Madison followed her into the small office. There was not much to it, just beige walls decorated with only one picture of a house the firm must have designed, one long window that overlooked the Dallas skyline, two pine desks with high backed chairs, and one small dark wooden table in the corner with a telephone, printer, and several stacks of design books piled behind it.
“This is your office,” Sam stated. “Your cohort in crime hasn’t arrived yet, so feel free to grab the best desk and make it yours.”
Madison eyed a desk right by the window. “What did you say his name was?”
“Adam Turnbull.” Sam nodded to the desks in the room. “There’s an orientation schedule on your computer. Mr. Worthy wants each of you to spend some time in the different departments on this floor and on thirty-two.”
Madison spun around to Sam. “Thirty-two? I thought this was the only floor the firm was on.”
Sam stepped back outside the door. “The official offices for all the architects are on thirty-three, but accounting, advertising, and the administrative offices are on thirty-two.” Sam smiled at Madison and put her hand on the door. “I hope you like it here, Madison.”
After Sam had closed the door, Madison went to the desk by the window and put her purse down on the smooth wood. Her hands glided over the surface of the desktop computer and she smiled. Ever since the day she had taken a seat in her first architectural design course, she had been enthralled with designing buildings. Every time she sat behind a computer and pulled up the computer assisted design program, her imagination kicked into overdrive. Aching to be used, the blank computer screen seemed to call to her, begging to bring to life all the designs she had swirling about in her head. Glancing to the wide window beside her, she marveled at the rooftops of the nearby skyscrapers. Flashing red and white lights momentarily mesmerized her with their beauty against the cloudy, white sky. When the office door behind her opened, she struggled to turn away.
“I guess you’ve already staked out the best desk, eh?”
His voice was deep, alluring, but did not match the lanky body of the man who stood in the doorway. He had dark red hair, lots of freckles, and friendly green eyes. His nose was slightly crooked, his face long and sullen, but his wide smile had the warmth and mischief of an adorable little boy.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, easing into the room. Slung over his shoulder was a blue backpack that made the jacket of his dark suit rise up his left side. “I’m Adam Turnbull. The lady at the reception desk told me to come on inside.” He motioned to the desk next to hers. “I guess I’ll take that one.”
Madison shook herself from her stupor. “I’m Madison, Madison Barnett. Good to meet you, Adam.” She waited until he stood before his desk, and then held out her hand.
Smiling, he gave her hand a slight tug. “So, we’re gonna be office mates.” He went to his desk and dropped his backpack on it with a thud. “You don’t have any disgusting habits like slurping coffee or liking pastrami sandwiches, do you?”
Madison nervously clasped her hands in front of her. “No, ah, I’ve never eaten pastrami.”
Adam’s green eyes swept up and down her figure. Madison could see the hunger in them, and took a cautious step back. The last thing she needed was to get involved with a co-worker.
“Glad to hear it.” Adam rested his hip against his desk and folded his arms over his narrow chest, eyeing her face. “Where did you go to school?”
“UT Arlington,” Madison told him. “What about you?”
“Tulane.”
“Wow, New Orleans. I bet that was a fun place to go to school.”
“And to grow up. I’m from the Big Easy.”
Madison searched for a friendly question, afraid of the silence. “Was Parr and Associates your first choice?”
Adam raised his red eyebrows and frowned, reminding Madison of a petulant child. “Nah, I wanted to get on with Taylor and Buckholt in New Orleans. They do a lot of restoration jobs in that city—I even did my internship there—but they didn’t have a space for me. I applied to seven different firms, but this is the only offer I got. How many did you apply to?”
Madison shrugged. “Only three, and all of them were in Dallas. I wanted to get on with MA Architects…they do a lot of skyscrapers and commercial building construction—that’s what I really want to do—but they didn’t even interview me. They wanted experienced architects, not new grads.”
“Yeah, I heard the same thing. That’s why I’m here. I figured I can get some experience and then move on. Doing upper-end homes isn’t my thing. I like working with historic buildings; you know, renovations and additions that add to the style of the original design. That’s what turns me on.”
Madison felt a slight flush on her cheeks as his eyes continued to wander the curves of her figure. Turning away, she went back to her desk. “So did you meet with Mr. Parr during your interview?”
“Sure. What did you think of him?” He stuffed his hands in his trouser pockets. “I thought he didn’t like me at first. With his squinty eyes I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. I was about to write off the interview when he started asking me some questions. Grilled me, actually, about architectural theory and design. It made me feel like I was still in school.”
Madison’s cheeks flushed even redder. “I never met him. I met with Mr. Worthy. He didn’t quiz me or anything. Just asked about school and why I wanted to be an architect.”
Adam’s gravelly snicker annoyed Madison. “You were lucky. I got the impression Parr’s going to be a real taskmaster.”
“Really? Sam, the receptionist, told me he was great to work for.”
Adam went over to his desk and inspected the computer. “She’s just a receptionist, Madison. Of course he’s nice to her. She’s not essential staff like we are.”
He hit a key on the keyboard and the computer screen came to life. Madison observed his long, bony hands as they reached for the mouse, and decided that she didn’t like them. For her, a man’s hands had always been the starting point of an attraction, and if his hands did not meet her standards, she figured little else would.
“Looks like we have our schedule for the day.” Adam nodded to his computer. “We’re to head to human resources on the thirty-second floor, do our employee paperwork, and then attend a computer orientation meeting.”
Madison had hoped to get right to work, not be bogged down in mindless meetings. “Sounds pretty boring.”
Adam turned to her, grinning. “Not completely. Looks like we get to have lunch in the conference room with Mr. Parr. At least we’re getting a free meal.”
Madison’s stomach did a nervous flip. “That doesn’t make me feel any better. Maybe he’s going to grill us while we eat.”
Adam smiled for her, trying to appear reassuring. “Maybe he just wants to get to know his new employees. What better way to do that than over a friendly lunch.”
***
After two hours of filling out IRS forms, deciding on IRA packages, and getting a brief rundown on the computer system, Adam and Madison were escorted to a luxurious conference room. A long, oval mahogany table with deep red leather chairs filled the room, while a sideboard of matching mahogany was pushed against the wall closest to the door. Wide windows overlooked scenic downtown Dallas, and along the walls were various contemporary metal sculptures done in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, depicting different city skylines.
“Mr. Parr will be along shortly, and we’re waiting for the caterers to arrive with lunch,” a pretty blonde secretary named Emma told them as she ushered them into the conference room.
Madison noticed how Adam’s eyes traced the outline of Emma’s sky blue dress, lingering over the swell of her ample breasts.
“I hope you two like Italian. Mr. Parr insisted I order from his favorite Italian restaurant for lunch,” Emma went on.
Adam glanced up and smiled. “I love Italian. Will you be joining us, Emma?”
“I have letters to type for Mr. Parr.”
The curvy secretary gave Adam a dubious grin. “You two have a nice lunch.” She quickly closed the door, leaving Madison and Adam alone.
“I think she likes me,” Adam proposed with a touch of bravado.
Madison glared at him. “She was being polite, Adam.”
He bobbed his eyebrows playfully. “There was a connection between us. Didn’t you feel it?”
Madison studied him as he sauntered over to the picture windows. “Are you always this way with women?”
“What way?”
“Confident.”
“Sure, I guess. I found with women it isn’t so much a matter of confidence, but just getting up to bat. So many guys I know are afraid to talk to a woman they find attractive, and miss out on an opportunity.” He pointed his thumb to his chest. “I make it a point to never miss out on an opportunity.” His eyes once again glided over her figure. “Normally, with an attractive woman like you, I would ask you out, but since we’re going to be working together, that would be a bad idea. Don’t want to make work more stressful for either one of us by adding sex to the situation.” His irksome snicker filled the room.
Madison felt her patience for her new co-worker quickly waning. “I’m amazed you haven’t found Ms. Right with that attitude.”
“Who says I want to find Ms. Right? I’m not interested in settling down any time soon. I want to get my career going first, get some money, and maybe when I’m in my thirties I’ll start looking for a wife.” He shrugged. “Men don’t have to settle as young as you girls do. I mean, our biological clocks have no expiration date.”
Madison’s jaw dropped slightly. I’m going to have to share an office with this butt wipe!
“What about you?” Adam moved away from the window. “You got a boyfriend?”
“No,” she answered flatly.
“Why not? You’re not a lesbian, are you?”
Right when she was about to reply, the sound of the conference room door opening distracted her. Adjusting her attitude, Madison plastered a stellar smile on her face, expecting to meet her new boss, but when she turned, her stomach dropped to the floor. Standing inside the doorway, with an irresistible smile that melted into her soul, was the man from the elevator earlier that morning. His smoky eyes were glued to her, and as she felt the air in the room grow thin.
He had removed his suit jacket, and his white dress shirt allowed a tantalizing glimpse of his muscular chest beneath. His head tilted slightly to the side as he watched her, and Madison became undone as his assertive confidence overpowered the room like the heady bouquet of red wine rising from a glass. His thin, red lips dropped their smile when his gaze drifted to Adam, standing beside her.
“So how do you two like Parr and Associates?” he asked, walking into the room.
“Ah, Mr. Parr,” Adam all but drooled as he rushed up to the man, “thank you so much for having us for lunch today.”
Adam’s sucking up did nothing to change Madison’s quickly diminishing opinion of her co-worker. She stayed back as he eagerly pumped Mr. Parr’s hand.
Adam stepped aside, and Madison swallowed back her nerves when she saw the handsome man once again turn to her. “We haven’t met.” He came toward her. “I’m Hayden Parr.” He took her hand. “I was out of town the day Don Worthy interviewed you for the position. I wish I could have been here.” He slowly squeezed her hand as his eyes searched hers. “You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to meet you, Ms. Barnett.”
For a moment, Madison was perplexed by an odd sensation that she had met this man before. Quickly reminding herself of their previous encounter in the elevator, she chalked up her strange feelings to nerves.
“So, Mr. Parr,” Adam interrupted, “I was wondering how long it would be before Madison and I got our first assignment.”
“That’s mighty ambitious of you, Adam. Considering this is your first day, don’t you think we should see how you do before I throw clients your way?”
His amused chuckle reverberated about the small room, and Madison was instantly floored by the sound. That laugh was so familiar. Convinced she had met this man before, her mind struggled to recall any prior meeting with the seductive Hayden Parr.
“I know we’re supposed to do a lot of secondary drawings and basic copying of plans until we get some experience under our belt,” Adam went on. “And I understand why we have to do all of that, I really do.” Adam clapped his hands together. “I was just hoping you would maybe…you might give us something,” he shrugged, “exciting to do. Something to prove our worth, you know?”
“Prove your worth?” Hayden Parr slowly nodded his head. “Intriguing idea, and perhaps there is something I could send to you and Ms. Barnett.” He turned cordially to Madison and his eyes twinkled. “Something that you both could do to show me what you’ve got.”
Madison felt her knees growing weak as his eyes remained fixed on her.
A knock at the open door made all heads turn. Entering the room was a skinny, pale, balding man who wore gold-rimmed wire glasses over businesslike blue eyes. His black suit hung from his frame, and his tie had already collected a coffee stain or two.
“The caterers are downstairs. I was going to meet them at the back service elevators and escort them up. Ah, Ms. Barnett,” the gentleman nodded to Madison, “welcome aboard.”
Madison smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Worthy.”
“Don?” Hayden Parr motioned to Adam. “You remember Adam Turnbull.”
Don Worthy careened his long neck around to Adam. “Yes, of course. How are you, Adam?”
“Fine, Mr. Worthy,” Adam chirped.
Don Worthy waved to Adam and Madison. “Why don’t you two come with me and meet the caterers at the back entrance. I can show you the lay of the building.”
“I think Ms. Barnett and I could use a few minutes to get to know each other while you and Adam meet the caterers,” Hayden Parr asserted.
Her eyes flew to Adam. Terrified that this was her moment for a grilling from her new boss, she silently pleaded for Adam not to leave her.
“I’m with you, Mr. Worthy,” Adam confirmed, avoiding her desperate gaze.
Her stomach tightened as Adam scurried across the conference room to the open door. Don Worthy patted the young man’s shoulder before shifting his eyes to Hayden Parr.
“You need anything else?”
Hayden shook his head. “We’re fine, Don. Just get the food. I think we’re all pretty hungry.”
Don Worthy smiled and pushed Adam out the door. He was about to follow the young man when Hayden Parr called to him.
“Shut the door, will you, Don?”
Don Worthy glanced back over his shoulder, and added, “Sure thing, Harry.”
The words sent a lightning bolt of horror running through Madison’s every atom. Harry? The name resonated through her mind as images of the night she had spent with the handsome stranger clouded her vision. Could it be him?
Her jaw was clenched so tight that her teeth were screaming in pain. She wanted to run out of the building never to return, but reason told her not to panic. Maybe it was just a coincidence and she was overreacting. Taking in a deep breath, she tried to quell the sickening feeling swirling in her gut.
“We should talk. Get to know each other since I missed the opportunity to interview you.” He went around to the side of the conference table and pulled out a chair. “Sit.”
Madison stared warily at him. “Are you going to quiz me about design theory?”
His small eyes crinkled upward as he gave her a confused smile. “Excuse me?”
“Adam mentioned your interview with him was more like a grilling session. I just want to know if that’s what you intend to do with me.”
He motioned to the chair. “I promise, no grilling. I simply want to know more about you.”
“I thought all you needed to know was filed away in human resources, Mr. Parr.”
“That’s the business side of you. I wish to know the real Madison Barnett.”
“The real me?” She shook her head and moved forward. “I’m afraid you’ll be pretty disappointed.” After taking her seat, she waited as he took the chair next to her.
His sleek hand caressed the smooth wood of the table, sending an unexpected tingle up her spine. His hands were expressive, strong, and for an instant she could picture those hands traveling over the curves of her—
“So where are you from, Madison?” he began, interrupting her fantasy. “I can call you Madison, can’t I?”
“Sure.” She fidgeted in the big chair. “I’m from Arlington. I grew up there and went to UT.”
“Good architecture program.” He rested his hands together on the table. “Go on.”
“Um,” Madison stumbled. “I really liked my classes in skyscraper design. There was a real challenge in combining form and function with a high rise building.”
“Then why are you here with my firm designing lowly houses?”
Words failed her. Oh crap!
“I get it. You settled for this job, but you really want to build skyscrapers, is that it?” The sudden drop in the temperature of his voice made her flinch. It was cold and menacing; she feared ever making him angry.
“Ah, no,” she quickly jumped in. “I didn’t mean that. I look forward to working here, but you said you wanted to get to know me, and that was what I liked in school.”
“You’re right, I did ask to get to know you, and I appreciate your candor.” He moved closer to the table, leaning over to her. “What else can you tell me?”
“Ah, I have a roommate named Charlie who is getting married soon.” Why did I say that?
He chuckled, and her insides tingled again. “What about family. Parents? Siblings?”
“I just have my mom and an older brother who’s in the Navy. My dad left when I was eight. He lives in California with his second wife.”
“What does your mother do?”
“My mom’s a school principle in the Arlington Public School System.” She paused, mustering her courage. “Can I ask you a question?”
That Night with You Page 3
