“Shit!” she cried, her arms flailing in an effort to keep from falling onto her ass as her purse and briefcase went flying to the sidewalk. A strong grip clamped about her arm, saving her at the last second.
“Fuck!” a deep male voice met her ears.
Righting herself, she looked up toward the voice, stunned at the sight in front of her. The wall was actually a huge man, tall and muscular. Wearing a buttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up his thick forearms, she wondered how the buttons did not pop over his chest. His dark, black hair was short on the sides and longer on top, just enough to curl slightly. His square jaw was covered in a thick, five-o’clock shadow even though it was still morning. His full, lush lips were mesmerizing, but it was his eyes that captured her attention. So dark, the iris was indistinguishable from the pupil. And those eyes were staring at her chest.
Looking at the now-empty, squished, paper coffee cup in his hand, she glanced down as the warmth from her shirt penetrated her foggy brain. She realized she was now wearing his spilled coffee all over the front of her blouse.
“Oh, shit,” she repeated, her eyes wide in horror at her ruined outfit. “I’ve got to get to work!”
Before she had a chance to curse further, he bent and grabbed her purse and briefcase with one hand while still holding her arm with the other. Quickly turning, he pulled her toward a dark SUV.
“Miss, I’m so sorry,” he apologized, as he continued down the sidewalk.
Tugging against his hold, she opened her mouth to scream, when he spoke again.
“This is my vehicle…I’ve got a spare shirt I can give to you.”
Her protest died on her lips as he let go of her arm and clicked the key fob, opening the back of the SUV.
Mace dug around in the ever-present bag he kept for possible night travel and came up with a slightly wrinkled white shirt. He turned to the still-stunned woman and held it out in his hand. She stood motionless, in shock, her eyes still on his face. He dropped his gaze to her chest where the tan stain covering her light blue blouse stood out in stark relief. The previously almost-full cup of coffee now covered her from chin to waist. Lifting his gaze again, he noted her rich, brown hair was falling out of her low ponytail, the loose tendrils blowing about her head.
She was much smaller than he, not surprising since he was six feet, five inches, but her curves were evident in her pencil skirt and stained blouse. Her large, blue eyes stared up at him, her beautiful face capturing his attention. Something about her tickled the recesses of his memory. He was sure he had seen her before…not recently…but somewhere, sometime.
He realized she was still staring at the proffered shirt and admitted, “I know it’ll be large on you, but I assure you it’s clean. Maybe if you…uh…tuck it in your skirt and…uh…add a sweater…”
Almost laughing at the ludicrous thought of wearing the huge shirt, Sylvie glanced back down and observed her own shirt completely covered in coffee. Unable to think of another course of action, besides calling the day a complete disaster and going home, she accepted his offering.
“Uh…thanks.” She reached out and took the shirt, not having an alternative plan. He was so tall, she had to lean her head back to stare into his eyes. “How will I return it?”
“No worries,” he hastened to say, clearly not wanting her to feel indebted.
“Right,” she nodded. Twisting her head to look up at her building, she realized she had to hurry. “Uh…I have to…uh…go. Bye…uh, thank you,” she babbled. Turning, she hustled toward the front doors, her face still aflame with a blush.
Mace stood, rooted to the sidewalk, watching the woman hurry away until she disappeared through the massive, glass front doors. The back view of her was good as the front and he realized, too late, that if he had given her his name, he could have met her again when she returned the shirt. Not that I give a rat’s ass about the shirt…but, I’d love to see her again.
Entering the building, Sylvie hastened to the ladies’ room, stopping to look into the mirror. The full view of her coffee-stained front solidified the need to change into the stranger’s proffered shirt. Quickly stripping off her blouse, she was glad for the flesh-colored bra she was wearing, considering it was the same color as the coffee and therefore not showing more stain. Pulling his large shirt on, she saw it hung halfway down her thighs and dwarfed her torso. Standing for a moment, she dropped her chin to her chest in defeat.
Sucking in a deep breath, she let it out slowly before lifting her gaze, continuing. Rolling up the sleeves so they did not hang way below her fingers, she buttoned the front. Giving a quick tuck, she zipped her skirt before rolling and shoving her soiled blouse into her briefcase. With a last glance into the mirror, she hurried to the elevator.
Stepping out onto the fifth floor of her building, her heels tapped out a rapid staccato down the hall as she hurried to her desk. Her official title was Administrative Manager, but the men in the office treated her more like a secretary of days gone by. She not only did the tasks assigned to her, but also spent her time fetching coffee and occasionally going out to pick up their dry-cleaning. However, without having completed her Business degree, and as a single mom, she needed to work and the job offered decent pay and good benefits.
Walking into her small office, she grabbed the sweater hanging on the back of her door that she kept in her office in case she got cold. Looking at herself, she had to admit, she made the large, white men’s shirt work. Knowing the tucked tails hung almost down to the skirt’s hem, a grin slipped from her lips. Pulling on the cardigan, she smoothed her hands over her front, convinced no one would notice.
Her mind slid back to the man who offered his shirt for her. As upset as she had been, she realized what a chivalrous act it had been. He was tall…and dark…and undoubtedly handsome. Blowing out another breath, she could not remember the last time she had been in the presence of such a viral man…the kind of man whose masculinity poured from every cell of his being.
She moved to her desk and once more breathed a sigh of relief that she had an office with a window. She did not mind if it was a cold, cloudy, rainy day or if the sun was beaming down warmly, she just loved being able to see outside.
Her view was not as expansive as it used to be, considering a new, tall building was being constructed across the street. She had to admit it was fascinating to watch the process. The foundation, the steel framing, and the construction workers starting at the bottom, building their way upward. Her building was only six floors tall, but the building across the street was going to be ten stories. The first six floors of the building appeared to be almost complete, with windows and workers on the inside of what looked to be offices, similar to hers.
While the street between them was very wide, she knew that one day she would be able to look out of her window and see other people at work over there.
“I swear, you should get some plants in here the way you love having your blinds up all the time,” Jeannie said.
She turned from the window, a smile on her face as she greeted one of the few other women who worked in the office. “I might love the window and the natural light that comes through, but I’m horrible with indoor plants. I do not have a green thumb unless they are outside.”
Jeannie walked into her office and plopped down in the chair. “How is it that we’re only at the beginning of our day and I already feel like I’m ready to go home?”
Chuckling, she shook her head as she sat down behind her desk, opening her laptop. “I don’t know, but I hear you. Some days should just be over before they even get started.”
Before they had a chance to continue chatting, a knock on the door frame had her lifting her eyes. She kept the friendly smile on her face, but it was forced. “Good morning, Matthew. What can I do for you?”
Tall, dark-haired, and dressed in an impeccable suit, he sauntered into the office and walked up behind Jeannie. Leaning forward, he placed his hands on her shoulders, giving her a little squeeze. �
��You feel a little tense here. Sure you don’t need a massage?”
Jeannie jumped from her chair quickly, moving out of his reach. “No thanks, I don’t think so. But, if I did, I wouldn’t be getting one from you.” She turned on her heels and walked out of the office after shooting a sympathetic look toward Sylvie.
Undeterred, Matthew turned his hundred-watt smile toward Sylvie, and said, “What about you, gorgeous?”
“Uh…no.” Looking down at her computer, she tried to think of a polite and professional way to get him out of her office. Just then, another man knocked on the door, and called out, “Come on Matthew, we’ve got a meeting to get to.” He looked at her, and added, “Don’t forget the meeting we have at ten, and another one at three-thirty. Make sure you bring the files with you.”
Matthew turned and walked slowly out of her office, winking at her as he left. Rolling her eyes, she grimaced. When have I ever forgotten a meeting or the files necessary for it? And Matthew makes me cringe! Ugh!
His mannerisms could be construed by some as sexual harassment, but he was careful to not ever go overboard with his actions. Just enough to make her uncomfortable, but not enough that she felt like she could fight successfully with Human Resources. I need this job. Sighing heavily, she turned back to her laptop, ready to start the day.
Hours later, after the first meeting was successfully completed and she was planning on eating her yogurt for lunch in her office while still working, her phone rang. Glancing down, she saw that it was the elementary school number.
“Hello? This is Ms. Gardner, is everything alright?”
“Hello, Ms. Gardner. This is the nurse at South Cove Elementary and I have David here with me. I’m afraid he threw up right after lunch and has a low-grade temperature. I need you to come pick him up from school.”
Rubbing her forehead, she looked at the time on her laptop. If she left now, she would just be able to make it to the school and back during her lunch break, and make it for the afternoon meeting. Feeling guilty that her son was sick, she battled the feeling of being overwhelmed. Giving her head a shake to dislodge the thoughts of self-pity, she replied, “Yes, of course, I’ll be there just as soon as I can. Thank you.”
Shutting her laptop, she grabbed her purse, phone, and keys. Walking out the door, she hurried down the hall and ran into her boss. “Mr. Thomas, I’m taking my lunch out of the building and will be back in time for the afternoon meeting.”
Even though he was the same height as she, he always managed to look down his nose at her. “Ms. Gardner, I had hoped we could go over some of the notes for the meeting during your lunchtime.”
If I had a dime for every time someone wanted me to work through my lunch… “I’m very sorry, Mr. Thomas, but I have to go pick up my son from school. He’s not well.”
Pinching his lips together he heaved an over-exaggerated sigh, saying, “I wish I had known that you were a single mom when you were hired.”
Anger flooded her veins, as she carefully said, “That line of questioning would have been illegal, as I’m sure you know. I’ve worked very hard for this company, and have made sure that my responsibilities as a parent have not interfered with the workplace. I’m taking my lunch, just like many people in this office who leave the building for lunch. I will be ready for the afternoon meeting. Now, please excuse me.”
Her voice shook with rage, but she forced herself to maintain a professional demeanor. With a slight nod of her head, she walked past him, her heels clicking on the tile floor as she hurried toward the elevator.
Once in her car, she sucked in a shuddering breath, blowing it out slowly in an effort to calm herself before she began driving. Glancing at the time, she backed out of the parking space knowing she needed to hurry to keep her promise to the school, as well as to her boss.
“But Mom, I hate sitting in your office. It’s boring. There’s nothing to do.”
Wishing she could count to ten to ease the stress, she knew she did not even have time to do that. Unable to believe all her backup babysitters were unavailable, she sighed. “David, honey, I don’t know what to tell you. I’m doing the best I can. Mrs. Marshall is not at home today. Our neighbor, Mr. Curtis, is also not at home today and the afterschool care, that you are able to go to sometimes, does not take sick children. I’ve got no choice, please understand that.”
Weaving quickly through the midday traffic, she pulled into her building’s parking garage once again, sliding into a parking space. Glancing toward the now-working elevators, she saw Matthew, and several of the other men, coming back from lunch. Angry, once more, that she had been expected to work through her lunch hour when the men seemed to have carte blanche to leave whenever they wanted, made her tension headache pound even worse.
Looking to the side, she saw David’s pale face and mother’s guilt hit her. His fever was low-grade, just enough to make him feel irritable, but not really sick.
“David, I swear if I could do this differently, I would. But I have a meeting in a few minutes that I have to be at. If you’ll just stay in my office, eat your crackers and sip on ginger ale, you can play on your iPad.”
He nodded and she was grateful that he was such a good kid. While he had a typical boy’s enthusiasm, he had rarely argued against her requests. They hustled to the elevator, thrilled that it was now working, and quickly took the lift to her floor. Walking down the hall to her office, she watched as Jeannie looked up and gave David a big smile and wave before cocking her head at Sylvie. Shrugging, she communicated silently with her friend that she had no choice but to bring him. Jeannie mouthed, Good luck.
Leading David into her office, she closed the door hoping for a few minutes of privacy. Hanging her coat on the back of the door, she then took his, hanging it there as well.
“Wow! Mom! Look how big that building is!”
She could not help but grin at the excitement in his voice, but cautioned, “David, shhh. Keep your voice down.”
He twisted his head around and nodded, his smile wide. “Sorry, Mom. It’s just been a long time since I’ve been in your office and can’t believe how big that building is now. Look at all the workers over there.”
She walked over to where he stood at the window and placed her hands on his shoulders. His eyes wide in wonder and interest, she was grateful he would have something to watch while she was at her meeting. “I know,” she agreed, giving his shoulder a squeeze. “I was just looking at it this morning. I’ve loved watching this building being built. At first, it was the workers as they constructed the outside and now I’ve been fascinated as they’ve completed the insides floor by floor.”
A knock on her door interrupted her thoughts and before she had a chance to ask them to enter, her door was thrown open. Matthew and Mr. Thomas stood there, their eyes dropping from her down to David. She caught an eye roll from Matthew and Mr. Thomas’ face grew red.
“What—”
“My son had to leave school as he was ill this morning. He’ll stay here in my office while we have the meeting.”
“This is hardly managerial protocol,” Mr. Thomas began. “I don’t like the idea of him being here.”
“I did not have any other alternative and he’ll be fine here. He’s a good boy, and will entertain himself in my office without disturbing anyone for the time it takes me to complete the meeting.”
“Fine, but he,” Mr. Thomas said, nodding toward David, “had better behave himself.” Turning sharply, he walked out of the room, Matthew following.
Her shoulders slumping, she placed a hand on her stomach, trying to quell the uneasiness. The feeling that the men in the office would rather not have her in the position was obvious. If it were not for the pay and the benefits, she would tell them what they could do with this job…and it wouldn’t be pleasant.
Kneeling in an ass to heels squat in front of David, she held his gaze, and said, “Okay, David. I need you to be very quiet and very good. Jeannie is right outside, if you need her, but plea
se don’t bother her unless it’s an emergency. I promise I’ll be back as soon as my meeting is over, but it might last for a little while. I’ve set the ginger ale and crackers on my desk and the iPad is there as well. You can play on the iPad, do your homework, or you can even sit and enjoy watching the workers across the street. I haven’t seen any of them in the offices directly across from us, but if you sit closer to the window and look up you can see where they’re still working on the floors above.”
He gave her a hug, saying, “I didn’t like those men, Mom. I think they’re rude. But I promise I’ll be good.
His understanding of her situation, despite his youth, warmed her heart. Hugging him back, she replied, “Thanks, sweetheart.” With a kiss to the top of his head, she grabbed the files and her laptop off of her desk and headed to the door, shutting it quietly behind her. Walking down the hall toward the conference room, she felt sure that he would be fine.
Hours later, she doubted her sanity. The meeting had dragged on incessantly and she had already slipped out of the room twice for a supposed bathroom break, only to run to her office to check on David. By now he looked tired, bored, and irritable.
“Baby, I’m so sorry. I promise it will be finished soon.” Looking out the window, she could see why he was bored. The building across the street was emptying of construction workers and she knew some of the people in her office that worked earlier hours, had left as well. Giving him a kiss and a promise to be back soon, she hurried back to the conference room.
He’ll be fine, she tried to convince herself. What harm can come to him from staring at an empty, construction building, across the street?
4
The sun had passed beyond the buildings across the street, casting his mom’s office in shadows. David had played with the iPad, finished his homework, and was now busy twirling himself in his mom’s office chair. He knew with a queasy stomach, he probably should not try to get dizzy, but could not help himself. He twirled as fast as he could one way and then, using his legs to kick on the floor, twirled himself in the other direction.
Mace: Lighthouse Security & Investigations Page 3