by Sherri Hayes
He walked over to his jacket, removed some papers, and returned to his seat.
Unfolding them, he placed the stack in front of her. “Have you seen these before?” She nodded, so he went on. “Are these the first pictures you’ve received?”
Seeing herself there on the page caused Cali to swallow hard, but her mouth was suddenly dry. How? Who? Why? She felt sick, mortified.
It wasn’t until she thought about it again that she put the pieces together. “No,” she murmured barely loud enough for him to hear.
She started to get up, but Matthew put a hand out to stop her. “Just tell me where.”
Sitting back down, she pointed to the briefcase now sitting around the corner in the entryway. “In my briefcase, very bottom.” Nodding, he went to retrieve her case.
With briefcase in hand, he sat back down and pulled some files followed by two envelopes. He glanced at her and she nodded. Opening the first one, he saw the single piece of paper with Africa Misses You on it. “That was the first,” she said.
He moved to the next one. It was similar to the one Jason had found in the garage but these pictures were not taken in Chicago. “Africa?” he asked.
“Yes.”
Laying the pictures down between them, he looked at the woman in front of him.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you come to me, Cali?” The sound of him saying her name again sent a thrill through her, but his tone was serious, his eyes held a hint of hurt.
“I…” How could she explain this? She sighed.
“When I got the first letter with the message, I didn’t know what to think. It didn’t sound hostile to me. I thought maybe it was a doctor friend of mine joking around or something.” He sat and waited for her to continue. “And as for the pictures…they were weird yes, but again, they could have just been from a friend, so I didn’t think much of it.”
Matthew seemed to accept this answer begrudgingly. “Cali, you can come to me with anything, you know?”
He did it again. Did he realize he was calling her by her first name now? It slid off his tongue easily, like he’d been doing it for years. “I know. I’m sorry. I should have come to you. It was stupid, and if I had, maybe last night wouldn’t have happened.”
“Maybe,” he said, but his voice held doubt. “We’re going to be more careful from now on.” His eyes found hers again just before he went back to his meal. “I meant what I said. I will keep you safe, Cali.”
Cali insisted on loading the dishes into the dishwasher. It had meant another disagreement, but she was not helpless, and she wouldn’t have him doing things for her when she could do them herself. She’d lived for two years in the backcountry of Africa; a few bruises were not going to put her down for the count.
***
He stood watching her from behind the kitchen island. It was a bit unnerving, knowing that he was so close and yet so far away. There’d been so much emotion in his eyes when he’d vowed to keep her safe, and she knew he meant every word.
Matthew, for his part, was trying very hard to keep his eyes above Cali’s waist.
Every time she bent to put a dish in the machine, her khakis hugged her curves, sending jolts to areas he didn’t want to be thinking about. The last thing he needed was for his boss to catch him staring at her behind.
The doorbell jarred him from his thoughts. Pushing away from the counter, he walked into the foyer to answer the door. He tried to clear his head of the image of Cali bent over the dishwasher. Whether he wanted it to or not, that image would revisit him a few hours later when he closed his eyes for the night.
Opening the door, he found both Lisa and Jason. After the moment of shock wore off, he sent a scowl to his brother. Jason didn’t miss the message. “We drove separately. I didn’t even know she was coming, I swear.” He held up his hands defensively.
“It’s true,” Lisa spoke up. “I have some papers for Cali to sign…and I’m assuming Jason’s here to tell you what they found.”
This calmed Matthew down for a second before he felt Cali come up behind him.
He didn’t get a chance to react before Lisa brushed past him and embraced her.
She winced, and Matthew moved immediately to her side.
Noticing her boss’s reaction, Lisa pulled back. “I’m so glad you’re okay. We were all so worried about you.”
“We?” Matthew asked.
Jason had stepped inside and closed the door. “Oh, come on, Matthew. You knew there was no way to keep this information contained. Between the police, her missing all day, and all the security activity, it didn’t take long for people to start asking questions.“
Matthew wasn’t happy about it, but as Jason said, it was inevitable. Working at a company was much like living in a small town. Like it or not, this was juicy gossip.
While Cali was asleep, Matthew had taken a look around, re-familiarizing himself with the house. He excused himself and Jason to Alvin’s study while Cali and Lisa when into the sitting room. Once they were behind closed doors, he turned to his brother. “Please tell me you have something.”
Jason took a seat. What he had for his brother could wait. It wasn’t earth-shattering information at this point. “You’ve moved in?”
The look Matthew sent his brother gave a warning. Jason ignored it. “So have you decided to do something?” Matthew still didn’t answer. “Have you kissed her yet?”
Matthew’s eyes grew colder as he stared at his brother. How could he be asking him questions like this after what had happened to Cali? He knew he needed to answer his brother, or else this line of questioning would just get more and more outrageous. “Cali is still my boss. Nothing has changed. It’s my job to protect her, and that’s what I’m doing.”
Jason gave a harsh laugh and handed a piece of paper to his little brother. “Keep telling yourself that, man, if it helps you sleep better at night.” He paused and waited until Matthew took the paper. “That’s a list of everyone that was in the building an hour before the incident. Martinez and I reviewed the tapes ourselves today. Can I say I hope I never have to do that again?”
Matthew quickly scanned the list. Several security personal were listed, as well as IT people, a few assistants, two people from upper level management, the CFO, and the COO. It was more than he had guessed would have been there that late at night, but then again, he was known for working long hours. He couldn’t fault others who did the same. “May I keep this copy?”
Jason stood. “Yeah. I’ve got one back at the office. I was planning to go through the list one-by-one tomorrow.” He’d sidled his way to the door but stopped as he reached for the handle. “You going to be in?”
Matthew looked up from the paper. “I don’t know. Cali hasn’t said if she’s going to work tomorrow or not.”
Jason smirked but didn’t say anything. “Call me in the morning if you don’t make it in, and we’ll come up with a game plan.”
Nodding, Matthew watched Jason leave. He stood for a second and waited to hear the front door close to indicate his brother had gone before he slowly walked across the hall.
***
Cali sat staring at her friend, speechless. Lisa had brought two contracts for her to review and sign. They were easy enough and out of the way quickly. Her assistant and friend, then began asking her questions regarding Matthew’s presence.
Trying to explain turned out to be impossible when Lisa’s comments turned personal. “You know, Cali, I think he likes you, too.” She paused. “And not just in a boss-employee type way,” she said with a smirk.
How was she supposed to respond to that? Did Matthew feel about her the way she felt about him? Luckily, she was saved from answering as the man in question walked into the room.
Lisa looked up and with a smile stood. She glanced first at Matthew and then Cali.
“I should probably get going and leave you two be. Call me if you need anything, okay?” Turning to go, she made it to the entryway before pausing and turn
ing around. “One more thing, I need to know if you’re still going to the gala this Friday night, or if you need me to call and cancel.”
Caught off guard yet again, Cali asked, “What gala?”
“Oh,” Lisa said in mock surprise. “Your father didn’t tell you?”
She was getting frustrated with her assistant. “Didn’t tell me what? What gala?”
Taking a step back into the room, “The yearly fundraiser for Chicago Memorial. Your father goes every year, and I assumed you were going in his place. It’s on your calendar.”
Lisa was very good at her job, so Cali had no doubt it was on her calendar just as her assistant said it was. As much as Cali hated politics, she knew she had to go.
Chicago Memorial had been one of Stanton Enterprises first clients, and her father was very supportive of the hospital. It wouldn’t look right if she wasn’t there. “No, I should still go.”
Her assistant smiled and started to leave again before Matthew’s voice stopped her. “Who was accompanying Alvin to the gala?”
Trying to suppress her knowing smile, Lisa faced Matthew. “No one. He was going solo.”
“Can you arrange for another place next to Cali? She will not be going alone.”
“Sure.” Lisa smiled politely. “Whose name shall I have put on the invitation?”
“Mine,” Matthew said, and Lisa nearly jumped with glee.
Chapter 25
A ringing sound woke Matthew out of a sound sleep. He’d been dreaming about her again. When didn’t he dream about her?
Rolling over, his hand landed on the source of the sound, his cell phone. He’d set it last night before going to bed to make sure he’d get up on time. Flipping the sheet back, he placed his feet on the floor and dropped his head into his hands as he rubbed the sleep from his face.
After Lisa left, they’d decided to watch a movie. He was surprised to find Cali liked action movies. They’d found an old Rambo film in her father’s collection. By the time the credits rolled on the large flat screen, each had found it much easier to talk. They’d shared stories of their childhood until Cali began yawning around eleven, and they’d both retired upstairs to their bedrooms.
Matthew grabbed a towel from the bathroom and went to the Stanton home gym. It was an impressive room outside of a commercial facility. It had everything his exercise room had, multiplied by ten. The room itself was half the size of his entire place.
Deciding a good run was in order, he turned to one of the treadmills. The belt beneath him started, and he quickened his pace until he fell into his familiar brisk pace. There was energy flowing through him, but it wasn’t the tense morning energy he’d been used to waking up with these last few weeks. He realized that, although his dreams had once again been of Cali, they’d not been filled with as much forceful energy as before.
Maybe staying away from her had been a bad idea, the worst idea. He realized that even the night before in the hospital room had been different. Her proximity seemed to provide him some peace.
The alarm on the treadmill beeped, letting him know he’d completed the preprogrammed run time. As he finished the cool down, he used the towel to wipe the sweat from his brow. He still had fifteen minutes before he’d have to start getting ready, so he stepped over to the free weights to finish his workout.
He’d check on Cali on his way back upstairs.
***
Cali woke to pain. A dull ache in her sides and down her legs as a reminder of what had happened. Hearing the door creak open, she looked to see the blue eyes of her dreams staring straight at her. He glanced down almost shyly. “Sorry. I didn’t know if you were awake.”
She tried to sit up slowly so as not to further disturb her already protesting muscles. “It’s okay. I was just getting up.”
Matthew nodded. “I was heading to the shower, but if you’d like it first, I can wait.”
Smiling, she said, “I’ve got my own bathroom, but thank you.”
“Of course.” He hesitated briefly as if he wanted to say something before taking a step back into the hall. “I’ll just meet you downstairs then.” She waited until he closed the door and then released the breath she was holding.
How in the world was she supposed to remain professional waking up every morning to the sexiest man she’d ever seen? He’d obviously been working out, and his shirt clung to his biceps, his chest, his abs. Closing her eyes, she forced herself to focus. You are his boss. You. Are. His. Boss.
Pushing the blanket off her legs, she slowly maneuvered her feet to the floor.
Everything hurt. She needed another pain pill but they were downstairs. She needed a shower too. Shower first.
Standing, she cautiously shuffled over to her drawer and selected some undergarments for the day. Her eyes fell on a black lace set she’d bought just after arriving in Chicago. Her thoughts immediately went to Matthew. What would he think of her in something like that?
Stop! Thinking that way would not help the situation. Grabbing a plain white bra and panty set, she padded her way to the bathroom.
***
Matthew had given Jessie the morning off, and arriving downstairs first, he began making breakfast for the two of them. Cali had been adamant last night that she would go to work this morning. He’d made her promise to let him know if it was too much, and they’d leave. The doctors had told her to take it easy for a few days, and he doubted they would think running a multi-million dollar company qualified as taking it easy.
He was just putting the eggs on their plates when he heard her on the stairs and looked up. Cali walked slowly with a slight limp. He had to stop himself from going to her.
She wore a light gray pantsuit with a white blouse. It was simple, elegant. She looked beautiful, and at the sight of her curves, he felt his reaction below his belt.
Clearing his throat, he made sure to stay behind the island until he could get himself under control. “I made eggs. I hope that’s alright.”
She carefully walked to the cabinet to get her bottle of pain pills before going to the stool and taking a seat. “It’s fine.” Pulling the plate closer, she took a bite of the eggs. Matthew picked up his fork and began eating his breakfast as well. Cali noticed he was still standing. “Aren’t you going to sit down?”
“No, I’m good.” His body was still reacting to the sight of her.
***
Matthew rode up in the elevator with her, never more than a few feet from her at any given time. True to his word to never let her out of his sight, he walked her to Lisa’s desk and gave strict instructions that Cali was not to be left alone for any reason and that her door was to remain open.
Cali was a little unnerved by all the restrictions, and according to Matthew, she would have no privacy either.
Once he finished giving his instructions to Lisa, he walked Cali into her own office and closed the door behind them, effectively disregarding his own orders. Cali looked pointedly at the door and then at Matthew, raising her eyebrow in question. His mouth broke a smile for the first time since they’d left the house.
“The rule doesn’t apply to me.”
She smiled back. “I see.”
They locked eyes for a minute and the tension that always hung in the air around them began to build. With an effort, Matthew closed his eyes to regain his focus.
When they reopened, his face was once again serious. “I need to go down to my office for a while. I want to go over a few things and see where we are at on the investigation.”
“You don’t have to babysit me. Really, I’ll be fine. I mean who’s going to bother me in my office with Lisa right outside?”
She thought it was a rhetorical question. He didn’t. Walking toward her, he said, “Cali, someone tried to kill you two nights ago. At the very least, someone is stalking you. I’m not taking any chances with your safety.” He’d continued to move closer while he spoke, adding urgency to his words. Their noses were now inches apart, and Cali felt his breath on her f
ace. They hadn’t been this close since that night in his office, and she knew the minute he realized it. The color of his eyes changed slightly, and his breathing grew harsher. Neither moved, locked in each other’s gaze.
Cali stole a glance at his lips so close to hers. Did she want him to kiss her? Yes!
Yes. At that moment, she didn’t care who he was or who she was. The thought of his lips on hers was the only thing that mattered.
As her gaze returned to his, Cali saw what she’d never dreamed she would. She saw the emotions she was feeling reflected back at her. His eyes drifted down to her lips, and he closed the gap between them. Cali felt the moment his soft mouth touched hers.
A soft knock sounded on the door, and as it opened swiftly, they jumped apart.
Lisa strolled into the office. “Sorry to interrupt, Cali, but Mr. Russell is on line two, insisting he speak with you.”
It didn’t take a brain surgeon to realize she’d interrupted something, and she mentally cursed Mr. Russell. Lisa watched as Matthew moved away from Cali and walked to the door. He paused for a moment and looked back, keeping his eyes low and unfocused. “I’ll be back before lunch.” With that, he disappeared through the door.
Cali didn’t waste anytime. “Thank you, Lisa.”
Moving to her desk, she reached for the phone and sat down. “Good morning, Tony. What can I do for you?”
***
It was an effective dismissal if ever Lisa had seen one. She left the door open as Matthew had instructed and went back to her desk. Picking up the phone herself, she called her contact at Chicago Memorial and adjusted the Stanton invitation for the gala on Friday night.
As she hung up the phone with Misty, she saw line two go dark and heard her boss moving around in her office. Pulling up the file she’d been working on before Mr. Russell’s phone call, she couldn’t help but smile to herself. Things were beginning to get interesting.
