Chapter Ten
I sat on my living room floor with order books and notes spread out around me. This was my first police gala, and I wanted to make sure I followed any necessary protocol. Brenda had e-mailed a folder with comprehensive details, which helped immensely. I heard from her assistant, as well, and a few other people involved with the event. The moment I came on board, people reached out to me. It appeared Garrick led a well-oiled machine.
The apartment was quiet. Sawyer was at her parents’ having dinner—I’d been invited, of course, but I declined. With so little time until the gala, I couldn’t get away. At least the work kept my mind from wandering too often to Garrick.
Of course, he hadn’t called.
Earlier, I’d fed Snickers and cleaned out the litter box for our neighbor Jessica. It only kept my mind occupied for ten minutes.
My phone rang; it was Kurt. Finally, another distraction.
“Hey there, rock star. How’s Miami?”
“Why didn’t you tell me about what happened last night outside your office?”
I closed my eyes. Kurt had probably seen the newspapers. I refused to look at the garbage being published. “It was fine. They’re fishing for information.”
“Knoah, your safety comes first. If something happens, call me. Okay?” From his coarse tone, he was clearly aggravated. Maybe the scene outside my office had been a little more intense than I wanted to admit.
Releasing a breath, I said, “Okay. I promise.”
“And you’re okay now? Nothing today?” The worry in his voice was sweet.
“No, everything was fine. No one bothered me.” Most of it was because of the security precautions Garrick took. There had been a few photographers at the apartment complex. However, because the tenants had complained about the paparazzi, two new security guards had been added.
He let out a breath. “Good. On a side note, I got the contract for the royalties for ‘Lost.’ I’ll send you a copy. It’s straightforward. My lawyer has looked it over as well. Let me know if you have any questions.”
“When does it need to be done? I’m in the middle of planning a major event for GS Industries this weekend, which is taking up all my time.”
He paused. “GS Industries as in Garrick Shaw?”
I froze. Does Kurt know him? “Yes, Mr. Shaw hired As You Wish since he’s now sponsoring the police gala. Do you know him?”
“Only a little. You never realize how small a world it is.” That seemed like an odd statement, but I let it go. Diving too deep into information about Garrick was not a good thing for my psyche. Kurt was supposed to be a distraction, not bring Garrick to the forefront of the conversation. “Anyway, they would like it back Sunday night if that works.”
I stood to stretch. “I’ll make it work. Is tomorrow your last concert?”
“Yes, I’ll be headed back to Orlando the following day. I’m working on getting a place but will stay at a hotel until then.” There was a knock on Kurt’s side of the line. “Gotta go. I’m meeting with the band to talk about switching to Cameron’s company. What are your thoughts?”
“On Cameron?”
“Yes.”
I thought about it for a second, wanting to make sure I gave an unbiased opinion. “From what I’ve seen and heard, I think he’s good at what he does. I would imagine you’d be one of his most high-profile clients. I’d ask to have one person completely dedicated to your account.”
“I think that’s a good idea. Call me if you need anything. We may need to get you a security detail.”
I shuddered at the idea. Having someone follow me around would be stifling. If it called for it, I would understand. But hopefully, it would be unnecessary. “I promise to call.”
“See ya, squirt.” I groaned at my nickname, and Kurt laughed. “I’ll text you tomorrow.”
“See ya.”
After we hung up, I realized how thankful I was that we’d reconnected. Opening the camera on my phone, I looked at one of the pictures from the slideshow at the concert. It was the one of all three of us. We’d been happy and ready to conquer the world. I ran my finger over Dylan’s face. I was thankful for the time he’d been the center of my life. He’d given me beautiful memories. But now, I felt less hollow inside, and I wasn’t sure why. I wanted more.
I poured myself some water and looked at the clock. It was almost eight. On cue, my stomach rumbled. I needed to find something to eat. With that thought, an e-mail came through on my phone letting me know the reminder invitations had been sent out this evening. Good, I thought with relief. We were on track. I informed all three teams of Garrick’s company who e-mailed me today with the update.
My checklist was becoming more manageable. On my way home, the venue had returned my call, indicating they’d received the new layout along with the change in expectations. On Saturday, I would go to review everything prior to the event on Sunday.
Sunday was an odd day to have a gala, but the previous company had booked it to get a cheaper rate. At this point, there was no changing it. From what I understood, the previous company had incurred unexpected funding issues, and Shaw International had stepped in to save the day.
I checked my list again. Tomorrow the catering service would provide a selection of meals to choose from. The menu had been low budget and not up to par for a Shaw International function. Making last-minute changes became challenging but necessary.
My phone rang, and my heart sped up at the sight of his name flashing across the screen. “Hello?”
“Hello, Ms. Knox. Is now a good time?”
Oh, that deep, sexy voice had me shifting where I stood. He’d called. Now I wanted to giggle like a little schoolgirl with a crush. This attraction took me off guard every time, and that low, deep need began from within me. I cleared my throat. “Yes. I made a lot of headway today. I’m having the caterers redo the menu and should have a final budget tomorrow. The previous hosts skimped on this piece of it to save money, it seems. All the necessary parties at Shaw International have been brought up to speed.”
“I planned to bring up the menu tomorrow morning.” He sounded like he was in a car. “Are you still at the office?”
“No, I brought everything home. Matching color swatches and ordering decorations is easier to do in pajamas than business attire.” Not to mention, Mickey had become a raging bitch and would be working late tonight, as per Chelsie.
He chuckled. “I would imagine so. Have you eaten?”
Things shifted as his voice became warmer. I smiled. “No, but I need to.” I paused, realizing he probably didn’t want to hear all the details about what I planned to microwave for myself or how I was going to work in my pajamas. Very professional. I brought my hand up to my face, feeling the heat creep up my neck. “I’ll have new proposals done tomorrow with a better estimate of the total cost. Some of it will be a little higher due to the timing.”
“I appreciate your hard work. Call my cell phone when you’re ready to discuss.”
“I will.” E-mail would be so much easier. Being around him so much for the next five days was going to be tough. I had to make sure I didn’t act foolish.
Silence fell over the line, and I wondered what to say. Maybe Garrick wondered the same thing. Unexpectedly, he said, “Let me have dinner delivered to you.”
I was speechless for a moment but recovered quickly. “What?”
“Dinner. Let me have it delivered for you.” The warmth that I kept seeing glimpses of was back.
“You confuse me, Garrick.” I gasped and threw my hand over my mouth. “I mean, Mr. Shaw.”
He let out a sigh. “I would prefer if you called me Garrick.” He paused, but I remained silent, not knowing what to say. I called him Garrick—and he wanted me to! The lines just got blurrier for me. And worse yet, I wanted to call him Garrick… I wanted to blur those lines. “Knoah, it’s a simple thank you for dropping everything to handle this event.”
“I… uhh…” Knoah. He called me Knoah.
“I know a great Thai place. Do you like Thai?” He paused for only a brief second. “It’s the least I can do considering it’s after eight and you’re still working on the gala.”
At this point, it was easier to agree. Who was I kidding—I wanted to agree. “I do like Thai. Thank you.”
“Give me your address, and I’ll have it arranged.”
I gave Garrick what he requested and we said goodbye. Why is he acting like this? The spark between us brightened the more we talked. Did he feel anything? Well, my feelings, at least. It was going to be hard to work with him for even a week and fight the draw to him. If I could stay away and handle most everything via phone and e-mail, that might help. My thoughts were a mess.
Thirty minutes later, I’d accomplished nothing but trying to understand my feelings about Garrick and if it was okay to have those thoughts, when the doorbell rang. What is this unexplainable pull I feel from him? Why him? Deep down I wanted to see Garrick again. I enjoyed being in his protective presence.
When I opened the door, the deliveryman handed me more food than I would be able to eat in days. When I sat down to open it, there was a simple note on the top of the box.
Have a good evening, Knoah.
Garrick
The note brought a smile to my face, and I brought it to my chest. This was completely new territory for me, but I refused to do anything but enjoy the moment. He’d put Knoah and signed it Garrick. Sometimes it was the simplest things that made the brightest mark on a person’s day. I had all these unexplainable feelings for Garrick even though I knew hardly anything about him. Internet searching had not given me much information. But I had a job to do, so I would focus on completing it.
~ ~ ~
Another late night and I was running on fumes after staying up until almost four again. I’d lain down at two, but my thoughts had turned to Garrick. Is it normal to be this completely consumed with the thought of another person? I hadn’t experienced this before, which worried me. Maybe something was wrong with how I moved forward—trading hiding from the world with obsessing.
I hoped not and somehow doubted it.
At least I had all the major decisions made, which helped balance the horrendous start to my day. My hair dryer broke. My car had a flat tire. I spilled coffee on my new shirt. And I lost one of my favorite earrings somewhere along the way. Shitty day and hot mess were two perfectly fitting phrases for the moment.
After parking in the secured area, I leaned my head back for a minute. This day cannot get any worse. The gates opened, and a black town car entered. I hurried to get out of the car. It might be Garrick. If it was him, I needed to get myself together first.
I buttoned up my jacket to hide the coffee stain and headed inside. In the lobby, I saw Chelsie as she was rushing out.
“Morning, Knoah. Hey, I have to run downtown for Sawyer and this Elvis-obsessed bride.”
This morning, Sawyer had given me an earful. Apparently, the ice sculptor making the giant Elvis head was in the hospital. Scrambling for a last-minute substitute was not easy. “Good luck. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will. Is it Friday yet?”
“I wish.”
She took a few steps but turned back around. “Oh, I forgot. This came for you as I was leaving. I meant to leave it on your desk.” She handed me a small manila envelope.
“Thanks.”
When I opened it, a small card dropped out.
I know who you are. We need to meet.
There was a small, embossed lily on the bottom. Of course, this would happen today. Of all days. Irritation bloomed in me. Why can’t people leave me alone when it comes to Kurt?
“Who the hell cares who I am?” I muttered to myself. Someone probably found out I’d been married to Dylan. Dylan’s relationship to the band was no secret. Kurt talked about him often but left me out of it at my request. When and if the dots were connected, it would be a field day. Hopefully, I would have time to tell Sawyer.
At this point, with the way my day was going, the whole damn world would find out. Think positive. I crumpled up the card and dropped it in my purse. Whoever it was could go to hell. I blew out a breath and resumed walking to the office. As I turned, someone slammed into me, and I felt warm liquid. No. It wasn’t possible to have this happen twice in one day.
I froze, not knowing how this day could get worse. A young, pink-faced man started handing me napkins and patting me down. “I’m so sorry. I was texting and didn’t see you.”
The patting approached my breasts. This was about to become awkward. I took a step back and opened my mouth to speak when I heard the familiar timbre of Garrick’s voice. It was official. The world was after me.
“I’ve got this, Sam.”
Wide-eyed, the younger man looked at Garrick before handing me the soggy napkins. “I’m really sorry, ma’am. Mr. Garrick, sir. I’m almost done with the report Chad requested. It’ll be on your desk within the hour.”
“Thank you, Sam. I’ll see you in the meeting at ten.”
The dismissal was obvious.
“Yes, sir.” Sam handed me the napkins, the pink receding from his cheeks. “I’m very sorry, ma’am.”
“It’s okay. I won’t melt. Promise.”
The janitor appeared with a mop bucket and garbage pail. I threw the soggy napkins away. “Good morning, Ms. Knoah.”
“Good morning, James. Thank you.” James and I often chatted about his little girl, Jane, while he was cleaning on the nights I worked late. He was a single dad who worked two jobs to keep Jane in her current facility due to her severe autism. Recently, I’d made a phone call to my accountant and become an anonymous donor to the facility for her care.
He smiled. “No problem, Miss Knoah. I have some good news. I’m quitting my job at the bar. Seems my Jane qualifies for some funding. I’ll get to spend more time with her.”
“That is absolutely wonderful. I know she’ll be excited. I can’t wait to see her next drawing.” And using the money Dylan had left me helped ease the missing ache at times.
Garrick waited with his head cocked and smiling at me as James resumed his duties. I mumbled, “Good morning, Mr. Shaw. I can have an update for you in twenty minutes if that works.”
He winked. Yes, he actually winked. And I wanted him to do it again.
“You seem a little exasperated.”
I snickered. “That’s putting it mildly. I need to get to my office.”
I felt waterlogged as I walked to the office. Garrick didn’t go to his office but fell into step with me instead. Beside me, he acknowledged a few people we passed in the lobby. Some spoke of meetings with him later today.
After unlocking the door to As You Wish, I stepped inside and headed to my office. He continued to walk along beside me. “Is there something I can help you with?”
Geez, I hoped I hadn’t sounded too bitchy. I desperately needed a few minutes to get myself sorted.
“Another late night?”
I flipped on the office lights and made my way back to my desk. My birthday flowers were still beautiful. Each day they brought a smile to my face.
My bag seemed to have escaped being doused this morning. Thank goodness. All my designs from last night would have been ruined. At least one thing was going my way this morning.
Peeling off my suit jacket, I felt better—but still soaked.
I turned, and Garrick stood in the doorway. “Have dinner with me.”
What? Seriously, am I being punked? I looked around. “What?”
“I would like for you to have dinner with me.”
He seemed to jump from zero to sixty. And I was completely confused. I mean, yes, I had fantasized about him against my will. But this all seemed too good to be true. Something else was up. “What’s your endgame, Garrick?”
Crap, I used his first name again.
“What?”
I massaged my temples. “Listen, I’ve had a shitty morning, and I imagine I’m about to make it shittier. What is your endgame? It doesn’t make sense. You’re spearheading an event. You, the CEO of multiple companies. I’ve never worked with a CEO as much as I have you.”
“Knoah, let’s calm down.”
“Now I’m Knoah?” He said nothing. If he refused to tell me the truth, I had no other choice. Whatever the ramifications were, I’d survive them. My emotions were all over the place since I met Garrick. If I walked away, I could go back to how things were. This man was driving me crazy. “I think Mickey will be better suited for this event.”
His eyes widened. He obviously was not expecting this from me. Courage came from within. “Between my hair dryer dying, my flat tire, coffee all over my clothes, losing my favorite earring, my boss’s complete change of attitude toward me, and now this… I’m done.”
Garrick took a seat at my small conference table and motioned for me to as well. But this was my office, and giving him any power in it would be my demise. In defiance, I folded my arms across my chest.
“Since the day I saw you outside Cameron’s office, I haven’t been able to get you off my mind. I tried. Trust me.”
Wait. What? My jaw grew slack as I attempted to comprehend what he said. Did I hear him correctly? The beat of my heart raced within my chest. His words came out of left field. He hasn’t stopped thinking about me? He wants to? It was the exact situation I’d gone through—I tried to get him out of my head, too.
“How close are you and Cameron?”
“We’re not. Just professionally, but I respect him.”
That explained why I’d never met him. “Go on.”
“I’m tired of fighting this attraction between us. I tried to stay away, but that lasted all of two seconds.” He paused, searching my face. “I know you feel it, too.”
He feels this, too. As suspected, I had been obvious about my attraction. I sagged against the wall and stared at the flowers. Yes, I felt an insane attraction to him. I touched one of the petals.
“I sent the flowers after I heard Cameron wish you a happy birthday.”
“What?” They were from Garrick? I closed my eyes, overwhelmed.
Garrick’s voice filled the silence. “When Cameron came back into his office, he apologized for the delay. He explained that it was your birthday and how you worked with his sister on the first floor. I needed to put a smile on your face. When you looked into the mirrored wall, your eyes looked sad, almost hollow. Now, they’re full of life.”
My throat was thick with emotion. Softly, I asked. “Why?”
“I have no idea. None. These last few days, I’ve felt crazy with how often my thoughts turn to you.”
I looked his way. He scooted his chair back, and then the warmth of his body was close. “I heard your exchange with Kurt Hendrix. I had to go to the concert to see what happened.”
“You were there?”
Again, I’d been aware he was there without seeing him. My body had felt his presence and reacted. That was a heady, unexplainable feeling.
“Yes. I obtained backstage passes but kept my distance. If you were seeing him, I was determined to leave you alone—even if it felt impossible. There’s something between us I haven’t experienced before. I hoped it would go away.”
He hoped it would go away? He wasn’t looking for a relationship either? What am I supposed to make of that?
He traced his fingertip down my arm, and the tingles danced across my skin. “It’s there, Knoah. Don’t you feel it? I do.”
“What about the job?” I raised my eyebrow.
He took a step back. “After my meeting with Cameron, Brenda told me we were taking on the gala. I knew you worked at an event-planning company from Cameron, so I informed Brenda I would handle it. I went to the website and researched your work to see if it would fit our needs. The job is legitimate. I’d hoped that by seeing you more, this”—he motioned between us—“would go away.”
That made me smile. I’d hoped the same thing. I turned so we were face to face. “So where do we go from here?”
“I would like to have dinner with you so we can get to know each other outside of work.”
My initial instinct was to pull away from the feelings threatening to break free, but the thought of not seeing Garrick again was not something I wanted to entertain. I needed to spend more time with him even if it scared the living daylights out of me. Live. No regrets. “Okay, we can go to dinner.”
A smile lit up his face, and bright flecks of caramel danced in his eyes. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“I’ll meet you there. Just text me the details.” If things became uncomfortable, I wanted a way out.