Chaos (Constellation Book 2)

by Jennifer Locklear

  She was in a happy mood, modeling a brilliant smile and laughing good-naturedly at something Tracie said. She even waved to me as they passed by. I waved back and turned just enough to watch her retreat, my eyes transfixed on her sublime figure. She was wearing dark leggings paired with a light gray, cowl-neck sweater. The outfit was a treat, for she mostly wore skirts to the office. She only dressed casually when she wouldn’t be called away to represent the firm outside its office walls. Even so, her fashion choices were contemporary and a perfect complement to her natural beauty. My eyes drifted to her curvy backside, and my face heated up despite the crisp, mountain air.

  I watched Kathleen until she disappeared inside the café. Then I picked up the frequency of Elyse’s voice. She’d continued talking, without realizing she’d lost my attention. I allowed her to keep rattling on, if only to figure out what she was proposing. As it turned out, Elyse had been pleading her case for us to get together.

  “…I just need to blow off a ton of steam. You’re always so great helping with that.”

  Elyse’s timing was terrible. Her last, best chance with me would have been last fall, right after Allison left, when I was most vulnerable to such offers. Instead, Elyse had made the mistake of holding off too long.

  Everything had changed the night I discovered Kathleen sitting alone by the fireplace. I wanted to be worthy of her. I wanted to become the man my father would want me to be. I couldn’t explain the personal changes that were underway since I’d acknowledged my attraction to Kathleen. Doubts lingered about my ability to be the kind of lover she deserved, but there were no doubts about what it meant for Elyse and her overtures of casual sex.

  “The answer is no,” I said in a tone intended to leave no room for negotiation. Regardless, I elaborated my point. “The answer has been no for years. Don’t ruin good memories by trying to force something that will never happen again. Goodbye, Elyse.”

  THE DISPLAY on my office phone showed the name of Aurora’s receptionist, but there was no guarantee it was her on the other end of the line. I answered the call with a formal greeting.

  “Jack Evans.” I was on edge but made every attempt to disguise this. Ever since Elyse’s call, I cringed a bit whenever I picked up the phone. She hadn’t tried to contact me since I turned her down, but I hadn’t shaken the fear that she would make another attempt to seduce me.

  “Relax,” the familiar voice teased. “It’s just Tracie.”

  I grinned in response to the chipper voice. “What’s up?”

  “Robert is in the conference room. He wants you to join him.”

  “I thought you told me to relax.”

  “Stay loose. Just get over here.”

  “On my way.” I stood up from my desk before I even hung up the phone. I was so surprised by the impromptu summoning from Robert that I left my office without bothering to grab my blazer.

  I made my way to the conference room, wondering what he would throw my way. The entire scenario left me rattled. I wasn’t good at dodging curveballs, and I’d been ducking one after another for a while now. I was weary of the unexpected.

  Everything about this new life in the Pacific Northwest was the definition of chaos. My new job had cost me dearly but had also given me a necessary dose of routine and serenity. My budding attraction to Kathleen threatened the brittle tranquility I clung to. I’d never been one to believe in signs. I’d never bothered looking for messages in the stars, but I was entertaining the idea that there was something meant to be between us.

  Kathleen simply wasn’t aware of the admiration of the soon-to-be divorced man sitting across from her, and it enhanced her beauty. She was intelligent, professional, polished and cautious. She moved through every workday with a humble nature, but also with the full understanding that her actions were being watched. Her words were always being listened to, so she was careful not to open herself up to controversy.

  I respected her professional choices. With the breakdown of my marriage still fresh, I was wary of office scandal, and so my attraction to Kathleen stayed a treasured secret. But as our work projects became more intertwined and we spent more of our time together, it was difficult to resist my impulses.

  There was something unique about the way I was falling for her. Something I recognized and was determined to honor. I wanted to protect her from the weaknesses that ruined my marriage. I had known love with Allison and had, in fact, created a most perfect daughter from that love. But we’d made mistakes throughout our relationship. Over time, these mistakes took an irrevocable toll on our family.

  There would be no screwing up with Kathleen. My heart and my sanity weren’t up to another loss. She made my days at work enjoyable. She made the nights spent alone in my bed endurable. She was worth every second of the wait. My patience was bolstered even as I searched for the courage to confide in her.

  All these thoughts invaded my mind as I made the short walk from my office to the conference room. I scrubbed my face as I rounded the corner in a poor attempt to redirect my concentration back to professional concerns. When Tracie’s desk came into view, I was hopeful she’d offer a small bit of insight about the matter at hand. Unfortunately, she was busy with a phone call. Robert’s booming voice was nearby, so I took a preparatory deep breath and stepped into the meeting room. I stopped just inside the doorway when I saw I hadn’t been the only one called to the conference room.

  Kathleen was standing next to the floor-to-ceiling windows with her arms crossed and her mind a million miles away from her father’s demanding presence. The incoming sunlight kissed her soft hair, evoking my envy. She was wearing a navy minidress and the cut of her neckline left her shoulders partially bare. I allowed myself the luxury of gazing upon her exposed skin. She paid no attention to my entrance, however, until I closed the door behind me.

  When the door clicked into place, she jumped and turned to face me. Her glowing smile only appeared after her green gaze drifted across my powder-blue dress shirt. She wasn’t used to seeing me without a blazer, and I made a mental note to leave my suit jacket behind more often. I returned her smile in greeting.

  “Good afternoon, Kathleen.” I nodded toward our boss. “Robert.”

  “Now that you’re both here, take a seat.” As always, Robert surged straight ahead. Together, we pulled out our chairs and sat down at the conference table. Robert rarely wore a suit to the office, usually opting for slacks and a polo shirt. Whenever he could escape the confines of the firm’s four walls to conduct business outdoors, he did.

  “I have good news,” he began without any emotion. “The Portland Business Journal will be running a cover article about the firm, spotlighting our luncheon up there. They’re sending a journalist here for the interview. Kathleen, I want that local freelance photographer there, too. Let’s get some good shots of the both of you.” Robert waggled a finger between Kathleen and me for emphasis.

  I blinked in surprise. “Me? Are you sure about that?”

  “Yes. Hiring you away from one of Baltimore’s biggest firms is a significant step forward for the company. I want this article to be about the future of Aurora. The two of you are heading up this luncheon for that very reason.”

  This was indeed exceptional news, so I was perplexed when Kathleen bristled and shifted in her seat.

  “When will this reporter be coming?” she asked.

  “Thursday,” Robert answered.

  “In two days?” She narrowed her eyes but kept her voice even. “Why are we just now hearing about this?”

  “What do you mean by that?” There was no misunderstanding Robert’s tone. He was insulted.

  “A publication like that just doesn’t make a last-minute decision to feature us in a cover article,” she challenged. “That takes planning and negotiation. Why keep us in the dark until now?”

  Robert exhaled, his nostrils flaring. “What exactly are you saying, Kathleen?”

  She raised an interesting point, but in a way that her father had tak
en offense to. The negativity between them was escalating.

  “This is a fabulous surprise, Robert,” I chimed in. Kathleen turned toward me, her expression impassive. I nodded in the hopes she would understand my logic. “Although I do appreciate Kathleen’s concern. We already have a lot going on with the luncheon and we’ll need to use some of that time to strategize our angle on the story. We’ll have to hope Chad is available for the photo shoot and not booked for another job. Can you provide us with any other details?”

  Kathleen kept her attention on me, avoiding the scrutiny of her father. Robert watched her before shaking his head and addressing me.

  “You’re right. It is short notice. I only found out about it this morning.” Robert turned to face his daughter again and waited until she made eye contact. This time his voice was less brusque. “Theresa heard the event was evolving this year and called in a favor with the editor. She sold him on the idea. You know how she is when she decides to go after something.”

  Kathleen’s demeanor shifted from guarded to acceptance. “Yeah. No one says no to Theresa Mayfair.”

  “Not even me,” Robert joked.

  Now it was my turn to be confused. “Who’s Theresa Mayfair?”

  “A friend of the family from our days in Portland,” Robert explained. “She has more connections than just about anyone in the state.”

  “That’s a good friend to have,” I replied, glancing at Kathleen. I wanted to draw her back into the conversation, but she sat quietly. She appeared tense, but I had no idea why. She had a streak of moodiness inside her. I’d grown accustomed to her sudden changes in demeanor over the months, but she kept too many things to herself and it frustrated me. I wanted her to trust me, yet I also understood why she continued to withhold a part of herself. Given the dynamics involved with working with family, I had to admit she handled it far better than I ever could.

  “What is the reporter’s name?”

  “Josh Baldwin.”

  She nodded, jotting down the name on a small notepad. “I’ll read some of his other articles and get a feel for his interviewing style. You mentioned the future of the company. Is there anything else you’d like us to mention?”

  “No. Just don’t fall into any traps. Keep control of the conversation.”

  “All right,” she agreed. Robert stood up, a signal that the meeting was over.

  Upon his exit, I returned my attention to Kathleen. “While it’s just the two of us, can I ask you a question?”

  She deliberated my request and nodded. I stood up and closed the conference room door Robert had left open. There was a nervous knot in my stomach, and no easy way to continue. I waited to speak until I sat back down in my chair.

  “I understand the need to keep control of the conversation, but I have to ask. What did Robert mean about falling into traps? Is there something I should be made aware of before a journalist asks about it?”

  Kathleen dropped her gaze to exam the polished shine of the table. “That’s a fair question, but I honestly don’t think so.”

  This reaction wasn’t what I’d expected. Her demeanor projected worry and her tone revealed doubt. I was now compelled to see this awkward conversation through to its conclusion.

  “We don’t know one another outside of this office. We’re partners on this event, and I want to honor that. The last thing I want to do is violate your trust.”

  “I trust you, Jack.” I wanted to believe her words, but her answer was robotic and unnerving. On a certain, necessary level she did trust me, but I also understood she was either unwilling or incapable of offering that trust in full. I sat back in my chair and forced myself to look away from her distressed posture. I needed a few moments to interpret her mixed messaging.

  “I wouldn’t say or do anything during an interview that would place Aurora in a bad light. Please don’t misunderstand me. I don’t mean to sound accusatory. I just like to be prepared.”

  I watched for Kathleen’s reaction but saw no discerning motion. Her chest rose and fell with controlled breathing while I waited for her to speak. Still looking down at the conference room table, Kathleen offered a small but important piece of information. “What Robert was referring to is personal. There will be no traps as far as the business is concerned.”

  Her face stayed hidden from my view, but the sudden bashfulness in her voice was full of heartache, taking me even more by surprise. “Please don’t ask me anything more about it,” she requested. “If the question comes up, it will be directed at me and I’ll deal with it.”

  Kathleen had said her piece, but when she continued to avoid eye contact, I became more concerned.

  “What is your schedule like tomorrow?” I asked her.

  She looked up, her eyes inquisitive but vigilant. “I’m open in the morning. Why?”

  “On my first day on the job, you told me you don’t like being blindsided in front of an audience. Let’s meet and prepare as best we can for the interview. You don’t have to share anything you don’t want to. I’m not going to pry. Let’s just talk about ways we can keep the focus on the firm and away from anything too personal.”

  “That would be great. I’m used to Robert handling that part of the business. These things make me nervous. You?”

  I shook my head. “I’m used to it.”

  “Oh. Good.” Kathleen’s voice still had an obvious level of anxiety.

  “Are you all right?”

  She squared her shoulders and recovered her professional posture. “I have to be.”

  “You’ll do great. You have nothing to worry about.”

  “Are you sure?”

  There was an abundance of compliments I could lavish on her. There were so many wonderful things I’d noticed about her over the brief time we’d worked together. I wanted to make her happy but had to choose my next words with the right mixture of precision and positivity.

  “You’re articulate and thoughtful. And, if you don’t mind my saying so, you’re very photogenic. You’re perfect for an article like this.”

  Kathleen’s unexpected blush was an alluring shade of pink. “Thanks, Jack. That makes me feel better.”

  I smiled, content to end our talk on a good note. “You’re welcome. Ten o’clock okay for you?”

  “Sure. I’ll meet you in your office.”

  “Sounds good.”

  ON THURSDAY afternoon, Kathleen and I were sitting on padded chairs at a small table. We were inside a modest photo studio located on the lower level of the office building. While the photographer, Chad, occupied himself with setting up his shots, the two of us settled in for our interview with Josh Baldwin.

  The journalist also sat at the table with a digital recorder. He was younger than I’d anticipated and was the quintessential twentysomething hipster Portland was famous for nurturing. Josh’s look was complete with tall hair, bushy beard, multiple tattoos and black-rimmed glasses. He was the trendiest business reporter I’d ever seen and while he did his best to charm Kathleen, he avoided eye contact with me.

  I disliked him at once.

  I risked a quick glance at Kathleen and winked when she smiled sweetly. We’d enjoyed a productive meeting, and it showed as Kathleen’s moment in the spotlight began. She’d arrived at the office a few hours earlier, wearing a designer leopard-print skirt and a long-sleeved black blouse that plunged in a dramatic V without managing to expose her cleavage. She looked refreshed and ready to take on the world.

  To Josh’s obvious delight, she listened as he explained how he conducted interviews. She didn’t hesitate to say yes when he asked if we were ready to go ahead.

  “Tell me about the name of the firm,” Josh began by addressing Kathleen. He flashed her a smile, displaying perfect teeth. It was nauseating. “What was the genesis for Aurora Advertising?”

  “My grandfather chose the name. All on his own. He made up his mind about it and never looked back.”

  “You’re referring to Stanley Brighton?”

  K
athleen beamed at the mention of her grandfather’s name. “Yes.”

  “What is the significance of Aurora? What does the name symbolize?”

  “It’s nothing complicated. My grandfather is a no-nonsense man who dearly loves my grandmother. Aurora is her name.”

  “Stanley Brighton named his company after his wife?”

  Either Josh Baldwin was the most unprepared reporter in Oregon or he was feigning surprise at Kathleen’s answer. I shifted in my seat and rubbed the back of my neck to keep from rolling my eyes.

  She nodded. “Her theory has always been that he did it to keep her from becoming jealous of the other love of his life.”

  Josh paused to type a quick note on his tablet. “How long have they been married?”

  “Sixty-four years and counting.”

  “That’s amazing.” Josh was impressed, as was I.

  “It’s a family record and, unfortunately for the rest of us, they’re both very competitive.”

  My ensuing laughter boomed in the room, managing to draw a shy grin from Kathleen.

  Josh narrowed his gaze, studied us both and made another quick note before moving forward. “Your grandfather built an advertising empire in the Pacific Northwest. How does one go from high school to the navy to becoming one of the region’s most successful businessmen?”

  “To me, he’s my grandfather. He can do anything.”

  Josh entered a few more impressions to his growing document, and she fell quiet for several moments, giving his question more thoughtful consideration. As she spoke again, she shrugged. “Seriously. The older I get, the more in awe I am of his achievements. I suppose he learned a lot about discipline from his military service, but my grandfather is also a natural leader. He always knows what do in any given situation. He takes advantage of opportunities without sacrificing others in the process. If anything, he puts family and community before his own self-interests. He’s been able to serve both his clients and the city to everyone’s benefit. Portland has been as good to him as he has been to Portland.”