“Don’t you even want to know what the job is?”
She faced him again. “It doesn’t matter. I’m through with Hunter Construction now that the Blake brothers are running it.”
“I want to hire you for the Jenkins building. If your design wins the bid, then you’d oversee the project. Supervised, of course.”
Marley’s hand froze on the sliding door handle. That was the design she’d given to Dale Blake. He must’ve shown Justin and his brother. Slowly she faced him to see he was as serious as he sounded.
“Dale said he’d ask about an internship.” The moment the words were out, she could’ve kicked herself. An internship was peanuts compared to what he’d just offered.
“My father is a condescending, selfish jerk.”
Taken aback, she said, “He’s been nothing but nice to me.”
“He wanted your design without having to pay for it. He was using you.”
She frowned. They’d been meeting for a few weeks, but he hadn’t known about her design before Monday. “I only showed him the design a few days ago.”
Justin started to say something, then changed it. “Regardless, I’m offering you a paying job—equal to what you were making before.”
The job paid more than that. But seeing as how she had no previous experience and had been willing to settle for the internship, she really shouldn’t argue. She raised her chin a notch. “First year architects start at least a pay grade higher.”
He met and held her gaze across the patio, bracing his hands against the back of a chair to lean forward. “After a two-year internship,” he countered levelly.
She almost said yes right then—until he shifted his stance and backed off just the slightest bit. The most innocent of moves that told her he wasn’t sure of her answer, even though she knew she’d accept. She couldn’t afford not to, career wise or financially.
But he wouldn’t be at her house offering the job if he didn’t need her. With a new awareness, she took in the rigidity of his posture, the tightness of his expression, and knew without a doubt he didn’t want to be here. The realization was empowering and disheartening all at once. She focused on the emotion she knew how to handle and slid open the French door. “You’ve seen my design, then?”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
Still no apology—no explanation of why she’d been fired in the first place? Wow, he really knew how to go about this.
“So you just want to use me, too.”
“No.” He pushed away from the chair to stalk toward her. “Dammit, Marley, I’m going to pay you.”
She shrugged and walked inside, then heard him bang the door shut as he followed her. She didn’t care that she’d angered him, nor did she worry he’d change his mind. Facing him across the living room, she asked, “If I accept, how do I trust you not to fire me again if things get ‘complicated’?”
“Besides the fact that I don’t think you’d take it so well a second time around? You’ve got talent.”
The sudden flash of his dry humor didn’t fool her. “Compliments only make me distrust you more.”
“No compliment, just a statement of fact. The building you created is beautiful, and I’d like to be part of bringing it to life.”
He really did know how to go about this. Though careful not to show it, excitement coursed through her at the thought of her building coming alive. She raised her gaze to find him regarding her closely. His body language still radiated all kinds of tension. She crossed her arms and anchored her stance. Time to see just how bad he needed her.
“Why the undercover bit?”
His gaze shifted for a split second, then returned. “Take the job and I’ll see what I can do about the higher pay grade.”
Suspicion took root. Why didn’t he want to talk about why he’d lied?
Do you really care? Shut up and take the job!
“Seriously? I’m supposed to trust ‘I’ll see what I can do’ coming from you?”
Muscles flexed as his jaw tightened. “You want it in writing?”
“For starters.”
He shook his head with a bark of laughter and headed for the door. As he passed her, her heart rate sped up at the thought that she’d screwed herself royally. She spun around to stop him only to have him whirl to face her before she could speak.
“You know, this is fricken’ unbelievable. How in the hell does my father rate? You get cozy over coffee with the man who would’ve screwed you over without blinking but I get the third degree for offering you money?”
Whoa. Back up. “What do you mean, ‘cozy over coffee’?”
His mouth twisted in a disgusted grimace. “I saw you two Friday morning.”
“What’d you do, follow me?” She spat the question in defensive sarcasm, never expecting him to confirm it.
“Just once. And that’s all I needed to see.”
Dots connected in her head, setting off an explosion of anger that nearly blinded her. “That’s why I was fired?”
The flash of guilt in his expression was all the answer she needed. Besides, she’d heard enough.
“Marley…”
She strode to the door and yanked it open. “Get. Out.”
He met her glare. After a deep breath that he released on a controlled exhale, he stepped out onto the porch. But when she would’ve slammed the door, he caught it in a strong, unrelenting grip. His hazel gaze locked with hers and her pulse skipped a beat.
“Eight a.m. tomorrow at Hunter headquarters. I’ll have the contract ready for when you come to your senses.”
Then he slammed the door himself, leaving her gasping in fury, with an urge to punch something.
Chapter 10
Marley parked in the back of the lot and tried to ignore the curious looks from the other people walking into the corporate headquarters of Hunter Construction, Inc. Judging by their faces, she’d have to seriously consider investing in a newer truck. She hadn’t yet because she’d been preparing to spend the next two years on a shoestring budget with the internship. Now she could afford a modest car payment. Maybe better, if Justin kept his word about the higher pay grade. Then again, maybe she shouldn’t hold her breath.
Eying the length of the parking lot, she paused before sliding from the truck. Finally, with a roll of her eyes, she slipped on her low heels and stepped from her truck with her briefcase and drafting kit. Halfway through the parked cars, she saw a black Lexus swing into the front row. When the doors opened and the Blake brothers simultaneously exited either side, her pulse increased.
She knew immediately who was who. Justin wore jeans and a sport coat, Jordan wore a suit and tie, much the same as yesterday. She studied them from behind, noting that Justin seemed taller, and a bit broader in the shoulders than his twin.
He turned toward her and flashed his heart-stopping smile. She pressed her lips together. Heart-stopping my ass. He’s gloating. A strand of hair had escaped her ponytail and blew across her face as she neared the car.
“Good morning,” Justin said.
Too bad she hadn’t kneed the creep at the bar in the balls, then she could’ve saved her punch for Justin. Now, her only choice was to ignore him. She tucked her drafting kit under her arm so she could yank the annoying curl from her eyes.
“Morning, Ms. Wade,” Jordan said from the driver’s side. He cast about a furtive glance. “I don’t see your lawyer. Will he—or she—be joining us later, or were you telling the truth yesterday?”
Wiseass, she thought as he grinned. She liked him already.
“Shut up, Jordan,” Justin muttered.
Finally, she offered up a sweet smile. “I don’t lie, Mr. Blake.”
Jordan laughed. Justin scowled. She didn’t feel bad about the obvious dig. Like she’d really forgive and forget so easily just because he was the boss now? Hell no. She stepped onto the sidewalk where they waited for her.
“Please, call me Jordan.”
She grasp
ed the hand he extended. He retained his grip an extra second or two. From the corner of her eye she noticed Justin watching their exchange. She gave a final shake and pulled away. “About yesterday—”
Jordan shook his head and walked toward the doors. “Already forgotten.”
She smiled her thanks, but he was two steps ahead. Damn these shoes. Justin matched his long stride to hers, making her even more self-conscious.
Jordan swung around suddenly. “Although, any time you want to replay that swing of yours, I’d love to see it again.”
Heat warmed her cheeks, and she cast a quick glance at Justin to see his jaw clenched hard. Jordan chuckled before he opened the door and disappeared. Justin caught the door, motioning her ahead of him. She hesitated before stepping past, only to have to turn back to him for direction.
“Since you fired me, do I need to redo my paperwork?”
“No,” he said in a low tone, his brows drawn together in a frown. “There are just a few things you need to sign for your contract. If you follow me, I’ll show you your office.”
Her own office? She hadn’t expected that. Then again, she didn’t really know what to expect. A bit of her resentment seeped away. Just a tiny bit. At the elevators she said, “You didn’t really have to do a contract.”
“Oh, yes I did.” He jabbed the up arrow.
The doors slid open and they stepped inside. Silence dragged until the doors dinged at the third floor. Marley exited after him, her jaw clenched as tight as his. Dammit, she had nothing to feel bad about here.
Bonnie sat at her desk and Marley started to walk past, then turned. “Sorry I hung up on you yesterday.”
The receptionist’s smile morphed from hesitant to warm. “Don’t worry about it. I’m glad to see you’re back.”
“Thanks.”
Justin spoke from behind Marley. “Bonnie, can you bring us those papers in about ten minutes?”
“Sure.”
He began walking again, and Marley followed, more nervous than she thought she’d be. The feeling increased when he opened the door to the office next to his.
“Here you go.”
“This is my office?”
He nodded. “Since we’ll be collaborating on the Jenkins project, it makes sense.”
She’d be working directly with him? Every day? Her nervousness quadrupled. She set her briefcase on the desk and watched him walk to a side door.
“Take some time to settle in. I’ll leave this open, let me know if you need anything.”
Then he left her alone. Well, semi-alone. She could see him through the open door at his desk. Connecting offices? She forced her anxiety aside and looked around.
The room was equipped like an architect’s dream. Her office. A split-top drafting table, complete with computer, sat near the window with an adjustable light attached to the head. Her design for the Jenkins building lay on its hard surface, spread out in all its glory.
She walked over to touch it, imagining herself sitting in the chair, creating more buildings to last for ages. Next to the drafting table was a station that had everything she’d need to build her models. She’d pictured this office in her dreams.
****
Hands in his pockets, Justin leaned against the doorjamb, watching as Marley trailed her fingers over the table with a faraway look on her face. His gaze focused on her hands. Their delicate lines belied impressive strength. What would they feel like on—
He straightened abruptly. “Everything satisfactory?”
She startled at his voice. When she turned, her expression disappointed him. He’d expected gratitude, or pleasure. Something other than the cool mask she’d presented since the moment she’d seen him this morning. Obviously, she wasn’t willing to let bygones be bygones. Yet she was here.
Bonnie’s knock drew their attention. “I’ve got those papers you asked for.”
“Thank you. Leave them on the desk.”
After Bonnie left, Justin said, “Look over the contract when you have time. Take it to a lawyer if you want.”
Marley nodded on her way to the desk.
“The building committee for the project just sent me an e-mail slotting our presentation for Thursday, late morning. Can you work up a model by then?”
Her head snapped up. “By Thursday? Are you serious?”
“Most of the time.”
“I can’t build a model in three days.”
“Two and a half, actually.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Are you trying to make me fail?”
He knew it would take an exceptional effort to do what he asked, but they had no choice. Only she didn’t know that, so he decided to lay it on the line. “If you fail and we lose the bid, the company that my Grandfather built over the past fifty-three years will likely file bankruptcy within the next month.”
Her eyes widened. He didn’t flinch as she studied him for a moment, glanced at the table full of supplies, then back to him. Surprisingly, one corner of her mouth tugged upward. “No pressure, though, right?”
He allowed a small smile in return. “It’s time to see what you’re made of, Marley Wade.”
She rose to the challenge, as he’d guessed she would. She was just that kind of girl. Off came the jacket of her business suit, tossed onto the back of her desk chair without a second thought. She started to roll up the sleeves of her cream blouse while at the same time kicking off her shoes.
The shoes again. He wanted to ask, but became distracted as his gaze traveled up, admiring her slim build in the most stylish, fitted outfit he’d seen her in. Actually, the only stylish outfit he’d seen her in. Those others didn’t fit in the same category. When he realized he was staring, he gave himself a mental shake and said, “I’ll leave you to it, then.”
She didn’t even look at him, bruising his ego some as he took a seat at his desk and began working on the project budget according to the specs of her design. This presentation would have to be seamless.
Almost a half hour later, Marley surprised him alongside his desk. “This isn’t a cruel initiation joke or something, is it?”
He hadn’t heard her enter, but there she stood, hands on her hips, waiting for an answer. He avoided looking too long at the front of her blouse and met her suspicious gaze.
“No joke. Would you like to see the e-mail?”
“I’m going to need help,” she stated, ignoring his question.
He sat back in his chair. “What do you need?”
“At least two more people with experience.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” He reached for the phone. She didn’t wait for an answer and as she returned to her own office, he watched the barely perceptible sway of her hips. It wasn’t deliberately sensual, just Marley—which made it sexier than ever.
Ten minutes later, he joined her to relay his progress. “Vincent will be up in a few minutes. He has experience. But our other guy, Dan, is on vacation this week.”
Her expression conveyed no more satisfaction than when she’d accepted the job. “For something this important, can’t you call him in?”
“He’s in Alaska. On a cruise with his wife for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. He didn’t leave the ship’s number, but I’d be happy to locate it for you.”
She glared at him for a second, then surveyed the already cluttered drafting table between them.
“We’ll put in a few extra hours,” he said. “It’ll get done.”
“I don’t plan to sleep the next forty-eight hours as it is. Where exactly do you propose I pull those extra hours from?”
A knock at the door stalled his reply.
“Come in,” she commanded.
Vincent entered the office, and Justin made introductions. They promptly ignored him as Vincent—or Vince as he insisted Marley call him—gushed over her design, then set to work following her explicit instructions without question.
Bonnie came in through Justin’s office to give him a message, but when she showed interest
in the project, Marley put her to work as well.
If he didn’t know better, Justin would think Marley owned the company—or she’d been their boss for years. He wasn’t sure whether to be impressed by her ability to adapt and delegate, or worried that she’d take over before he knew what had happened.
****
Marley studied the model that had begun to take shape over the past two hours. So far, so good, but she feared it wouldn’t be enough. And Justin made her nervous, coming in to stand over her shoulder almost every hour. Didn’t he trust her to get the job done? Breathing down her neck would make it all the harder for her to actually finish this insane assignment.
Finally, she couldn’t take anymore. “Hand me that cardboard, would you?”
His gaze followed her finger. She nodded when he reached for the item with raised eyebrows. He handed it over, but when he started to step back, she commanded, “Now hold this. No, right here.”
He didn’t say a word while she cut the stiff cardboard. Her fingers brushed his once and her breath caught as warmth radiated up her arm. Quickly, she handed him an uncut piece and barked out the measurements.
After watching for a few seconds to make sure he did it right, she turned back to Vince. She directed his next few steps, answered a couple of Bonnie’s questions while gathering the supplies she’d need next, then looked back at Justin to find him finishing his task. Checking it, she apparently decided she’d found another worker and gave him more to do.
When he hesitated, she asked, “What?”
He glanced at his office before drawing in a deep breath. “Nothing, forget it. What’s next?”
Marley realized she’d pulled him from his own work. “If you need to go, then go.”
He shook his head. “I’ll finish it later.”
She didn’t argue because she needed him. Besides, if she was going to be working round the clock, so could he. It was his company, after all.
Sometime later, she heard, “Hey, how come I wasn’t invited to the party?”
Marley glanced up to see Jordan at the door. Justin straightened alongside her.
“Some party,” he groaned, his chest pushing out as he stretched his arms back.
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