The Touch Series Box Set

by t. h. snyder

  Since the kitchen is tidy, I decide to grab a beer and head into the living room. I’m hopeful the game is still on and I can catch the last few innings.

  As I plop myself on the couch and turn on the tube, I hear Derrick and Char come in the living room. I flip the channel to ESPN and hear Derrick's breath catch. When I look over at him, I see his mouth is wide open and his eyes are set on the TV.

  Not sure why he is acting this way, I glance at Char and shrug my shoulders while tilting my head in Derrick's direction. I notice Char taking a seat on the arm of the chair Derrick is sitting in and starts to rub his back.

  I think she’s trying to comfort him, but I haven’t a clue what is happening.

  "You know she’s busy and needs to get her life on a schedule. You still mean the world to her Derrick." Char says in a loving tone.

  "Don't speak for her Charlie, if she wants us to work she would...she would...I don't know what the hell she would do. But she sure as hell wouldn't be doing this." Derrick said in a way that made me feel as if he wanted to cry or scream or perhaps both.

  I turn my attention back to the screen and watch as the new ESPN analyst discusses the current MLB playoff standings.

  This woman is gorgeous and looks like Char. She has the same long, dark, wavy brown hair that falls well below her shoulders. She seems petite in her navy blue suit that makes her big, brown eyes deep and dark against her perfect skin tone.

  If I didn't know any better I’d think this chick was Derrick's girlfriend and Char's older sister Chloe.

  With that thought her name, Chloe Taylor, flashes across the bottom off the screen.

  The intensity in the room becomes thick and I need to get out of this awkward situation fast. I stand and turn myself toward Derrick and Char while asking them if they need a refill.

  It was as if I was saving them by the bell, in a sense. The sound of my voice triggers the two of them out of their trance and they follow me back into the kitchen.

  I grab two beers out of the fridge, pop the caps, and hand one to Derrick. I take the empty wine glass from Char's hand and set it down on the counter.

  The quick contact of my hand to hers sends shock-waves through my fingers and up into my arm. Her touch is like nothing I’ve ever felt. What was this chick doing to me? By the tension I was beginning to feel against the zipper of my shorts, I know exactly what Char is doing to me. If I don't figure out a way to make this work, this woman is going to drive me crazy.

  I fill Char's glass with wine and two ice cubes, cause that's what Derrick did earlier and I’m smooth like that. I hand her back the glass and allow my hand to touch and hover over hers for an extra second. Yup I felt it again, amazing.

  Oh thank heavens, it’s after 5:30 on Friday night and I am leaving the office for the day. It’s been an interesting week and I’m anxious to get home and relax. Before I can do that I have to stop by Dad's office and give him Chloe's mail that keeps coming to my apartment.

  I drive into a large industrial park and pull down the only road to the left. Straight ahead stands a tall stone building with a giant sign across two framed doors that read Taylor & Sons Contracting.

  The building has been in this spot for as long as I can remember. It has such prestigious value to the city of Boston that they built the industrial park around my family's business headquarters. Taylor & Sons Contracting has been a family business for generations and my dad is the last son to keep the business alive and running.

  I pull around back to where my dad parks his truck and I slide the Jeep right up along side of his precious red pickup.

  I make my way through the giant building and I pass a few administrators, sub-contractors, and other employees who are preparing to leave for the day. I make small chit chat and wish them a good weekend as we mingle through the halls. This place was a second home to me and Chloe growing up; so many of the employees know us too well.

  I take the elevator to the fourth floor and come up to the hallway of my dad's office. I notice his secretary, Patty, walking out from his closed office door.

  "Hi Patty, is Dad still in there?"

  "Hi there Char, good to see you sweetheart. Yes, your father is still in there. Roger was interviewing a potential hire and he said that your father just had to meet with him."

  "Oh ok, is it alright with you if I just hang out here till he is done? I have Chloe's mail to give him before him and my mom head out to Los Angeles for a visit next week."

  "Of course you can Char, but my work here is done for the day. I’m heading home for the weekend. Take care and it was great to see you."

  "You too Patty, have a good weekend. And hey, I'll put in a good word for you with Dad, you deserve a raise." I say with a wink as I sit in the comfy leather chair and grab a magazine out of my bag.

  I’m waiting a good 15 minutes before Roger emerges from Dad's office. I was taken back when he shut the door and walked right past me without saying a word. He just continued over to the elevator and gave me a quick nod while dialing up his phone. That was odd, but Roger always has been weird, oh well.

  I pull out my phone and send a text to Chloe to kill more time. God what the hell is he doing in there for so long, it’s after six o’ clock and I’m starving.

  Char - Hey chick, you busy?

  Immediately she responds.

  Chloe - Hey there sis, I always have time for you.

  Char - I miss you, when you coming home to visit?

  Chloe - Never, it’s too perfect here. Come to me ;)

  Char - Yea ok, like that would ever happen, I am grounded to Boston for life :)

  Chloe - Well whatever, you can at least visit.

  Char – Ok I’ll think about it.

  Chloe - So what else is new with you?? Dating any hotties lately?? Keeping Derrick in check I hope ;)

  Ugh, she knows how to piss me off and push my buttons. I want to confide in my big sis and tell her about this hot guy I just met.

  "Ugh!" I growl out in frustration. Oh what the hell, let's see what she has to say.

  Char – There’s this hottie I laid my eyes on, but nothing will come of it. And yes Derrick is being a good boy, why, I don't know. He needs to kick his girlfriend to the curb and find a new one ;)

  Chloe - Do you believe that :(

  In that moment I wanted to scream yes! But at the same time Chloe has feelings too. She is just...well she is...she’s Chloe. I wish she knew what she was doing to herself and this poor guy. I want them both to have a happy ending, with or without each other.

  Char - I love you and I love Derrick too, I just want to see you both happy.

  Chloe – You’re right, I can live with that. Got to run love, talk to you soon!!!! Muahhhh, big kisses!!!

  Char - Ok, call me soon and I’ll plan a trip to visit :) Oh and don't forget to call the movers to get the rest of your stuff from my apartment. Love you too!

  I slide my cell back in my purse and stand to look at the view from the reception window. Geez, what to do? I’d prefer to be left out of the Chloe and Derrick drama and rather create some heated drama of my own with a very handsome man named Riley.

  Just as the thought leaves my mind, I hear Dad's door open and I turn.

  At first I see my dad walk over my way and hear the soothing sounds of his voice. My mouth drops open and my eyes go wide. What the hell are the chances he’s walking out of the office with my father? I have heard of it’s a small world and coincidence, but this is ridiculous.

  Waking up this morning, I feel powerful and a sense of accomplishment as if today is going to be a great day. I’ve got a gut feeling that my interview this afternoon will go well. I’m going to ride this emotional high all day.

  One thing that I’m having trouble with is getting Char off my mind. After the awkward moment of seeing Chloe on ESPN Derrick, Char, and I took our beverages out to the deck and chatted for a few more hours.

  She seems like a great catch, why the hell is she single. Or maybe she isn't and I ha
ven't heard about the boyfriend yet. All I think about is her smile, her fantastic body, and the smell of her on my shirt from where she gave me a hug before she left Wednesday night.

  I’ve got to see her again. I figure I will because she is so close with Derrick, but I want to spend more time with her just her and I. I need to bring her up in conversation with Derrick to make sure he is cool with me pursuing her. After all, I don't want him going all Kevin Costner on me like in the Bodyguard.

  I decide to send Derrick a quick text to see if we can meet at the pub down the street after he gets off work tonight. At least if he has a little buzz, he won't want to punch me when I tell him I want to talk about seeing Char.

  Derrick agrees to meet for dinner and drinks at the pub and I’m still on a high from earlier today.

  My evening plans are set and I need to get moving on the rest of my day. I quick head up to my room, change into running gear, and get out the door with Manny for our daily run.

  Making my way through the neighborhood, I’m at peace; everything is finding its niche. This may be the place I could one-day call home. Before I get my hopes up I need to land this job with Taylor & Sons Contracting and find a way to ask Char out on a date.

  I got in my workout, ran a few errands, finished up stuff around the house, and I’m making my way over to my interview. So far this day has been productive.

  I’m nervous, anxious, and excited to meet with Roger. I’ve always worked for my dad while in high school and college. But after I graduated I wanted to help him build his business.

  Shit, I miss the old man and wish he was still here. Things would be so much different. Fucktard Keith wouldn't be running the family business and Dad and I would be putting our stamp on the east coast.

  No need rehashing old wounds, it is what it is and I’ve got to live with the consequences of my mistakes. I’m starting fresh here in Boston and about to land myself a great job doing what I love to do.

  I pull into the large industrial park off the highway and take the first turn to the left. Down the long road I spot a huge stone building with the words Taylor & Sons Contracting across the front.

  "This is it, Riley, don't fuck this up." I say to myself. I’ve always found that psyching myself up before a big move helps.

  I make my way through the large entry way and approach the receptionist at the front desk.

  "Hi. I’m Riley Kincaid to meet with Roger Falcone." I say with a professional smile.

  "Thank you Mr. Kincaid, please have a seat and I’ll let Mr. Falcone know you are here to see him."

  I take a seat and nervously wait for Roger to come through those tall, dark, wooden doors. About five minutes later the receptionist calls my name and asks me to follow her.

  She leads me through the large doors and down a few hallways to a large conference room to the left. I enter the room and there’s a short and stalky man walking my way. I extend my right hand and introduce myself to him with a firm handshake. He does the same and asks me to take a seat along the long table in the center of the room.

  For about an hour we discuss my experience working for my father and my education at University of North Carolina. Roger tells me he’s impressed with my vast knowledge as a building contractor and would want me to meet with Bryce Taylor, owner of Taylor & Sons Contracting.

  "You have a lot of potential Riley and there’s a great opportunity I think you will enjoy. We lost our head building contractor when his family relocated down south. This is an intense responsibility, but with your experience, education, and background I think we can make this work."

  I’m in shock, dumb struck, flabbergasted. I came into this interview hoping to get a job on one of their crews and here this guy is telling me he wants to offer me the head building contractor role. I don’t know what to say, well yes I do. I just can't find the words at this exact moment.

  As Roger stands, I do the same and extend my right arm in his direction.

  "Roger, I’d be honored to become a part of your team. I won't let you regret this decision."

  "Well I like your enthusiasm Riley, but how about we see if Bryce is available and take this interview upstairs. He knows we are meeting right now, so this shouldn't be a problem. Give me one second to have my assistant page him."

  While Roger walks out of the room, I wander over to the wall full of floor to ceiling windows. I’m still feeling a bit of shock laced with a huge amount of excitement. This is happening. I’m getting a job. Not just any job, but one that can be the career I’ve always wanted. My dad would be so proud of me right now.

  I turn as I sense Roger approach the room.

  "All set Riley? How's about we make our way up to the big man's office and make this official?"

  "I say, lead the way." I’m like a kid going to pick out a brand new bike.

  Bryce Taylor is just how I had imagined him. He’s distinct, professional, and tall with dark brown hair, a thick mustache, and dark brown eyes. He’s wearing casual clothes today in a polo and khaki pants.

  Bryce stands when we walk into the room and walks our way. As I shake his hand and move to take a seat in the sitting area of his office, I have a feeling as though I’ve seen this man somewhere. His features resemble something or someone, I just can't figure out what or who.

  After another hour of sharing my work history and college education, Mr. Taylor insists that I call him Bryce and welcomes me to the Taylor & Sons Contracting team.

  Roger chimes in and says he needs to excuse himself to get my HR paperwork on the books, but looks forward to seeing me here Monday morning at nine. I stand to shake his hand and thank him for meeting with me today.

  As he leaves the office, Bryce continues to sit and I’m not sure if our meeting is over or if I should sit back down. Talk about an awkward moment. So I figure I better say something and fast.

  "Thank you again for this opportunity Bryce. I promise I won't let you down."

  "Oh I’m sure you won't Riley. Roger and I have a lot of faith in you and your talent. You will make a great member to our team." He says as he begins to stand and walks over to his desk.

  "I’ll be out of town next week visiting my daughter that just moved to Los Angeles, but not to worry Roger will make sure you are set up on Monday."

  "Sounds good to me." I reply.

  "Well it’s been a pleasure talking with you this afternoon, but I have to rush you out. My youngest daughter was supposed to stop by a half hour ago and I’m certain she is sitting out in the lobby pissed as hell that I kept her waiting."

  "Of course, no problem. I’m meeting my roommate for dinner soon. Thanks again Bryce."

  He leads me out the door and walks over toward a female looking over the view of the city.

  "Hey baby girl." He says as he approaches her.

  As she turns around, I realize why Bryce looked so damn familiar. Fuck me!

  "Riley?" She says

  "Hey Char, didn't expect to meet you here." I reply with a shaky tone to my voice.

  Her father looks back in forth between the two of us with a questionable smirk on his face.

  "Can I ask how the two of you know each other? Or don't I want to know?" Suddenly Bryce is staring daggers in my direction.

  "Don't be silly Daddy; Riley is Derrick's new roommate. We just met the other day when I went over to cook dinner for Derrick."

  Phew saved by my girl. Wait what did I just think, what the hell is wrong with me?

  "Bryce thank you for your time today, I look forward to working with you. Char, it was great running into you again. I do need to head out though to meet Derrick before he thinks I bailed on him. Have a safe trip Bryce; see you when you get back."

  With that, I show myself to the elevator, out of the building and run, not walk to the Durango.

  I wake and throw myself into a sitting position from the loud ringing noise of my cell phone. I glance over to my alarm clock and see it reads 9:15.

  "Shit!" I scream.

  I jump
out of bed pulling on a long tee-shirt and grab my phone from my dresser.

  "Hey Derrick!" I exclaim.

  "Where are you Charlie? You have me worried sick. You were supposed to be here an hour ago." He says with panic to his voice.

  "Ugh, don't be so dramatic. I’m fine, I just overslept."

  "Are you coming or not? I’m not going to wait for you all day."

  "God Derrick, you’re a pain in my ass you know that? It’s not my fault I forgot to set my alarm. Give me 30 minutes and I’ll be in your driveway."

  "Fine, but not a minute later. Riley and I are leaving at ten and if you’re not here the bus is leaving without you."

  "You won't leave me, I’m bringing the food remember." Ha gotcha Peters.

  "Ok, well hurry up." He says in a firm tone.

  "Bye" I say and hit end on my phone.

  Holy shit, Riley is coming with us. Damn it to hell, how am I going to be at Derrick's house in 30 minutes and look good for Riley?

  Today Derrick and I were planning on taking his sailboat out onto the lake and make a day of it before I over slept. We’ll just have to deal with spending the late morning and afternoon on the waters. No biggie, it will still be fun, especially since Riley is coming.

  I hurry to my bathroom to freshen up; thank goodness I took a shower and shaved my legs last night. Once I’m fully primped and looking presentable, I rush to my bedroom grab my outfit that I set out last night and get dressed.

  I’m a hyper planner and always prepare ahead of time. In less than 10 minutes, I’m clean, dressed, and ready to go meet my boys. Yes I said it, my boys. Derrick is my best friend and I want to be more than just friends with Riley. I’m a big girl and not afraid to admit I want that man. Hopefully after today we can see what sparks fly.

  I throw my bag and the fully packed cooler into the back seat and hop into my Jeep. It’s a beautiful sunny day. I’m going to insist we take my ride because I took the top off.

  Within seven minutes I’m in Derrick's driveway and hitting my horn. I jump out of the Jeep and stand against the side patting my foot to the ground. I feel like being sassy today so as Derrick comes out of the front door I put on my most impatient glare.