Flawlessly Executed (Dark Horse Guardians Book 3)

by Armstrong, Ava

  He glared at her, “And, how can I help you?”

  Lucy smiled in an all-knowing way, something he hated about her. Because she was the dean’s assistant, she was privy to all sorts of proprietary information and would often dangle this fact before him.

  “I just happen to know of a certain someone who’s trying to get in touch with you…maybe a past girlfriend?” Lucy let the words roll off her tongue slowly.

  Now she had his attention, but not in a good way.

  “Exactly who are you talking about?” he countered.

  Lucy took a long moment as Ben stared her down. Finally, she uttered the name, “Abby?”

  His mind instantly stopped thinking of Lucy and he felt his pulse quicken. Why would Abby be looking for him? He felt beads of sweat forming on his upper lip. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly to fight off the feeling coming over him.

  “Is that all, Miss Adams? I’m really quite busy here, you know.” He dismissed her.

  Lucy stood next to his desk, her petite frame inches away from him now.

  “I thought you’d want to know that Abby is looking for you. She called the dean’s office to inquire about your employment here and we confirmed it. Old girlfriend?” Lucy grinned.

  Ben now stared Lucy Adams in the eye, “What’s it to you?”

  Lucy looked away and tossed a wrinkled phone message onto his desk. “It’s nothing to me…” And, she sashayed out of his office without looking back.

  If she had looked back, she would’ve noticed he hastily grabbed the message and read it. Then she would have seen him lean back in his chair as if he couldn’t believe his eyes. The message read, Ben, I need to speak with you as soon as possible. Call me. Her phone number was scrawled on the note.

  He hadn’t seen or heard from Abigail Roth since his senior year in high school. She had ended their steady relationship dumping him for a college guy…West Point…Army, which made it even more painful on some level. The day Lara held the photo of Lucy and him in his childhood bedroom, he had quickly snatched it away not wanting to go into the painful details about Abby. But his wounded heart still harbored an occasional twinge of regret for what might have been.

  Abby was his first real girlfriend and it was love at first sight, at least for him. She was reluctant, at first, but his persistence paid off. In high school, he memorized her class schedule and lurked in the hallway near the door of her next class in an effort to impress her. He was a junior and she was a freshman. He slipped anonymous notes through her locker vent. He sent flowers to her home with the words your secret admirer written on the card. He followed her around like a puppy waiting to be petted, and it finally worked. He didn’t know if he wore her down or if she really fell for him, but he suspected it was the latter.

  Everything flashed through his mind in an instant. Their first kiss after a basketball game, standing underneath a bright porch light with Abby’s parents glaring from the window. Ben drew her close to him and kissed her, slowly and tentatively the first time. But after that he would turn off the porch light and push her against the side of the house French kissing her sometimes for twenty minutes before her parents would flick the light on. On those occasions her father would open the door beckoning Abby to come inside and the door would be closed in Ben’s face.

  Ben remembered one night in particular; he took Abby on a motorcycle ride after a football game, the first one of the season. It was when he had the 1940’s Indian Chief and the restoration was finally completed. She had never ridden a motorcycle before, but he brought a helmet and goggles for her and he remembered the instant thrill he felt when she wrapped her arms around him. The ride was wild and he was filled with testosterone and anticipation.

  The bike ride ended up in a remote area near a river bank on a warm autumn evening and he took a blanket out of the saddle bag. Making love to Abby took hours because it was his first time and hers. The memory of that night was something beautiful that he cherished. Even though her parents grounded Abby for a month, the wild evening was worth it to him.

  From that moment on they were inseparable until Ross Barnaby stepped into the picture. A student at West Point and from a wealthy family, Abby’s parents encouraged her to date him toward the end of her sophomore year. They didn’t like the Indian motorcycle boyfriend; they preferred the safety of Ross Barnaby, the West Point plebe.

  Ben recalled the weekend she left with her parents to go to Boothbay Harbor. He felt jealousy, rage and depression. He had never felt so helpless in his life. But there was nothing he could do. The Barnaby Family had a summer residence there and Ross was conveniently visiting. It just so happened that Abby ended up with Ross that weekend and the smug bastard encouraged her to drop her current boyfriend, and she did…just like that.

  Even though he wasn’t her boyfriend any longer, Ben still kept tabs on her. Abby traveled to visit Ross at West Point and attended homecoming. When she returned she was wearing an enormous diamond engagement ring. Ross played football and was athletically gifted. Abby married him in her freshman year of college. The last information Ben had was that Ross had made a career with the secret service. That was thirteen years ago. He had no idea where Abby was now or what her life was like.

  Ben hesitated before dialing the phone number scrawled on the note. If he heard Abby’s voice, he wondered what his reaction would be after all these years. He was now married and madly in love with Lara. His wife meant the world to him and he couldn’t imagine ever wanting another woman as much as he wanted her. Yet, still, it was Abby. He wanted more than ever to know what happened to her. What was she doing now with her life? He finally dredged up the courage to dial the number.

  The phone rang and he heard her familiar voice, “Hello.” That’s all she had to say; he knew it was Abby. He sucked in a deep breath and started, “Abby? It’s Ben Keegan. I got your message. How are you?”

  For a moment it seemed as if Abby was stunned he’d called her back. “I’m good, Ben. How are you?” she was starting with formalities. “I know you attended the Naval Academy, but lost track of you after that…what are you doing now…teaching?”

  Ben answered, “I spent a few years in the Navy, Special Warfare, and then started a security company. Yeah, I teach a couple of classes at the university. And, you? Are you still married to Ross?” He chastised himself for being so bold, but he had to know the answer. There was a pause at the other end, as if Abby was contemplating her reply.

  With a note of finality she said, “No. Ross and I divorced several years ago. How about you? Are you with anyone?” Ben didn’t answer right away. He was envisioning Lara holding the photograph of him with Abby in his bedroom. “Ben, are you there?”

  He took a deep breath and answered, “Yes, actually I married while I was in the Naval Academy, but that marriage dissolved. I was overseas a lot.”

  Abby interrupted, “You mean you’re single now?”

  He went on, “Actually, I met my current wife, Lara, last fall and we were married during April vacation.” Abby spoke softly, “Oh, I see.”

  He sensed Abby’s disappointment. Although she didn’t say anything to make him think she was disheartened, he could tell in her voice she was hoping for a different answer. Ben continued, “Where are you living now, if I may ask?”

  There was a pause and Abby spoke, “I’m in Boston, but just got offered a position in Maine and I’m thinking about taking it, even though it would be less money. I’m tired of living in the city, if you know what I mean.”

  Ben laughed; Abby laughed. There was an awkward silence until he asked, “What position would that be?”

  Her answer shocked him, “I’ve been offered a job at the university where you’re teaching. Hey, do you still have that old Indian motorcycle?”

  Ben’s mind was swimming with possibilities – both good and bad. “I have an Indian motorcycle, but it’s a 2013 replica of the 1940’s Indian Chief.”

  Abby was smiling, he could hear it in her voice, �
�Oh ~ that must be a sweet ride.” Ben was smiling, too, “Oh, it certainly is…”

  He felt awkward and didn’t know how to end the call, but thankfully, Abby did it for him, “Well, I’m taking the job in Portland, so I’ll see you around. Maybe you can give me the campus tour when I come up Friday.”

  Ben said he would and murmured goodbye.

  But the thoughts in his head were only beginning. First and foremost was the fact that Lara didn’t know anything about Abby except that she was a high school friend of his. And, he wanted to keep it that way. The less Lara knew about Abby, the better. He didn’t want Lara to think anyone surpassed her in his eyes.

  But on the other hand, he was curious to see Abby and how much she had changed since the last time they met. Thirteen years was a long time. He wondered if she’d had children or if she was dating anyone currently. It made him feel odd knowing she’d be working at the university and he’d be running into her at least two days a week. He wasn’t sure how this was going to go. There was nothing he hated more than uncertainty. He liked everything wrapped up in a box and put upon a shelf, including his feelings about Abby and Lara. Separate shelves.

  ~ Abby ~

  She had no idea how difficult it would be to pick up the phone and call the university asking if Ben worked there. Her hand trembled as she used the phone. She had vacillated for days before placing the phone call to the human resource office. Abigail Roth had been tracking Lieutenant Ben Keegan since her divorce from Ross Barnaby six years ago. Ben seemed to have dropped off the edge of the earth after his Naval Academy graduation, but now she knew why: Special Warfare.

  She imagined what he looked like now. Ben was always handsome with the most beautiful blue eyes she’d ever seen. And, when he kissed her, he made her want to run away with him. She pictured him now, older, in his early thirties, muscular and fit, as always. He’d be just as handsome but mature. He was one of those guys that would improve with age.

  She closed her eyes and recalled running her fingers through Ben’s thick black hair after making love with him. He used to enjoy it when she did that. She still got a secret thrill remembering his French kiss. He was never sloppy like other guys. Everything Ben did was flawlessly executed with perfect precision. He was the first guy to make love to her and she relived the delightful memories over and over in her mind. Too bad the first guy was the best; all of the others never lived up to the bar that Ben Keegan set.

  Of course her parents sensed her infatuation with him and set about to destroy the relationship as soon as it showed signs of teen love. Abby remembered the unvarnished talk her father had with her in the kitchen the night Ben kept her on the front porch kissing with the light turned off. “Boys won’t respect you if you behave this way, Abby!” She could remember her dad’s booming voice and the vein that bulged in his forehead when he got angry.

  Everything she did was innocent and natural, in her opinion. But her father viewed it as tempting Ben to go further. Abby cried herself to sleep that night. The things her father said about Ben were not true, not in her mind. Ben was as innocent and natural as she was. In fact, he had whispered in her ear that night that he loved her.

  Abby had just celebrated her 30th birthday and decided the move from Boston to Portland Maine would be just what she needed. She was seeking a slower pace and a small-town feeling. The new position would pay well enough so she could support herself. Plus, she could work summers part-time bartending or doing something else. She tossed a loose fitting blouse into her canvas bag. She had packed enough for the long weekend in Maine. The interview and offer would take place on Friday. She planned to scout for an apartment on Saturday, hopefully something near the university within walking distance.

  Answering a knock on the door, she handed the leash of her English Bull Terrier, Lola, to the dog sitter. “Take good care of her…she’s my baby,” Abby reminded Matilda, a former student of hers.

  Matilda replied, “Oh yes. Don’t worry about Lola. We get along very well and I’ll take her for two walks every day.”

  The door softly closed and Abby grabbed her phone and weekend bag and got into the Subaru. The drive to Maine was only about two hours. She’d be at the bed and breakfast by dinnertime. She couldn’t wait to sample the local seafood in Portland Maine. She heard it was wonderful.

  ~ Hawk ~

  Early the next morning, Grant Hawkins carefully showered and shaved. He glanced at the clothing arranged upon the bed ~ a new suit, something selected by a saleswoman. Thank God a woman helped him. She chose something that actually flattered his rugged build but wasn’t too flashy. He hated anything ostentatious. Hawk prided himself on tasteful simplicity. So, today he wore the new suit which was surprisingly comfortable. The light wool garments could be mistaken for custom tailored they fit him so well. A silk tie with tiny colorful children holding hands purchased from a charitable organization topped off the charcoal suit and crisp white cotton shirt. He even splurged on expensive Italian loafers.

  This was the first since Ellen’s death that he had dressed in a suit. He had donated all of his clothing to a homeless shelter and only kept his landscaping togs. He figured he’d never need to dress up for any occasion after her death because he planned to be a hermit the rest of his life. And he almost had been – until he met Lara. Meeting her changed everything.

  He was breathless with anticipation even though the meeting with her was an hour away. His stomach was grumbling with hunger, but he was too nervous to eat. He paced back and forth in his bedroom and finally gazed at himself in the full length mirror. He decided to slick back his thick dirty blonde hair and brushed his teeth before finally swallowing a protein shake and a handful of vitamins. He was early as he hopped into his truck and drove in the direction of Stone and Associates. Hawk turned into the parking lot and placed his truck in one of the visitor spaces as Lara suggested. He carried nothing with him except his phone.

  In the entryway of the building he was greeted by Eleanor. “Oh, Mr. Hawkins. Yes. Mrs. Keegan is expecting you. Come this way.” Eleanor led him to the grand staircase and told him to take the second door on the left at the top of the stairs. He thanked her and slowly made his way up the staircase soaking in the details of the place.

  It was as if he had stepped back into 1902. Everything was perfectly preserved. The elaborate Victorian trim work and mouldings were exactly as they had been originally. The ceiling medallions were cast in plaster with high relief. The floors and windows and doors were all circa 1902. As he stood in front of the mahogany doorway of Lara’s office, he felt sweaty and slightly nauseated. Hawk knocked softly on the thick door wondering if she could even hear him.

  The door swung open and his eyes met Lara’s and she beckoned, “Come in, please, come in.” His nausea disappeared and all was right with the world. As she turned to close the door he took in every detail about her noting she looked perfect in green linen.

  “Sit and relax. Coffee?” she gently asked.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her and felt ridiculous staring as he did, “Yes, please.” He felt Lara’s eyes sweeping over him, as she offered him a blueberry muffin. He scooped one up with a napkin and sat on the sofa. She sat across from him in the chair. On the coffee table was a binder.

  As Hawk finished the muffin, he focused on Lara’s words, “On the table is a proposal. I want you to look it over and let me know your thoughts. Take your time and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

  He tossed the napkin on the table, opened the binder and started reading. The firm would provide clients, but he could bring in his own, too. Most appealing were three items, fifty percent of the project profit would go to the firm and he’d keep the rest. Plus, his insurance bond would be covered by the firm. The big bonus was he’d get to use the bungalow to run his business out of. He could store his equipment in the fenced lot out back. That would be a huge financial burden lifted from him. He scanned the rest of the document, licking his fingers. Then he took a long drin
k of the freshly brewed coffee. He looked into Lara’s green eyes filled with anticipation and whispered, “Yes.”

  She seemed pleasantly surprised, “Yes? Just like that? Oh good!”

  Smiling, Hawk signed the agreement and handed it to her as he repeated her words, “Just like that. It’s perfect.”

  He was now going to have a stream of projects provided by Stone and Associates and he would inhabit the bungalow that Lara had been utilizing for her renovation business. He would expand his workforce to encompass all that Lara could send his way. No longer would he be working the excavator and digging holes with a pick and shovel. His fingernails would finally be clean. He wouldn’t smell like cow manure. But the biggest perk of the job: he would be with his best friend, Lara, every day. He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.

  ~ Lara ~

  She was thrilled that Hawk signed the contract so quickly. It was, after all, written in his favor. She made certain of that. If he wanted out at any time, he could pull the plug. She wanted him to be comfortable with the arrangement. She would be his boss, but she knew he would need very little supervision. He was a brilliant designer and digging in the dirt could be relegated to young men with strong backs needing work. Hawk was meant to use his creative energies in proposals and impressing clients. She sensed his bashfulness would be a bit of an impediment at first, but she would help him overcome that if he would let her.

  “You look professional today, Hawk. That suit is perfect.” She knew he felt uneasy dressing up. He had worn his landscaper’s jacket to Eliot’s funeral. She had been thinking since she’d opened the door and seen him standing there in that gray suit with his blonde hair slicked back, he’d never looked so good.

  She glanced away as she became aware of the smile on his face. The cleft dimple in his chin was visible. His full lips and white teeth formed a perfect smile. Hawk blushed and looked away, too.