by N. J. Cooper
“Miss Taylor, Mr Benton will see you now.” The stunning red head said from the main desk. Hayley smiled at her and stood up. She smoothed down her black high waist pencil skirt, adjusted her white, silk tucked in blouse then went through the two blurred glass doors that hid Rick’s office. When she did, her jaw dropped. She had seen pictures of him, but they did not do justice to the man standing over the light table, looking at a house design in front of her. He looked up and smiled as she walked in, making Hayley’s heart stop. He was gorgeous. He raked a hand through his light brown hair that touched the nape of his neck, in a pointless gesture as it fell back to cover one of his wide brown eyes. Mr. Benton walked over and held out his hand, still holding a grin on his face that had Hayley slightly speechless. She squashed the butterflies in her stomach and ignored what his broad, fit physique did to her hormones to greet him with professionalism.
“Miss Taylor. It’s nice to finally meet you. Sorry for the impersonal touch and emailing you about the position, it’s winter and nobody likes their houses in winter. They all want them changed before summer, so I have been crazy busy. How are you?” He said shaking her hand then going back to the designs on the table. Hayley raised an eyebrow at how casual he was. He was wearing dress pants, but his white shirt was loosely tucked in, the cuffs rolled up, no tie and the first couple of buttons undone. He was a rugged kind of handsome that she hadn’t expected.
“That’s okay, I understand and I’m good thanks, a little tired from driving but otherwise fine. What are you looking at?” Hayley said, her interest piqued. He frowned at her.
“From driving? You drove all the way from Virginia today?” He asked shocked. Hayley nodded.
“Yes.” She replied looking down at the measurements on the table. He stood up and put his hands on his waist.
“Wow, that’s just over a 7-hour drive, I’m impressed. That’s dedication but no wonder you’re tired. Have you eaten?” He asked beginning to roll up the plans. Hayley stopped him.
“Wait, you know if you change the deck to this side of the house, you won’t need to add the roof so you’ll get the sun in the conservatory in the afternoon and you won’t have to put in those horrible structural beams to ruin the view. Design wise it would work better too, since then a retractable sunshade can be added, leaving it up to the buyer whether the space is covered or not. Also, this walk-in won’t work. The measurements aren’t practical with the space, if you consider the average cabinet measurements. I recommend you swap it with the en-suite, more room for the change in measurements and closer to the laundry, which is cost effective for the buyer and no, I haven’t eaten.” Hayley said as she scanned over the plans. She looked up and saw the admiration and unmistakable heat in his eyes. She blushed. She knew she had a tendency to take over, she was the eldest of seven sisters all of whom were supernatural with a witch and a werewolf for parents, which had meant she’d had to be very assertive in her ways but she hadn’t mean to assert herself on her first meeting with the boss.
“You know what you’re talking about. I was just making notes on those exact things. Do you want to go get some lunch then? I haven’t had time for a lunch break either,” He offered smiling. Hayley nodded, half because she was starving and half because she was enjoying this meeting with Mr. Benton a lot more than she should.
“Yeah, I’m starving.” Hayley smiled.
“Good, let’s go. I can show you your apartment on the way back,” He replied. Hayley nodded and led her out of his office.
“Vivian, I’m going out for lunch, I don’t know when I’ll be back so just reschedule my last appointment, then you can head home, thanks for coming in today.” Rick said to his assistant then led Hayley down to the streets outside.
“So where are we going for lunch?” Hayley asked shivering as she underestimated the climate difference between Virginia and Manhattan. It was cold and windy, blowing tendrils of dark brown hair out of her ponytail to hang by her face.
“The diner across the street. Best coffee. Best burgers.” He grinned. He was not the stuffy businessman she had been expecting and if the fluttering in her stomach, and the burning in her bones was anything to go by, she liked it.
“Sounds perfect.” Hayley smiled, feeling decidedly overdressed. She bit her lip then purposely untucked her blouse and undid her hair to let it fall completely down. They sat down at the diner with their food and coffee in front of them. Hayley with her bowl of wedges and sour cream then Rick with his bacon burger and fries.
“I can already tell it’s going to be very interesting working with you Hayley.” Rick smiled, very obviously looking down her body. Hayley blushed.
“You’re not what I expected. And quite forward.” Hayley smiled. Rick nodded.
“Yes. I don’t believe in beating around the bush. If I have something to say, you’re going to hear it. Which brings me to my next point. You are obviously extremely beautiful and I am very attracted to you, I can see in your eyes that you feel the same towards me but I want to be clear in the fact that I am a very open person and will probably make comments about that attraction. If at any time, you think I have overstepped the mark as your boss or made you uncomfortable then please tell me okay?” Rick explained. Hayley knew there was no point denying it, so she nodded.
“I’m not easily put out Mr Benton but thank you for the clarification.” Hayley replied.
“It’s Rick and you’re welcome.” He smiled before biting into his burger.
Once lunch was finished, Rick insisted on paying then they made their way back down the street, to the tall modern apartment building that sat next to the work building. He led her inside and her jaw dropped again. She hadn’t expected to get such nice perks- she had finished her degree through correspondence but because of her family’s history, she’d had a considerable lack of practical experience. Her family had been in hiding until a year ago when the King had changed the law to allow hybrids to live in peace amongst the humans. They weren’t allowed back in the supernatural realm because of what her parents had done though. They had eloped, breaking the supernatural laws by having relations with another race- a witch and a werewolf. Her parents had then done the ultimate sin and diluted the bloodlines creating her and her six sisters who were hybrids. Now their name Taylor, was known throughout their world as traitorous. Something Hayley had tried to put behind her as she had crammed as much as she could into her free year, taking on every interior design job she could get her hands on. She was as determined as her sisters to make a life for herself now that they were free. Unfortunately, a lot of the other creatures who were living with the humans still hated her and her family and were not opposed to showing their distaste for their hybrid kind. Oblivious to their difference in natures, Rick showed her to the elevator bay using his own key card. Hayley frowned.
“You live in the building too?” She wondered. He nodded as they waited for the cart.
“I own it. I offer all my employees an apartment with their contracts. Some take it, some don’t. The ones that do-live here,” He explained, ushering her into the elevator that had dinged open for them, “Your apartment is the one under mine, and you’ll be sharing with my sister who is one of our head architects,” He beamed. Hayley smiled, she wanted to make a good impression and getting to know the sister was definitely a way to do that. Hayley stood in the elevator with him, the way up to the top floor way too long for her, with her body acutely aware of the drop-dead gorgeous man that stood next to her. He was so close, closer than he needed to be in the otherwise empty elevator and yet she didn’t pull away. The heat that radiated from him, fell over her like a tidal wave, settling in the core of her abdomen. She clenched her body, pressed her thighs together trying to pretend she wasn’t throbbing with every harsh breath that fell through her lips. Rick’s shoulder brushed hers and her face scalded. Her eyes glanced over to him where a sly smirk played on his lips knowingly. His hands were in his pockets, but his body was as tense as hers. But rather than fall int
o the cliché trap of making out in the elevator like she so badly wanted, the elevator dinged, and he walked out, the much needed fresh air hitting her and bringing her back from her carnal thoughts. He led her to her apartment, through carpeted halls and an eerie silence. The hall ended in a wall to ceiling window that opened on to the busy life of New York bustling with people going through their lives, scenting the air with the strong aroma of coffee and beignets, and the sounds of heels clicking and taxis honking. Despite the distracting sounds of the city, Hayley was completely focused, watching her boss’s backside as he opened the door to her new apartment. Scolding herself for being so distracted and weak, Hayley moved into the room, sucking in a breath at the lavish space. Filled with the most modern décor in the design world and a large expanding space that seemed impossibly long gaped out before her. Her eyes widened as she turned to Rick.
“This is impressive.” Hayley breathed. Whites and blacks competed for dominance, setting the entire colour scheme for the apartment. A large dining area, a sprawling chef’s kitchen and a beautifully arranged living area that retained its modern look, yet the lit fire gave the open area a warm, homey feel. Whoever had designed the apartment had some serious style, so why did he need her?
“Thank you. So, you want a tour?” He smiled. Hayley nodded eagerly, the designer side of her winning the battle against her libido. Every room was the same; modern furnishings, black and white and admittedly little variance. She admired her room the most though. Luxurious silk sheets, the biggest bed she had ever seen, an expansive walk in wardrobe and the ensuite. Well, let’s just say that bath had her toes curling into her pumps. All the years on the run had made her appreciate the little things, but baths with bubbles she accepted as her Achilles heel. She left her things in her room then followed Rick back out to the living room.
“So, that’s it. Hope it’s okay.” He said, wandering over to the kitchen and looking in the fridge and then the cupboards and then shaking his head. Before she could ask what he was looking for, he pulled out his phone, placing it by his ear after a quick scroll. Frowning, she walked over and leaned against the bench, being nosier than she intended but too curious to know what he was doing.
“Vivian, can you have some food delivered to Julie’s apartment please, enough for two,” He asked quickly. Hayley frowned, she could buy her own food but she was getting the feel by his exasperated sigh that he was used to this, “Thank you, she’s vegetarian at the moment though, so nothing with meat,” He said leaning across the counter towards her.
“Are you allergic to anything?” He questioned, his hand covering the mouthpiece. Hayley shook her head. He nodded and went back to his call.
“Yes please. Thank you.” He said before hanging up, shoving his phone back in his pocket and rubbing his fingers over his forehead.
“Sorry, I should have checked, my sister lacks the forward thinking of what she is going to eat in her next meal. In fact, I’m pretty sure she’s not only vegetarian at the moment, if the last few calls I’ve made to her are any indication, I would say she is on a heavy diet of tequila and painkillers.” He cringed, his face etching with worry. Hayley shrugged.
“I can live on tequila.” She grinned easily, easing his embarrassed worry. He looked up with his own smile widening.
“Really? I would have picked you for a vodka girl.” He scrutinized her, sending those excited shivers through her again. Hayley chuckled and shook her head.
“I’m pretty good with anything, but don’t worry I’ll still turn up to work every day and not hungover.” She smiled confidently. Little did he know, that was because the metabolism of a supernatural burnt through the alcohol quicker than it could get her drunk. Other supernaturals, that weren’t hybrids that missed out on the healing ability, were completely immune to human alcohol, they had to use the strong, spelled supernatural elixirs that stopped their healing and slowed their systems enough to affect them. Now that stuff would knock her on her ass but as it was, the stuff he was talking about, she could easily consume all hours of the night and remain completely functional.
“Hmm I may test you on that theory.” He winked before their banter was interrupted by a shrill laugh, jingling keys and the click of the door. Hayley looked up at the same time as Rick, to see a short petite, black haired Asian girl with bangs hanging off a cropped blonde-haired woman with spikey hair and a nose chain linked to her ear. The couple hadn’t noticed they were in company yet and locked lips, their bodies against each other as the heavy make up on their faces smeared under their wandering hands. Hayley was waiting to be noticed, as the couple backed further into the apartment but that was clearly a lost cause as they fell onto the couch together, the blonde woman removing her ripped shirt.
“No. No and No. Stop and put it back it on, brother in the room.” Rick cursed, covering his eyes with his hand. Huh, so that was Julie. Julie’s head turned to them before her face broke out in a lazy grin. She climbed off the girl and turned to Rick, still not putting a shirt on but Hayley got the distinct impression that was on purpose.
“Oh, hey big brother. Oooh, is this my new roommate?” Julie grinned getting up and walking over, having conveniently forgotten her shirt. Hayley laughed at Ricks glare.
“I’m Hayley.” She smiled. Julie surprised her by curtseying.
“Welcome M’lady. I am Julie, this is my girlfriend Mae.” Julie laughed before going to the fridge and pulling out a bottle of red wine, taking it over to her friend on the couch who was looking at Julie like she walked on water, and if Hayley’s instincts were right then Julie probably could. The scent that poured off Julie as she came over to the fridge, had the hairs on the back of Hayley’s neck rising. A cold shiver brushed her spine. She narrowed her eyes on Julie, either she naturally had a stale, metallic smell to her or the girl was a vampire and Hayley would bet her brother didn’t know that was why there was no food.
“Really, Julie? It’s the middle of the day, there’s no food in the cupboards and you are drunk. We went over this.” He scolded going over to her, placing his hands on his narrow hips. Hayley watched the movement, licking her lips as she tried to reign in what his body did to her. Julie caught it though and looked towards Hayley. Her face was friendly but the glare in her eyes was very clear. Back off. Hayley winced under the hostility. So, Julie wasn’t going to be interested in being friends anytime soon and had obviously smelt the hybrid scent she hadn’t bothered hiding. Great.
“Don’t you have some old building to save or something dear brother?” She hinted. He rolled his eyes, then sighed and shook his head.
“Yes actually. Hayley,” he replied turning to Hayley who came over from the kitchen.
“Yes?” She asked stiffly and if he noticed her change in attitude, he didn’t say anything.
“I was wondering if you’d want to come with me for a drive out to Ridgewood, New Jersey? I just acquired a villa out there that is supposedly from somewhere in the family. I’ve only seen pictures but from what I can tell it has been neglected for years and I was going to go out and have a look at how much work it actually needs. Would you like to join me?” He asked expectantly. Ignoring the warning in her blood stemming from Julie, Hayley nodded, excited to get started and even more excited to spend time alone with Rick. Which she knew was wrong but couldn’t help it. He was her boss and she was meant to be building a life out of hiding, not falling in love with the first good looking guy who set her body on fire with a single smouldering look.
“Yeah, sounds great. I’ll just go get changed into some warmer clothes and meet you downstairs?” She said knowing she had to confront his sister sooner rather than later and used getting changed as an excuse to get rid of Rick so it could happen. Rick smiled and nodded, leaving the room. As soon as he was gone, Hayley left to her room, acutely aware that Julie had excused herself from Mae and was following her. She got to her door, opened it then left it open, waiting for Julie to enter to shut it. Hayley held the door closed, unsurprised when Jul
ies fangs dropped, and she surged forward latching a hand of long claws around Hayley’s throat. She didn’t even try to fight it.
“Stay away from my brother. He’s off limits to scum like you, hybrid.” Julie snarled but Hayley was used to it. She had been called every creative name in almost every language there was while she had been on the run. Her skin was tough.
“Calm down little vamp. I work for him, that’s all.” Hayley reassured, shutting out the voice that told her how badly she wanted it to be more than that. Julie scoffed.
“Yeah right. You were eye-fucking him right in front of me, all your disgusting werewolf pheromones stinking up my apartment.” Julie snapped, releasing Hayley as she realised that she wasn’t going to get the fight she expected. Hayley shrugged.
“Your brother is hot; I’m not denying that. I’m not even denying that I’m attracted but even if we fuck, which I don’t think will happen, I promise nothing more will come of me and your brother.” Hayley swore. She wasn’t doing the relationship thing, not yet. She was waiting for the one, the one who didn’t cause problems because of who she was, and she didn’t sleep around like most of her kind, she held out for whoever was able to get passed her walls and make her feel something. And clearly that wasn’t going to be Rick. Julie eyed her warily.
“You won’t date him? Or marry him? Platonic?” Julie checked. Hayley laughed and nodded, believing her statement to be true despite the slight pierce of pain on her heart. Ignoring that, she went to her suitcase and grabbed out her clothes.
