by Sherri Hayes
Swallowing, he managed to look up and smile as she got in the car. “Hello,” she said, averting her eyes.
“Hi,” Matthew responded. “Ready to go?”
“Yes,” Cali said, keeping her eyes straight ahead.
Matthew shifted the car in gear and drove down the lane and out onto the highway. He glanced over at her sitting in the seat beside him. She was looking out the window, watching the houses fade into the distance as they sped out of town.
***
The moment Cali opened the car door and saw Matthew, she knew she was in trouble. His blue eyes met hers, and her fantasies from this morning came flooding back. To avoid any unnecessary interaction, she’d focused her attention on the passing scenery, hoping to avoid conversation for as long as possible.
The silence lasted for almost half an hour. Finally not able to stand the tension anymore, she asked, “Do you mind if I turn on some music?”
Her sudden question startled him. “No. Not at all.” She flipped the radio on and found a station playing eighties music. Not ideal but it would work. The car grew silent again with only the radio between them.
As the songs continued to play, she felt a wave of nostalgia for her adolescent years. Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer came on, and she began to sing to herself.
The soft sounds of humming and actual singing pulled Matthew out of the self-imposed trance he’d placed himself in since Cali entered his car. Looking over, his eyes watched her lips as she mouthed every word perfectly. Smiling, he teased, “I didn’t picture you as a hair band fan.”
She jumped a bit and then smiled back at him. “What can I say? Who doesn’t love Living on a Prayer?”
He laughed. “True, very true…So is it just Bon Jovi, or were you into all the other hair bands of the eighties, as well?”
She turned her body to face him. “I would have to say I was quite smitten with most of them. How about you? Where you a hair band fan?” she asked with a bit of teasing in her voice.
“Well as you said, ‘Who doesn’t love Living on a Prayer?’” His smile was radiant. It took her breath away and drew her in at the same time. She wanted to see more of it. She needed to see more. “I was quite a fan of The Bangles, too. You know Walk Like an Egyptian.”
It was her turn to laugh. “Oh my, does that bring back memories.” He laughed too. They spent the rest of their drive trying to out do the other with their favorite songs from their youth.
Just before three, Matthew pulled into the Stanton driveway, laughing freely with Cali over shared adolescent experiences, the tension in the air that always hung around them having disappeared.
Getting out of the car, they smiled as they walked up to the house.
A man close to their age came through the back doors and met them in the hall.
“Cali! It’s so good to see you again.”
Cali smiled and they hugged each other tight. “Hi David. It’s great to see you again.” Stepping back she asked, “My dad keeping you busy?”
He laughed. “Doesn’t he always?”
“Do you know where Alvin is?” Matthew asked in a clipped tone, cutting their reunion short.
“Oh, yeah. He’s down the hall in the master suite,” David answered before turning back to Cali. “It looks to be a pretty sweet set up. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many gadgets.”
Matthew gave a curt nod and marched down the hall where David indicated. As he walked away, Cali saw the stiff set of his shoulders and the purpose behind each step. What happened to the laid back laughing Matthew of a few minutes ago?
She turned her attention back to David; as he was still talking to her. The two had grown up together when she’d spent summers here as a kid. His dad had been the grounds keeper of the Stanton lake house for many years, and now he had taken over the position. Cali stayed and talked to David until she heard movement down the hall. Apparently, it was almost time for their meal. That was good. She was starving.
***
When Matthew arrived, he seemed normal enough, but when Cali entered the dining room, so did the tension. Alvin noticed it almost immediately. He knew something must have happened between the two of them, but he couldn’t imagine what. Matthew Andersen was one of the most professional men he knew and very easy to work with. Cali was his little girl, and well, he couldn’t even think she could have done something. It was a mystery, and by the end of dinner, he was no closer to solving it.
As Carolyn cleared their plates, Matthew excused himself to go make his rounds.
He didn’t spare one glace at Cali.
“So, sweetheart, how are you adjusting to life back in civilization?”
Cali picked up her coffee and took a sip. “I wasn’t gone that long, Dad.”
He laughed. “But I’m adjusting fine. Jessie’s been a big help. It’s great to have her around again.”
Alvin sighed. “Yes, she’s something isn’t she? I know I miss her cooking after two weeks of hospital food.”
Cali laughed. “I imagine so. Speaking of…how did you manage to get released so quickly?”
“I was done with that hospital nonsense. All I did was lay around killing time, and there’s no reason why I couldn’t do that here.”
“Very observant of you, Dad.” She smiled.
Speaking of observant, Alvin thought. “So how are things at the office? Matthew said the shipment arrived at its destination yesterday. You two taking care of things?” he asked watching for a reaction to Matthew’s name.
Cali took another sip of her coffee, her voice shaking slightly as she answered.
“Yes. Absolutely. As you said, Matthew is very good at his job.” She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Yes, quite,” he replied, draining the last bit of coffee. Alvin was even more curious as to what was going on than he was before.
***
Matthew and Cali said very little to each other as they slowly walked back to the car to go home. Reaching for her door, Cali paused and looked at him. His shoulders were still set in that now familiar rigid posture he’d adopted since they entered the house. Opening the car door and getting into her seat, she settled herself into the plush leather. This was going to be a long drive home.
For his part, Matthew tried to block out the woman sitting beside him and concentrate on the road. He knew he was letting his emotions rule his response, and although it unnerved him, he didn’t care. Something in him sparked when he saw her all chummy with, whom he later found out to be, the grounds keeper.
When David—Matthew gritted his teeth at the thought—wrapped his arms around Cali and pulled her against his body, I saw red.
He knew it was irrational. He had no claim on her. He couldn’t have a claim on her. But logic wasn’t doing him much good at this point.
He drove and watched the sunset, and as they drew closer to the city, he knew.
He was jealous—jealous that David, who Cali clearly had a history with, could openly show her affection, could be her friend and more, if she wanted, without any barriers between them.
It was too late to deny it anymore; He wanted Cali Stanton more than he’d wanted any other woman in his life. The problem was he couldn’t have her; nothing had changed. She was still his boss. He’d even heard her tell her father tonight that she had plans to go back to Africa after her dad was back on his feet.
A relationship between the two of them was out of the question.
He’d just have to stay away from her. Somehow. Staying away completely was impossible; he knew, but he would have to try because the closer he got to her, the stronger his feelings seemed to grow. As of now, Cali Stanton was not a part of his life.
Chapter 15
It wasn’t until Sunday morning that Matthew realized he’d forgotten to call Martinez about an update on the video; yet another reason why he needed to stay away from Cali Stanton. She was messing with his head in more ways than one. Not about to bother his friend on his day off and given he wouldn’
t be able to take any action on the information until Monday anyway, he sent an e-mail to himself as a reminder to call.
After making himself breakfast, he put on some relaxing music and did a little reading. Sunday was the only day he really allowed himself to unwind. He and his brother spent the day hanging out. Jason was due at one, and they were going to grill some burgers and watch the game.
Matthew spent a few minutes straightening up before his brother arrived ten minutes late, as usual, with a grocery sack full of food. Not that he didn’t love his brother, but the man was insane about food. “Did you buy out the whole store?”
Jason laughed, “Of course not, little brother. I only got the essentials.”
Apparently, the essentials included three different kinds of potato chips, potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni salad, cookies, and cheesecake. There were so many carbohydrates, but Jason obviously wasn’t worried. He finished unloading the last of his goodies and promptly took a huge bite out of one of the cookies.
Matthew just shook his head and laughed. Jason was, well, Jason. Grabbing a plate out of the cabinet, he began making hamburger patties. His brother put a few items in the refrigerator before going out to heat up the grill.
It wasn’t until Matthew completed assembling the hamburgers and Jason came back from the patio that Matthew remembered they needed to talk. Turning from the sink, he placed his hands in his pockets and faced his brother.
Jason popped a potato chip in his mouth before he realized Matthew was staring at him. “What?”
Matthew figured direct was the best approach. “You’re seeing Lisa Morgan.”
Jason took a drink before answering his brother. “Yeah, I am.”
“And you didn’t mention it to me because?” he said, his voice tight.
Jason sighed and set the bottle down a little harder than necessary. “Because I knew how you’d react, that’s why.”
Matthew gave his brother a look that said he was waiting on a better explanation.
Instead of answering though, Jason grabbed the burgers and stalked out to the patio. Matthew followed.
When they reached the grill, Jason continued to ignore his brother.
Matthew wasn’t having it, and his brother’s evasion upset him royally. “Jason,” he said, trying to stay calm, “if you needed to get some action, then go to a club or something, but at work you need to keep it in your pants. I don’t have to tell you how dangerous it is. You’ve seen what can happen. We’ve got enough problems as it is without another complication. Whatever it is you’ve got going on with her, it needs to stop. Now.”
Jason slammed the lid of the grill down and whirled on his brother. “Not going to happen, Matty,” he seethed.
“Excuse me?” Matthew said, his temperature beginning to rise. He took a deep breath to calm himself. They both didn’t need to lose it.
“I said, not going to happen. I will see whoever I like, whenever I like,” he ground out, advancing on his brother and getting in his face, “and neither you nor some half wit who thinks it’s fun to mess with people is going to have any say in my life!” With that, Jason spun around and stormed back into the house.
Matthew stood for several minutes trying to figure out what had happened. He’d expected some resistance from Jason, but not this; not the blow up he’d just witnessed. Jason had always been a bit of a ladies man, but nothing that ever last more than a few weeks. His brother was easily bored and moved on fairly quickly.
It was something they had in common; the difference being, Matthew rarely went to bed with any of the women he dated.
He’d clearly misjudged the situation with Lisa. His brother appeared to be much more attached to her than a simple roll in the hay. This didn’t change the situation though. It was still dangerous.
With a deep sigh, Matthew lifted the grill and flipped the hamburgers. Deciding his brother needed to cool off, he stayed outside until the meat was done cooking. Bringing the burgers into the kitchen, he laid them aside and went to find his brother.
Jason was in front of the TV watching the Jets and Giants game. His posture was too rigid to be relaxed. Matthew took a seat a few feet away from his brother.
“How long have you been seeing her?”
“About three months.” His eyes never left the screen.
Matthew had been right. Jason hadn’t dated a girl for more than a month. Ever.
Even in high school, he’d gone through women like a favorite shirt. He’d wear one out and get a new one. Hoping an apology would reopen the communication, Matthew said, “I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion.” Jason didn’t respond other than to relax the set of his shoulders.
Matthew let his brother calm for a minute more before continuing the discussion.
“There’s still a danger though. You know that.”
Jason sat back and finally looked at his brother. “I know.” He sighed, raking a hand over his head. “That’s why we’ve kept it quiet.”
Matthew gave a little snort. “Kept it quiet? That’s why Cali Stanton figured it out her first week here.”
Jason grimaced. “That was…unfortunate.”
Matthew laughed. He didn’t know how else to respond. “Unfortunate? Is that what you call getting caught fooling around in the office with the boss’s assistant?”
A hard edge crept back into Jason’s voice. “Nothing happened, and you know it.”
“Do I? I’m beginning to wonder. The Jason I know changes women like they’re a pair of shoes.” He could see his brother’s defenses begin to rise again. “Obviously, this one’s different. But Jason, this is dangerous. What happens if whoever our mole is finds out, huh? What if you have to choose between her and the job?”
Matthew sighed and rubbed his face with his hands. “I want you to be happy, Jason. I do. But,” he paused before he asked, “is this really something you should be doing right now? With everything we have to deal with?” Matthew watched the emotions play out on Jason’s face before he finally answered.
“I don’t know, man.” He shook his head. “I don’t know.” He looked his brother right in the eye. “But I won’t give her up.”
After a minute, Matthew nodded his head and stood. “Are you hungry? The burgers are getting cold.”
The side of Jason’s mouth curled up into a smile. “Good, I’m starving.”
***
Cali spent her Sunday afternoon enjoying what was left of the fall warmth by taking a dip in the pool. She loved to swim, and it had been forever. There really weren’t many occasions to swim in Africa, and the heated water felt wonderful on her skin.
She floated effortlessly on her back, enjoying the sun beating down on her when a sudden crash coming from only a few yards away caused her to jerk upright. Her eyes searched for the source of the noise, but didn’t find anything. Backing up against the opposite side of the pool, she held her arms out as if to protect herself from an unforeseen danger.
Just as she reached the side, she saw movement. Turning to look, she found herself staring at a big orange cat. He had what looked to be a piece of garden string in its mouth. Cali’s eyes followed the string back to the shed, the door standing open. Apparently, the gardener forgot to close it after leaving for the weekend. She’d have to talk to Jessie about that.
Breathing a sigh of relief, she pulled herself up and out of the pool, wrapping a big towel around her waist and another around her hair. She picked up the book she’d been reading earlier, and she shuffled toward the house. Reaching for the patio door, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Holding her towel closer to her body, she quickly looked around but didn’t see anything; even the cat was gone. Convinced she was paranoid, she shook her head and went inside to grab a shower before dinner.
Chapter 16
When Cali walked into the office on Monday morning, Lisa was already at her desk. The smile her assistant sported left Cali with no doubt as to Jason’s safe return. “Good Morning, Cali.”
“Morning. Did you have a good weekend?”
A slight blush tinted Lisa’s cheeks. “Yes, thank you.” She paused, changing her focus to some paperwork on her desk. “How was your weekend?”
Now it was Cali that felt uncomfortable. “Good.” As she turned toward her office to make a quick retreat, she asked, “Did you have my schedule for today?”
Glad for the change in subject for reasons of her own, Lisa answered, “Yes. Already on your desk.”
“Thanks,” Cali said as she disappeared behind her door.
Once safely inside her office, she walked to her desk and looked at her schedule.
There were only two meetings lined up for the day. First was a morning meeting with one of the board members, Nathan Reese. Cali remembered him from her teenage years. He was the board member closest to her age, but he was still pushing fifty. Nathan had taken over his father’s seat ten years ago after Jonathan Reese had suffered a stroke, leaving him in need of constant care. Nathan had always been pleasant to her, and she was looking forward to sitting down with him one-on-one today even if they did have business to discuss.
Lisa had been nice enough to compile a weekly agenda so she could prepare for things later in the week. Cali had no idea how she would do this if were not for her assistant. Everything she needed was either in front of her in a file or within easy reach on her computer.
Turning the page, a laugh escaped Cali’s lips as she noticed five menus to choose what she wanted for lunch. Apparently, Lisa didn’t expect her to eat out today.
She was probably right. Even on slow days, there were always things to do.
Since she had some time, she took a minute to make her lunch selection before reviewing the rest of her schedule. Cali’s eyes scanned the rest of her day to find out with whom her second meeting was with. All the air left her lungs as the words “Security Briefing” stared at her in bold black ink.
