by Donya Lynne
Thirty minutes later, he pulled his BMW into the parking garage across the street from the gym. He met Rob on the court and clasped forearms with him.
“Hey, man. Lookin’ good.” Mark broke their man embrace and pulled the basketball from his bag.
Besides being his best friend, Rob was like a brother. Not only did he know all about Carol and the nightmare she had caused, Rob had lived through the hell of the aftermath, trying his best to pull Mark up by the bootstraps so he didn’t do something stupid, like drink himself into an early grave. And there had been a couple of times death by alcohol poisoning had sounded appealing.
Those had been stupid times, and Mark never drank like that, anymore. But through the nightmare, Rob had been there every step of the way.
They hit the court and played three games before taking a break.
Grabbing a seat on one of the courtside benches, Mark reached inside his bag for water and a towel. The temperature had risen since morning, and he wiped the sweat off the back of his neck.
“Okay,” Rob said, out of breath, “you were right. I surrender.”
Mark laughed and downed a swig of water. “I warned you. Three games, man. I stomped your ass.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Rob wiped his face on his sleeve. “So, what’s up with this girl? What’s her name?” Rob plopped down beside him and grabbed his own water.
Mark lifted the water bottle from his mouth. “Her name’s Karma.”
Rob poured water in his hand then splashed it on his face. “I’m assuming things are progressing well, given how you just mangled me on the court.”
“You could say that.” Mark looked at Rob out of the corner of his eye, trying to hide the smile threatening to break over his face.
Rob’s eyes narrowed. “Uh-oh. What’s that look for?”
Mark sucked in a deep breath and grinned at the irony. “She’s the executive assistant for the company I’m consulting with in Indianapolis.”
Rob’s mouth fell open. “Whoa. Are you serious? You could get in trouble for that shit.”
Mark held up his hand. “Cool off. I’m not going to get in trouble. Mildly reprimanded at the worst. Besides, she hasn’t agreed to go out with me, yet.”
“Smart girl.”
Mark scowled sideways at Rob’s verbal jab. “She is smart, but I think she’ll come around. This week we were just…you know…feeling each other out.”
“Okay…” Rob looked like he was about to play devil’s advocate. “Let’s say she decides to go out with you. You wine her, you dine her…you do what you do.” He gave Mark a hard glance. “And then she decides, ‘Oh, wait, this isn’t for me. I think I’ll file a sexual harassment complaint.’” Rob’s expression said it all. “Because, Mark, I know you have no intention of getting serious with her. And when you don’t, what if she gets pissed off and retaliates?”
Mark took another drink, paced away, then turned back around. “She wouldn’t do that.”
“How do you know? You hardly know her, and—”
Holding up his hand, Mark cut Rob off. “I’ve gotten to know her pretty damn well, and she’s not the type to play those kinds of games.” He stretched his triceps. “I met her last Saturday, at the benefit.”
“Come again?”
“She was there.” He remembered when he first spotted her at the blackjack table. “Red dress, sexy shoes.” He whistled. “I’m surprised you don’t remember her. Every man in the place couldn’t take his eyes off her.”
“Where was I when she was around?” Rob poured more water on his face.
“Slackin’, most likely.”
“If she turns on you, you could be the one slackin’.”
“Yeah, well, this may amount to nothing. I think she’s worried we could get into trouble if anyone finds out we’re seeing each other outside the office.”
“She’s right.” Rob sounded like he was scolding Mark.
Rob and his conscience. He always considered all possible outcomes.
Still, Mark didn’t need the gloom and doom right now. He wanted her, and she needed him.
“That won’t happen.” Mark wiped his towel over his face. The only person who could stop him from entering an affair with Karma was Karma herself.
“How do you know?”
“Has it ever?”
None of the women Mark dated had retaliated, and none had become upset enough to lash out. Mark treated the women he dated well. He didn’t disrespect them, and even though he could have been more up-front about his intentions—and from now on, he would be—he wasn’t an ass when he broke things off. In fact, a couple of the women he’d dated said he’d been the best breakup they’d ever experienced, and they had remained friends. He had even introduced one to the man she ended up marrying.
“No,” Rob said reluctantly. “But there’s a first time for everything.”
“Are you trying to piss in my Wheaties, Rob?” Mark tossed his towel aside, irritated.
“No, but I don’t want you to lose your job, either.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m not going to lose my job. Seriously.” He downed the last of his water and shoved the empty bottle back in his bag. “I like this one. She’s different. And she needs me. So quit shitting on my parade.” He paced away.
“Okay, okay.” Rob joined him in a hamstring stretch at the chain link fence. “You like her. She needs you. That’s good. It’s a good fit. I won’t shit on your parade, anymore. Just be careful.”
Mark glanced sideways at his friend. Rob meant well. The guy was always looking out for Mark’s back. “It’ll be fine. And I’ll be careful. I always am.”
Rob straightened and patted his shoulder. “I know you are.” He grinned. “But please tell me you don’t think she’ll be on the layoff list. For the love of God, don’t let her be one that gets the can. That would so fucking suck.”
Mark shook his head. “Not her. She’s too good at what she does. She’s more manager material than admin, in my opinion.”
He thought about what Karma had said during dinner about her journalism degree. She had a passion for writing and didn’t see herself at Solar forever, but she had been right about one thing. She was very good at her job. Karma had all the talent of a leader if she would just break free from whatever held her back, both sexually and professionally. Mark had a feeling the roadblock in both cases was one and the same.
“Oh, she is now? And you know this after…what? Only a week? Just how much do you like this girl, Mark? You seem to have given her a lot of thought.”
Mark scowled and pushed off the fence. “Quit busting my balls. Are we here to talk about my lack of a love life or shoot hoops? Because I smell another ass-whoopin’ comin’ on.” He snagged the ball from the bench, dribbled to the court, and went in for a layup.
Rob swept in under the basket and took the ball, then flipped it over his head and through the net. “I can multitask and do both, and since I’m destined to get my ass handed to me, anyway, why bother putting up a fight.”
“You puss.” Mark took the ball and dribbled out to the three-point line.
“So, have you got your in with her, yet?” Rob asked.
Mark sunk another basket then rushed in, tapped the rebound from Rob’s hands, and went in for another layup. “Working on it.”
“Yeah, I bet you are.” Rob grinned. “I can see your wheels turning from here.”
With a smile, Mark passed the ball back to Rob with more zip than necessary. “Come on, old man. Play ball.”
“Old man? Fuck you, buddy. I’ll show you old man.” Rob drove hard.
Game on.
Discussion over.
For now.
Chapter 15
Embrace the change in your life.
-Author Unknown
After spending Sunday afternoon hashing and rehashing the pros and cons of taking Mark up on his offer with Daniel, Zach, and Lisa over lunch at Olive Garden, Karma was still waffling about what to do.
“What do you want to do, Karma?” he had asked. “What does your gut tell you?”
At the time, she hadn’t been able to answer, but his question had simmered on her mind all night.
Ultimately, what she wanted was a relationship like Daniel had with Zach. They were the quintessential happily married couple, totally devoted to one another. Once, Karma had asked Daniel why he had moved to Indianapolis instead of insisting Zach move to Chicago, which seemed like a better place to live for a gay couple. Daniel had said, “Love makes you do crazy things, Karma. Zach wants to live here, and I love him, so here is where I belong.”
That’s what she wanted. A man who was as crazy about her as Daniel was about Zach, and vice versa. For now, though, she just wanted more Mark. More of those wicked kisses and hushed whispers. More butterflies in her stomach. More fun. And her gut told her Mark was the perfect man to bring her out of her shell and show her that kind of fun. The kind that got a little sexy, a little sweaty, and all kinds of exciting.
Now, here it was Monday morning, and she was still struggling with her decision as she sifted through her closet, looking for something special to wear.
As he hadpromised in Chicago, Daniel had taken her shopping yesterday after lunch to liven up her wardrobe and had seemed thoroughly impressed she hadn’t cowered at the prospect...and thrilled when she had picked out a classy, colorful outfit all on her own.
“This Mark fellow seems to be having a positive effect on you,” Daniel had said as she paired a peach, floral print blouse with cropped skinny jeans and light brown gladiator sandals.
She had brushed off his comment with a breezy, “Maybe I just think it’s time I add some color to my wardrobe, like you said.”
“Whatever you say, honey.” Daniel had fallen in step behind her, adding the top and jeans to the growing pile of clothes they had gathered for her to try on.
Karma touched the sleeve of the blouse, which now hung in her closet, along with a few hundred dollars of new clothes and shoes. She had even bought two necklaces and several new scarves, which Daniel had, of course, shown her how to tie and wear.
Today’s importance loomed front and center in Karma’s mind. Mark would return today, and he would expect an answer.
She had weighed all her options, and in some ways, she was no closer to having an answer now than she had been Friday night, but in others, she was already with him, whatever “with him” entailed. One thing she did know, though, was that she wanted to look nice today, but not too nice. Not like she was trying to catch his attention, and yet, that’s exactly what she wanted.
She ended up dressing in cream-colored slacks, a pale-pink, scoop-necked blouse that tapered at her waist, and nude sandals with a wedged heel. She wrapped a long, gauzy, dark pink and cream scarf around her neck so that the ends hung down her front, and, for a change, she left her hair down and put on makeup.
When she got to work, Nancy hardly recognized her as she passed the reception desk.
“May I help you?—Karma? Is that you?” Nancy gaped as she took in Karma’s new attire. “I thought you were a guest. My goodness, don’t you look different. And so pretty. Did you get your hair done?”
Karma giggled, feeling almost as scandalous as she had in Chicago. “Yes, last weekend.” She lifted a hand to her hair. “Daniel sort of gave me a makeover.”
“That boy sure knows how to make a woman beautiful, doesn’t he?” Nancy winked. She knew Daniel from all the times he’d come by for lunch. “Trying to catch Mark’s eye, are we?” Nancy gave her a coy look.
“Oh…no.” Karma’s face heated as she vehemently shook her head. “No, no. Just, uh…updating my look. This is all Daniel, believe me. Well, I’ve gotta run.” She hurried toward the stairs and up to her desk, afraid Nancy would see right through her. Nancy was second only to Jolene when it came to office gossip.
Mark arrived a few minutes past ten and strolled around the corner down the hall wearing tan dress pants and a black, V-neck sweater. Damn. Just, dayum! He looked good in black.
Karma suddenly loved Monday mornings.
“Good morning, Karma,” he said with a purr of innuendo.
“Good morning.” She busied her hands with a pad of Post-It Notes.
Mark paused at her desk. “What an alluring color on you.”
“Thank you,” she said, playing along. “It’s new.”
“Of course it is.” He smiled then stepped away from her counter. “I’m running late for a call.” He pointed toward the conference room. “Would you mind grabbing me a cup of coffee?” He leaned in conspiratorially. “One sugar, please.”
He certainly was in a good mood this morning, and asking her to get his coffee felt like code for him wanting to speak to her privately.
She scurried around the corner to the coffee station, poured him a mug, and grabbed a sugar packet and a stir stick. Wearing an eager grin, she practically floated to the conference room. Getting him coffee was becoming one of her favorite tasks, even though she’d only done so a few times.
She gently rapped her knuckles on the door as she entered.
He sat back and gestured for her to set his coffee down next to his tablet. “Thank you.” He took the sugar packet and flicked it against his fingers. “And how are you this morning?”
She forced herself not to stare at his chest, outlined like a second skin by the thin cashmere. “Good. And you?”
“Good.” He dipped his chin thoughtfully, watching her as he poured the sugar in his coffee. An uncomfortable, somewhat awkward silence followed. Then he looked past her, out the conference room door. “Are you busy tonight?” He spoke quietly as he met her gaze again.
“No.” She whispered the single syllable on an exhale, feeling a hiccup of exhilaration rush through her.
He slid his hand inside his bag, which sat on the table beside him, and pulled out a nondescript, plain envelope. As he handed it to her, he said, “Open this when no one’s around.”
Karma tucked it against her stomach, feeling like they were plotting a coup. “Okay.”
He smiled and nodded toward his mug. “Thanks again for the coffee. We’ll talk later.” He lifted the phone receiver, politely dismissing her.
With the envelope burning holes in her hand, she took her leave. Once back at her desk, hidden by the high counter, she glanced around and unfastened the small metal clasp. Inside was another envelope marked Personal and Highly Confidential. This was like a treasure hunt or a game. She looked around again to make sure she was still alone before pulling the second envelope out of the first.
For Your Eyes Only, Karma was written in impeccable penmanship on the other side of the envelope, just below the flap. She almost giggled. She had the feeling Mark intentionally meant to play James Bond with his secret package.
Biting her bottom lip, she slid her finger under the flap and snapped the adhesive closure, then pulled out a folded, handwritten note on light blue, monogrammed stationery:
Dear Miss Mason,
Care to take a “journey” with me? I’ll pick you up at 6:00 sharp tonight.
-M
P.S. I would be delighted to see you in those black shoes you bought on Friday.
His cell number was written in meticulous numerals along the bottom of the note with a request to RSVP her acceptance.
Take a “journey” with him? What was with the quotes? She looked back inside the envelope and saw a concert ticket. When she pulled it out, she giggled. The rock band, Journey, was playing at Deer Creek Music Center tonight. The show started at seven o’clock.
Her heart fluttered.
She grabbed her phone from her purse and typed out a text. Yes. I’ll take a “journey” with you.
As soon as she hit send, she looked into the conference room.
Mark was still on his call, but hi
s attention momentarily diverted toward his cell phone. He lifted it from the table, smiled, and then began typing with one thumb. Then he set his phone down. A second later, her phone pinged in her hand.
You honor me. Get ready for an adventure, Miss Mason.
An adventure? Now they had gone from a journey to an adventure? Karma’s curiosity rose. He sure was going to flattering lengths to obtain her answer.
* * *
Karma thought five o’clock would never come.
After rushing home, she hurried up the stairs to her apartment, freshened up, then stood in her underwear, staring at the racks of clothes in her closet, completely lost over what to wear. She had all these new clothes and still felt out of her depth.
Deer Creek was an outdoor music center, which meant she could go casual if she wanted, but this was Mark she was talking about. And tonight was special, so she wanted to look nice.
She slipped into a new pair of dark denim trousers with flared legs, tugged on a lightly fitted, dark grey graphic tee Daniel had insisted she buy, wrapped a white scarf around her neck, and stepped into the peep-toe black pumps Mark had suggested she wear. Staring at her reflection in the full-length mirror, she conceded that she looked pretty damn good. Who would have thought she could put together an outfit like this? Heels with denim and a T-shirt? She actually looked chic.
At six o’clock sharp, Mark arrived with a firm knock.
She grabbed her purse and jacket then pulled open the door.
Oh. My. God.
He looked incredible. And here she thought he wore suits well. In a pair of dark blue, low-slung jeans and a navy Henley, Mark looked…well…sizzling.
“Hi.” She felt her face heat, which it always did around him.
“Hi.” He grinned and gave her the once-over, his gaze briefly falling to her feet as if he wanted to ensure she’d done as he asked. “You’re a vision.”
“Thank you,” she said quietly, lowering her head and pulling in her shoulders.