by Sandy Loyd
PROMISES, PROMISES
By: Sandy Loyd
Published by Sandy Loyd
Copyright 2012 Sandy Loyd
Cover design by Kelli Ann Morgan
Interior layout: www.formatting4U.com
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Dedication
As with all my stories, Promises, Promises is dedicated to my husband. Without him behind me I wouldn’t have written so much.
I also want to dedicate this story to my first editing partner, Lori Larson. We don’t work as closely on manuscripts any longer, but she and I reworked Promises, Promises together. Her support and encouragement as a peer were paramount. Without both, I may not have come so far.
Chapter 1
Judith Reid lifted her face to the sun’s warm rays, enjoying a light breeze. It was one of those glorious, sun-soaked days rarely experienced in San Francisco, especially during this time of the year. Late June was usually socked in with fog, but today the sun shone high in the sky and no clouds marred the horizon. That had to be a good omen.
She slowed her pace when she caught her reflection in the storefront window. A confident woman dressed for success stared back. Her posture straightened an inch. The navy suit offered the perfect professional touch.
Her cell phone beeped. She weaved in and out of a few tourists before answering the text from her best friend, Kate, wishing her good luck. She stuck the phone back in her bag and continued past the bakery. The scent of freshly baked bread floated out the door and added to her sense of well-being.
Yes! She was totally prepared to tackle the challenge of redesigning a building, not just any old building, but her building. Besides a personal connection with the four-story structure, this project had the potential to catapult her career to the next level. She’d trained and worked for years for an opportunity like this to showcase her talent as a commercial interior designer in the Bay Area.
Outside her destination, she paused to take a deep breath. She gave herself a mental pat on the back and headed through the heavy glass door, not stopping until the elevator doors closed and reopened to a huge, airy reception area on the fourth floor.
“I’m Judith Reid and I have an appointment to see a Mr. D.A. McAllister,” she said calmly to the receptionist.
“Please be seated.” She nodded. “I’ll let Mr. McAllister’s assistant know you’re here.”
Judith slid into a plush, comfy chair and took a moment to observe her surroundings. She’d tried to learn as much as she could about the reclusive CEO, but googling had provided only a sketchy idea of a man who kept to himself and shied away from the limelight. Still, he had a reputation for being a mover and shaker in Northern California.
Whoever he was, he knew how to create a statement. Details such as spacing, lighting, and building materials were subtle tricks designers used to work their magic. The granite, glass, and dark wood had the look of success and polish. The owner of this company had extravagant taste, but it wasn’t overdone. From the big windows overlooking the bay to the Chagall and Monet prints gracing the walls, this entire operation shouted class, something she understood.
“Ms. Reid?”
Judith glanced up. A petite auburn-haired woman wearing a no-nonsense smile approached. Dressed in a dark tailored dress, she appeared sixtyish, given the telltale lines around her eyes and mouth. Clearly a dynamic woman who doesn’t miss much, Judith thought, also noting those shrewd brown eyes.
“I’m Ms. Abrams.” She extended her hand. “Mr. McAllister’s assistant.”
Judith stood. “It’s nice to meet you.” The woman’s handshake was firm.
“Mr. McAllister is ready to see you now.” She turned and led her through a hallway.
Ms. Abrams saw her inside a spacious office, then efficiently closed the door behind her.
Judith’s gaze made a quick sweep of a room that was even more impressive than the reception area. She took two more steps, then stopped. Her smile froze in place. The instant she focused on the man seated behind the huge walnut desk, her beautiful day and optimistic mood ended.
Mac…
“Hello, Judith.” The familiar deep voice wrapped around her ears and tossed her senses into chaos. “It’s good to see you again. You’re looking better than at our last meeting.”
This had to be a mistake. Tongue-tied, she eyed the imposing man and prodded her brain to work. How could the same Mac from her worst college nightmare be sitting in front of her, impersonating Devon A. McAllister, the CEO and majority owner of McAllister, Inc., a business now trading on the NASDAQ?
The strong features of his face would never be considered pretty, but together with his wavy black hair and alert blue eyes, they only added to his appeal.
She tamped down the urge to run when he stood and offered a polite hand. All six feet two inches of this solidly built male presented an image of power. His firm grip confirmed the idea. A slight tingle shot up her arm as her hand was engulfed in his bigger one. The feeling alarmed her. The calculated look in his eyes troubled her more, especially when she noticed him scanning the length of her body. He quickly extinguished the look and suddenly was all business.
“Have a seat.” He let go of her hand and pointed to a chair. “I was pleased to learn you’ve decided to join in the bidding fray and submit plans. I’ve heard good things about your work from Smith and Kline.”
Having spent most of her youth hiding her feelings behind a mask of calm reserve, Judith quickly recovered from the shock of seeing Mac after all these years. Thankful for the ability to hold others at a distance with a cool stare, another self-protective skill learned early on, she adopted that detached expression now. That didn’t stop her thoughts from racing. Or her insides from twisting.
Relax! Stay cool and play out this chance meeting. Get through the interview.
If she could, everything would be fine. Except that things weren’t fine, her mind screamed. They were, in fact, just the opposite. Her galloping heartbeat wouldn’t let her relax and the energy humming through her veins hindered her efforts to remain in control. She’d forgotten how much he affected her. Thirty seconds in his company and every sensation she’d felt that long-ago night returned with tornado-like speed. How would she ever survive the next half hour?
Buck up! Remember, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to bring my building, something I love, back to its natural beauty and glory. That’s worth more than the heartache of seeing Mac again.
“I’m honored to learn my work’s been noticed, Mr. McAllister.” She pasted on her most serene smile, the same one she’d perfecte
d in high school to survive the taunts from cruel kids. She had to keep everything in the past where it belonged, just as he seemed to be doing. It was a matter of pride. He’d never know how much this meeting bothered her. Her smile grew an inch. “I’ve been on my own for a little over a year now, since I left Smith and Kline.”
“Please, call me Dev. After all, it seems silly not to, considering our past.” His devilish grin told her he hadn’t forgotten either, even though the past they shared consisted of a few scant hours spent together ten years ago.
He cleared his throat and his business mien was in place once again. “Several design firms have offered bids. The building’s a real mess and needs almost everything from the inside out. Innovative and fresh…isn’t that what they say about your work?” When she nodded, he added, “So I couldn’t leave your plans out of the process.”
The project in question was a renovation, an especially attractive prospect because the office building itself was on the historic preservation list, creating an even heftier challenge for anyone daring to undertake something of this magnitude. Old buildings all over San Francisco needed twenty-first century updates. But this was her building.
Well, not hers, exactly, since McAllister, Inc. owned it.
She clenched a fist. Ownership didn’t matter. She just had to make sure she got the job. Her plans were solid. Nothing would stop her from seeing them through to completion. Not even the inconvenience and pain of dealing with the sexy hunk in front of her, one whose grin had suddenly become smug. Her spine stiffened. She could do this. She refused to let him affect her any more than he already had.
As Judith reached into her bag, her confidence returned. “I have my plans right here.” She handed him her proposal. “They meet all of your specifications.”
McAllister, Inc. wanted all of the frills, including heating and air conditioning, updated electrical, lighting, and security systems, the best technology offered, as well as making the building resistant to earthquakes and fire. Being historic meant all of these improvements had to be made without taking away the integrity of its age and beauty.
Dev placed the folder on the desk in front of him.
She bit her lip and watched him thumb through it. Second by second, her delicate thread of self-assurance slipped. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and resisted the urge to fidget. Judith cleared her throat and said with much more certainty than she felt, “Once you’ve had a chance to review it, we can meet to go over specifics. I can answer any of your questions at the same time. Or if you’d rather, we can do it right now, step by step. It shouldn’t take too long.”
“I’d like nothing better than to go over this right now, but there’s a slight problem.” He glanced at his watch. “Something unexpected’s come up and I need to be somewhere in fifteen minutes. How about meeting later tonight for dinner? My treat.”
Dinner? He was asking her to dinner? Crossing her fingers to negate the small lie, she replied, striving for casual, “I can’t this evening. I have plans. How about lunch tomorrow?” Lunch was doable, but dinner was another matter entirely.
“I know it’s short notice and I apologize.” Though he spoke with a twinge of regret, the amusement dancing in his shrewd gaze belied his sincerity. So did the half grin he still sported. He straightened and added in a more businesslike tone, “I’ll review your proposal during my spare time this afternoon. However, I want to discuss it with you, along with any questions. I’m presenting my decision at a board meeting tomorrow morning.”
He sat back with fingers together, tips touching his chin, and scrutinized her.
Finally, he sighed. “I’ll be honest. I’m leaning toward a solid plan from another firm. But, before I finalize anything and because you were highly recommended, I felt you deserved a shot. So it comes down to timing and availability. I have no preference, but I thought a busy restaurant would be a more comfortable environment than an empty office after hours.”
His lopsided grin was back as well as that amused gleam in his eyes. “It’s up to you as to where, but if you want a shot at the job, we’ll be meeting tonight. It’s the only time I’m free.”
Judith groaned inwardly. The last thing she wanted to do was have dinner with him. It wasn’t in her best interest to be anywhere near the man in such a setting, considering their last meeting. But the building was hers. She couldn’t back down now.
She flashed a Gucci knockoff smile. “I guess my plans can change.” She’d deal with any client, even if it meant tangling with Satan, or one Devon A. McAllister in this instance. She could resist his charm. After all, she’d already had practice. Back then she’d been so green, a naïve girl who’d never met anyone like him. “When and where shall I meet you?”
“I’ll make reservations for seven and pick you up a little before.”
“I don’t think so,” she said with finality, noticing that smug gleam in his eyes. “I’ll meet you. You’ll be pleased with what I’ve done, so tell me where and I’ll leave you to your next appointment.”
A determined gaze met hers. She held her breath…waiting…praying. His confident expression told her that even though round one wasn’t ending in a complete knockout, he felt secure in the outcome of their skirmish. The game had begun and he was definitely playing.
“Vincente’s, and don’t be late.” He released her stare and stood, then picked up his briefcase and stuffed the proposal inside, along with a laptop. “Now, I should get going.”
He was beside her in seconds.
“Allow me,” he said, as she straightened after retrieving her bag. “I’ll walk you out.” When his hand touched her elbow, the connection sent a small burst of energy straight through her.
Judith glanced at him, noting his startled reaction, and at that precise moment realization set in. How would she ever survive dinner when a decade had done nothing to alleviate the strong current of attraction that had sprung up between them?
Remember my building.
She sighed and preceded him out, hoping she could stay focused on her objective.
Dev stopped by his assistant’s office. “If you need me, call my cell,” he said, before accompanying Judith to the elevator.
Neither spoke during the short ride.
He walked her out to the street. When he neared the door of a white limo, he turned. “Can I drop you anywhere?”
“No, thanks. I’ll see you at seven.” She smiled to cover a sudden rush of panic and strode away briskly without caring that her destination was in the opposite direction.
~
Dev stood watching her retreat as his driver jogged around to open his door. He stepped inside the limo, relaxed into the seat cushions, and stretched.
“Let’s go home, Mike.”
“You’re supposed to call me Jeeves, boss,” Mike Andrews said, as a wide grin split his face.
Dev chuckled.
“I’m serious. You have to act the part.”
“I’d sooner die than have a stuffy chauffeur named Jeeves. Having one named Mike is bad enough.”
Mike’s exhale came out in an audible, exaggerated huff. “Yeah, but how are people going to know how rich you are if you don’t have servants with stuffy names?”
“Just drive.” Dev grinned, shaking his head. “I’m not worried about people knowing about my money.” Now that he’d achieved success on his own terms, he didn’t give a damn what others thought of him, especially those with deep pockets. He’d grown up in a working-class neighborhood with only his single mom for support. Maggie had given him her best, something that money couldn’t buy. Basic values.
Like anyone, he’d rather have money than not, but that had never been one of his motivators. The trappings of wealth certainly didn’t impress him. He glanced out the window, suddenly happy to have a hefty bank account. Money gave him the means. Finally, his plans were jelling. Thoughts of Judith Reid and the building he’d bought years ago to lure her into his path filled his brain. Despite one or two glit
ches, things were panning out exactly as he had hoped.
As the car sped on, his mind drifted back ten years to his last year of grad school at Stanford, where he’d earned his MBA. Immersed in several start-up projects by then, he’d needed the letters after his name, since they gave a person of his background more credibility.
His humble upbringing was something others, namely a few wealthier classmates with family connections, deemed a social disadvantage. Those who thought the world owed them for no other reason than they had the good luck to be born with not only the silver spoon, but also the whole meal.
He’d kept his opinion to himself of these spoiled rich kids he’d met through James Morrison, his college roommate and frat brother. Secretly, he’d pitied them. After all, they hadn’t had his edge. His drive to succeed came from a hunger his peers could never experience because they had never gone without, had never wanted for anything. Dev had. He knew what it was like to be considered inferior simply because of status, and he hungered for what some called unattainable. Dev’s hunger to be the best…to have the best…led him to take risks no one but the most brazen could stomach.
His thoughts shifted to a graduation party James had hosted right after final exams. Most in his friend’s wealthy crowd remembered the wild night as a rite of passage before moving on to adulthood. He had another reason for remembering.
That was the night he met and was completely taken in by Judith Reid. His mind cleared of everything but the memory of the time he still went by his old nickname, Mac.
~
“Thanks,” Mac said, grabbing the beer someone had just untapped from the keg. While the foam subsided, his gaze swept the room. In the middle of taking a sip, he blinked and swallowed hard. He knew he gawked like a star-struck fan, but he couldn’t look away from a blonde not twenty feet in front of him. She was a woman worth noting, a goddess holding court with mere mortals.
