The Holly Project

by KA Sterritt

  As my cab pulled away, I stole a glance out the back window. Ryan was standing where I had left him with his hands in his trouser pockets. He caught my eye and smiled. I smiled back. He knew. I knew. There was something special between us.

  When I got home, Zara and Jake were cuddled up on one couch watching TV. Audrey and Jason were on the other couch, a platonic distance between them.

  “Long day?” Jason asked. “How was it at the Davenport offices?”

  “It was actually really fantastic. I’ve had to make a few changes to my design, but it’s really exciting. Mr Davenport has asked me to work there all week. How did Eva take the loss?”

  “Not well. A toddler throwing a tantrum would be one way to describe it. But Slater asked her to help him with one of his other projects, so that shut her up.”

  “Ugh. Glad I didn’t have to witness that.”

  “Have you eaten?”

  “Um, yes. Ryan, I mean, Mr Davenport, took me out for dinner.”

  “Oh really?” Zara chimed in. “Well, wasn’t that nice of him.” She turned to Jake. “Holly is working for the sexiest man alive, Ryan Davenport.”

  “I thought I was the sexiest man alive,” Jake said, kissing her neck.

  “Of course you are, babe,” Zara said, winking at me.

  After a shower, I flopped down on my bed and stared out the window at the city lights, blurred by the misting rain. It was only ten o’clock, but it felt much later. Trying to process what was happening to me was near impossible. Closing my eyes, I felt myself drifting off to sleep with a smile.

  Chapter Twelve

  Getting ready for day two at Davenport, I felt lighter somehow. Perhaps it was the fact that I had enjoyed working there so much the day before. Perhaps it was because I felt like my career was taking off, or perhaps it was the excitement brewing about my chemistry with Ryan. Whatever the reason, I decided to wear a skirt. Audrey was always telling me I should wear skirts to show off my legs, but I usually opted for the more conservative trouser suit option. As I smoothed my pencil skirt down an image flashed through my mind. It involved Ryan, and the skirt pooled at my feet. Holy cow, my mind was firmly in the gutter.

  I wandered across Hyde Park and through the city to Town Hall station. I hated the train, especially at peak hour. We were jammed in like cattle, with no choice but to invade each other’s personal space. As I made my way to the Davenport offices I found myself surprisingly nervous about seeing Ryan, yet desperate to see him at the same time.

  As I put my laptop down at my workstation, I glanced around the office and could see at least half the employees were yet to arrive. I looked over to Ryan’s corner office. The door was closed, so I couldn’t tell if he was in yet. Part of me was been disappointed when I realised he wasn’t waiting outside my building this morning, but I had quickly pushed those thoughts out of my head.

  Today, my only strategy was to get on with my work and try not to let my mind wander. No more daydreaming about Ryan hovering over me naked, with hooded eyes.

  Seriously, Holly. That is not helping!

  For the next few hours, that’s exactly what I did. I barely looked up from my computer and was surprisingly productive. All my experience with detaching my emotions meant it was easier than I’d expected.

  “Hi.” He startled me and I shivered at the sound of his voice.

  “Hi,” I replied, swivelling my chair around. I was still startled by his raw beauty. It may sound strange to describe a man as beautiful, but that’s exactly what he was. His commanding frame emanated a rugged strength that was complemented by his clear, dark eyes, which were currently undressing me with their gaze. They must have been – I suddenly felt like ripping my clothes off.

  Seriously, snap out of it Holly!

  “Sorry I didn’t pick you up this morning. I had an early morning conference call with the London office. Hope the train was bearable.”

  “Totally bearable, thanks. I’m perfectly capable of getting here myself.”

  “I’m not trying to threaten the feminist movement here, Holly. I enjoy your company. Is that a crime?” He was grinning so I knew he wasn’t irritated. He also glanced down to my skirt, which had ridden a little higher when I crossed my legs.

  There goes my contribution to the feminist movement. Using my body to flirt with a man.

  “Can I see you in my office?” he asked, appearing mildly pained.

  Pushing my skirt down and my shoulders back, I followed him, walking as casually as I could. When I reached his office, he was leaning back against his large black desk, his legs crossed at the ankles.

  “What can I do for you?” I asked coyly.

  “You can close the door for a start.” I closed the door then paused for a few seconds with my hand resting on the door, trying to muster some mental strength before turning around.

  “So, I’m all yours.”

  “Interesting choice of words, Holly.”

  “I meant… we’re in private now. What did you want to talk to me about?” I took a couple of steps towards him and his eyes raked down my body. I should have felt objectified, but instead I felt empowered by the appreciative look in his eyes.

  “You should wear skirts more often. You have great legs.”

  “Thank you.” I wore it for you.

  “I’ve booked a table for us to have lunch on Friday at a venue just north of Sydney.”

  “Oh, okay. Sounds lovely.”

  “It’s a stunning property and it’s won countless environmental awards for its luxury accommodation. It reminds me of your design concept for my apartment building.”

  “Oh… Right… Okay…” My whole body flushed at the mention of accommodation. I felt dehydrated suddenly.

  “Excellent. I know the owner so I’ll arrange for a full tour.”

  The magnetic draw to him was stronger than ever and my body was screaming at me to be pressed up against him. As if he could read my mind, he stepped forward and ran his hand across my cheek. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end and my whole body tingled at his light touch. My desire for him was overwhelming,

  “Come on, we’re going on an Aqua Vue site visit. I know you’ve been there, but I’d like to take you there myself. I love the location even more since hearing your presentation.”

  Davenport Property had bought an old apartment building on the harbour foreshore next to McMahons Point ferry wharf. Extensive building works had already been undertaken to ensure it was structurally sound. The guts had essentially been ripped out, and the building was ready for a whole new layout. My design was for eight luxury apartments, each taking up one of the graduating levels. The design took advantage of the incredible water views whilst also minimising the environmental impact.

  As Ryan drove us the short distance to the site, he fired questions at me about my ideas on design and the current architectural trends – my favourite topic.

  One of the reasons I loved the Aqua Vue site so much was the view of the CBD skyline from the north. The hundred-and-eighty-degree view captured Luna Park fairground directly across Lavender Bay, then the Harbour Bridge, across to the CBD and then down towards Darling Harbour. From here, you could feel you were a part of the city while still being removed enough for a tranquil perspective. A cold breeze rushed up off the water and Ryan immediately put his arm around me.

  “I love this view,” Ryan said, quietly.

  “Me too. I was just thinking that.”

  Ryan smiled at me, then stared out across the water.

  “I’m going to keep one of the apartments when the building is complete,” he said, still not looking at me. “So this development is personal.”

  “As a kid, I loved Luna Park.” Ryan raised his eyebrows, obviously surprised. “I loved the scary rides. The roller coaster was actually pretty terrifying, but the adrenaline rush was like nothing else. I was a bit of an adrenaline junkie as a kid.”

  “Did something happen to change that?” His arm seemed to tighten around
my shoulder.

  “I grew up, I guess. I like to be in control of my own actions. I don’t enjoy things being beyond my control the way I used to. Does that make sense?”

  “I like being in control too. I love running my own company. But sometimes you have to let your hair down and have some fun, too. What do you do for fun, Holly?”

  “I hang out with my friends. I run. I go out for coffee. I walk through old buildings.”

  “Can you add casual sex with your boss to that list?” He was laughing.

  I elbowed him in the side. “You’re not my boss, you’re my client. And there’s no way I would ever have sex with Slater.”

  We both laughed and I realised how much I enjoyed hearing his laugh. I shook my head. I enjoyed everything about him. His physical presence was overriding all my senses.

  “So, I’m meeting my friends for a few drinks after work.” I had no idea why I was telling him that. The words just tumbled out of my mouth. “We’ll probably get dinner together. You’re welcome to join us, though I’m sure you have better things to do.”

  “I’d like to meet your friends.”

  “Right, of course, okay then, excellent.” I rubbed my forehead, knowing I sounded like an idiot. How was I going to keep this casual if I let him penetrate my personal life? Then again, we hadn’t actually started anything yet, so it would just be dinner with friends.

  Looking across at Luna Park, I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. Mum had loved the roller coaster too. We must have been on it a hundred times. The rattly cars of the Wild Mouse would propel us forward to certain death before jerking around the corner at the last second, only to hurtle down a steep decline. Mum and I would scream and laugh – usually at the same time. I laughed aloud at the memory and Ryan looked at me curiously.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Nothing. I just remembered something.”

  “You’re a confusing woman, Holly Ashton.”

  I couldn’t help laughing, despite my instincts screaming that spending more time with him was a bad idea. However, the fighter in me was temporarily knocked out. My heart was winning.

  The afternoon went by quickly and I left the office around five with the rest of the staff. Ryan asked me to text him the details of where to meet. It felt an awful lot like a date, even though my friends would be there. What the hell was I doing?

  Chapter Thirteen

  I couldn’t help smiling on the train ride home as I thought about Ryan. Watching him in action at work was like foreplay. He commanded the room, had the respect of all his employees and was exceptional at his job. It was a major turn on. Perhaps that was it. I was attracted to Ryan Davenport the powerful CEO, not Ryan Davenport the man. But that didn’t make sense. When I met him at the café I’d had no idea who he was, but I was drawn to him, both physically and mentally. One thing I knew for sure was that this man was leading me down a dangerous path, yet I couldn’t seem to make myself turn around. If anything, I felt the urge to start running faster.

  Audrey, Zara and I caught a cab to Surry Hills. I had told them Ryan would be joining us, issuing strict instructions not to make a big deal out of it. It was not a date. We were friends.

  We sat at the bar while we waited for Ryan to arrive, and ordered three glasses of white wine.

  “So what’s going on here? Are you still trying to sell the ‘there’s nothing going on with Ryan’ line to us?” Zara asked as she sipped her wine.

  “We’re just trying to work it out,” I replied, a little defensively.

  “I’ve never seen you so tied up over a guy before. You’re usually so… I don’t know… cold and detached?” Audrey said.

  “Ouch.” I knew she was right, but it still hurt a little to hear it. I was trying to protect the guys I dated by not letting them get too close. But Ryan was different. I knew it. They knew it. I stared into my wine glass. “Okay, well, I admit I’m attracted to him, but how could I not be? He’s gorgeous, incredibly sexy and on top of that, you should have seen him in the staff meeting today. I had to go to the bathroom to freshen up afterwards – he made me so hot and flustered.” I glanced up to see Audrey and Zara looking behind me and smiling nervously. “He’s right behind me, isn’t he?”

  They both nodded, unable to control their chuckling.

  My face flushed immediately. I couldn’t bring myself to turn around.

  “So I make you hot and flustered. Good to know,” Ryan said, sitting down on the bar stool next to me. “Hi, I’m Ryan. You must be Audrey and Zara.” He leant across me and shook their hands. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “You too. Holly has told us a lot about you.” Zara winked and Audrey laughed.

  I really need to find some new friends!

  Ryan got immediate attention from the bartender, who I’m fairly certain had been checking him out. While he ordered a beer, Audrey, Zara and I had one of our epic three-way silent conversations using eye movements, lip shuffles and eyebrow raises. In less than thirty seconds, they confirmed his hotness. I confirmed my desperation for them not to embarrass me, and that I was happy he was there. Then they confirmed their happiness at my happiness. We needn’t have bothered – Ryan’s phone started ringing and he excused himself to take the call.

  “You’re smitten, Holly Rose,” Zara said, as soon as Ryan was safely out of earshot.

  Feeling an immediate flush in my cheeks, I gave her a half smile. It was true. For the first time in my life, I felt my fragile heart was in serious danger. It was terrifying.

  “And that, my friend, is a man in love,” Audrey said, pointing to the door.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Please don’t even say that. I’m already freaked out enough, and I really don’t want to overthink it.”

  “Good. The only thing you should be overthinking is how many different ways you can have sex with him.”

  “Zara, shoosh!” I begged. “He’s coming back.”

  His blue eyes sparkled as he returned to his seat and continued to win over my friends. I liked watching him engage so effortlessly with them. I tried desperately to concentrate on the conversation, but my mind was one-track and dirty. I was overcome by a confusion I’d never before experienced with a man. I gave my forehead a gentle rub to try to ease the tension I was feeling.

  Everything was blurring and I had no idea what to do about it. Crossing the professional line seemed like the least dangerous part of my predicament. It was the way I felt in his presence that rocked me to the core. And yet, I desperately wanted to find a hotel and discover how it felt to get naked with someone who affected me so wildly, even when fully clothed.

  “What’s wrong, Holly?” Ryan whispered in my ear. “You look stressed.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You’re worrying about the superhuman strength it’s going to take to keep our hands off each during dinner, aren’t you?” Is he a freaking mind reader?

  Fortunately, before I was forced to answer him, Audrey suggested we head to the Thai restaurant next door for dinner. I jumped down from my bar stool and grabbed my bag.

  Jason had texted to say he wasn’t going to make it – he was swamped at work and didn’t know when he could escape. I was quietly relieved.

  Temporarily suppressing my confusing feelings for Ryan, I managed to have a really good time. The bill arrived while Audrey and Zara were using the restroom. Ryan picked it up as if he intended to take care of it. I snatched it from his hands. “I don’t think so. Not two nights in a row. I’ll get this one.”

  “Okay, my feisty friend,” he said sardonically. “This is definitely not a work dinner.”

  “No. This is um… friends… having a friendly dinner with friends?” Smooth, Holly. When did you get so eloquent?

  Ryan laughed. “You’re so beautiful.” He seemed shocked to have said it out loud.

  “Um… thanks?” I stuttered in response. I knew he hadn’t meant to say it, but I liked hearing it. Really liked it.

  When Audrey an
d Zara returned to the table, Ryan and I were staring at each other in silence. But this wasn’t an epic silent conversation. I had no idea what was going through his mind, and I really hoped he couldn’t actually read mine.

  “Well, it was lovely to meet you ladies,” Ryan said to Audrey and Zara when we were outside on the sidewalk.

  “You too, Ryan. You picked a winner here with our Holly. She’s an incredible architect and the most amazing person I know,” Audrey said, with a quiet sincerity. “I may be a little biased though.”

  “Couldn’t agree more,” Ryan replied. He gave them both a kiss on the cheek then turned to me. “Thank you for dinner.”

  His smile lit up his entire face and completely disarmed me. I desperately wanted to kiss him. He took a step closer to me and ran his right hand gently down my left arm.

  “You’re welcome. I had a good time with you.” I blushed and had to look away from him. Holly and Zara had already flagged down a cab and were climbing in, so I took a step backwards towards them. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Ryan.”

  “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

  “I’m happy to get the train. I told you, I don’t need…”

  “Settle down. I’m not trying to deprive you of the joys of public transport. I’m going past your apartment anyway, so it’s no bother.”

  “Okay. Sorry, I guess I’m used to being independent.”

  He took a step towards me and spoke against my cheek. His breath felt like kisses on my skin. “Have you given any thought to our conversation last night at dinner?”

  I stared at my feet. “A little.” I’ve thought of nothing else.

  He tilted my chin up so I was forced to look him in the eye. “And?”

  “And… I’m attracted to you. I’ll admit that. But I’m just not sure about maintaining a professional working relationship at the same time. Do you really think it’s possible?”

  “I absolutely do.” He kissed me properly on the lips and my legs turned to jelly. “Friday lunch. We’ll have absolute privacy, and we can stay overnight if we choose. No pressure.”