When Darkness Falls

by Jennifer Youngblood

  “Of course you do,” Kate said, offering a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

  Disappointment settled over Chloe as they stepped out of Kate’s office. The woman was obviously not pleased that Hank had hired her. In her interview, Hank told her that Kate had been their only designer for years, but due to an increase in business, she was no longer able to handle everything, hence the need to hire another designer. Hank had warned her that Kate was a little concerned that he was hiring someone else. That was a blatant understatement! At least Kate was the only other designer she would have to deal with. When too many designers worked in one place, things tended to get fiercely competitive with everyone vying to get the best projects—a group of female sharks, circling around the fresh meat, trying to get the biggest piece.

  Next, Chloe met Butch Stanley who handled the books. He was a large, jovial man in his mid fifties who looked like he would be more at home in a manufacturing setting than in an upscale design firm. He was a breath of fresh air in comparison to Kate. He told them several jokes before Yvette finally said they needed to leave.

  When they were walking down the hall, Yvette turned to Chloe and lowered her voice. “The last person I want to introduce you to is Hank’s brother. He’s one of the most eligible bachelors in Salt Lake—a real lady-killer.” Her eyes flashed with what looked like resentment. “Be careful,” she continued, “if you don’t keep your guard up, he’ll sweep you off your feet and then dump you the second some new girl comes along.”

  It was obvious from Yvette’s bitter tone that she was speaking from experience. Chloe straightened her shoulders. “Thanks for the warning, but I can assure you, I have no intention of getting mixed up with the owner’s brother.” The words came out harsher than she’d intended, but Yvette looked more relieved than surprised. Chloe realized then that Yvette still had feelings for Hank’s brother. She felt an unexpected connection with Yvette, who was obviously nursing a broken heart. Chloe knew exactly how it felt to be used and then cast aside. A fierce dislike for Hank’s brother welled in her breast, even though she’d never met him.

  Yvette stopped at the office that was next to Hank’s. She put a hand on the doorknob. “You ready?”

  Chloe gave her a brief smile. “Of course.”

  Yvette knocked once and then opened the door. “I brought the new employee to meet you.” She motioned for Chloe to follow.

  The office was totally different from Hank’s. The walls were bright white, and the décor was modern and sparse, giving it a cold feel. The desk was made of metal with two red lacquer chairs facing it. There was a sitting area to the right that was comprised of a charcoal leather sofa and two club chairs, arranged around a glass coffee table. The combination would’ve been monochromatic were it not for the exotic multi-colored rug underneath the furniture. It looked very expensive. Large photographs of outdoor scenes, mounted onto acrylic, adorned all of the walls except for the one behind the desk where there was a streamlined bookshelf that was expertly arranged with abstract sculptures and books. Hank’s brother was sitting in a red, high-back, leather chair with his back to them. He had a phone to his ear. A moment later, he ended the call and turned.

  Chloe reached and took hold of one of the chairs to steady herself. Her mouth dropped when Garrett rose and came around the desk. He extended his hand as if they’d never met. “I’m Garrett Singleton. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Welcome aboard.”

  She opened her mouth to ask him what kind of joke he was pulling, but the warning expression in his eyes stopped her.

  “It’s nice meeting you,” she said, thrusting out her hand.

  He took it in his, holding it longer than was necessary. Chloe’s face flamed when she saw Yvette look at her and Garrett’s clasped hands. She quickly removed her hand.

  Garrett gave her a coy look. “Nice shoes.”

  Her eyes went round as she looked down at the pumps. Humiliation burned through her veins, and she wanted to crawl under the rug. She cringed at the furious look that twisted over Yvette’s face.

  Garrett smiled, never taking his eyes off Chloe. “Thanks, Yvette. I’ll do the introductions from here. You can get back to work.”

  Yvette looked like she might protest. She gave Chloe a withering look before turning and leaving the room.

  Chloe’s knees gave way, and she sat in one of the chairs across from Garrett’s desk. “You have a lot of explaining to do.”

  Garrett laughed and returned to his seat. “What do you want me to explain?”

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were Hank’s brother? That’s why he hired me, wasn’t it? I thought it was odd when Hank called me into his office that day when I returned the shoes. And when you said you had an interview, you meant that you were going to interview me.” Accusation hung heavy in her voice.

  Garrett held up his hands. “Hold on, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First of all, I promise I had nothing to do with Hank’s decision to hire you. I just told him that he needed to give you another chance, and he did. Besides, he’s the one that wanted to interview you from the get-go, so it wasn’t too hard to persuade him to interview you again.”

  Her eyes went hard as everything came together. It hurt to think she’d been had. “You should’ve told me who you were from the beginning.”

  He spread his hands in defeat. “You’re right, I should’ve. But you were so upset about botching the interview that I didn’t want to risk it.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

  “Had you known who I was, you never would’ve agree to have dinner with me.” His eyes met hers. “Don’t deny it.”

  “You’re right. I wouldn’t have,” she admitted.

  A smile tugged on his lips as he leaned back in his seat and crossed his legs. “But see, you did have dinner with me, and we had a wonderful time.” He leaned forward, eyeing her. “Let me rephrase that—I had a wonderful time. What about you?”

  Was he really giving her a puppy-dog look? She didn’t know whether she wanted to hug him or slap him. There was a naïve, childlike quality about Garrett that was endearing and frustrating at the same time. Everything seemed like it was a game to him. He kept looking at her with those probing eyes, and she felt herself soften. “Yeah, it was nice,” she said stiffly. Silence settled between them, and she shifted in her seat, unsure what to say next. Had she known who Garrett was, she never would’ve gone out with him. Dating the owner’s brother was a complication she didn’t need, not to mention the fact that she didn’t relish the thought of making an enemy out of Yvette. But there was no going back. She had gone out with Garrett, and there was still the matter of the shoes. She sought for a way to open up that conversation as she watched him pick up a lime green exercise ball. From the way he began methodically squeezing it, she could tell it was something he did routinely, almost without thinking.

  “About the shoes.”

  “They look nice on you.” He transferred the ball to the other hand.

  “Yes.” She took a deep breath. “You didn’t have to do that.”

  He waved the comment away with a flick of his hand. “I know. That’s why it’s called a gift.”

  “I would’ve called you earlier to thank you, but I didn’t know how to reach you.” The words rushed out in a nervous huff.

  He put down the ball. “Chloe, relax. It’s going to be okay.” He stood and came around the desk. Then he sat down in the chair beside her and reached for her hand. He flashed her that dazzling smile that had caught her attention from the beginning, and she could see the confidence radiating in his blue eyes. “How we met is not important.”

  There was something so captivating about him that it took effort to hold her train of thought. “It’s not?”

  He chuckled. “No, it’s not.” He began rubbing his thumb back and forth across the top of her hand. Heat crawled up her neck. This whole thing felt terribly inappropriate! “What’s important is that we did in fact meet,” he continued smoothly, ga
zing into her eyes.

  She felt like a fly that was caught in a spider’s web. And the spider in question happened to be very easy on the eyes and ultra charming. Yvette was right! He was a lady-killer, and if she weren’t careful, she’d be his next casualty.

  As she was trying to figure out a way to diplomatically remove her hand, the door opened. Her heart dropped when she saw Hank step into the room. His face went a shade darker when he realized that Garrett was holding her hand. Chloe wanted to die right then and there. Garrett dropped her hand and let out an uneasy laugh. “Hey, Bro. I was just welcoming our newest employee.”

  “I can see that,” Hank shot back. His eyes met Chloe’s, and she cringed at the disappointment she saw in them.

  A hot shame pelted over her. So much for making a good impression on the boss!

  “Yvette told me where you where,” Hank said briskly.

  I’m sure she did, Chloe wanted to say. She pressed her lips together in a tight line.

  “I need to get you briefed on the current projects, so that you’ll be up-to-speed at the staff meeting this afternoon at 2:00 p.m.”

  “Of course.” Chloe stood.

  “See you later,” Garrett said, touching her arm.

  Irritation sparked over her as she gave him a curt nod and quickly stepped around him. Garrett needed to take his Casanova attitude down a notch, or she’d be out of a job faster than she could blink. Her eyes went to Hank who looked like he could bite nails. He motioned. “This way.” He turned on his heel and charged off down the hall so quickly that she had to practically jog in order to keep up with him.

  * * *

  Chloe looked up as Hank strode into the conference room and took his place at the head of the table. Yvette came in behind him, a notepad in hand. Kate entered next, followed by Butch. Everyone commenced to make small talk. Chloe had not seen Garrett since the incident in his office, and she wondered where he was. Judging by the way Hank kept glancing at the clock, she figured he was wondering the same thing.

  Hank had spent two hours, going over projects with her in explicit detail. Several times, she was tempted to try and explain her association with Garrett, but there never seemed to be a good time. Furthermore, Hank’s demeanor was so businesslike that it bordered on rudeness. Clearly, he was determined to keep the relationship on a purely professional level.

  At ten minutes past the hour, Hank cleared his throat. “Thanks, everyone, for being here today. We need to get started. First, I’d like to officially welcome Chloe Kensley. Let me say on behalf of the entire team that we look forward to working with you.”

  “Thank you.” She looked around the room. “I’m excited to be here.”

  Garrett strode in and chose the seat beside her.

  Hank gave him a look that could kill. “You’re late,” he said flatly.

  “Sorry, it couldn’t be helped. I got held up on a phone call.” He turned his attention to Chloe, smiling at her like she was the only person in the room. “Welcome to the team.”

  She swallowed and nodded, ignoring the curious looks that were flashing between Kate and Butch. Yvette was scowling like she wanted to wring her neck. Chloe pulled at her collar that suddenly felt tight around her neck. When Garrett placed his hand on her knee, she knocked it away, giving him a look that said Back off!

  A look of surprise flickered over Garrett’s face, but he recovered quickly.

  Chloe angled herself so that she was facing away from him. Date or no date, he had no right to treat her like his plaything. If she had any hope of gaining her co-workers’ respect, she would have to distance herself from Garrett.

  Hank turned to Kate. “How’s the Weslyn project coming?”

  Kate opened a file and pulled out a series of sketches. She placed them in the center of the table for all to see. Kate pointed to the first sketch, which depicted a majestic antebellum home with six columns across the front of a spacious porch. “The first phase—the exterior—is now complete. Phase two will consist of a remodel of the main level, including a complete rebuild of the kitchen. The client wants to maintain the traditional style of the home but yet give it a fresh appeal that’s more of a transitional nature. As it is now, the kitchen is too small.” She pointed. “We’ll remove the wall between the kitchen and adjoining room, creating a larger, more functional space. Of course, we’ll add all of the modern updates, including double gas ovens and two dishwashers. Mr. Weslyn is a weekend chef, and he and his wife love to entertain.”

  “Do you have the contractors lined up?”

  “Yes, I’ve contracted with Chet Mathewson to do the work. His crew is planning on starting this coming Monday.”

  “How are we on the budget?”

  “So far so good. The Weslyns understand that we didn’t originally account for the upgraded appliances, and they’re willing to pay the additional cost.”

  Chloe looked at the sketches of the home. Her eye caught on a photograph, and she pulled it closer to get a better look. The home was in a historical section, and it was even more impressive in the photograph than in the sketches. Talk about good bones! What she would give to get her hands on that house.

  As if reading her mind, Hank looked at Chloe. “I would like for you to work with Kate on this project.”

  “That sounds great,” she said enthusiastically, smiling at Kate who looked anything but pleased.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Garrett said.

  All eyes turned to him.

  “Why not?” Annoyance was written over Hank’s face.

  “I have a couple of projects that I could use Chloe’s expertise on. From looking at her portfolio, I can tell that she’s an expert on color and textiles, which is precisely what is needed on the Hampton’s project. We’re pushing that tight deadline, and with my upcoming travel schedule, I don’t think I can do it alone.”

  Chloe’s heart sank as she looked at Hank, waiting for his answer. The last thing she wanted was to work closely with Garrett. He was starting to tick her off!

  “Fine, I’ll work with Kate on the Weslyn project, and you can keep Chloe busy,” Hank said.

  The way Hank said it made Chloe feel like a piece of meat. Heat scorched over her as she lifted her chin in the air. “I can work with Kate and Garrett.”

  Hank looked doubtful. “Are you sure? These are some demanding projects, and the work has to be pristine—no detail left undone.”

  Her eyes cut into Hank’s, and she didn’t back down one inch. “Contrary to what you might think, this isn’t my first rodeo. I’m perfectly capable of doing both projects and anything else you want to throw at me.”

  She heard Butch suppress a chuckle.

  Hank met her gaze full on. “Okay, then. Let’s see what you’re made of.”

  8

  Chapter 8

  Susan placed a basket of hot bread in the center of the table and sat down. “Okay, tell us all about it.”

  Shortly after Chloe had arrived home from work, Susan announced that she was baking lasagna, which she would bring over, so they could have a celebratory dinner for Chloe on completing her first day on the job. Even though Chloe was mentally exhausted and wanted nothing more than to eat a quick dinner and go to bed early, she was touched by the gesture. And as she looked around the small table where she, Susan, and Darbie were gathered, she suddenly felt grateful that she was surrounded by people who cared.

  Chloe reached for a roll and spread a generous slice of butter over it, trying to formulate her thoughts to give a full report. “It went about like you would expect for the first day.” She went through the list, naming things that had happened, leaving out the parts about Garrett. “I’ve been assigned some great projects, and I’m excited to be able to prove myself.” She finished by telling them about the Weslyn project and how she was thrilled to be working on a historical home.

  “How exciting,” Susan said, helping herself to a second slice of lasagna. “I would love to tour the home when you’re done.”<
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  “Yes, I’m sure we can work something out. I mean, I haven’t met the owners yet, but most people are excited to show off their finished homes.”

  Susan looked at Darbie. “How was your day?”

  “We finished up a segment on serial killers. My professor was debunking the myth that there are no black serial killers.”

  Chloe nearly laughed out loud at the contrast between her work and Darbie’s schooling. She managed to keep a straight face by focusing on her food rather than the conversation. The lasagna was not the best she’d had, but thankfully, it was leaps better than the chicken casserole Susan had made a few days go.

  “Yeah, I’ve heard that,” Susan said.

  “Well, it’s not true. Have you heard of Anthony Sowell, Wayne Williams, Andre Crawford?” Darbie began telling about the murders in graphic detail—to the point where Chloe lost her appetite. She looked at Susan’s horrified expression and knew she’d better say something to change the conversation.

  “You said you’d just finished up that segment. What are you studying now?”

  “Oh, we’re starting into theft. My professor is an aficionado of jewel thieves. Have you guys heard of Bill Mason?” She went on to tell them all about the heists. When Darbie got to talking, there was no shutting her up. Her mouth started moving at warp speed, and all she and Susan had to do was to supply the perfunctory uh, huh or wow in the appropriate places. This went on for about twenty minutes until someone knocked at the backdoor. Before they could open it, Lila rushed in.

  “Hey, girls.” Breathless excitement tinged her voice. “I have something I want to show you.” She placed a box on the table and then looked at the food. “Looks good.”