by Zuri Day
She quickly pulled out her key to open the door. Once inside, she leaned her body against it, closed her eyes and worked to regulate her breathing. She slid out of her shoes and if she’d had her way the dress and body-shaping undergarment would have followed right behind them. That wasn’t possible. She had a job to do. That thought in mind, she pushed away from the door and headed into her office. She crossed to her desk, sat down and retrieved her tablet from the drawer. Her finger hovered over the power button. The words from her argument with Cayden rang fresh in her ears. What she said wasn’t truly how she felt so why had she attacked him? Why had she played the victim card and blamed him for what happened?
Because you don’t want to face your real feelings and admit that you care about him.
Avery stood and paced from her desk to the window. Earlier when they’d collided, her knees had gone weak. It should have been unlawful for a man to be that handsome, for a body to be able to bless a suit like that. She’d felt instant desire and ran away. That was the truth plain and simple. Her plan was to try to avoid him for the rest of the night.
How’d that work out for you?
It hadn’t, and that was the problem. When he called out to her she couldn’t ignore him, not with his friends looking on and other guests, too. She knew they needed to talk, but she wasn’t ready. When he admitted he enjoyed what had happened as much as she had, it scared her. If he gave chase, she doubted her willpower would be strong enough to push him away. Avery had determined keeping him at arm’s length was exactly what she needed to do. For many reasons. Starting with the fact that he’d committed a crime and from the looks of things had gotten away with it. Brittany had tricked her into delivering the envelope to First Bank, the packet that contained the information of Cayden’s embezzlement, but when she learned what he’d planned to do, she was glad that she’d helped stop it. The Cayden of today seemed to be nothing like the one Brittany had told her about, but how much could a person really change?
Then there was the fact that she’d broken a company rule. And on the property, no less! When it came to finances, Avery lived rather conservatively. She had a modest portfolio. If she got fired or lost her job, she wouldn’t starve. But she’d worked hard to get where she was and had beat out dozens of applicants to be the club’s assistant event director. Cayden’s charity event was her chance to prove she’d been the right one to hire. Sleeping with the client would convey it had been a really bad idea.
Finally, there was her love life’s track record. Not very good. The last relationship with the very married single guy left her heartbroken and distrustful. Her clue that it wasn’t his first rodeo in adultery was how good he was at covering it up. Her ex was a consummate liar, always able to explain away his long absences when he’d leave to be with the family that was ensconced in another state.
No, right now Avery didn’t need to think about jumping into a relationship with Cayden or anyone else. But since he was still her client and they would be in each other’s presence for two more days, she did need to seek him out, offer him an apology and let him off the hook for what happened today. Cayden was right. It took two to tango. She’d thoroughly enjoyed the dance.
After retrieving the contact information needed regarding tomorrow’s kickoff, she went looking for him. She’d acknowledged to herself that it was her attraction to Cayden that made her lash out, and the part she’d played in what happened. Now it was time to be honest with him.
Gathering the info she’d come for, she pulled out the makeup bag she stashed for emergencies and quickly powdered off the shine from the July humidity and swiped on a coat of lip gloss. She slipped into the stilettos, did a quick check around the office, then closed and locked the door behind her. Daylight had given way to dusk, bringing with it a slightly cooler breeze. The tendrils Touché had left hanging down brushed against her neck. Once again she was reminded of what happened earlier, the feel of Cayden’s lips as he branded her skin. She’d walked—or wobbled was probably a more accurate description—out of that storeroom feeling infinitely more relaxed than when she went in, which made her feel even more guilty about how she lashed out at him. Yep, she needed to fix that. The sooner, the better.
She decided to take a shortcut by cutting across the tennis court area and entering the main building through a side door. Out of the plentiful lighting that covered the front patio and surrounding areas Avery got an eerie feeling, as though she was being followed, or watched. She stopped and looked around her. The only sounds heard were those of the cicadas, the only shadows made by tree branches dancing to their song. She shook off the uncomfortable sensation and continued toward the ballroom. When she reached the hallway leading to the lobby, she slowed her pace, took a breath and slipped on her professional HWIC face. At the moment she didn’t feel like the head woman in charge, but if looking the part was half the battle, she was on her way to winning when she reached the lobby floor.
Seeing that Cayden wasn’t among those mingling in that area, she stepped into the ballroom. Contemporary dance music had replaced the live jazz band taking a break. The music was bumping, the floor crowded. She moved from one side of the room to the other, looking for a tuxedo the color of midnight blue, and caught a glimpse of it on the dance floor. Pushing aside the thought to wait until the song ended, Avery waded into the sea of dancing bodies and bobbing heads. In her mind this was an emergency that couldn’t wait. Or so she thought, until catching a full view of Cayden and, even more, his dancing partner, an incredibly beautiful woman one couldn’t help but notice. Avery had done so earlier during the dinner service. She’d been seated next to Mona Eddington and a man Avery had assumed was her date. If the way the stunner looked at Cayden was any indication, Avery had been wrong on that count. What if she were Cayden’s date, and he’d been off socializing when Avery had passed by? He was already upset with her. Would it make him even angrier to interrupt his dance?
Avery didn’t know but she was about to find out.
She maneuvered around the last few dancers separating her from the goal, then tapped Cayden on the shoulder.
“I’m sorry to interrupt but we have an emergency.”
Cayden looked from her to Delaney. “What’s going on?”
“Sorry,” Avery said to Delaney, who pointedly ignored her. And then back to Cayden. “Can you come with me? This shouldn’t take long.”
Cayden looked dubious. He eyed Avery for a second longer before speaking to Delaney. “I apologize. Allow me to escort you back to the table.”
“It’s okay.” Delaney placed a possessive hand on Cayden’s arm. “Handle your business, darling. When you return, I’ll be ready for the next dance.”
With a wink and a smile that would sell beef to vegans, she walked off. Avery tried not to acknowledge the feelings that arose as she watched a woman with the perfect everything glide into the crowd. But as she and Cayden entered the lobby and then a meeting room just beyond it, the perception that she was being less than smart would not go away. They may not be in high school anymore, but she’d most likely still become invisible to Cayden whenever women like Ms. Perfect came around. So what did it matter if he were angry, or whatever way he felt about her? There was no future with a man like him. Two more days and their forced connection would be over. Belatedly, Avery realized she should have left well-enough alone.
“What is the emergency, Avery? What is so important that I had to be interrupted?”
The door had barely closed behind them before Cayden reacted, making Avery even more sure that this was a mistake. He was probably anxious to get back to his date. Best to get this over and done with.
“The question of whether or not this weekend is a failure or success.”
This got his attention. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. “I’m listening.”
“We might disagree on many things, but what both of us want is for this event to be suc
cessful. That can go more smoothly if we’re getting along.” Avery ignored his snort and continued.
“We’ve both been under a lot of pressure. Speaking for myself, anxiety has been high. Not only am I fairly new to this job but I had to grab the reins and ride solo much faster than expected. I know my job situation has nothing to do with you, but I wanted to provide some perspective. Getting hired here was not easy. Dozens vied for the position. When Maggie went on leave, I was secretly terrified. It became even more important that I rise to the challenge and make sure that all of the club’s clients received the type of service that the Point is known for, the stellar outcomes this community has come to expect.”
Cayden shifted, as if to speak.
“Just hear me out.” Avery lifted a halting hand. “Please.”
Cayden said nothing, but Avery noted his body relaxed the tiniest bit.
“From the time I ran into you, literally, I’ve been in a battle with myself. Fighting off a crazy attraction I thought had been left behind in our high school years. I told myself that whatever I felt wasn’t a big deal. We travel in different circles, and even though I felt that in working at the city’s most popular high-society hangout we’d more than likely run into each other, I figured it would be in passing. When I came into the lobby that day to greet my first client, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. I couldn’t believe it was you.”
Cayden looked at his watch. Avery cut to the chase.
“What happened in the storage room earlier today wasn’t your fault. I don’t believe it was something you planned. It just happened, and I was glad that it did. I wanted it, enjoyed it, as much as you did. Probably more. Our making love...”
Cayden arched a brow.
“Okay, making out...was actually just what I needed. Those knots you felt were from built-up stress. Worry had me feeling as tight as a drum. Instead of lashing out at you, I should have said thanks. Not only because of your thoughtful gesture, wanting to know that I was okay, but for being a gracious and easygoing client. After doing weddings and other personal celebrations at Lake Chalet, believe me, you’ve made planning this event a joy. All of that to say I’m sorry for my earlier accusations. I didn’t feel manipulated and know what happened wasn’t planned. I wanted to clear the air now, tonight, and remove any animosity or bad feeling between us. I’ve heard nothing but praise from the guests so far and wanted to do my part to make sure that continues.”
Avery felt spent, and emotionally naked. Being transparent with her feelings wasn’t easy. Cayden’s eyes were dark, and unreadable. He remained silent. She couldn’t do anything about that. The only person she could control was herself. From then on out Avery was going to put what happened behind her and be the consummate professional.
“Well, that’s all I wanted to say. I’m sure you’re ready to get back to your guests. Thanks for listening.”
“You’re welcome.”
Avery watched as Cayden silently left the room, leaving her to wonder if being honest had made an impact. Her not having time to dwell on it was probably a good thing. The dance was winding down. Many guests had left already. Soon it would be time to gather the remaining staff and get ready for tomorrow. With that in mind, Avery left the meeting room on her way to housekeeping. As she entered the lobby, a commotion near the clubhouse drew her attention. Two security guards and the hostess who’d handled the VIP list were speaking with someone out of vision, a person animatedly using their hands.
The younger of the two guards saw Avery approach and left the doorway to meet her. They stopped a few feet away.
“What’s going on, Ralph?”
“Some woman demanding that she be admitted, even though her name isn’t on the list.”
Avery was thankful it wasn’t something more serious. “I’ll take care of it.”
The two of them continued to the door, hearing the woman’s voice raise along with her agitation.
“I’m telling you, I was invited! Get me the manager, now!”
Avery reached the door. The guard stepped back so she could speak to the guest.
“Excuse me, I’m the manager here. May I help you?”
The woman, who’d been busy texting on her phone, jerked her head up when Avery spoke. Several seconds passed before recognition dawned.
“Brittany?”
Brittany’s eyes narrowed. “Avery? You’re... Oh, never mind. Thank God it’s you. I tried to tell these men I belonged here.”
She made a move toward the door. The guard blocked her.
“I’m sorry, Brittany,” Avery said, working to keep a pleasant tone to her voice. “But this is a private event.”
The hostess held out her tablet. “I’ve searched the list twice, Avery. Her name isn’t there.”
Avery made a show of checking a list she knew by heart. After several seconds, she looked up. “I’m sorry, Brittany, but the people hosting this event were very clear that only invited guests could attend.”
“By people you mean Cayden Barker, correct?”
Avery didn’t try to hide her surprise. “You know it’s his event and you’re trying to crash it?”
“I have my reasons.”
“Perhaps, but I can’t go against the rules.”
“I thought we were friends,” Brittany said with a pout.
“I did, too.” Avery took several steps away from the entrance to make their talk more private. “But that was before you left town without a goodbye to me or Lisa.”
“I regret that, Avery.” Brittany stood close to Avery, her voice now lowered and calm. “Can we talk about it? Later, maybe, when you have time.”
“Sure.” Avery pulled out her phone. “What’s your number?”
Brittany reeled it off, her eyes glued to the entrance doors. “Can you at least tell Cayden I’m out here? I really need to speak with him, too.”
“There you are,” Charlotte said, rushing toward the two women talking. “One of the PDS board members needs to see you, ASAP.”
“I have to go,” Avery said to Brittany. “I’ll call you.”
Avery could have kissed Charlotte for her timing. The interruption prevented her from having to lie to a former friend. The last thing she wanted to do was tell Cayden about Brittany. She meant what she’d said about calling her, though. She had questions. Brittany had answers. The two definitely needed to talk.
* * *
Avery thought work would slow down once the tournament was over, but it felt like the opposite had occurred. Maggie returned to work that following Monday, a couple weeks earlier than scheduled, demanding reports that Avery hadn’t yet prepared and a detailed spreadsheet of upcoming events. Cayden had called but she hadn’t returned it. She hadn’t called Brittany, either. Today was Wednesday, the first time all week she’d left the office before the sun went down. On her way to the car, she pulled out her phone to call him. More than likely he had a question regarding the past weekend, a conversation that wouldn’t take long.
“This is Cayden.”
The sound of his voice brought goose bumps. She willed her body to behave. “Cayden, it’s Avery.”
“Hi.”
“Hi.” He sounded nervous, too. Not angry. Good. “Sorry it took so long to get back with you.”
“It’s okay. I hope you enjoyed your time off.”
“I will when I take it. Maggie returned to work this week. It’s been super busy getting her caught up. Look, if this is about what happened...”
“It is and it isn’t.”
“What does that mean?”
“I do think we have a lot to talk about, but mainly the call was about the effort you put into ensuring the golf tournament’s success.”
“I was only doing my job.”
“How would you like to take a break from said job and get away for the weekend?”
A
very had no idea where that segue was headed. “I’d be happy to take a break and do nothing.”
“Great idea, especially if that doing nothing was in California.”
Avery wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly. “California?”
“Yeah, you know that big state on the west coast just above Mexico?”
“So you got an A in geography. Goody for you.”
Cayden’s unabashed laughter brought a smile to her face. She’d missed talking to this man.
“One of my guests from the fundraiser owns a resort. He invited me out for a visit this weekend. Would you like to come?”
Like I did when you sent me over the moon in the storeroom? Hell, yeah! But he probably meant on the trip.
“Wow, Cayden, that’s some kind of invitation. California sounds wonderful but...”
“I know. We’ve had our moments. Flared tempers. Misunderstandings. All while trying to juggle a multi-million-dollar fundraiser. It was a lot. We were both stressed. I figured a weekend getaway would give us a chance to have a real conversation and clear everything up. I went online to check it out. The place looks fantastic. There’s no ulterior motive. I’d book separate rooms. With all of the events that take place at the club, we’ll more than likely be seeing each other. It would be great to develop a friendship, if only for business reasons. I would say take some time and get back with me but—”
“I don’t need time to think about it. I’d love to come with you.”
“Excellent. I’ll text over the information. We can talk again after that.”
“I appreciate this, Cayden. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Same two words as the other night. Totally different delivery. Rather than dissect what the invitation meant she chose to be thankful that he’d asked her. She received Cayden’s text, then placed a call to Maggie and got the time off. She almost called Brittany, then decided against it. Avery deserved a vacation and wanted to spend time with Cayden. Why her old friend was back in town and crashing club parties could wait until she returned from California.
