by Robyn M Ryan
“You still have your place in St. Louis?”
“For now. Rarely there. I swap clothes and pick up mail.” She made a face.
“Thought about moving to Tampa?”
“Yeah, I have. No reason to stay in St. Louis.”
“I can have your things packed and moved by the service the team provides,” Dave offered. “No cost.”
“Now, that’s an enticing offer, Mr. Martin,” Lauren said as she stood. “We’ll see how things play out with my meeting tomorrow. If the seminars go international, I’ll just keep the St. Louis address. Not going to be home often enough for it to matter.”
Dave stood and grasped her hand as she walked toward the door. “I’m glad we had a chance to catch up.”
She turned to face him, standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “Me too.”
Dave brushed her thick auburn hair over her shoulder, his fingers lingering on her neck. “I’ve missed you.” He traced her tiny hummingbird tattoo, then brushed his lips against hers. “You have no idea, Lauren.”
The familiar spark ignited. Even as she thought, not a good idea, her lips welcomed his and her arms slipped around his neck. Her legs wobbled and he closed his arms around her, bringing Lauren against his chest. The familiar wall of muscles surrounding her felt like home, and as the kiss deepened, she knew he felt the same electrical current that pulsed through her body.
Long-suppressed memories burst into reality, taking Lauren back to that glorious summer in Vancouver when they’d spent most days together, when he had become “her Marty.” The desire, the longing she’d repressed broke free, and Lauren moaned softly in protest when his lips left hers for a moment.
Dave pulled back so he could see her eyes. “This is not what I intended when I asked you to talk.”
Lauren bit back a giggle when she met his darkened brown eyes. “I’m not complaining,” she managed as she tried to catch her breath.
5
THE FAINT RING tone from her bedroom invaded Lauren’s dreams. She never wanted to wake up, leave this dream in which she slept with her head pressed against Dave Martin’s chest and his strong arms surrounding her. Best. Dream. Ever.
“Is that your phone?” A groggy voice jolted the dream into reality. What did you do, Gentry? Hop right back in bed with Dave Martin? Out of your mind? “My alarm…My meeting! What time is it?”
“Too early,” Dave groaned, his eyes closed.
Lauren wrenched herself from his grasp as she threw back the covers and sat. “I’ve got to get ready.”
He grabbed her wrist and pulled her back toward him. “Don’t go. Not yet.” His expression beckoned her, and Lauren fought an internal battle between what she wanted and what she needed to do.
“I can’t stay, Marty. If I’m late, he’ll make me wait hours.”
He released her, and Lauren tried to ignore his darkened eyes as she grabbed her clothes from the floor. “You’re coming back here afterward—not flying off somewhere?”
“I’ll be back—before you’re through with practice.” She backed toward the bathroom, clutching her clothes against her chest.
#
Despite her panicked need to hurry, Lauren arrived at McRainey headquarters with over thirty minutes to spare. Leaning back into the soft leather seat in the building’s lobby, she exhaled in relief before opening the Ziploc bag Caryn insisted she take as she left the house. Fresh muffins…still warm. She broke off a small piece and popped it into her mouth, moaning over the taste. Dried cherries…my favorite…She took a long drink of coffee, her brain replaying the previous night. Why do I not have any self-control with Dave Martin?
She’d had no intention of reconnecting with him when he’d appeared yesterday. Been there, done that too many times. It’s always the same. Like spontaneous combustion and I lose all will-power. Why should I expect this to turn out differently? We’re pals like he said. And always will stay pals. Nothing more.
She knew the blame lay with her. She’d rebuffed his attempts to take their relationship further. Worse, she knew she’d allowed her family history to dictate her actions. From her earliest memories, Lauren knew she was a “surprise,” an unwanted daughter. Amanda had already left home by the time Lauren arrived. She remembered no tenderness or love from either her mother or father…only saw and heard their constant verbal battles. Her mother took care of Lauren’s basic needs but otherwise left her alone. Later, Lauren realized that her mother had used pills or alcohol to get through each day. Only when Amanda visited did she experience interaction and laughter. The memories blurred, but she remembered the day she walked out of the house clutching Amanda’s hand. Last time Lauren saw her parents together and the last time she spoke to her mother.
When she was much older, Amanda shared memories of her childhood. Like Lauren’s, but at least Amanda enjoyed a lot of attention in her younger years. Then the drinking began and the constant arguments. Amanda had escaped after she graduated from secondary school. A job, sharing an apartment with three other girls, and enrolling in a community university supplied the respite she’d craved. “Some people are not meant to be parents,” Amanda tried to explain multiple times. “It’s nothing we did or anything you did. It’s just the way they are.”
She and her husband Trevor Johnson had a child when Lauren turned seven. Now she had a “sibling,” another child like herself. She helped Amanda—she loved holding and feeding Cassie, choosing her clothes, and she spent every waking hour with the baby. Over time, Lauren’s memories of living with her parents faded—though their verbal battles often invaded her dreams, the anger-filled voices punctuating frequent nightmares. Her mother stayed on the periphery of her life, popping in periodically to share her bitterness, ask for money, then disappear again. She never spoke to Lauren, and her inner child still carried that confusion and hurt. Just once, she’d hoped that her mother would acknowledge her existence. The unwanted child learned to mask her feelings and pretend to be someone who didn’t exist.
Before Lauren turned twelve, Amanda and Trevor divorced—fracturing the façade of the “perfect family.” He had cheated. Of course. She’d heard their mother repeatedly warn Amanda with her bitter words, “Don’t trust men. They want only one thing.”
Lauren’s low self-esteem influenced her interactions with boys and then men. She shuddered whenever a memory from secondary school popped into her mind.
Thank God Amanda never knew the worst decisions I made. Her desire for popularity, friends—especially boyfriends—took her down several paths, but none produced the acceptance she craved. Rather than happiness, Lauren’s misguided attempts resulted in scorn and isolation—a cycle she repeated until she moved to Toronto and reinvented herself as a university coed. Even then Lauren never felt worthy of a serious relationship, so slipping into the friends-with-benefits cycle felt natural—perfect for someone like her. Luckily, FWB seems to work just fine with Mr. Martin.
#
Lauren tried to keep an engaged expression as Jim Wesley summarized his feedback about the success of the eight-month social media seminars she’d conducted for McRainey Consulting locations in North America. Time to stick a fork in this project…"finis”…File under “Never again.” The six-month project had morphed into an eight-month nightmare… two months’ free service to McRainey. Per the contract I talked Caryn into signing. Why was I so sure this project would provide smooth sailing and the chance to prove I could do more than manage athletes’ social media accounts?
Not that their company did insignificant work—they were the go-to persons that agents requested to manage newly signed athletes’ social media presence. The flexibility fit Caryn’s crazy schedule. Lauren knew the company could grow beyond that level, and McRainey had offered the opportunity to branch in a different direction. But, while the seminars received high praise, the client continued to expand the expectations.
Caryn had suggested she renegotiate the contract; it had exceeded the six-month period both parties had agreed
upon. McRainey’s getting free service every day that passes.
She realized Wesley had stopped talking and looked at her expectantly.
“So, we are in agreement on these items?” he asked.
Lauren took a deep breath. “I agree with the items specified on our original contract. I can’t do any additional work without compensation.”
He flashed a million-dollar smile at her. “Let’s grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks.”
“I’d enjoy that. Except not in lieu of actual compensation for work beyond the scope of the project,” Lauren replied as she tried to suppress a smile.
From the first time they met, Lauren felt an attraction to Jim Wesley. What’s not to like? He could grace the covers of any of those billionaire romance novels she read. Yeah…that good looking. And smart—maybe shrewd is a better word when it comes to business. His smile sometimes caused inappropriate thoughts to surface at odd times…like in the middle of a business function. However, his abrasive and often condescending personality dulled any attraction she felt. She knew that mixing business and personal lives spelled potential disaster, not only for her but also for Caryn and their company. Wesley had often dropped not-so-subtle hints that Lauren deflected. Maybe meeting over coffee isn't the smart thing to do? But, she reasoned, it was only coffee and they would discuss business. Or not.
Her thoughts drifted to Dave Martin and the unplanned, yet incredibly enjoyable night together. Just as friends. No commitments. If I were to move to Tampa…could things change?
She looked up as Wesley stepped around his desk. “Ready?” he asked, extending his hand.
“Sure,” Lauren accepted his hand as she stood, surprised by the tingle she felt when his hand enclosed hers. So strong…and warm. A different Jim Wesley? Reluctantly, she dropped his hand. “I think there’s a latte calling my name.”
#
“I’ll get right to the point, Lauren,” Jim Wesley said once they sat in a corner section of the bustling room.
Lauren bit back a smile as she sipped her latte. “Of course. After eight months, I know you don’t make small talk. What’s on your mind?”
“McRainey very much hopes to replicate the success of the social media seminars on an international level. We’ve targeted London, Paris, Rome, and Stockholm to start.” He drank his coffee, his silver-grey eyes causing Lauren’s hand to tremble. She set her cup on the table.
“You’re at the RFP stage already?” Although she knew the plan, she hadn’t expected this decision so quickly.
“If that’s the route we go, yes, we’ll post the Request for Proposals within the week.”
“And the other route?”
“McRainey prefers to bring an expert on staff as the full-time project manager.” He held up his hand as Lauren started to speak. “I believe you can take this initiative and run with it.”
“Honored,” Lauren said as she took a deep breath. He wants to hire me? Me? “I don’t know what to say…You want to bring me on as a full-time employee, not as a consultant?”
“Full-time employee, yes—senior management.” Wesley summarized salary, benefits, and moving costs to London or Paris. “We own apartments in both cities, which means McRainey covers all living expenses for the duration of this project in Europe.”
“And after this project?”
“We’ll assess other markets, both in Europe and Southeast Asia. You’ll have input into the future markets.”
Lauren nibbled on a scone as thoughts raced through her mind. End the partnership with Caryn? Move to...Paris? Give up the freedom that comes with consulting? Spend more time with this incredibly attractive man? Though, nothing could happen if I worked for him. “I’m stunned, Jim. Not what I expected. You’ve offered an incredible opportunity…I don’t know what to say.”
“‘Yes’ would be a fantastic beginning.” He locked eyes with her as he flashed that smile. “I cannot think of anyone more qualified to take on this project.”
Lauren nodded, then sipped her drink to give her time to process the offer. “My contract with Caryn…a partnership. I need to think this through and we need to discuss it. I’m fairly certain my contract’s non-compete clause prohibits taking a position with a client.”
“We’d offer a generous fee to waive that portion of the contract.” Wesley set his cup on the table and pushed back his chair. “I’ll send you a formal offer this afternoon. Think about it, discuss your options with your partner, and get back to me…say, by the end of the week.”
“When do you anticipate launching this initiative?”
“Immediately.” Wesley stood and held out his hand. “Think of this as a new partnership, Lauren. We make a dynamite duo.” His tone and wink bordered on flirtatious. “You’ll consider this?”
“Of course. It’s quite a bit to process, but I will consider the opportunity.” She smiled as he squeezed her hand. “Unless you need to discuss anything further, I’ll stay here and finish my latte.”
Lauren watched as Wesley strode past the window back toward the building, then leaned back in her chair trying to make sense of her reaction to the unexpected offer. Senior project manager for McRainey? Traveling in Europe…living in Paris. The ego boost caused a grin to spread across her face. She’d need to enroll in one of those immersion programs to improve her poor French skills, however, she felt confident she’d master the language in time.
Except…bailing on Caryn when she needs me? She’ll encourage me to chase the dream… Is that what I want? Working as a consultant for a demanding client, she could handle. Reporting to Jim Wesley, not so attractive. She’d seen the way he treated his colleagues, the demands he’d made on Caryn and her during the project. Did she want to put herself in that position?
And what’s up with that wink? Surely, I misunderstood the message his eyes conveyed. Don’t read into things, Gentry. He’d be your boss if you accept this offer. Although Caryn had offered to pick her up, Lauren opened the Uber app and requested a driver. No need to drag her and the twins downtown. We have much to discuss this afternoon.
6
LAUREN FOLLOWED THE sound of unhappy babies when she entered the house. She found Caryn in the nursery, trying to soothe both babies as they fussed. “Need help?”
Caryn handed Daniel to her as she took a deep breath. “The true friend in need.” She shifted Jenna to her shoulder and patted her back. She pressed her lips against the soft baby fuzz. “They’re unhappy, and I don’t know why. They’re not hungry, they don’t need changing…”
“Both want Mommy’s undivided attention, don’t you, Daniel?” Lauren held him close to her chest and rocked back and forth. “How long?”
Caryn shook her head. “I don’t know. Lost track of time.” She sat in one of the rocking chairs as Jenna quieted. “How did your meeting go? Wesley want more free services?”
Lauren laughed as she sat in the other rocker. “I shot that down before he had the chance to ask. He said to tell you he’d send the final check by courier.”
“Nothing about the European headquarters?” Caryn glanced at Lauren.
“Oh, quite the opposite. We went next door to Starbucks for coffee. He spoke about kicking off the project in London, Paris, Rome, and Stockholm.”
“Did he ask you to submit a bid?”
“No. That’s not the direction he wants to go with the rest of the rollout.”
Caryn cocked her head, the question unspoken.
“He hopes to go forward in-house, hire a European manager. He offered me the position. Senior project manager or something.”
She watched as Caryn tried to keep a neutral expression. “Does the job excite you? Living in…”
“Paris or London to start. Sure, that’s an enticing prospect. Until I think about having to report to Wesley. You know how he treated us as consultants. At least we could plan our own schedules, make decisions together, and if necessary, end the contract—that option made it bearable.” Lauren shook her head. “Even if he’d aske
d for a proposal, we’d need to decide if the Euro market is worth the drain on our other clients.”
“We could hire another person here.” Caryn paused a moment as she shifted Jenna in her arms. “Lauren, take our partnership off the table right now. Talk to me friend-to-friend. Do you want to explore this opportunity?”
Lauren hesitated a fraction of a second. “I can’t lie. My ego loves the idea. Living rent-free in an apartment in Paris, learning your grandmother’s French, meeting sexy French men, Italian men.” She shook her head. “Reality trumps ego. I could work with McRainey on our terms, but I’m not sure I could as an employee—if that means reporting to Jim Wesley.”
“Did you say anything?”
“Not yet. He broke off the meeting, said he’d send an offer this afternoon. Maybe I should just decline the offer. I have a hard time picturing myself reporting to him.” Lauren glanced at her watch, then brushed her hand against Daniel’s face. “Such a sweet little guy.” She kissed his forehead.
“Wait and see what the offer contains,” Caryn advised. “When does he want an answer?”
Lauren shrugged. “End of the week, but you know how he operates. He’ll expect an immediate response.” She exhaled a sigh.
“So, did he ask you out?”
Lauren rolled her eyes. “Like that will happen.”
Caryn smiled. “He could be just as controlling in a relationship as he is at work. Maybe that’s why he’s divorced?”
“Nothing would surprise me. He’s sinfully attractive, and he knows it. I can’t imagine putting up with his ego, and besides, no man’s going to ‘control’ me. Ever.”
Soft laughter behind them caused both Lauren and Caryn to look over their shoulders. Dave and Andrew stood just inside the room. Crap. How much did they hear?
