Risk Taker

by Kelly Collins

  He undresses and climbs under the covers with me.

  By the time I wake the next morning, Damon is showered and dressed. He sits on the edge of the bed with a bag of pastries in his hand and a cup of steaming coffee placed next to my bed.

  “Time to get up. It’s your last day of classes, and I have to get to work.” Leaning over to kiss me, he says, “Let’s go out to dinner tonight to celebrate.” He holds up the bag. “I bought you a cheese Danish. You once told me it was the way to your heart.”

  I stare at his gorgeous face and know I love him way too much. “A cheese Danish? You’re pulling out all the stops.” I peek inside. “You had my heart before the Danish.” I smile at him. “The question is, how do I get to your heart?”

  He leans over and kisses me once more before he dashes out the door. He’s a master at deflection. It wasn’t long ago that he told me he had no heart. There’s no doubt he has one, but it’s a shame he’s protecting it like Fort Knox.

  I turn my term paper in and close my student accounts. It feels weird knowing I won’t have another homework assignment. I don’t have to walk onto this campus again for anything other than graduation.

  Giddiness and sadness fill me in equal measure. Everyone moves on with their lives.

  If I don’t get a going, I’ll be late. Taking the morning off already put me behind.

  Trevor waits in the lobby with arms crossed. This isn’t normal behavior. “What’s wrong?” I look at his face for a hint, but there’s nothing.

  “Follow me to Della’s office. She has paperwork for you to sign.” He hurries to the elevator. “If you haven’t had lunch, I’d like to take you.”

  I have several things planned for my afternoon—having a meeting with Della and lunch with Trevor was not on the list.

  I follow him to the fifth floor, where he basically pushes me into Della Fields’ office.

  She grins as we enter, and she slides her paperwork aside. “Can I get you something to drink, Ms. Cross?”

  Something is going on that makes my insides knot. Who gets called into the Human Resources Director’s office without warning if it’s not bad?

  “Why am I here?” There’s a quiver to my voice. “Did I do something wrong?”

  Trevor remains silent.

  “No. So far, you have done everything right,” Ms. Fields says to my relief. “Trevor tells us you’ve become quite an asset to Noble Enterprises. Good people are hard to find, Ms. Cross. I understand you graduate on Monday.”

  “Yes.”

  “Zenith has grown exponentially, and now that we’re co-branding with Anthony Haywood’s, we expect to double in size over the next few years. We need good people to help us get to where we want to be.”

  I see her mouth is moving, but nothing makes sense. Why is she talking to me—an intern—about growth and development? And then I realize. She’s offering me a job.

  “I’m glad you’re pleased with my contribution. Why am I here?” I tuck my hands behind my back and cross my fingers.

  “We’d like to offer you a permanent position at Noble Enterprises. It’s lower level, but I expect rapid promotions. The position would be a permanent assistant to Trevor.” She looks in his direction, and they smile at each other. “You’d have your own office, although he would like you to spend a lot of your time overseeing Ahz. Even though we are co-branding with Anthony Haywood’s, Zenith will manage the facility. Therefore, everything but the kitchen falls on our shoulders. What do you say?”

  I look at Trevor, then at Della. Who gets offered a job like this straight out of college? I do. I swell with pride, so much so that I’m sure I’ve grown several inches.

  “This is where I exit,” Trevor says. “Thanks for letting me sit in, Della. The shock on her face was priceless.” He chuckles all the way out the door.

  “Ms. Cross, these are the specifics concerning the job offer.” She hands me a job description that includes my beginning salary. Yes, salary—not an hourly wage, but a mid-level five-figure income.

  “Please call me Katarina.”

  “Only if you call me Della. Take whatever time you need to think about it.”

  I glance down at the proposal and back up to Della. It’s a great offer, but I need to know if I earned this on my own. “I have one question. Does Mr. Noble have anything to do with the hiring process here?”

  She shakes her head. “He gets involved with upper-level management like directors. I handle all other hires.” She chuckles. “Could you imagine trying to sit in on every interview or promotion? We have thousands of employees worldwide.” She tilts her head. “Is there a reason you ask?”

  “I know Mr. Noble and his family and want to make sure I earned this position.”

  “I can assure you, he doesn’t know I offered you a job. Do you need to think about it overnight?”

  “No, I love it here. I’ll take the position. Where do I sign?”

  The paperwork is painless, but it takes a long time to review. I sign a few non-disclosure agreements—one for Zenith, and one for Ahz. I initial my job proposal and new salary, and then Della explains benefits and company policy. After several hours, she shakes my hand and sends me on my way.

  It’s one thirty, and I’ve missed my lunch date with Damon. I pull out my phone and see one text message, one voicemail message, and an email.

  Lunch is getting cold.

  Did you get caught up somewhere?

  I’m worried.

  Damon

  The email was more detailed.

  From: Damon Noble

  To: Katarina Cross

  Subject: Where are you?

  Where are you? Lunch has come and gone, and I’ve been waiting for you. It’s not like you to not text or call. I’m worried. Call me as soon as you see this message.

  Yours,

  Damon

  I get ready to listen to his voicemail when my phone rings. It’s him.

  “Hi! I’m so sorry. I got caught up with something and couldn’t contact you.”

  “Thank goodness. I was worried about you. I thought maybe you had an accident. I kept thinking of that horrific crash we saw on the way to your parents’ house. My heart’s been in my stomach since you missed lunch.”

  “I’m okay, and I didn’t mean to worry you. What’s your schedule like this afternoon? I want to show you the gift bags, and I have news to share with you, but right now, I need to meet with Trevor.”

  “I’ll free up time for you. My schedule is clear after four, but you can come in whenever you want.” He lets out a breath. “I’m so relieved you’re okay. Please, never do that again.”

  “I’m glad to hear your heart dropped into the bottom of your stomach. It proves you have one. See you later.” I giggle as I hang up.

  Trevor and I end up at the same hamburger joint we went to the day Damon saw me in the elevator. That was the day he learned I was interning at his company. It’s kind of ironic because later, I’ll tell him I work for him permanently.

  At four o’clock, I walk into Damon’s office carrying one of the large leather bags. Sitting on top is the crowning glory of my accomplishment—a copy of Bound tied with a red silk scarf. He rises from his chair and takes the bag from my hands, placing it on his desk.

  “This looks amazing. You haven’t added an invitation to the book club, have you?” he teases.

  “No, book club is by invite only, and I’m not interested in opening it to others.”

  “I’m relieved, I wouldn’t be open to sharing either.” His lips brush my cheek. “What kept you today? I ate both bowls of wonton soup and egg rolls waiting for you.”

  “What a sacrifice that must have been,” I tug at my jacket. “I received a job offer and was negotiating my package.”

  His expression goes from wry to wary. He’s definitely not happy about the job, but I left out the fact that it’s here. It was my way of confirming he didn’t know about the offer.

  “You took a job?” The light in his eyes dim.


  “Yes. It’s a great company. They have fantastic benefits, and the pay is good. The best perk is that I’ll be able to hook up with the president at lunch.”

  His face goes from confusion to realization.

  “You got a job here?” The light is back. His eyes sparkle like gemstones in the sun. “I’m not surprised. You’re a capable woman. What position did you get?”

  “I’m Trevor’s assistant.”

  “Hmm. That man gets to see you more than I do. Is it wrong for me to feel jealous?”

  “That man would rather see you than me. He has specific tastes, and you’re right up his alley.”

  “I never guessed, but hearing that makes him the perfect man for you to work with.”

  The changes in Damon’s demeanor make me dizzy. I see concern, happiness, wickedness, anger, and now elation. I love elation the best.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “Katarina Cross,” the chancellor calls, and the roar of my fan club is deafening. Who would have thought I’d have so many people attending my graduation? The same roar happens when Emma climbs the stairs to receive her diploma.

  We gather after the ceremony to take obligatory pictures.

  My parents beam with pride as they hug me. We rotate through the group, making sure everyone gets their picture taken with the graduates. This will be the first picture Damon and I take together.

  Damon’s mom surprises me with her attendance, but she doesn’t stay long because she has patients to attend to. Instead, we agree to meet for dinner the next night. Damon’s not invited because Rose wants me all to herself, and that makes him uncomfortable and unhappy.

  As the crowd dies down, we go to Anthony Haywood’s to celebrate. Anthony set up a private room in the back for us.

  He makes the day special for Emma. Seeing them together, warms my heart. They’re in love, and Anthony makes no secret of it when he pulls her into his arms and tells her.

  I stand to the side and watch them bask in love’s glow. It occurs to me Damon may never say those three words I long to hear.

  Can I be in a relationship where I’ll never hear him say, I love you?

  I can’t imagine it. My life is centered around love. Love of family. Love of friends.

  “A penny for your thoughts,” Damon says. “You look troubled.”

  I glance at Emma and sigh.

  “They look happy and in love, don’t they?”

  “I know little about love, but they do look happy and content.”

  I face him. “Do you think happy and content are enough? Is that what you want in your life? Are you okay with just being content?”

  “Is content a bad thing?” His forehead furrows. “I thought you were happy?”

  “I am happy, for now.” My heart sinks. It won’t be okay forever.

  We stay through dinner and dessert and the opening of presents. Even I have gifts.

  Rose gave me a day at the spa. My parents gave me a check for five thousand dollars and said it was left over from the college fund they’d set up when I was a kid. Trevor gave me a hard time, but he brought flowers and a card.

  “I’m tired, can you take me home?”

  Damon studies me but nods and walks me to his car.

  Back home, I change and climb into bed.

  The day exhausted me, and my emotions ran the gamut: There was relief that I graduated. Joy at seeing my family. Jealousy as my best friend stared lovingly into her man’s eyes. Finally, shock when my brother sidled up to Trevor.

  I sink into my pillow, happy to be in Damon’s arms. He reaches over to grab something from the floor.

  “I have a gift for you, too. It’s personal, and I wanted to give it to you in private.” In his hand is a blue velvet box.

  I open it and find a beautiful and delicate necklace. Hanging from the thin chain is a gold angel wing. On the back is a tiny engraving that says, ‘Forever Mine.’

  The sentimental gift touches me because it took thought and planning.

  I hug him and tell him I love him.

  The only sound I hear is the beating of his heart and the slowing of his breath as he falls asleep, content in my arms.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Tuesday begins with a bang—literally. I startle awake by a crash in the kitchen. I race to see what fell and find Damon barefoot, standing in a puddle of milk.

  “What happened?”

  “I tried to bring you coffee, and I dropped the milk. I made such a mess, but I’ll clean it up while you shower.”

  “Nonsense. I’ll help you.”

  “Now you sound like my mother,” he scoffs. “Nonsense is one of her favorite words. She uses it to get her way. If you were to say you like whipped topping with your pie, she’d say, ‘Nonsense. It tastes better with ice cream,’ and you’d enjoy the ice cream just as much.” He cups my cheeks and stares into my eyes. “Be careful with her tonight. She’ll nonsense you where she wants you.”

  I laugh at his description of his mother. “Thanks for the warning. Should I come over after dinner?”

  “I’ll wait for you. What about lunch today?” He looks like a small boy asking for candy.

  “I’ll be there. Should I arrange for lunch?”

  “Do you want to break Greta’s heart? She takes it upon herself to make sure we’re well-fed.”

  I help clean up the milk, and we head to the shower together. There is no sense in wasting water.

  Trevor greets me at my cubicle, and I notice my things are gone. He’s so excited to show me to my new office, which is small, but mine.

  On the door is a placard with my name, and below are the words Assistant Event Planner. During the last few months, my life changed from what I planned. It’s amazing how a favor, a man, and a book turned my life upside down.

  “It’s not as big as your boyfriend’s upstairs, but it’s a good-sized office.”

  Feeling playful, I respond, “Nobody has one as big as my boyfriend’s.” I smile and give him a little punch in the arm.

  “Since we’re talking about men, tell me about your brother. We talked at your party last night, but all I know is he’s cute and a banker?”

  “Are you trying to pick up my brother?” I fist my hips. “First, it’s my boyfriend, and now it’s my brother,” I tease. “You should meet up with him for lunch sometime. You could get to know each other and see if something comes of it. I saw you checking each other out last night.”

  “He checked me out?” A grin lifts the corners of his mouth. “I didn’t notice.”

  “You’re as subtle as a brick to the head, now get out of my office. I have work to do.” He doesn’t leave my office immediately.

  “Give me your brother’s number, and I’ll leave you alone for the rest of the day.”

  I rattle off Chris’s number and start organizing my new desk. The thing that would make it perfect is a picture of Damon.

  With daily lunches, I no longer wait for Greta to announce my arrival. We’re past the formal stage.

  Greta knows better than anyone what goes on in that office, and to show her how much I appreciate her, I had flowers delivered this morning. She goes above and beyond the call of duty for both of us.

  “Katarina, the flowers are beautiful, and congratulations on your graduation and new job.”

  “Thanks, Greta. It’s been quite a week.” I glance at the closed door. “Is he busy?”

  “He’s never too busy for you. Just head on in. I’m sure whatever he’s doing will end once he sees you.”

  She’s right. As soon as I enter the door, he tells whoever he’s talking to that he needs to get back with them later.

  “Hi, Angel. How’s your day going?” He walks over and gives me a kiss before he reaches down to play with the angel wing necklace. His hand lingers just above my breast, causing my breath to hitch and my heart to race. “Tell me about your new office.” His hands glide across my chest while his lips leave butterfly kisses across my neck.

  “You
make talking hard.”

  “You make me hard.” He steps back, putting several feet between us. It’s the only way we’ll get through lunch clothed.

  With only a couple of weeks left until the grand opening, things are moving at supersonic speed. Contracts and memos cover Damon’s desk. He shuffles things around, picks up an envelope, and holds it in the air.

  “This is your brother’s personal invite. Let me know if you want to invite anyone else. I’m happy to accommodate any wish you have.”

  “Ah … that is so sweet. Did you see my brother and Trevor? I’m not sure I want my boss and Chris dating. I mean, Trevor also wants to meet the drummer from the band, Rylan. Not only that, he wants me to help him pick out an outfit so he can turn heads. But I refuse to set him up with anyone if he’s chasing after my brother.”

  “It will all work out the way it’s supposed to, now tell me about your office.”

  “It’s almost perfect. All it needs is a picture of you. Would you mind?”

  “I don’t mind, but people might wonder why you have my picture on your desk. Those who don’t know we’re dating might find it odd.”

  I think about it for a moment and realize he’s got a point. Workplace romances should be kept out of the workplace. I’ll settle for a picture of him next to my bed.

  I show up early to dinner with Rose and get us a table at the Greek restaurant she picked out.

  “Sorry I’m late, Katarina. I had a tough case today. It’s heartbreaking when you have to tell a parent their child is terminal, and they have little time.” She flags the waiter over and orders a glass of wine.

  “I’m so sorry. It would be hard under any circumstances, but given that you’ve been through it yourself, I bet it’s near impossible.”

  Rose takes the wine before it hits the table. “It’s never easy, but since I’ve lived through it, I have a great deal of empathy.” She drinks and exhales the stress of her day. “I know what they’re feeling because I’ve done it twice. Simon passed away when the boys were twelve and fourteen. It was a difficult time. Roman passed eight years later.”