Breaking Braydon

by MK Harkins

  “He’d pick you. That one is as straight as an arrow.” He let out a deep sigh and shook his head.

  “How in the world would you know that?” I’d never been able to decipher the whole “gaydar” thing.

  “Trust me.” Just as he finished his sentence, an equally gorgeous female jumped on Mr. Extraordinary and peppered him with kisses.

  We both slumped our shoulders and said “Damn” in unison. I was only joking, but I thought Colin might have been serious.

  “Well, at least we know your type. Other than the straight thing. You know, he’d have to play on your team and all that,” I said with a straight face.

  “Seriously, Jain? No one says that anymore. You’ve been spending way too much time in the lab.”

  I wasn’t able to hold in the laughter that bubbled over.

  “Ha ha. Good one. Okay, let’s get you home. You’re getting loopy.”

  I put my head on his shoulder and said, “Yeah. Let’s go home.”

  SEVENTEEN

  Braydon

  “I think we need to check out the facility at Bastion Research,” I casually mentioned to Todd.

  “Is that right?” A raised eyebrow and a suppressed chuckle escaped before he could rein it in.

  “I heard that. It’s not what you think.” Well, it might be. But I wasn’t going to admit it. “If we’re going to invest our time and energy promoting their company, we’ll need to put them through a thorough check. I want to make sure their security systems are up to date, along with their regulation standards and guidelines. You know, the usual.” I attempted to appear nonchalant.

  “I think it’s a good idea.” Todd surprised me by his answer.

  “You do?”

  “Yes. Bastion Research is a much smaller company than we’re accustomed to working with. Sometimes, those small companies can fly under the radar. You remember Miracle Research? The feds came in and shut them down last year. They’d missed some important filing dates. We’ll need to be very careful with this one. I wouldn’t send Roger from accounting either, like you usually do. I’d make sure you go yourself and do a top-to-bottom check.”

  Now I knew Todd was playing with me. He did a good job keeping his face blank and his smile innocent, but he didn’t fool me.

  “Todd?”

  “Yes?”

  “You like your job, right?”

  His smile faltered a little. “Uh, yes.”

  “Then shut the hell up. Yeah?”

  “Yeah. Got it.”

  ***

  Bastion Medical Research was located on the outskirts of the city of Bellevue across the lake from Seattle. The area was a mix of professional buildings that sat between two very expensive neighborhoods. That was the thing about living in the Seattle area; there was an excess of overpriced homes in almost every nook. Thanks to Microsoft, Amazon, Costco, Starbucks, and Zillow, there was an abundance of wealth circulating in the area. I didn’t mind it, but I know others did.

  It seemed as if most of the movers and shakers of the world liked rain, or maybe it was the city of Seattle. It was a good thing the city was so beautiful; if people didn’t like the stormy and gray weather for nine months out of the year, they’d go crazy living here.

  I stepped out of my car and took a moment to examine the building. It was a typical, one-story professional building that was common in the area. It was clean and well-kept, which was good. I was able to tell a lot about a company by inspecting the exterior. I continued to scan, searching for clues. There were quite a few extras that I hadn’t expected—flowers planted in garden boxes that went around the entire perimeter, and windows framed with blue shutters that added a homey feel. As I approached the entrance, I noticed the carved form of a dove had replaced the usual black steel mailbox standard in the area. This facility didn’t hold clinical trials. I wondered about all the extra touches. Jain.

  My heart rate seemed to increase the closer I got to the entrance. I might not even see Jain today. She could be immersed in some lab or taking a day off, or in a meeting. Even the thought of seeing her did strange things to me. I found myself rubbing my chest again. Was that a feeling I was trying to rub away?

  I decided to ignore it and proceeded to the security desk. I gave the guard my credentials and asked to see Mr. Bastion. I often made surprise visits to the companies I considered for funding. It gave me an accurate view of the inner workings and average everyday mechanics of their operation. An unscheduled visit ensured I would get an authentic snapshot of how they actually worked. Organization and efficiency were best observed unannounced.

  “Hello, Mr. Decker.” Martin shook my hand firmly. He had a relaxed smile and asked, “What brings you to our neck of the woods?”

  I was a little surprised. Martin seemed much more confident on his home turf.

  “Please, call me Braydon.” I relaxed a little. “I hoped I could get a tour of your facility. I’ve heard a lot about your current experiments with ALS proteins. I’d love to see some of your scientists at work.”

  “Sure. I’d love to show you around. Once we get into the actual lab rooms, you’ll need to suit up. Are you okay with that?”

  I’d been to countless medical research facilities, so I already knew their protocol.

  “Yes, I was expecting it. No problem.” I was eager to start the tour. “Lead the way.”

  I loved this part of my job. I spent most days chained to my desk, going through profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and financial records. It was a welcome break to see innovation and research in action. I had a great deal of respect for the doctors behind the medical breakthroughs, and I always enjoyed seeing them at work. Even if I didn’t get a chance to see Jain today, this trip wouldn’t be wasted.

  Martin spent the next hour taking me through his facility. I found it organized, clean, professional, and regulated – an outstanding facility in every way.

  Relief accompanied me through the entire tour. I wanted to help this company. However, if it had been anything but stellar, I would have rescinded my offer for assistance.

  “Well, what did you think?” Martin asked after he completed the tour.

  “I think you know the answer to that. I’m impressed, and that doesn’t happen very often. You run a first-rate facility here.” I paused then asked. “I hoped to see your lab with the trials for ALS. Would it be possible to see it?”

  “Oh, yes.” His eyes filled with pride and excitement. “I have Jain Parker working on it with one of our newest employees, Erik Harper. He came to us straight from The Mayo Clinic. He’ll bring a lot of valuable experience to our team. They’re in lab D107. We could head down there if you’d like.”

  Yes.

  “Sure, I’d like that.”

  Up went my heart rate again. Damn. I needed to keep myself in check.

  The building wasn’t particularly large, but the lab was in the very back. Martin reached to open the door to her work space, but I stopped him. There was a viewing window, and I wanted to watch Jain at work undetected.

  She wore her usual, white lab coat with protective gear. Her glasses were off, laying on one of tables against the wall, so I was finally able to see her eyes. Her expression was excited, joyful even. It appeared she and her partner had had a breakthrough of some sort. She clapped her gloved hands together and smiled as if she’d won a contest. I felt a sense of exhilaration watching her. She was in her element here. I was excited because I knew something important had just happened.

  Jain placed her hand over her mouth as she viewed whatever experiment they’d

  completed. I couldn’t hear their conversation through the thick glass, but it seemed intense. She was talking rapidly, and he…What was he doing?

  He reached over and touched Jain’s face with one hand, while the other wrapped around her neck. He leaned in, but she jumped back as if jolted by an electrical shock. Standing motionless, her mouth gaped open. He took a step forward and stopped, his arms beckoned her. She shook her head whi
le he appeared to plead with her.

  That jerk just tried to kiss her. Shock made me freeze. I didn’t want to feel anything. But I did. I felt everything. I wasn’t able to keep my emotions in their tidy little boxes like I always had. The lids came off, and they mixed in a vortex of confusing, rushing sensations. An unwelcome heat started from my core and worked through every inch of my body. My hands shook while I clenched them in an attempt to gain control. It wasn’t working. I wanted to hit him. I wanted to hurt him. He touched her. Oh, no you don’t.

  Martin wiped his brow. “Our employees don’t usually have these types of arguments. I’m sorry you had to witness that.” He leaned over and tapped on the window. Jain jumped, turned in our direction, and closed her eyes. She stood in the middle of the room; her body language told me she wanted to be anywhere else. I was in total agreement with her.

  EIGHTEEN

  Jain

  It was one of those crisp fall days that made me feel glad to be alive. The air was fresh and clean from a recent rain shower. I loved all the different weather patterns in the area. They were a much needed cleansing for the soul. The sky had cleared up to display the deepest, purest blue imaginable. Most of the leaves had fallen and lay in layers of gold and red around the sidewalks.

  “Colin, let’s take the long way,” I suggested after we exited the car. Sometimes, when we had a little extra time before work, we would walk a big loop around the neighborhood from the parking lot to our building.

  “Sure. I love this time of year. Will you be warm enough?”

  I had on my thickest sweater, but no coat. “Yeah. It’s a little brisk, but I should be okay if we walk fast enough.” I took his arm and tugged him along.

  We strolled in companionable silence for all of two minutes before Colin slowed and asked, “Have you talked to Braydon since your Starbucks date?”

  “No, and I won’t unless it’s business. I’ve already told you, Colin. I’m not going to date a guy like him.”

  “Spoil sport.”

  “You just want to live vicariously through me, don’t you?”

  “I don’t have to admit to anything.”

  “I knew it! Now back off. Think of it this way – if we were to date, and had an ugly breakup, what do you think would happen to our funding? Its common knowledge that workplace romances don’t work.”

  “First, it wouldn’t be considered a workplace romance because he doesn’t work here. Also, you said yourself, Braydon has too much integrity to pull funds over something like a break up.”

  “Colin, you never know with men. That’s why I steer clear.”

  “How about Dr. Harper then?”

  “Why him?”

  “You know, because he’s the handsome Norwegian? Haven’t you noticed the staff around him? They make excuses to be in the same room, hoping he’ll notice them. I thought Martin was going to break into song when he’d lured him away from the Mayo Clinic. He’s been here, working with you for a few weeks now. Is he as smart as everyone thinks? Or is he just another pretty face?”

  I put my foot in his path, hoping he might trip a little and be distracted from his inquiry.

  “I’ve got you figured out. You can try to trip me, but I won’t forget my question even with your distraction tactic.” He smirked. “The reason I asked is because he seems rather safe. He’s not married, and he’s spent his entire career, like you, focused on medical research. He might not be the most exciting man in the world, but he seems like a solid guy. Also, he stares at you like you’re the last chocolate chip cookie left on the plate.”

  “Why do you keep coming up with these crazy, made-up scenarios with men coming after me? Braydon’s a player; he’ll go after anyone. And Erik, I mean, Dr. Harper? He’s just a good guy trying to fit in. He’s a perfect gentleman. We’ve been working closely together on the protein pathway experiments, and it’s going well. If he’s looking at me, it’s probably because I’ve made him remember a formula or something. Quit with the ‘Men falling for me upon first glance’. Hasn’t anyone told you that’s only a fairy tale, and they don’t come true?”

  “You’re such a cynic today. All I said was that you and Braydon had this weird, crazy chemistry thing going on during our first meeting and again at coffee. You should’ve seen his face after you gave him only a handshake following the Starbucks meeting. He looked like you just killed his dog. What’s his name?”

  “Oreo.”

  “Black and white?”

  “You got it.”

  “This Braydon guy isn’t what people make him out to be. You know this?”

  “Yes, I did figure that out during the Starbucks four-hour talk marathon. Okay? You happy now? But I also know he has that element in him – the playboy ‘I’ll do what I want, and everyone else can lick my boots’ attitude.” Did I just say lick my boots?

  Colin chuckled. “That’s a great descriptor. Admit it, you like him despite all the rumors.”

  We’d rounded the last corner, and only one block remained before we were in the warm confines of our building. Colin was right; I was freezing.

  “Yes, I do like him. Quite a bit. But don’t get any romantic ideas in your head. We are on entirely different levels. I don’t mean just because he’s rich. It’s our goals. We have completely different jobs, and our lifestyles are miles apart. Can you imagine me being dragged from one event to another, hobnobbing with the people I vowed to keep clear of? I know these events are worthwhile, but the people who attend them can sometimes be superficial. I could never live like that.”

  “I think you’ve considered this in detail.”

  “No!” Another lie “I just know, if I date, it will need to be with someone more like me who share my goals.”

  “What are your goals?” Colin asked. He knew, but I think he was setting me up.

  “Medical research, finding a treatment or cure,” I answered.

  He remained quiet for a moment. We were getting close to our building, and he was taking in the beauty that surrounded the area. “Dr. Harper fits the bill. Now what’s your excuse?”

  He doesn’t make my body feel like it’s on fire.

  “Like I said, workplace romances are not recommended. I don’t think we have a written policy, but I’m sure Martin would frown upon it.” Maybe that would shut him up.

  “That’s a convenient answer. Should I ask Martin?”

  I stopped suddenly. “If you do, I will personally kill you and offer your cadaver as the next one up for autopsy.”

  Colin hugged me while he laughed. I felt his body shake through my now freezing sweater. I wasn’t so mad at him that I wouldn’t take advantage of the warmth coming from his body.

  “Okay. I’ll quit trying to set you up. But you should take a longer look at each one. You have two choices: One that is very similar to you, the other, the complete opposite.”

  “Why do you assume they are even interested in me at all? You are wrong about this. I’m sure of it.” He needed to let this drop.

  “Jain, you remember I’m a doctor, correct?”

  Hmmm. I wondered where he was going with this. “Of course.”

  “Do you remember all the classes we took? Chemistry, physiology, neuroscience, biochemistry, immunology–”

  “I get it,” I interrupted

  “I wanted to refresh your memory so my next statement will carry a little more weight. I’m not stupid.”

  “Where would you get the idea I thought you were stupid?” I was flabbergasted at his statement.

  “I can see right through your disguise. You’re a beautiful woman. You can downplay it to a certain extent, but if a man looks at you long enough, he’ll know. You won’t be able to hide behind the hair hanging in your face, baggy clothing, lack of make-up, and those ugly nineteen-eighty eyeglasses.”

  Ugly? “You think my glasses are ugly?” I knew they were, but hearing him say it still insulted me.

  “You know they are. That’s why you wear them. I’ve checked them befor
e. I know they aren’t prescription. They have thick lenses, but they aren’t required for any vision problems.”

  I wondered how long he knew. I should have guessed he would have figured it out.

  “What color are your eyes, will you tell me?” We were standing right in front of the entrance, at a deadlock. I didn’t want to lie, but I also didn’t want to admit it. Not yet. I wasn’t ready to tell him the truth about what I did and why.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I opened the door and proceeded to security.

  He followed close behind. “Remember, I’m your best friend. You can tell me anything. I won’t judge you.”

  The problem was, I’d already judged myself.

  A rush of warm air welcomed me, allowing my body to thaw. Avoiding Colin, I put my purse in the locker and headed to the back lab to get ready for the workday ahead. It would be an exciting day. Dr. Harper and I were at the cusp of discovering the origin of faulty protein pathways linked to ALS. I hoped the tests we’d conducted supported the results.

  “Good morning, Dr. Harper.” He was already in the lab, working on the experiments.

  “I didn’t see you come in. Please, I’ve been asking you for weeks to call me Erik. We’re going to be working together, hopefully for many years. I’d love to be on a first name basis with you.” He stepped a little closer.

  His smile was benign, but I sensed an emotion lurking behind his gorgeous brown eyes. He was incredibly handsome. Why wasn’t I interested? You know why.

  “Oops, I keep forgetting. Good morning, Erik.”

  “May I call you Jain instead of Dr. Parker now?”

  “Yes, you may. Pleased to meet you.” I did a half-curtsy, and he laughed. “I’m excited to

  see how our experiments worked out.” I turned to the row of petri dishes in the sterilized

  compartments along the north wall.

  Erik followed close behind. A little too close. “Jain?”

  “Yes?”

  “I was wondering about something.”