Chapter 19
Kelly pushed the elevator button for the executive floor. With her boss’s reaction on her mind, she mentally went over several scenarios of how their discussion might turn out. Either she left on a cordial note, or he would toss her out on her ear. Mike could be a bear at times, but he treated his employees honorably.
To be fair, she had previously called asking for a few weeks’ vacation. He’d sputtered and complained, but he’d given her the time off. Now she was jumping ship, and he had every right to be upset. A bell dinged as the elevator doors opened to a bright room with lots of activity. Usually, she walked past the front welcoming station with only a nod or quick greeting. Today, she purposely stepped to the reception attendant.
“Oh my gosh. Kelly!” Tammy jumped from her chair in excitement. “Is it true? The grapevine says you’re quitting.”
“How’s Mike?” Kelly asked, avoiding the question.
“Grumpy as ever. Last week I thought he was going to have a heart attack.”
“Guess I better get in there. Anyone in his office?”
“No one’s gone by here. Check with Regina. That woman deserves a raise, having to manage a bad-tempered, cantankerous old coot for a boss.”
“She likes being his personal secretary. And he does pay well.”
“Not enough for me to put up with his raving. Why don’t I give her a quick call, see if he’s busy?”
“That would be great. If he is, I’ll just go on to my office.”
Taking her seat, Tammy pushed a button and spoke into the black wire sticking out from her ear. Kelly made a motion drawing her attention.
“Don’t tell her I’m here.”
Tammy gave a wink and quickly ended the conversation.
“He’s in a meeting. I bet he’d throw them out if he knew you were here.”
“Thanks, Tammy. I’ll call Regina from my office.”
“Angie will be glad to have you back. In case you’re wondering, she didn’t say a word. No one could get her to commit to a yes or a no. She’d be perfect for the CIA.”
With a smile, Kelly started down the hall, grateful she had such a valuable assistant. Angie deserved a raise as well. Especially for keeping quiet about Kelly’s resignation. She knew how cruel the vultures could be when they were on the scent of a job opportunity.
The incident with Robert flared to mind. She spun around.
“Tammy? Would you alert Security if Robert happens to show up? He is not allowed access on this floor.”
Tammy didn’t ask, but didn’t bother to hide her surprise at Kelly’s request. As far as the receptionist knew, Robert and Kelly were still an item.
“Sure thing, Kelly.”
On her way to her office, she met several co-workers delivering greetings. A brave few asked the same question. Was she leaving? She managed to put them off with a smile or a quick explanation that she was in a hurry. Mike would not have told anyone, but his temper had probably gotten the best of him. If he’d been yelling in his office, the staff was bound to have heard. Like any other office, gossip spread like wildfire.
Yes, she was leaving. As soon as she could manage it. For a man who treated her like she was the most important thing in his universe. Craig’s face flashed in her mind. How had she gotten so lucky to snare the most gorgeous, adorable, loving man in the world?
“You look like the cat that swallowed a whole bowl of cream.”
“I feel like I got the whole cow,” Kelly replied with a wink and a smile.
Angie sprang from her chair, ran around her desk, and grabbed Kelly in a joyous hug. “It’s so good to see you,” she squealed. “You look fabulous. I was ready to grill you, make sure you know what you’re doing, but if this guy put that glow on your face . . .” Angie shook her head.
Kelly walked through the doorway of her office with Angie following.
“Mike left orders to notify him the minute you showed up, in case you had the nerve to come to your office instead of his. Which I’m assuming you did.” She closed the office door.
Kelly tossed her purse on the credenza and glanced at her desk. A bright, colorful bouquet of red roses took up one corner. Her lips lifted, right along with her heart. She inhaled the wonderful aroma, thinking of a pair of dazzling blue eyes. She snatched the envelope and removed the card.
I miss you.
C
A little thrill fluttered in her chest. Even with Craig a thousand miles away, he touched her, stirring her insides, warming her with just a word. What had she done to deserve such a man? She loved him to distraction.
“I’m convinced.” Angie spoke from behind.
“What’s that?”
“You visited another world just now. I’ll get you a coffee.” Angie had talked Kelly into getting a Keurig so they would have flavored coffee, and it would always be fresh and hot. She popped a canister into the machine and pushed a button. “I filled this baby up and had it ready to go.”
Kelly needed to get back into office mode. Folders and papers were neatly stacked in a few small piles. “I was expecting a lot worse.”
“The ones that need immediate attention are on your desk.”
Within seconds, the robust fragrance of French Vanilla filled the room. A hissing sound alerted them the brew was done. Angie, wonderful assistant that she was, carried the mug to Kelly.
“You’re worth your weight in gold,” Kelly said, as she took the cup.
“Tell it to your replacement.” Angie sat in a leather chair and crossed her legs. “You’ll notice I did not bring in my steno pad. There’s a million things to do, but we’ll get to that. Right now, I just want to look at you and see if you’re serious or if you’ve lost your mind.”
“Maybe I have.” Kelly sipped her coffee, the vanilla flavor teasing her tongue.
“You look great. You look happy.”
Kelly couldn’t keep the smile from forming on her face. “I am.”
“All right. Take your time. I’m a patient woman.”
Kelly chuckled. “Perhaps you are. But I’ve seen you charge through this office like a bull charging a torero in a bullfighting arena.”
“That’s action. For now, I will demonstrate my patience. Just don’t make me wait too long.” Angie arched an eyebrow.
Kelly sat behind her desk and inhaled the familiar scent of leather. She wouldn’t mind taking this comfy chair with her. It didn’t matter what she took or where she went, as long as she had Craig. Angie cleared her throat. Kelly took another sip of her coffee and placed the mug on her desk. Leaning back, she gripped the arm-rests of her chair.
“The one thing I’ve been waiting for all my life has dropped into my lap,” Kelly told Angie. “I’m grabbing it with both hands and jumping in with both feet.” She took another sip of her flavored coffee. Mmm, it hit the spot. “I’ve told you most everything over the phone. His name is Craig Peterson.”
“I’ve already googled him. I don’t want those particulars. I want the juicy stuff. Like, are you in love?” Angie’s brow wrinkled as she studied Kelly. “But, I can see you are.”
“I am.” She hadn’t planned on getting involved with another man, but it happened. A man she’d just met, but felt like she’d known forever. Just spending one day with Craig made her realize how empty her life had been, and what it would be without him.
“Go on.” Angie urged.
“He’s . . . unbelievable. He’s everything a woman wants and more.” So much more. With one kiss, he’d claimed her. A kiss that told her everything she’d ever wanted, everything she’d ever dreamed, this man would give her. He made her feel things she had no idea she was capable of. Being in his arms felt like heaven. His touch burned her body. His kiss melted her bones. Her senses were so filled with Craig, he had her brain spinning. Yes, she loved him. The all-consuming kind of love.
“Wow. I never saw that look on your face when you were dating Robert. Speaking of which, that man has been here almost every day.”
“I don’t want to see him again.” It was a good thing she’d instructed Tammy to alert security.
“Again? When did that happen?”
“Yesterday, as soon as I arrived. At Starbucks.” Her favorite spot. She could always visit another location. Sandi said she should shake up her routine habits.
“Good lord. What happened?”
“He behaved like his normal, collected self. Made excuses, said he wants me back.”
“He had me fooled, too. Did he happen to mention his wife?” Angie asked sarcastically.
“He said he’s getting divorce. That me seeing them in the restaurant only sped up the process.”
“Bologna. Once a cheater-”
“I had the same reaction, only a different choice of words.”
“You don’t have to worry about him bothering you here. I already alerted security.”
Kelly chuckled. She could always depend on her assistant to take care of her. “So did Tammy.”
“Tammy?”
“I told her to alert them.”
“Good. Does she know why?”
“No. I did not enlighten her.”
“She probably bit her tongue to keep from asking. I haven’t told anyone anything. Everyone around here thinks you’re still with Robert. As for your job, if Mike didn’t have such a temper, that rumor would never have started.”
“You’re a great assistant, Angie. And a good friend.”
“My lips are sealed.”
She made a motion of locking her mouth with a key.
“Well, the cat will be out of the bag soon enough.”
Angie smacked her palms on the arms of the leather chair and rose. “All right,” she said, as she used one finger to shove her glasses up her nose. I’ll let you enjoy your coffee, then it’s back to work. With all the whispering going on around here, Mike will know you’re back before you’ve had time to settle in. I’ll get my pad.”
“Give me a few minutes. I want to make a phone call.”
Kelly glanced at her watch. Seven fifteen. Even though California was three hours earlier, she knew Craig would be up.
She wondered when the flowers had been delivered. He’d planned their arrival for before she came into the office this morning.
She chewed on her bottom lip. Four AM.
She picked up her phone and hit the numbers. He answered on the second ring.
“Hello, beautiful.”
All was right with the world, her contented sigh proved it.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” His deep voice rolled through her, vibrating her sensual bone.
“I promise not to be here longer than necessary.”
“I’ll wait however long it takes.”
“However long it takes, huh?”
“If it takes too long, I’ll just come and get you,” he promised with authority.
“I love you.”
“I’ll never tire of hearing you say that. I love you, too. I’m going to see my mom today. If I don’t tell her about the woman in my life, she’ll skin me alive when she finds out.”
“I hope she will like me.”
“She’ll adore you. Don’t worry.”
Kelly pictured Craig lying in bed. Her tummy quivered, wishing she were there with him. “Are you at your house?”
“Yes,” he murmured in his sensual voice, sending another wave of longing through her.
“In your bed?”
“In my big, empty, lonely bed.” Tingles of awareness gripped her spine.
“Craig,” she whispered, desire evident in her tone. “I miss you.”
“I want you, baby. If I could touch you, I’d show you how much.” Her pulse quickened.
“I’ve never had phone sex, and I’m not about to start at work.”
He laughed. “I have a meeting I need to take care of at the home office, so I’ll be busy most of the day.”
“You better get some sleep.”
“I sleep better when you’re in my arms.”
“That’s so not true. You get less sleep when I’m with you.”
“I didn’t say more,” he lowered his voice, “I said better.”
She knew exactly what he meant. She’d gotten used to him being by her side every night. “I love you,” she said, feeling an astounding power of emotion every time she told him.
“I love you.”
“Call me and let me know what your mother has to say.”
“She’ll be ready to plan a wedding.”
“Before meeting me?”
“She trusts my judgement. And she loves me, too.”
“I’ve never seen this cocky side of you.”
“Get to work so you can hurry back to me. The roses are to remind you why you’re there.”
“I won’t forget.”
“I’ll be counting the days.”
“Mike will accept my notice or I’ll just walk out.”
“Whatever you say, love.”
Hearing him call her love fulfilled her in so many ways. He made her feel loved. Cherished.
Maybe she had to put her personal life on hold for now. But eagerness to be back with Craig provided the perfect incentive to tackle the heap of work on her desk. A slightly weird sensation, like déjà vu, floated around her. She sat in her chair, feeling both at home and not. She shook off the feeling and signed onto her computer. She quickly scanned her emails, sorted through some important files, then shoved in a flash drive. A few items needed immediate attention. The rest she’d retrieve from the cloud when she returned to Charlotte.
While the files uploaded, she spread her hands across the top of her desk and heaved a breath. The slick wood felt cool beneath her fingers. She was really doing this. Soon, this would no longer be her office. She spun her chair to the glass window. Several historical buildings lined up in her view. One of the reasons Mr. Foster, the owner of Foster Professional Art Association, picked this building was due to the high ceilings and larger rooms, which were perfect for displaying art. He must have spent a fortune on renovations. It had all the updates of the newer buildings for everyone’s comfort, including a large lounge with a full kitchen and stainless-steel appliances.
Most times, the staff went out for lunch or worked through dinner. When important clients were on the premises, a caterer was hired to prepare food in the kitchen.
Her landing this job had been incredibly lucky. When Mike had offered her the position of her dreams, she’d worked hard, dedicated to the task, and planned to retire with the company. Funny how a man could make her rethink her career, her home, everything she’d thought perfect in her life. The right man.
Her decision made, she knew it was the right one. She wanted Craig. Everything else was just extra. Craig made everything perfect.
~ ~ ~
By eight o’clock, Kelly could no longer trust her vision. The tiny figures on the computer screen blurred and a headache lurked behind her eyes. She had planned on clearing her office as quickly as she could, but she’d done more socializing than packing. She’d drank enough coffee to float a battle ship and should be wired, but exhaustion was kicking her butt.
Mike would forgive her if she stayed on as consultant. Right off, he’d refused a full resignation and tried to talk her into delaying her move. She’d yelled at him, threatening that if he didn’t get off her back, she’d quit on the spot.
Tempers soared, but nothing severe enough to do damage. A good argument often occurred between her and her boss. He loved the challenge and admired her spirit, or so he’d said.
He’d immediately begun making inquiries for her successor. They parted with hugs, the old softy.
A knock sounded just before the door to her office opened. She rotated her chair in time to see Angie walk in.
“How are you holding up?”
“Flip me over, I’m done.”
Angie giggled. “Four weeks away from this place and you’ve gone soft.” She plunked a folder in the corner basket. “Last one for tonight. I’m going home.”
“Thanks, Angie. You’re a trouper.”
“Put in a good word with your replacement.”
Angie carried her share of the work load in the office and had a great memory. Kelly had no doubt that her assistant could manage things until a new director was hired. It took a good head to be in the business of promoting art. A few junior executives were in line for the promotion and had experience in marketing and research. Even so, Mike had asked Kelly in their meeting today if she would consider consulting on the advertising end of things.
“I’m sure going to miss you,” Angie said over a long sigh. “I hope I don’t get some bald guy who belches and farts in here.”
Kelly busted out laughing. “Do you know someone like that?”
“I’m just saying. It sure would be nice to have a tall, handsome, body-builder kind of guy.”
“You wouldn’t get any work done.”
A smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “Sure would be nice to look at, though.”
“Dream on.”
“Do you know who’s getting the position? Has Mike decided already?”
“I just gave him my notice today.”
“But you’d already warned him. He’s not the type to wait until the last minute.”
“You’ll know when everyone else knows. And if he waits, it’s his own problem. I’m not staying a minute longer than I need to.” Kelly wasn’t about to announce she’d given Mike a name to recommend as her successor. Nothing had been finalized.
“So, when’s your last day?” Angie asked.
“I told him three weeks. Preferably two.”
“Really?” She shrieked. “You are serious about this.”
“As serious as a heart attack,” Kelly said in a stern tone.
“I’ll bet Mike wasn’t too happy about the time limit.”
“He made some points and offers, and I discussed things with him. He knows where I stand, and I’m not changing my mind.” She leaned back in her chair and rotated toward the window, the dark night indicating the lateness of the hour. “I know it seems sudden, but I know what I want. Ever hear people talk about the one and wonder if it will happen to you? I never thought about it before. I knew Robert wasn’t the one. I didn’t care. He had a good job, I had a good job, we suited. Until he threw a wife into the mix.”
She spun back around, meeting Angie’s gaze. “There’s no way to explain how Craig makes me feel. And I do mean feel. I’ve never been so aware of another person in my life. The sensations he creates with a simple touch. His smile lights up everything around me. When he looks at me, the emotion that floods my body . . .” She dropped her gaze to the folder on her desk. “You must think I’m nuts.”
“No, Kelly. I do think I’m jealous. You’re a lucky woman if you’ve found a man who makes you feel like that. I don’t blame you one bit for leaving. Run, don’t walk.”
Kelly’s head snapped up to find her assistant on the verge of tears. Angie quickly swiped her cheek. Kelly rose and stepped around her desk, opening her arms. They gave each other a quick squeeze.
“Enough of this,” Angie said. “Invite me to your wedding. I’m going home.”
Kelly stretched and decided to call it a night. She lifted her purse and her cell rang.
“Are you still at the office?” Dennis shouted in surprise.
“I have a lot of catching up to do.”
“That just goes to show you need to move here. Working all hours of the night,” he reprimanded.
“You’re one to talk. How many nights do you get home before ten?”
“That depends on who I’m keeping company with,” he replied in a suggestive tone. “Some hours are work and the rest is play.”
“I’m headed out the door now.”
“Don’t let me keep you.”
“That’s okay,” she said, as she slung her purse on her desk and dropped into a chair, leaning her head back against the fine leather. “I won’t have to call when I get home.”
“I figured you’d be worn out your first day back. Was it pretty gruesome?”
“The meeting with Mike went better than I expected. He pitched a fit, but when he saw I wasn’t going to change my mind he ran out of steam.”
“So, things are good?”
“I may do some consulting work for him. To appease him, I said I’d consider some advertising. Yep. All in all, things are good. He didn’t like the time line, but he has a few candidates in mind. He accepted my resignation and we’re moving forward.”
“That’s my girl. I can’t believe you're really moving here.” She could hear his sigh through the phone.
“You better believe it. You’ll have to put me up for a while.”
“Not a problem. Mi casa es su casa. At least you won’t have to worry about Robert.”
“How the heck he knew the moment I got here—”
“What?” Dennis bellowed across the line. Kelly immediately realized her mistake when several curse words followed.
“He found me. I handled it,” she said quickly.
“That son-of-a-bitch. I’m coming up there.”
“No. Will you wait a minute?”
“What did that bastard do? You better tell me the truth.”
“If you give me a chance, I will.” Kelly’s breathing accelerated. Trying to calm Dennis down was like running a marathon. “He must have been lurking around my favorite Starbucks.”
“The one down from your apartment? He’s been watching your apartment!”
“Dennis, my hearing is fine. You can tone it down a bit. I’m fine.” She spun her chair around, a nervous habit, and gazed at the lights coming off the other buildings. “He wanted to apologize.”
“Like hell he did.”
“Are you going to let me talk?” He remained quiet on the other end, so she continued. “He apologized. Said he made a mistake.”
“A big one,” Dennis interrupted again.
“He told me he’s getting a divorce. He figured if his wife knew about me, she’d drag it out and he wanted to keep me out of it.”
“The bastard should have kept away from you, period. What did you tell him?”
“I told him it was over. That I’ve moved on. I suggested he do the same.” She pinched the little bridge at the top of her nose, fatigue making its presence known.
“Good girl. How did he take the news?”
“He thought we were getting back together, but I set him straight.”
“Kelly, I don’t trust him. Do you have someone to take you home?”
“I don’t need anyone to take me home, Dennis. I come and go as I please, and have been doing so for years.”
“Still, I don’t like it. I think I should come up there while you’re packing up. Does he know you’re moving?”
“No, you shouldn’t, and no, I didn’t tell him. He can find out however he finds out. Now stop. I’m a big girl.”
“I don’t have to like it, but all right,” he gave in. “Just be careful.”
“Yes, sir. I’m really tired. I’m going home.”
“Call me when you get there.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake.”
“Humor me. Get your ass out of there and go home.”
“Man, you’re bossy.” She pushed the red circle to end the call. They gave each other crap, but she appreciated his concern.