by Ellie Danes
“We have to stop meeting like this.” He smiled, showing his perfectly straight smile, his outstretched hand holding my purse.
“I’m sorry. What do you mean?” I felt my face blush as I paused and slowly reached for my purse.
“Yesterday, at the elevator. Today. Both times crouched down, picking things up.” He slowly stood and extended his other hand toward me to help me up and simultaneously shake mine.
“I’m Cain.”
“Jennifer.” I couldn’t think of a single thing to say. I softly reached for his hand while I admired his height and strong features. I loved a tall man and he was certainly that. My five foot seven frame barely grazed his chin.
He held my hand for a minute as he smiled and looked directly into my eyes. Interesting. Confident. Business-like. Polished. Jennifer, shut up and smile, already. I did my best to return the smile, but I was already lost in his gaze. Almost hypnotized.
“Would you and your friend care to have a drink with me? I promise I’m not a narcissist, nor do I have a girlfriend or a propensity to cheat.”
I reddened even more. “You heard that, huh?”
He gave me a brilliant smile. “It’s okay. It’s nice to hear what women really think sometimes.”
I shrugged, trying my best to be blasé. I knew it wasn’t working. “Sure, I guess we’d…” I looked for Aimee but she wasn’t in the booth. I saw her pause at the front door with a big toothy smile and a quick wave.
I gulped. AIMEE! She knew better than to leave me like this. “Looks like it’s just me, Cain.”
“Just you is… is just perfect.”
With a smile, I slid into the seat across from him and watched him place a drink order, a Cosmo for me, a Crown and Ginger for him. Our friendly waitress smiled at Cain, leaning forward as far as she could to show off her amped-up cleavage while putting cocktail napkins on the table. I don’t think she even looked at me.
“So, Jennifer, tell me what you are thinking right this minute?”
“I guess I’m wondering if those were real?” I raised an eyebrow at the waitress’s retreating back.
Cain laughed out loud and ran his hand over his short hair.
“Did I surprise you?”
Cain continued chuckling. “Yes, you did.”
We continued the small talk as the waitress brought us another round of drinks. I couldn’t help but catch myself staring at him, trying to read him. What is he really saying to you, Jennifer? I always had trouble turning off my analytical self and just enjoying the moment.
Cain took a slow sip from his drink. “So, do you read people for a living? Are you a therapist of some sort?”
“Close, although I don’t provide therapy. I’m a consultant, of sorts. I help firms get the answers they are looking for.” I wanted to remain mysterious and not give away too much about myself. I didn’t want him to be guarded. “What about you? No, wait, let me guess. You’re an engineer?”
Cain finished his drink and shook his head. “Hey, you want to share a basket of fries?”
I nodded as he waved our voluptuous waitress over and kept going. “You’re a record producer?”
Cain laughed again. I loved his laugh. The word love stuck in my mind. Careful, Jennifer.
“No and no.” Cain exuded confidence. He was calm, collected and charming.
“Hmm. I’d say that whatever you do, you’re the boss.” I gave up too easily, but I was anxious to see how Cain described his work himself.
He nodded. “I am definitely the boss, just a manager, really. I have a very capable management team…but enough work talk. What do you like to do when you don’t have to people watch?”
I was curious why he deflected the question, but didn’t press him. The waitress arrived with our drinks and a hot basket of fries. I barely touched them, but used the food as an excuse to stay just a little longer to take in everything Cain had to offer.
An hour later, my phone chirped and I instinctively grabbed for it.
Aimee: How’s it going? ;) I hope you’re behaving!!!
I smiled and looked up at Cain. He had taken the moment to look at his phone as well.
“Back to reality.” Cain smiled, his electric blue eyes glowing.
“Yes, unfortunately. I have really enjoyed this, whatever this was. Thank you for the drink and the fries.” I reached for my purse, secretly hating to leave this stunning man alone, not knowing when I would see him again.
“What about dinner? Maybe this weekend?” I could sense his vulnerability, despite his attractiveness. I could tell Cain wasn’t a guy who normally put his self out there. This was new ground for him, and I could see why. Still, the whisper of uncertainty was stronger than my desire for Cain. I had been fooled and burned before.
“I don’t think that would be a good idea. I’ve just started a new job and…”
He asked the waitress for a pen and wrote his number on a clean cocktail napkin. “Before you write me off, take my number. If you change your mind call me.”
I accepted the napkin and took the pen from him. I don’t know what made me do it but I wrote down my number and handed it to him too. Only seemed fair.
“Thanks, Jennifer. Let’s talk soon.”
I gave him a casual wave and left, smiling.
I hadn’t made it home when my phone dinged. It was a text message from Cain. Good night, Jennifer. Thank you for the company.
I sent a smiley face back along with a Good night.
Once I got settled in my apartment, I thought about Cain. He was too perfect. Critical me began an assessment. He was good looking, humorous, had a career. He seemed perfect—too perfect. I wish I had thought to get his last name; at least then I could have done a little research on him.
Despite my misgivings, I found myself thinking about his laugh and our conversation. Even though I wasn’t sold on dinner, I hadn’t truly ruled it out yet, either.
I slid into bed and closed my eyes with a huge smile on my face.
Chapter Six
Reese sent me file after file about the IT employees and I spent a good part of the morning creating desktop folders to keep everything organized. I mumbled something about being overqualified for secretarial work, but in a good natured way. I felt safe grumbling with Reese; he gave it back to me and we kept on working.
“What about the HR records for Winslow and Harris, did we get the email yet?”
Reese sighed. “No, nothing yet.” He grabbed the phone and made the call. Before he hung up, the files where in my inbox. “They’ll need to send over some other files via courier, later. Something about privacy and credit card info.”
I laughed. “Funny that they are concerned about it now.”
“Keep an eye out for those files. I’m headed out for a bit. Call me if you need anything.” With that, Reese was gone. I barely noticed. My headphones were on as I read every boring detail of the emails and files. I really wanted some action—any action. I caught myself daydreaming about my outing with Cain last night. My mystery man finally had a name.
I vaguely read through the files as I replayed the conversation of the night.
I was startled by the hand that touched my shoulder from nowhere. I looked up, catching Dylan’s reflection in the glass.
“Jennifer? Got a minute?” Dylan kept his hand on my shoulder for just a second too long. “I’m sorry, I knocked. I guess you didn’t hear me.”
I closed the document I was working on and spun around, plucking the headphones from my ears. “Sure, what’s up?”
He handed me a couple of jump drives. “I believe you need these? These are the HR files for the employees you asked about. If you need anything else, let me know.”
I took the jump drives and placed them on the desk. “Thank you for bringing them yourself. I didn’t expect to see the CTO escort these over.” I grabbed the evidence folder and recorded the receipt of the files. Reese liked to keep a tidy ship.
“To be honest with you, I was hoping to see yo
u again.”
His comment surprised me. “Really? Why?”
“I thought we might grab a cup of coffee. Maybe talk for a minute.” He smiled, and it extended to his warm brown eyes, but I wasn’t sold.
My training whispered. Something isn’t right. “Did you know that I’m Jack Dunning’s daughter?” I took the blunt approach.
Dylan tilted his head and looked at me. “Does that matter?”
I felt like he had an agenda, but I was at a loss. “I hope not. I can’t leave the building, but we can go to the coffee shop on the bottom floor. How about that?”
Instantly happy, Dylan nodded and we headed toward the elevators. He didn’t know it, but I had an agenda too. I had to find out what was going on in his head.
We ordered coffee and found a semi-private table to talk. I leaned back in my chair, my coffee in my hands. “What’s up?” I wanted to get him talking, I was certainly curious.
“You know, you and I are a lot alike.”
I laughed, feeling startled by his comparison. “How is that? You don’t really know me at all, Dylan.”
He leaned back too, with a clever smile. “I think anyone in the room at that meeting at least understands the family dynamics. Has your dad always been a hard ass? I mean, when it comes to you?”
He was dipping into uncomfortable territory, but I was willing to go there with him—at least long enough to see where he was going. “I bet he was the kind of guy that wanted to know why there wasn’t a plus after that A. The kind of guy that constantly raised the standard without ever celebrating your achievements.”
Dylan paused, but I didn’t comment. He gave an uneasy laugh. “I guess you are wondering why I’m getting into your business and why I said you and I have a lot in common?”
I gave him a brief smile and an even briefer nod. “That’s how it is with Trey and I. He’s not just my boss, he is—well, was—my best friend, like a brother. We went to the same schools, went out for the same sports, even the same girl once. He was always egging me on, one upping me. It’s a strange relationship. I guess when I saw you, I kind of felt like we could, you know, relate.” His voice lowered and he kept his eyes downcast.
I sipped my hot coffee and paused for a minute, enjoying the silence. “That’s not exactly like the dynamic between my dad and I.” I paused again. “You said you used to be friends. What happened?”
Dylan was eager to talk. It seemed obvious to me that he was trying to negatively influence me about Trey, for some unknown reason. “Those college years were tough, but I thought we got past them. You know, you can’t let a girl, or a guy, get in between two friends…but with this whole Pegasus thing…” Dylan’s voice trailed off. He seemed to be searching for the right words. “You know, I thought we were partners in this business, but he wouldn’t listen. Not to mention, with all the contracts I’ve landed and all the businesses I’ve acquired, he’s hardly grateful. I just make him richer. In return, I get more stressed and less thanks.”
The conversation took a turn and I could sense he was becoming more frustrated, just like he had the other morning. He ran his hands through his messy hair and looked at me earnestly. “I’m sorry, I guess I thought you’d understand.”
I leaned forward placing both hands flat on the table and extending them toward the middle. I wanted to show Dylan I was listening and was open to the conversation. I wanted to know more.
“I do understand, but I’m not sure what you want me to say.”
Dylan reached out and placed his hand over mine. “Say you’ll have lunch with me this afternoon.”
I pulled my hand away and stood up. “I’m flattered, but that would hardly be appropriate, Dylan. I can’t get involved with someone whose case I’m working on.”
“But your dad said you weren’t a lawyer. Doesn’t that count for something?”
“No.” I turned and walked away. I was pissed, but I didn’t take it personally. I’d got what I came for, an insight into the Dylan and Trey dynamic. I had to tell Reese.
I spent the remainder of the day digging deeper into the emails between the Pegasus CEO and Vawter. I was curious about what I might uncover; my gut told me something wasn’t right.
I felt a presence standing in the doorway. I’d become accustomed to using the window as a mirror to see when anyone approached. It was Dad.
“I know it’s Friday and you’ve probably got plans, but do you think you could expedite that first batch of profiles and get me a summary of what you and Reese have uncovered so far? We really want to get a list of employees to speak with on Monday. That’s not asking too much, is it?”
I stared at his reflection in the window. “Nice to see you too, Dad…” I waited for a response and didn’t receive one. “Nope, not a problem.” He tapped the wall in acknowledgement and left without a goodbye.
A sigh escaped my lips and I continued to clack away at the keyboard. This is not what I signed up for. The thought continued to echo through my mind. I vaguely remembered saying goodbye to a few of my coworkers at around five, but at seven pm, I gave up. My eyes hurt and my back was sore, but I had four or five candidates lined up for interviews. That should get them started on Monday.
My cell phone chirped and I felt my heart skip for a second; I half hoped it was Cain, and was a bit disappointed when I saw it was Aimee, wanting to meet for drinks and to hear about last night’s encounter. Tarrant’s? 8pm?
I smiled and quickly texted her back. Sure. OMW.
I dragged myself out of my chair, grabbed my handbag and walked out of Dunning, Durst and Chandler as quickly as I could. During my elevator ride down, I couldn’t help but think of that first encounter with Cain. The smell of his cologne, his ridiculous good looks, his fantastic taste in clothing—he was an unexpected, yet not entirely unwanted, monkey wrench in my plans for a safe and boring life. Digging for my phone in my purse, I held it in my hands, daring myself to call him. I even tapped on my contact list, but after staring at the screen for a few minutes, I dropped it back in my purse. Nope, I wasn’t ready. But I secretly hoped he would show up tonight.
Aimee was already inside. We didn’t get our usual seats along the back row, but at least we landed a cherry table in the middle section. It was bustling already, black-shirted servers bringing out appetizers and drinks to small and large parties alike.
It was much busier than the previous night. Covertly, I scanned the room. My tall, dark and handsome wasn’t there. I relaxed; I had no idea I was so uptight. Arching my back a few times, I felt the soreness radiating from the middle to the bottom of my spine. I was definitely not used to sitting still for so long. Lounging back in my chair, I smiled at Aimee, who was plying me with questions. “Okay, spill it. Is that a clue? What happened? Did you guys hook up?”
I laughed. “Is what a clue?”
She put her hand on her back. “You know, your little back problem.”
I pretended to be offended. “Aimee! Of course not…” A smirk appeared on my face. “…but I wish. He’s perfect, a tad too perfect. Probably the first guy I’ve really wanted in a long time, but I know better.”
“Know better? Jennifer, you need to move on. Take a chance and quit trying to read into everything with every man. Now, give me the details. All of them.” Aimee pulled in close so she could better hear over the blaring music.
Over the next few minutes, I gave her the blow by blow and she giggled along with me. “Oh my goodness, Jennifer, I haven’t seen you this excited about a guy since…” She clamped her mouth closed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring him up. I’m just happy for you, that’s all.”
“You know, I thought about that the other day. It made me sick. This is exactly how I felt, and that’s why I’m so uneasy about this.”
“Jennifer, just go with it. I’d say proceed with caution, but have fun.”
I could tell Aimee just wanted me to stop living through her relationships and finally be able to share some juicy stories of my own with her. I kne
w it was the truth.
Suddenly, my phone dinged. I dug it out of my purse and read the text. You aren’t the only one who can observe from afar. I like the view, BTW…
My face flushed and I could feel the sensation continue down my body. I smiled at Aimee as I scanned the area as discreetly as I could.
“Jen? What is it?”
Before I could answer, a hand brushed against my back and Cain whispered in my ear. “Jennifer, here we are again.”
Chapter Seven
Cain stroked my back, standing behind me. Although only his hand was touching me, I could feel every inch of him and it took all I had not to turn around and kiss him.
“May I join you, or are you on duty?”
My inner struggle kept me quite frozen. Aimee watched our exchange, obviously delighted, and jumped in, waving her hand at the empty chair at our table. “We would love for you to join us. My name is Aimee. I think I saw you last night but we didn’t actually have a chance to meet. Of course, you know Jennifer…” Aimee seemed more nervous than I was.
Cain was impeccably dressed. Black pants hugged his body, tight in all the right places. His pinstriped grey and black shirt fitted snuggly over his barreled chest and large biceps. I took a deep breath in, inhaling his cologne, which made parts of my body sing. What was it? I had never smelled it before and from now on it would immediately have an amazing effect on me.
Cain signaled the waitress and gave her the universal sign for another around of drinks. He joined us at the table and turned his attention toward Aimee. “Do you work with Jennifer, or are you two pals outside the boardroom?”
Aimee’s merry smile stretched across her cherubic face. I could tell she was becoming lost in his gaze as well. She finally managed to speak. “Boardroom? We’ve been friends since high school, but outside of a summer gig at a Sno-Cone stand, we’ve never worked together.”
Cain chuckled a little, stopping only for a moment to thank the waitress that delivered the drinks. “So, what do you do? I mean, other than help Jennifer size up restaurant clientele?”
