“Yes, Tina?” I said, punching the intercom button.
“There’s a Lexi on the phone for you.”
Lexi? She was more of an acquaintance than a friend. I had met Lexi in college, but she had always been into partying, which had never fit in my perfect plan. Right now though, letting loose sounded like a nice diversion from the torturous thoughts of Daniel and Shaina. “Put her through.”
“Callie, I’m so sorry about what happened,” Lexi began. I ran my hand across my forehead. Maybe this had been a bad idea. Her overly sympathetic tone made her sound like a valley girl, which only increased my irritation, “but I know how to cheer you up. My brother’s band is playing downtown tonight. Come with me to hear them. I guarantee you will have a good time.”
This wasn’t the first time Lexi had invited me out. In fact, I was surprised Lexi was still trying as I never bothered to come up with a good excuse when I turned her down. How many times had I told Lexi I was working late or getting a massage when I was really going home and curling up with a good book or with Daniel? Daniel, ugh. I needed a distraction from Daniel.
“Sure, that sounds like fun,” I said, pushing the thought of Daniel out of my mind. It actually sounded about as much fun as watching golf on TV, but at least I wouldn’t be alone, and it would get Lexi off my back.
“Really? I mean that’s great,” Lexi stammered in surprise. “Okay, let’s meet at the Blue Banjo at eight.”
“I’ll be there.” I hung up the phone and rubbed my temples. Would this day ever end? No answer came, and as the mountain of paperwork continued to mock me, I picked up the top folder to begin the tedious research. “Junior Partner cannot come fast enough.”
When five o’clock rolled around, there were still a few folders on the desk. A week ago, I would have stayed until they were all done, but I had promised to meet Lexi tonight and surely one more day couldn’t hurt. Clicking off the computer and then the light, I enjoyed the blessed darkness for a moment before heading home.
Though I normally had no trouble throwing outfits together, I stood in a pile of discarded clothes liking nothing. Nothing seemed to say ‘my fiancé just left me for my best friend so leave me alone.’
Deciding I needed something to draw the attention away from my vacant eyes, I grabbed my green cowl-necked shirt. As I tugged it on over my head, I wondered if I would ever feel normal again.
A hand swipe down my jeans sent a piece of lint flying into the air. I watched it fall, realizing my life now felt a little like that, blown off course and subject to whatever force came near it.
Out of habit, I glanced over my shoulder for Daniel, who was always ready before me. He usually stood by the door, phone in hand as he made business deals while waiting. He wasn’t there, but his jacket was, hanging on the hook, taunting me. He must have left it the last time he was here, stupid jacket. I wondered what else of his might be lying around and realized tomorrow I would have to do a thorough sanitizing of the place to get rid of all his things.
Grabbing my keys, I stalked out the door, determined to have a good time and forget about Daniel.
“Another round,” I hollered at the blond waitress who ambled past us on the dance floor. The lights flashed, and music flooded my body, relaxing the tense nerves that had taken root. The noise filled my brain, allowing me to forget about Daniel, for the time being.
Lexi’s slender body moved to the beat, her blonde hair flowing against her bare shoulders. “Wow, no offense, Callie, but I can’t remember the last time you were this fun to be with.”
“Me either.” I lifted my hair to relieve the sweat trickling down my neck, and a pair of hands, not my own, landed on my hips. They were tan, strong hands, and no ring marred them.
Twisting my body to see who the hands belonged to, I hoped for someone handsome. If I was lucky, maybe it would be someone who could make me forget Daniel for a night.
The face that met mine did not disappoint. Bright blue eyes above an impish grin stared back at me. Taut muscular arms extended from what was likely an equally chiseled chest. Yes, he could do. Desire flooded my veins, and my eyes roamed over the rest of him. The hint of a tattoo peeking out of his shirt sleeve gave him the air of a typical “bad boy,” and tonight I wanted to be a “bad girl.” I locked my arms around his neck, pulling him closer so the rhythm of his hips could match mine. He flashed a sexy grin and tightened his grip on me.
He leaned his head down, lips brushing my ear as he whispered, “My name is Brent, and I think you’re hot.”
Inwardly, I cringed at the pedantic come-on, but tilted my head back and smiled anyway. Handsome, though not eloquent; I guess I could do a lot worse. I ran my fingers through his short blond hair and let my mind go blank. One dance turned to into two, then three, and the rounds of Tequila kept coming.
“It must be late.” My words slurred, and I realized too late that I had had too much to drink. Though we sat at a table on the side of the dance floor, the room still spun. I put my hands to my temple in hopes of stopping the roller coaster I seemed to be on, but it was no use
“I think you’re right,” Lexi stammered, equally inebriated, “and I have to work tomorrow, so I’m heading out.” She stood and then grabbed the tabletop to keep from toppling.
“Are you okay to drive?” Brent offered his hand to steady her, and I wondered briefly how he seemed so sober. Hadn’t he had as many drinks as we had? I tried to think back in my mind, but the exertion increased the pounding, and so I stopped.
“No, but my brother is.” She pointed an unsteady finger to the stage where the musicians were packing up their instruments. “He can drive me.”
I tried to focus on Lexi, but I wasn’t sure whether the left or the right Lexi was the real one. I had always thought people were full of it when they said they were seeing double, but now I realized I had just never been drunk enough. “Thanks for getting me to come out. We should do it again soon.”
Lexi flicked a sloppy salute and stumbled off.
Brent turned his attention back to me and brushed a curl from my face. “How about I drive you home?”
His fingertips felt nice on my face, soothing. I nodded, my eyes already trying to close for the night. The image of my warm apartment and soft bed called to me, but then the jacket flashed in my mind. I couldn’t go home and face the jacket. My eyes flew open, and my lips parted. Leaning into Brent, I placed a hand on his solid chest, “How about you take me back to your place instead?”
Brent licked his lips, and his eyes roved my body, “I thought you’d never ask.” He placed a hand on either side of my face and brought his lips down on mine. It was a rough kiss and his stubble scratched my chin, but I didn’t care. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I surrendered to the feeling, or lack thereof, and leaned farther into him.
When we parted, I thrust my car keys into one of his hands and grabbed the other, stumbling after him to my red mustang parked around the corner.
The cool, night air woke me enough to acknowledge the tiny seed of doubt sprouting in my head. This wasn’t like me. I was no prude, but I didn’t go home with men I didn’t know. I wasn’t even intimate until we had both said, ‘I love you.’
Shivering, I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to call it all off. I wanted to be bad tonight. I needed to feel attractive again. Before any words could form, we were in the car; the warmth enveloped me; and I stopped caring. My eyes closed as I leaned against the leather seat.
“Come on.” His voice cut through my sleepy fog. He had parked, but I had no idea where we were or even how far we had driven from the club. Tiny alarm bells sounded in my head, but I couldn’t focus on them. He stood outside the car door, a hand held out to me.
I placed my hand in his, struggled to stand, and fell against him. His chest was indeed chiseled, masculine. He spun me around and pulled me to his side, wrapping his arm around me to help me walk. We crossed the parking lot and then he deposited me against a wall while he rummaged for his ke
ys.
The sound of silence crept in on me, stirring a little more awareness into my head. “Why is it so quiet?”
He cocked his head at me, “It’s two in the morning. Everyone else is asleep.”
“Right,” I nodded, pointing a manicured finger at him, “sleep.”
He pushed his door open and grabbed my hand, pulling me across the threshold into his apartment. The door shut behind me, and the click of the lock on the door registered something in my mind, but a thick fog obscured it.
Brent took my other hand as well and began walking backward, pulling me down the hall. I vaguely registered the clutter of clothes strewn about before we entered his bedroom. He spun me around and backed me to the bed until the back of my legs hit the frame, and I fell back, letting desire and fatigue take over.
Chapter 3
“Go away,” I moaned, throwing my hand over my face to block the bright light, but the sun filtered through the gaps of my fingers. “Ugh.” My head felt like it weighed a thousand pounds as I tried to lift it. Giving up the fight, I lowered it back to the pillow and opened my eyes slowly to adjust to the light. White walls covered in Green Bay Packer paraphernalia filled my vision. Where was I? I didn’t even like football.
I glanced down at the sheets – white. My sheets were purple Egyptian cotton ones. A feeling of unease ignited in my stomach, and I clutched the sheets tighter in my hands. How did I get here? A shuffling noise grabbed my attention, and I turned, recoiling at the sight of the muscular man lying next to me. What had I done?
My audible intake of breath woke the sleeping giant, and he rolled over and smiled. “Good morning, sunshine.”
I swallowed, racking my brain for his name “Um, hi--”
His blue eyes danced at my obvious discomfort. “Brent; we met at the Blue Banjo Club last night.”
The events of the previous night flashed in my mind, and a soft pink blush crawled up my cheeks. “Right, and I guess we --”
“Oh, come on,” he said, reaching out a finger to caress my face, “I thought you would at least remember that.”
Trying not to flinch at his touch, I pulled the sheet to my neck and glanced around for a clock. “Um, what time is it?”
He rolled away a moment – there must be a clock on his side - “Ten.”
I jumped. “Ten? Oh no, I am late, very, very late.” I rolled off the bed, pausing for a moment as the world swam around me. When it stopped, I wrapped the blanket tighter around me, and tried to ignore the flame burning my ears.
“Call in sick,” Brent patted the empty bed next to him. “We can order in and have breakfast together, right here.”
“No, I can’t do that,” I said, agitated. “I am a candidate for Junior Partner. I can’t take a day off.” I rummaged in the clothes on the floor, tossing them in the air until I located my jeans and shirt, wrinkled from their time on the floor. Another few minutes of searching yielded the rest of my clothes.
“Suit yourself.” He laced his hands behind his head and stretched out, as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
I shot him a dirty look as I pulled on my clothes. Cringing at the thought of wearing jeans to work, I tried vainly to smooth out the worst of the wrinkles and then grabbed for where I normally kept my keys, but came up empty-handed. Of course, this wasn’t my apartment.
Planting my hands on my hips, I turned to face Brent. “Where are my keys?”
“By the front door; on the table, I think.” He pointed out the bedroom door.
I swallowed the knot growing in my stomach and hurried out of the bedroom and into the living room, scooping my keys off the hall table on the way. Slamming his front door behind me, I glanced around for my car, spotting it halfway across the parking lot. Hurrying across the asphalt already radiating heat, I climbed into it and turned the ignition on.
Easing out to the street, I glanced around for a point of reference, but nothing seemed familiar. Oh, great. I eased up to the intersection to see the cross streets. Baker and Yates? Where was I?
My jaw clenched as I whipped out my cell phone and turned on the GPS app. The low battery icon flashed eliciting a groan. Please just last until I get to work. I kept an extra cord in my desk drawer as my phone often needed a charge during the day, but I needed to get there first. I punched in the office address, and my heart sank another few feet; thirty minutes? I am so dead.
“Where have you been?” Tina asked in a harsh whisper as she hurried toward me. Her brows furrowed, creating a pattern of wrinkles across her forehead and making her appear older than she really was.
I shook my head, “It’s a long story.” The sordid events of the previous night lay on my shoulders like a heavy blanket. What had I been thinking? Now I knew why I never had one-night stands. I felt dirty and cheap.
“Well, Mr. Reid said he wanted to see you in his office, as soon as you arrived. I’ve been trying to stall for you.”
Her words hit like a punch in the stomach. “This can’t be good; the partner position wasn’t supposed to be announced until next week, and I can’t see Mr. Reid looking like this.”
“I have a skirt if you want to borrow it,” Tina offered. “I know we aren’t exactly the same size, but it might look better than jeans.”
I raised an eyebrow at her. I’d known she was different, but why would anyone keep outfits at work? “Why do you keep a skirt at the office?”
“Oh, gosh, I am such a klutz that I keep a whole outfit here in case I spill on myself. I’ve already had to replace my replacement outfit twice.”
I weighed the options. Tina was probably a size smaller than I was, but borrowing a skirt from her would be better than showing up in jeans, if it fit. “Okay, thanks.”
Tina opened her right bottom drawer and handed over a simple black skirt. Tucking it in my arm, I headed to the nearest bathroom and peeled off my jeans. The skirt reluctantly shimmied up over my slim hips, but I couldn’t tug the zipper up all the way. I pulled my blouse out over the skirt and turned to the mirror. The effect was still a little unkempt, but it was better than before. I rolled up my jeans and dropped them at my office before continuing down the long hall to Henry Reid’s office.
Beads of sweat broke out on the back of my neck and trailed down my back as I pushed open his door.
His assistant looked up from her desk and wrinkled her nose. With her blonde hair pulled back in an immaculate bun and her pressed black suit, she appeared impeccable – the way I normally dressed myself. My unease grew, but I squared my shoulders, portraying a confidence I didn’t feel, and approached the desk.
“I’m here to see Mr. Reid. I’m Callie Green.”
“Yes,” her eyes traveled up and down my form. “He’s expecting you.” Disdain dripped from her words.
Ignoring her scorn, I crossed to the inner office door and smoothed my blouse one more time for good measure before stepping into the dark and masculine office.
His mahogany desk color was captured in the dark wall coloring and complemented by the dark mauve carpet. Various plaques and commendations hung from the walls and garnered my attention as I made my way to the dark brown chair across from his desk. Smoothing my skirt, I sat down and folded my hands in my lap.
Henry Reid met my gaze across the desk. He was the oldest of the partners. White hair circled his head, but the middle of his pate had lost its battle long ago. “Hello Callie, how are you doing?”
The truth was that I was a wreck, but I couldn’t say that. “Not too bad sir, considering. I am throwing myself into my work.” I forced a stiff laugh and then forced my hands, which had begun to curl into fists, to lay flat on my lap. My traitorous right index finger, however, continued to tap a pattern to the steady staccato of my accelerated heartbeat, displaying my nervousness.
“Yes, that is what I need to talk to you about.” He leaned forward, “Do you remember the Mead case?”
I tilted my head and closed my eyes, reviewing the cases I had pored over yesterday. “I’m sorry si
r. It isn’t ringing a bell, but I still have a few files on my desk.”
He cleared his throat. “That’s the problem, Callie. It still WAS on your desk, and an injunction was supposed to be filed yesterday.”
My heart dropped to the floor, and my shoulders curled inward under the heavy weight of the mistake. “I am so sorry sir.”
“Normally, this would be an offense we fire for,” Mr. Reid began. “We can’t afford such costly mistakes.”
I dropped my head into my hands and shook it back and forth. This couldn’t be happening.
“But considering your history of success here and your recent personal event, I have convinced the board not to fire you.”
I lifted my face to look at him through splayed fingers. “Thank you, sir.”
“They have agreed to a one month suspension, without pay. I suggest you take a vacation, regain your footing, and come back ready to work. And Callie,” he emphasized, “they won’t be this lenient IF there is a next time.”
“Yes sir.” I gave a curt nod and then stood. The Junior Partnership flashed in my mind, and I cleared my throat, unsure of how to ask the question on my mind. “I don’t suppose---” I broke off mid-sentence, unable to form the rest of the question, but he read my mind.
“I’m sorry, Callie. I couldn’t recommend you this time.”
My head fell. “I understand, sir.”
“But there will be another junior partnership next year. If you come back refreshed and re-focused, I could recommend you then.”
Another whole year? The weight of the prospect of another year of doing grunt work bore down on me, threatening to release the tears now crowding my throat. As my heart shrunk in my chest, I fought to compose myself.
“Thank you, sir.” I forced a tight smile and shook his hand. Drawing myself as straight as I could manage under the heaviness descending my body, I shuffled out of the office and past the perfectly put-together, snarky assistant to the hallway.
The Power of Prayer Page 2