When The Lights Went Out...

by Judy Christenberry

  “What new raise?”

  Sharon realized she’d been so overwhelmed with the events of yesterday, she hadn’t told her mother the good news. “I was promoted and given a raise.”

  “That’s wonderful,” her mother said. “So—so you’re going to have your child alone? I didn’t want that kind of life for any of you. You know how hard it is.”

  “But we made it, Mom. Besides, you were still in love with Father, so it was harder for you.”

  “I’m not anymore.”

  “I know and I’m glad.” Gradually her mother had gotten over her feelings for her husband. Not that she dated a lot—or at all, Sharon thought with a smile. “Dear, I have something to tell you, too.”

  In an attempt at humor, Sharon said, “Don’t tell me you’re pregnant, too!”

  “No! Of course not. But—but I’m in love. I met him at church and—and he’s very nice. I’ve wanted to introduce you but I was afraid…”

  Though Sharon wasn’t at ease with her mother’s news, she pulled her into her arms for a hug.

  Jack paced the living room of his elegant condo. It had a breathtaking view of the rest of downtown and the lake. A professional decorator, hired by his mother, had decorated it and it was filled with glass and metal and a black-and-white decor.

  Very chic, and very not him.

  But what had he cared? It was a place to sleep, not much more. Since his wife had died, he hadn’t wanted a “nest.” She hadn’t wanted a nest then. But he’d found a nice house in the suburbs with a yard. So his child could play. She would’ve loved this condo, but not the house.

  But then, she hadn’t wanted the child either.

  He rubbed the back of his neck as he stopped in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Hell! They’d been totally wrong for each other, but she’d told him she was pregnant, once she found out how much he was worth. He’d swallowed that lie hook, line and sinker.

  Once he realized she wasn’t pregnant, he’d been angry, but they were married. He’d made it work. Then not long after she became pregnant for real, she and the baby were gone in the snap of a finger.

  He turned to glare at the phone. Why hadn’t Sharon called?

  He checked his watch again. It was almost seven-thirty. Maybe she’d lost the card. He could call her. That’s what he’d do. He’d call her.

  Starting for the phone, he came to an abrupt halt. He didn’t have her number. Or her address. And he suspected there would be a lot of Davies in the phone book. He did know Kane’s number, however.

  “Kane? Jack Waterton. You wouldn’t happen to have Sharon’s home number, would you? We were supposed to talk tonight to set up a meeting tomorrow, and I’m afraid she lost my number.”

  “No, I don’t have it, but I can get it for you. I’ll call you right back.”

  It only took five minutes, but Jack wasn’t a patient man. When Kane called, he thanked him and hung up at once, eager to dial the number.

  A sweet voice answered the phone, but it wasn’t Sharon. He knew he’d have no difficulty recognizing her beautiful tones.

  “Is Sharon there?”

  “Yes, she is. May I tell her who’s calling?”

  He didn’t want to do that. She might decide not to take the call, but it was only polite to tell her his name.

  A couple of minutes later, Sharon picked up the phone.

  “Sharon? You hadn’t called and I was afraid you’d lost my number.” His excuse sounded silly to him, but it was all he could think of.

  “I apologize. My mother had—that is, I’ve been busy. I should have called earlier. Has anything urgent come up?”

  “No, but I—I was concerned about your health, too. How are you?”

  “Fine, Mr. Waterton. I’m fine.”

  “Jack, please. Did you ride the elevators down?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  She was keeping her answers short and her voice clipped, nothing like the warm tones in the elevator. “Uh, I hope you don’t mind that I called.”

  “No, but how did you get my number?”

  “I called Kane.”

  “Mr. Haley had my number?” she said in surprise.

  “No, but he knew where to get it. Want me to call and ask how he got it?”

  “No! It doesn’t matter. What time tomorrow do you want to meet?”

  “I’m flexible. What time’s best for you?”

  “I’d prefer to meet first thing rather than interrupt my work later. I thought that might be best for you, too.”

  “Good. I’ll buy you breakfast and then—”

  “No. No breakfast. Shall we say eight-thirty?”

  “What’s wrong with breakfast?”

  “Nothing, but I prefer not to include social activities in our relationship,” she said stiffly.

  “Sharon, you’re being ridiculous. I already know you.”

  After a painful silence, she said, “I’ll see you at eight-thirty.” And she hung up.

  chapter five

  Jack’s crew was on the work site at seven the next morning. Most of the men had worked for him for quite some time and he trusted them. They were almost more family than his own family.

  Occasionally, his mother or sister would appear at a job site. Once his sister even got out of the car to look at his work. She hurried back to the safety of her vehicle when she realized how dirty it could be. His mother never ventured beyond the open door of her limo to chastise him for not having turned on his cell phone. His father wore exquisite suits and sat in a pristine office dealing stocks and bonds. He had no interest in building things.

  Today, Sharon would visit the site. He wanted her to be familiar with the setup and meet his second-in-command: He knew better than to expect any appreciation for what he did. But he couldn’t help hoping. Anticipating.

  “You okay, boss?” Pete Turley asked. He was the field boss for this crew, the best Jack had.

  “Sure. Why do you ask?”

  “You seem distracted. The architect wants a word with you.” Pete gestured to a man in a dark suit.

  “Yeah, okay, but keep a lookout for the accountant.”

  “Another suit? We’re getting a lot of visits this morning.” Pete shrugged and turned away.

  “Uh, Pete?” Jack called softly. “This one may be wearing a skirt.” He grinned at Pete’s surprise. “When she gets here, call me at once.”

  Pete grinned back. “Gotcha, boss.”

  Jack was still talking to the architect when he saw Sharon appear. She was sensibly dressed in gray trousers with a matching jacket and a cream turtleneck sweater under it. And she looked great. The men hadn’t noticed her, which was a good thing. He didn’t want any wolf whistles to upset her.

  He excused himself from the architect and hurried to the edge of the property where Sharon stood. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning—Jack. I hope I’m not too early.”

  “Not at all. Do you mind taking a closer look? It’s a little dirty, but—”

  “Of course I want a closer look. I see the excavation is done.”

  “Yeah, I sublet that job. We’re laying the foundation now. I want to introduce my field boss in case I’m not here and you have questions.” He watched her closely for signs of distaste or disdain, but he saw none.

  The small building he’d moved on to the property sat nearby and he led her to it. “I have something for you.”

  She appeared startled. “I don’t think—gifts are not necessary. I’m doing my job.”

  “And this will help you do it,” he assured her. Inside the portable office, he picked up a hard hat. “I didn’t giftwrap it,” he pointed out, grinning, “but you have to wear it anytime you’re on the property.”

  Across the back of the silver helmet, he’d printed her last name. “That’s very nice of you, but I won’t be here that often, I’m sure. It’s not necessary—”

  “Yes, it is. We obey safety rules on my jobs. No exceptions.” Then he lifted the helmet and placed it o
n her light-brown curls. Her femininity was in direct contrast to the masculine helmet, making her look even more tempting.

  Jack cleared his throat. “Uh, shall we go find Pete?”

  Without comment, she followed him out the door.

  “Are you feeling all right this morning?”

  She stopped and stared at him. “Why wouldn’t I?” she demanded.

  Jack frowned. “You threw up yesterday. I wondered if it was the flu instead of the elevator, that’s all.”

  “I’m fine,” she replied, her voice brisk.

  Pete was on the bottom floor, three levels below them, where the crew was working. The only means of reaching him was by stepping on the cable platform and lowering it. He figured he’d better call Pete up rather than subject Sharon to that descent. After all, if she didn’t like elevators, she certainly wouldn’t like the small platform. He waved to his lieutenant and motioned him up.

  “Aren’t we going down?” she asked.

  “I was afraid it would upset you.”

  “It’s not closed in, and it’s only three stories. I can make it,” she assured him, her chin rising.

  With a shrug, he motioned to Pete to wait there and helped her on the small platform, keeping his hand on her arm. “Hold on,” he ordered, nodding to the safety bar.

  She looked pale when they reached the bottom and he felt he’d made a mistake. He should’ve brought Pete to the top.

  Sharon, however, stepped off the lift and extended her hand to Pete, who was waiting for them. “Are you the field boss? I’m Sharon Davies, the bean counter.”

  Pete’s gaze was glued to Sharon’s face, his grin widening. “Ma’am,” he said with reverence. “You’re the prettiest bean counter I’ve ever seen.”

  Instead of being offended, as Jack had expected, Sharon took Pete’s comment as intended and thanked him nicely. He watched in fascination as Sharon charmed Pete, asking pertinent questions. When one of the men looked up, Sharon extended her hand to him and introduced herself. The man rubbed his hand on his backside before extending it.

  Suddenly, every man on the job had business in the area and just happened to stop so he could be introduced to the beautiful woman. Several of them drew her over to particular areas of work so they could show off their expertise. Even the architect, whose meeting had ended, got into the act, offering to show her the blueprints he’d produced.

  Jack’s plans of having Sharon to himself evaporated. He scarcely got a word in edgewise, following her tamely around his project. But the pride he felt at her adaptation filled him. Had her father been in construction? Was that why she handled the situation so well? He realized how little he knew about her… and yet he’d made love to her. Incredible love.

  “Jack?” she called, rousing him from his thoughts.

  “Yes?”

  “I need to go to my office now unless there’s anything else you want me to see.”

  He couldn’t hold back a grin. “I can’t think of anything else. You’ve already seen more than I had in mind.”

  “I’m sorry if I took too much of your time,” she hurriedly said, her cheeks flushing.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m pleased with your visit. My men certainly will look forward to you appearing.” They still were hovering near Sharon, pretending to work, watching her.

  “Your crew is a nice bunch. I enjoyed meeting them.”

  Several men grinned, telling Jack they’d overheard her words.

  “Now I can put names with faces when I do the payroll,” she added, smiling at those closest to her.

  Jack decided he’d better get her out of there before everyone invited her back every day, and no work got done. “Ready?” he asked, gesturing to the lift.

  She wasn’t quite as eager to get on the lift this time, and Jack faced her when he stepped on with her. “Keep your eyes on me and tell me what you think of the project. We’ll be on top in no time.”

  To his surprise, she did as he asked, but the words didn’t flow as they had below. Maybe it was the elevator, or maybe it was him. He didn’t know.

  “I—I think you’re off to a good start. P-Pete seems easy to work with and—and your men were very welcoming.”

  Having kept his hand on her arm, he now guided her steps to solid ground. “Good job, Sharon.”

  With a cautious look down, she quickly turned away. “Thank you.” She took off her helmet, but he stopped her and put it back on her head.

  “Not until you get to the office, my office,” he hurriedly added. “And anytime you come on the property, that’s your first stop. Promise?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Good. Now, how about a cup of coffee to relax. You seem a little tense.”

  “No, thank you, I have to return to the office.” Was “no” always the first word out of her mouth? Did she never relax? He was getting more than a little irritated with her standoffishness.

  “I have to visit Kane, so I’ll come to your cafeteria for the coffee… or fruit juice or whatever you want. That’s a compromise, lady, and I recommend you accept it.”

  He hadn’t meant to sound like a growly bear. But he was used to getting his own way.

  She stared at him, her gaze reflecting the irritation he was feeling. At least she wasn’t ignoring him. He held her gaze, not backing down.

  “Very well,” she snapped. “I’ll see if Andy can join us.”

  “Fine!” he snapped in return. Then, having reached the temporary office, he took her hard hat from her and stuck it inside. “Let’s go.”

  “Mr. Waterton, I can find my way without your guidance,” she assured him, her tones frigid as she stared at his hand on her arm.

  “I’m sure you could, Miss Davies, but I might get lost.” At that blatant lie, all conversation stopped, but he kept his hand on her arm. He liked touching her. Even through her jacket and sweater. Their bodies made a connection even if she resisted their association.

  He’d questioned his behavior in the elevator that first day, the day he made love to her. He was a disciplined man. He didn’t give in to his sexual urges at the drop of a hat. But that day—holding her in his arms, trying to care for her, to keep her safe, the connection had been so fierce, so special, he’d let himself do what he shouldn’t have. She was so much younger than him.

  Which reminded him. “How old are you?”

  “I beg your pardon?” she asked. They’d just crossed the street and she came to an abrupt halt on the corner. Glaring up at him, she asked, “Why would you ask me that question?”

  “Because you look so damn young.”

  “I’m twenty-five, Mr. Waterton, and I know my job!”

  “I wasn’t complaining. I just needed to know.”

  He remembered her telling him, as they’d lain together, about trying to ensure that her siblings all got their college degrees. He’d assumed she’d gotten hers first. But Andy told him she went to school at night and worked all day.

  He wasn’t sure his sister would even return a phone call to him, unless it was in her best interest. He knew his mother wouldn’t. His father? He’d never called him at work. That was forbidden. He was too busy.

  They entered the lobby of Sharon’s building. The door of “their” elevator stood open, and he felt a sudden tug on his hand as she came to an abrupt halt. “You go on up. I’ll—stop off here for a moment,” she said, nodding her head toward the public rest rooms to one side.

  “Are you feeling sick again?”

  “No! But I—I don’t take that elevator,” she confessed, her voice very low, so he had to bend toward her to hear the words.

  Before he could respond, the elevator doors closed and the second elevator opened up.

  “Okay, we can go up now,” she suddenly said and bolted for the new elevator, leaving him behind.

  He hurried after her.

  Sharon hadn’t wanted to face both the elevator ride and Jack together. Too many memories. She closed her eyes and tried to think of something
to distract her. She almost jumped out of her shoes when Jack’s strong arm came around her shoulders.

  Her eyes popped open and she stared at him. “What are you doing?”

  “Helping you get through this,” he said, frowning.

  “No, thank you,” she ripped back, stepping away from him and shoving his arm away. “What if someone saw us? They’d think you were—were—”

  “Coming on to you? Having an affair with you?”

  “Yes! Either of those things!”

  “Neither of us is married. What’s wrong with that?”

  She gaped at him. “It’s unprofessional! I’d probably lose my job!”

  The elevator door slid open and she rushed out. She’d punched sixteen, not fifteen where the cafeteria was. “I have to stop by the office. You could go on to the cafeteria—”

  “No.”

  Without any other words to soften his answer, he followed her into the department. To her frustration, he greeted Alice with a smile and thanked her again for assisting Sharon the evening before.

  “Oh, I didn’t mind at all. Sharon is such a dear,” Alice said, beaming.

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Jack said with a friendly nod that set Sharon’s teeth on edge.

  “Is Andy in?” Sharon asked.

  “Oh, no, dear, he had to go to a meeting. Lillian called him a few minutes ago,” Alice said and winked at Sharon.

  Sharon couldn’t hold back a smile. Everyone knew Lillian, a lady about Alice’s age in Accounts Payable, had a crush on Andy. She looked for reasons to see him during the workday. But Sharon had wanted Andy to join them for their break so she wouldn’t be alone with Jack.

  “Tell him we’d like him to join us if he gets back any time soon, please, Alice.” She ignored Jack’s face, not wanting to see his reaction.

  “I will, dear,” Alice agreed with a happy nod. Then Sharon had no choice but to look at Jack. “Ready?”

  “After you.”

  She didn’t hesitate to lead him to the stairs. No more elevators for her until she went home that evening, thank goodness. They were too hard on her system, especially when Jack was with her.