports I need to get done. I’ve spent too much time on travel arrangements lately.”
“Yes, I’m sorry about that. I’ve sort of let you take over everything on that end. It’s not fair of me to expect you to do that and keep up on your regular workload. I’ll take the responsibility of the arrangements from now on,” Adam apologized and then continued. “I can help with those reports when I get back. Leave what you want me to do on my desk.”
“I will if I need the help. Thanks, but I should be able to finish them on my own. Tell Dad hi for me.” Katie left in a hurry before he could see the tears gathering in her eyes. Sheesh. What in the world? She never cried.
Shutting the door of Adam’s office, she walked to her desk and practically threw her pad and pencil on the top. She plopped herself down on her chair with a “thunk.” What did I expect? For him to see me with my hair down, in a business suit, looking fantastic, that he would just swoon on the spot and pledge his undying love?
Katie put her elbows on her desk, rested her chin in her hands, and gazed out the window. She’d have to come to terms with the fact that Adam was never going to settle down and marry her. If he ever did marry, it would be to somebody he’d admire, not his personal assistant. Why not? You’re intelligent, you clean up pretty good, you have a great sense of humor. I say go for it, girl! Katie sat up straight at the thought. Yeah, why not? She had everything any guy would want, she just had to convince Adam she was his true love.
Easier said than done, when he’d devoted his whole life to avoiding a permanent attachment to any one woman. She’d have to make sure he never asked her for a weekend rendezvous. That would seal her fate and she would join the string of other women who had been tossed aside.
It was going to be an uphill battle, but Katie was up to the task. She’d start today. Picking up the phone, she buzzed Adam’s office and waited for him to pick up. She wasn’t quite up to facing him with her new determination, but she could handle it over the phone to begin her campaign.
“Hey, Katie, did you decide to go with us to lunch?” Adam answered with a question.
“No, I’m still too busy. I’m just reminding you about the fundraising dinner tonight at the Essex House.”
“Oh, man.” Adam paused, the phone went mute, but Katie could hear him cough from his office. He still wasn’t over his cold. “Sorry about that. I was hoping to go home and relax tonight. I can’t cancel the dinner though. I’m supposed to bring a date. Where am I going to find one on this short notice?”
Katie took a deep breath. She had known he hadn’t asked anyone, so this was her opportunity and she was going to grab it with both hands. “It just so happens that I’m free tonight. I have an evening gown hanging around somewhere if you’d like me to go with you.”
“Are you sure? You don’t need to go if you don’t want to. These things are boring as all
get-out, most of the time. And the food usually isn’t all that great. However, the last time I went to the Essex it was pretty damn good.”
“I’m sure. Besides, I know you’re not feeling well, so you won’t have to waste any energy trying to impress me.” Katie grinned into the phone. She’d dress to kill and knock his socks off. Then act as if everything was the same as always. He was in a weakened condition. She’d sneak in while his defenses were down.
“Thanks, you’re the best. Do you mind if we miss most of the cocktail hour? I’m not sure I’m up to it. I’ll pick you up about six o’clock?”
“Sounds good, I’ll be ready.” Katie hung up before he could reply. It was a good thing he couldn’t see her, because she knew he would wonder at the wicked look she had to have in her eyes.
* * * *
“You know I’d do anything for you, sis.” The gray-haired figure, huddled over the newspaper spread on the table, addressed the large portrait hanging on the wall. As usual, the conversation was a one-sided dialogue. Agitated deep breaths filtered the room as the person read the article.
“He made a list. Now he thinks he’s going to find a wife. Sis, we have to show him what will happen. He has to be taught a lesson. He can’t settle down until the two of you can be together.”
The pause was pregnant with meaning. Air in the tiny room weighed heavy on the figure, who was about to make the biggest decision a person could ever make. That of taking another human life.
“What do you want me to do, sis? Never mind, I have a plan. Now that we know he’s looking for a permanent relationship, we’ll just have to eliminate each candidate.”
Two long strides carried the figure across the room, then a quick turn as the person paced. Rubbing a jaw, the figure said, “Tonight is perfect. This article announces your lover is making an appearance at a benefit. I’ll make a visit to Cynthia Westwood, the woman he just brought home from his Napa trip. This will give him an alibi. We can’t have him being accused.”
Again a long pregnant pause permeated the apartment. Then the figure whirled, gray hair flapping in the breeze caused by the movement. “What?”
“Oh, no, sis. Don’t you worry. I’ll be careful. No one will be the wiser. And soon your honey will know he can’t settle down and things will get back to normal until his time comes to join you.”
* * * *
Finally, with all of the reports done, Katie started to clear her desk so she could leave to begin her campaign to win Adam’s heart. She wouldn’t be content with just one of his weekend getaways. No siree bob! She wanted the whole shebang. She’d called her mom as soon as Adam had left for lunch and told her about her idea. Her mother was thrilled. Locking her desk, she stood to leave just as the cleaning lady entered the office.
“Mrs. Oakman, what in the world are you doing here?” Katie asked, startled.
“I’m sorry, miss. I left something in your boss’ office. I’m just going to grab it and leave so I can get everything put away for the day.” She put a hand to her apron and twisted it as if she were nervously waiting for Katie’s okay.
“Sure. You know you don’t need to ask me. Do you want me to wait, or will you lock up after you leave?” Katie didn’t want the delay. She’d be late meeting her mom at Bloomingdale’s.
“You go along, honey. I’ll lock up nice and tight when I leave.”
“Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow. And thanks for the information on the supplement for Oscar.” Katie gave her a hasty wave and practically ran out of her office.
A quick subway ride and several minutes later Katie rushed into the exclusive evening gown department, credit card in hand. Finally spotting her mother, she rushed over and gave her a peck on the cheek.
“Hey, Mom, hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”
“No, dear, I’ve found several dresses for you to try on. Your father and I have decided it’s our treat to welcome you back.”
“Mom, I’ve never been gone. I just went into hiding. But since I want to blow Adam away and I can’t afford any of these designer dresses on my budget, I’m going to let you.”
“Hurray!” her mother cried and threw her arms around her, squeezing so tightly Katie thought she’d pass out. She tried to look around over her mother’s shoulder to see if people were watching. Thank goodness, they seemed to be out of sight.
“Mom.” Katie pulled away.
“Sorry, dear, I just thought I’d have a hard time convincing you. Okay, follow me. I have a dressing room filled with dresses for you.” Bonnie tugged her along. Katie couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She’d just given her mother manna from heaven. To bestow upon her only daughter carte blanche with the credit card. Somehow there was something backward about that logic. But Katie didn’t care.
* * * *
Balancing packages in one hand, Katie tried to unlock the door with the other. Definitely not working. Finally, she gave up and carefully sat them on the ground and unlocked her door. As she began to gather them up, her neighbor’s door creaked and a frizzy gray head barely appeared around the molding.
“Hi, Mrs. Newcomb.”
“I had to see who was making all that racket!” the old woman blustered angrily.
“Sorry, I’ll try to be more quiet…” Katie’s words were cut off by a slam. Shaking her head, she finished retrieving her bags and quietly shut her door. Katie didn’t have trouble making friends, but she had the hardest time with Mrs. Newcomb. The slightest noise was “making a racket.” If her television were loud enough so that Katie could hear the program, Mrs. Newcomb would bang on the wall. Katie had bought her a pair of headphones so she could watch the damn thing. I thought old people were deaf, but Mrs. Newcomb has twenty-twenty hearing, or whatever you called it.
Carrying her bundles to her room, she put them down on the bed. The clock on the stand showed that, thanks to her mother’s pre-shopping, she had made it home in plenty of time to take a hot bath, and then primp.
* * * *
At her vanity chair, Katie bent to place the last of her accessories on her ankle, and then straightened when she heard the doorbell chime. She stood, grabbed her silver shawl and evening bag and tried not to fall as she raced down the hall on her four-inch heels.
Katie opened the door and found Adam leaning against the doorjamb, apologizing to her grumpy neighbor for the noise he’d caused.
“Sorry, Ma’am, I didn’t realize my knocking had caused your clock to fall. Would you like me to come in and hang it back up?” Adam wanted to know.
The only answer was a “Humph” and the slam of the door as Mrs. Newcomb went back in her apartment.
* * * *
Adam slowly turned and then he got a shock as he took in his first sight of his trusty assistant. His breath stuck somewhere in his chest, and he was glad he was supported by the side of the door, or his knees might just buckle.
Starting at her head, Adam took in the style of her golden hair, pulled back from her face and curls left to tumble down her back. Diamonds dripped from her ears. The line of her creamy neck was interrupted only by the burgundy satin of her Vera Wang halter dress—if nothing else, he had learned about designer dresses from his time with Cynthia. Her arms were bare with no adornment. The satin of her dress hugged her slim curves down past her delightful hips to just below the knees. Silver heels encased her delicate feet and her left ankle was surrounded with diamonds matching her earrings. Even with the extra height of her shoes, she still barely came to his shoulder.
“Wow. I’m glad you don’t dress like this at the office, I’d never get anything done.” Adam reined in his lecherous thoughts. He wouldn’t let Katie see how her appearance affected his libido. He didn’t want her to get the wrong idea. What wrong idea? You were having thoughts about Katie even before she let down her hair and ditched the hideous glasses.
* * * *
Wow, indeed! Katie resisted the urge to kick him in the shin over his nonchalance. Then she noticed his tightly clenched jaw and the min
iscule twitch at the corner of his mouth. She’d just keep bowling him over with her looks. Be there whenever he turned around at the office, with her wit and charm. Her mother’s words, not hers. She’d get him to crack little by little.
She’d seen other women drape themselves all over him and smother him with attention. She’d let herself be seen and not heard, let him smother her with attention. She would treat him as if nothing had changed. Pretend she still wore the thick black-rimmed glasses, long flowing bohemian dresses, and braided hair hanging down her back. Not dressed to kill.
Actually, she would be coming to work dressed for comfort in one of her old outfits from time to time, just to keep him off balance. He’d come around.
The limousine drew up in front of Essex House across from Central Park. If there had been time, she would have suggested a carriage ride in the park. Alas, Adam wasn’t feeling that well, and they needed to hurry or they’d be late for the dinner.
With her arm linked though Adam’s, they stood at the entry to the banquet room, surveying the room. Katie felt Adam shift and looked up to find him smiling down at her.
“I think my date outshines every other woman present. I shouldn’t tell you that, it will go to your head,” Adam said.
Katie blushed at the compliment, but didn’t comment on it. “Looks like everyone who is someone is here.”
“Yes, it does. Thank you for coming with me. I’m sure you probably would be having a better time at home.”
“Yes, Oscar and I do have a good time,” Katie said, as dry as toast.
“Oscar?” Adam asked. “Oh, yes, your dog. I didn’t see him tonight.”
“He was jealous, so I had to keep him in the kitchen so he wouldn’t cause a ruckus when we left.”
“Well, I’m glad you did,” Adam laughed.
Katie gave a little half smile at his answer. He really didn’t understand that her dog could be very territorial when it came to her. After all, she had saved the dog from scouring the streets for his dinner. She had given him a home with everything he wanted, except baths. He hated those. Adam would have to get along with Oscar. Then she thought back to the night Adam had joined her and her friends. Her dog had actually liked him. Oscar, you must be a good judge of character.
Martinez, Mary - Classic Murder: Mr. Romance (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 8