Conklin's Blueprints

by Brooke Page

  He paused without turning back to me. “That I took you home.”

  I didn’t say anything for a minute while his back was still to me, I asked, “You’re not going to tell him you stayed the night and spent the day with me, are you,” it was a statement instead of a question.

  His shoulders slouched and his head turned to the side, “I doubt he will ask.”

  I let out a sigh, “Good bye, Tyler.”

  “Have a good night, Becca.”

  Chapter 9

  I locked the door after Tyler left and thudded my head against it. He wouldn’t tell Nathan that we had spent the past 18 hours together. What was he so afraid of? Trying to guard myself from my insecurities, I kept hoping it was more than just how I looked. He said it was hard for him to explain. He never said I was beautiful or anything like that. I sighed and leaned my body more against the door. After today and last night, I wasn’t going to be able to get him out of my head for a while. Then, I was startled by keys hitting the door and the knob turning. I jumped back as Jamie started to walk in. She gasped and dropped her purse when she saw me.

  “Jesus, Becca! You scared the shit out of me! Why are you hoarding the door?” she exclaimed, clasping her hand to her chest.

  “Sorry, I was just saying goodbye to Tyler and… lingered by the door,” I mumbled.

  “I figured. I saw him leaving the elevator. He seemed a bit flustered. Did everything go ok? Has he been here since last night?”

  I nodded my head. “I never should have drunk all of those long islands. I made a fool of myself.”

  Jamie laughed. “I highly doubt that. So was he good in bed?” she asked, dragging me to the couch. I rolled my eyes at her.

  “We didn’t sleep together. Well, we didn’t have sex. I told you I wasn’t going to do that anymore. It was a very odd evening and day. He did make me an omelet though.” I smiled at the thought of how he went out to get us the ingredients to make omelettes.

  She gaped at me, “Yeah, yeah, yeah I know, no one nighters I get it. My night was… amazing,” She sighed and flopped her head on the back of the couch. I giggled at her reaction and asked her to elaborate. Jamie said he was very good in bed, and he was very interested in repeating their evening sometime during the week. I was happy for her. She deserved to be happy.

  We didn’t talk about Tyler anymore. Any time his name came up, I would dodge the question and change the subject. Jamie eventually caught on and stopped bugging me for details. The sad part was, I don’t think I would have been able to give her details. Our relationship was so vague; I don’t even think I could call it a relationship.

  ~

  I slept awesome that night and was fresh and ready for work. I didn’t get any texts from Tyler last night after he left. He must have been busy with Nathan. I doubted I would see him around the office today. He said he was going to Cleveland. I wondered what time his flight was taking off. I sent him a quick text.

  I hope you slept well last night, and I hope you have a great flight. Did you remember your ear plugs? -Becca

  I set my phone down and hopped in the shower. I cleaned as quickly as I could, curious to see if Tyler had texted me back. I towel dried my body super fast and practically ran to my bed. I had a text. Grinning from ear to ear, I read the message.

  I didn’t sleep as well as I did with you. -Tyler

  My grin became even bigger, if that was possible.

  Sad you slept better next to a drunken girl then in your own bed. -Becca

  She wasn’t drunk the second time. I don’t think I will sleep well again until Wednesday. -Tyler

  My cheeks heated. Good thing I was by myself. He wanted me to stay the night after we went out? If we would even go out. He would probably want us to hermit in his house. The thought disappointed me, even made me a bit angry.

  Plan on picking up another drunken chick at the bar? I will be on a date, oh wait… the guy I am going out with doesn’t date. -Becca

  I waited a few moments, then sighed and threw the phone on my bed so I could get dressed. Maybe he will give me an answer via text. Once I was dressed in a simple black skirt and white button up I checked my phone again. Still no answer. Wuss. I went into the bathroom and put on a splash of makeup and straightened my hair. When I was finally going to put my shoes on, my phone started ringing. I rolled my eyes, knowing it was Tyler. I didn’t think he would call me, just give me some vague text about how it was best for me that we weren’t together. Whatever.

  “Yes?” I answered, sounding slightly annoyed.

  “Good morning to you too,” he sounded surprised at my annoyance. I started to feel bad about my rudeness. “First, you are not just some drunk chick, when are you going to listen to me when I say that? Second, Wednesday will be a date. Don’t be so quick to judge, Becca.” His voice became sterner.

  I got a lump in my throat from his tone. I didn’t mean to make him upset. “I’m sorry if I sounded crabby when I answered, and my text wasn’t meant to be taken seriously.” It was sort of the truth.

  I heard a sigh on the other line. “Just give me some time, please. Why are you crabby?”

  “It’s nothing. I’m just having an off morning, and I was just teasing you. I understand.”

  Understand I’m just not good enough to be seen with.

  He paused for a moment. “Why are you having an off morning?” He sounded concerned.

  I’m having an off morning because you are ashamed of me.

  “I don’t know, just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. When are you coming back?” I tried to sound like I would be fine waiting until Wednesday to see him, but that was a lie. I wanted him to crawl into my bed tonight and sleep with me, even if we weren’t going to do any heavy breathing.

  “Not until Wednesday morning, but I have to get into a meeting. I will text you later, okay?”

  “Yeah I need to head out too. Have fun at your meeting,” I said trying to smile, not that he could see me.

  “I always do. Bye.”

  “Bye.”

  I let out a sigh as I hit the end call button. I would never understand him. He said he didn’t do flings, so maybe he just wanted a friend with benefits type thing? I’ve already done that, and I’m not going back. No, he would have tried to sleep with me yesterday if that was what he wanted. Maybe he was really just gay, but was still confused? I would have to wait until Wednesday to see what he had up his sleeve. Maybe he would start talking then.

  ~

  When I arrived at work a big black SUV was pulled up right outside the main entrance to the building. A very sharply dressed man came out of the SUV with three immaculate women following him. He had very expensive looking sunglasses and spiky hair. He looked like he might be in his 40s. Probably one of our higher up clients, but normally Nathan or Tyler worked with them and always went to them. They rarely had meetings at the office, especially with clients of his stature. I followed the man and his entourage into the building. I stood off to the side of the entourage in front of one of the four elevators. I felt incredibly small standing in the same proximity as the three beautiful bombshells. I heard a ping, and it was the elevator in front of the gorgeous group and they walked in. I overheard the gentleman who led the pack say, “Ladies, go ahead and meet me in my office. I will take the next one up.”

  Then it felt like someone was in my bubble. Slowly turning my head, the immaculately dressed man was standing next to me with his hands behind his back. I quickly turned my head back to the elevator. Why was he standing so close to me?

  “Good morning,” he said politely.

  I glanced at him and said hello back. The elevator door opened in front of us, and we both walked on. He was on the side of the elevator with the buttons and asked me which floor. I finally looked into his eyes. They were bright blue and had a familiar twinkle in them. He let out a full heart-stopping smile when I told him which floor.

  “Hi, I’m RJ Conklin, are you new here?” he asked, putting his hand out to me. I w
as almost speechless. I was in the same elevator as RJ Conklin, the owner of the most powerful architecture firm in the Midwest.

  Finally able to speak I said hello, “Yes, I work in the commercial architecture department. I’m Becca. It’s nice to meet you Mr. Conklin.” I shook his soft manicured hands. His grin became mischievous. I had seen that grin before on both Nathan and Tyler’s faces. I’m sure Mitch had the same grin as well.

  “Please, call me RJ. It is nice to meet you. Do you like it here so far?” His eyes were so easy to get lost in. I felt exposed when his eyes searched into mine.

  “Yes, I love it here. I am very excited with the project I just started working on.”

  He gave me a curious look. “Which project?”

  “Enterprise Yachts.”

  A slow grin came across his face. “Yes, that is a very big project. Can you meet me in my office Wednesday? We can talk more about it.”

  I nodded my head at him. Why did he want to talk to me about the project? I was the junior on the account, and honestly it would be more of a learning experience where Corey would be doing most of the work.

  We finally reached my floor. Nathan was standing in front of the elevator when the door opened.

  “Morning, Becca. Did you have a good weekend?” he said with a knowing smile.

  I flushed in embarrassment at his smile. He had seen me very intoxicated. And he probably thought I slept with his brother. Although, I’m sure Tyler had squashed that thought, and just told him he dropped me at the front of my building. The thought made the color fall from my cheeks.

  “Err… it was great, thanks,” I mumbled, walking past him.

  “It was lovely to meet you, Becca,” RJ said with a slinky smile. I returned his smile and continued walking to my office. I said hello to the receptionist and continued walking to my cubicle, still baffled by RJ Conklin wanting to talk to me.

  The next day was consumed with working on the Enterprise Yachts plans. Will wasn’t his usual carefree self but was edgy and picky. I understood where he was coming from. This was a huge account that we couldn’t mess up. I had even told him I would be happy to let someone with more experience take my spot. He just shook his head at me and told me I was doing fine and having a woman’s perspective was a big deal, considering the owner of Enterprise Yachts was a woman. Her husband had started the company but unfortunately died and left the company to her. Instead of selling it, she took it over and clearly she knew what she was doing. I could tell Corey was getting annoyed with Will’s analytical comments that he was constantly throwing over Corey’s shoulder.

  I was beat by Tuesday evening, and the three of us didn’t leave until 8:00pm.

  “Gosh Will, we will get it done. Stop freaking out about it. Nathan will be impressed with what we have done when he comes tomorrow,” Corey exasperated while rolling his eyes.

  “It’s RJ I’m worried about. He is coming with Nathan. You know he can be very nit-picky,” Will said nervously.

  Corey rolled his eyes again. “Has he ever not been impressed with what we have come up with?”

  Will’s body started to relax. “Yeah, I guess you are right.”

  ~

  When I got home Jamie was lying on the couch watching TV. I started to talk to her, but when I didn’t get an answer, I went over to see what was up. She was passed out with her phone in her hand on her chest. She must have been talking to Sean. They had been talking and texting non-stop since Saturday night. I was happy for her. I grabbed the afghan that was on the back of the couch and threw it over her then headed to my side of the condo. I was too tired to do anything but get ready for bed and crawl under my sheets. I threw on my Tigers T-shirt and some comfy shorts and snuggled under my covers. When I went to put my phone on my charger the thought of texting Tyler occurred to me. I had only gotten a few texts from him throughout the past couple of days, all of them being very vague.

  Hey, what time is your flight tomorrow? Will I see you around the office? -Becca

  My phone chirped almost instantly.

  I am actually taking a flight back tonight around 11:00pm. I plan to be in the office most of the day tomorrow. -Tyler

  Well he was quick to the point. I started to feel insecure.

  Will you still want to see me tomorrow night? -Becca

  Of course! Why wouldn’t I? Can we leave right from the office? -Tyler

  His reaction made me squeeze my pillow. He still wanted to see me.

  Yeah that’s fine. I don’t know what time it will be. Will has been a little uptight about the Enterprise Yachts project. I didn’t get done until 8:00pm tonight. -Becca

  Don’t worry you will get out in time. Just tell him you have a business meeting with management. -Tyler

  I could sense his humor. Then I remembered I was meeting with RJ tomorrow. My nerves suddenly took over. I was trying to piece together what I would wear in my brain when, my phone chirped again, bringing me back to my texting with Tyler.

  I was kidding. It will be fine, Becca. I can’t wait to see you. I have been thinking about you non-stop since Sunday afternoon. I hope you will enjoy what I have planned. -Tyler

  My heart skipped a beat. Had he really been thinking of me? He didn’t put forth an effort to talk to me a whole lot throughout the past couple of days. I shouldn’t think that. He is a busy man, and I’m sure most of the time he was working and didn’t even get a chance to give me a call or text. I should be happy he sent me so many tonight.

  Sorry for my delay, I am sure I will enjoy what you have planned :O)-Becca

  I wasn’t going to tell him I was day dreaming about what I was going to wear for the meeting with his father. That might sound weird, but I knew I had to dress to impress Tyler as well, since we would be leaving right from work.

  I hope it brings a smile to your actual face. I need to get to the airport, and you need to get some sleep. Have a good night, Becca. -Tyler

  Thanks you too, don’t forget to bring your ear plugs. -Becca

  Chapter 10

  I was a nervous wreck on my way to work. I asked Jamie if she would drop me off today since I was going for the sophisticated look and wore heels. I didn’t think I could do it all day with them and go out with Tyler by starting my day off with a mile walk. I wore a gray dress with a yellow belt and matching yellow heels. The collar was square and was a bit low. I was wearing my hot pink push-up bra to give me a bit of cleavage. I decided to do my hair in curls and made sure my eyes popped. If I was going to be meeting with the head of the company, I had to look nothing short of amazing. But the truth was--, I was doing it for Tyler. He said he wanted to go out right from work, so I wouldn’t have a lot of time to freshen up. I had even made sure I had on matching hot pink panties. I didn’t necessarily want him to see that much of me, but you never know.

  I sat down in my cubicle and started to peruse my emails. I had noticed one from RJ, saying to come meet him at noon for lunch. I hadn’t even thought about what time we would be meeting. There was one from Will with what he expected us to get done today, and there was one from Tyler. He had never emailed me at work before.

  Becca,

  Look in the cabinet above your CAD computer.

  Tyler Conklin

  CO-VP of Conklin Architecture, Construction, and Design

  I furrowed my brow and stood up to move to the other side of my desk. When I flipped open the cabinet, a single white rose was placed in front of the numerous files. My heart thudded as I took out the rose and read the note that was attached to it.

  I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight. -Ty

  I couldn’t take the ridiculous grin off my face if I tried. Putting the rose to my nose I closed my eyes in contentment. He clearly had feelings for me. A guy doesn’t just hide a rose in a girl’s office for her to find in hopes of getting her in bed, does he?

  “Becca! Are you ready to get started working on this today?” Corey yelled from his office. His voice startled me, causing me to nearly drop the ro
se. I set it down beside my computer and went to join him.

  “I’m so sick of Will FREAKING out about this. Our meeting with RJ is at 4:00pm. Will wants us to finish up this back part and then he will hopefully be happy,” he sighed.

  I let out a small laugh. “Yeah, he sent me an email about it. Does he always get this frazzled? He seems so relaxed usually.”

  “He freaks out when RJ comes around. We barely see him, and RJ can be a lot like Nathan, fast talker, but he can be way more of a prick,” he said shaking his head. I guess Tyler wasn’t the only one who wasn’t that fond of him.

  “I’m meeting him for lunch at noon,” I blurted out.

  Corey’s head jerked towards mine with a contorted face and said, “What?”

  “Yeah, I uh, ran into him on Monday. He said he wanted to meet with me about this project. It was kind of odd now that I think about it. He didn’t even know who I was at first.” Maybe I should be worried about this meeting.

  Corey let a half smile cross his face then looked back to the plans. “Well, we better get this done; I’m guessing you will be taking a long lunch break.”

  I didn’t understand what he meant, but decided to ignore it and focus on what we needed to get done.

  11:45am came quickly, and I was nearly shaking because I was so nervous. Not wanting to be late, I left Corey’s office and went to get my bag. I wanted to go check myself out in the mirror to make sure I didn’t have any smudges or anything embarrassing going on. While I was rummaging through my bag, I noticed a text on my phone. It was from Tyler. Crap! I was going to send him a message back about the rose. It was so thoughtful of him. The thought of it made my butterflies go away from my meeting with RJ, but returned to my evening with Tyler.