Chapter 3
My first day at Blaze Public Relations Inc. was spent as a get-me girl. Get me this and get me that. I might as well have been called a gopher because that was what I was doing. My boss, a sharp-nosed woman named Beatrice, was a joy with her mousy brown hair so tight in a bun. I wouldn’t be surprised if it cut off blood circulation to her brain, was a bitch.
She barked out orders at me like I was a child. I could see that I might have made a mistake by accepting this position. When lunchtime came, I was grateful. My feet hurt, and I was sure a blister was starting on my left heel from running around.
“Rough day?”
I saw Beatrice’s assistant, Candice, peering into my cubicle as I rubbed my foot. I’d liked her immediately when we were introduced this morning; she was maybe a few years older than me and had a pleasant demeanor, serving as a buffer to Beatrice’s brashness.
“I’m figuring it out.”
“It gets better, I promise. Want to get some lunch?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
I followed Candice to the elevators as she pulled her golden blonde hair from a black clip at the back of her hair.
“That’s so much better. I hate keeping my hair up, but it annoys Beatrice when it’s loose.”
I smiled. “I’m glad I put mine in a ponytail.”
“Keep it that way; it makes life easier.”
We stepped onto the elevator, which was almost empty, with just two businessmen looking at paperwork in a folder. They glanced at us as we entered the car.
“How do you like it so far?”
“I think I’d like it more if I actually did something other than make copies and get coffee.”
“I was in your position a couple of years ago. Learn fast, and you’ll be given more responsibility. I think it will be soon since you seem to be very intelligent.”
I felt my face heat and looked down at my shoes, mumbling thanks. Flattery embarrassed me. Candice and I went next door to the crowded little deli. We waited in line while deciding what to get to eat. I wasn’t hungry and stuck to a small salad and iced coffee.
“That’s it for you?”
“I’m nervous.”
She chuckled as she paid for her turkey wrap and iced tea at the cashier. We chatted during lunch until her phone chimed with a request from Beatrice.
“She bothers you during your lunch hour?” I asked.
“Sometimes. She rarely leaves the office for lunch. I have to get her something to eat. I’ll see you upstairs.”
It was time to go back anyway. I packed up my half-eaten salad and threw the remnants into the garbage. It had gotten warmer since I went inside this morning, and I wished I could stay out longer. If this is what the working world was, I think I’d rather be back in school.
“Ryleigh!” Beatrice bellowed.
I had just sat down at my desk to enter some information into the database when she practically screamed from two doors down. I jumped up to see what she wanted, poking my head into the chaos that was her office. Papers were on every free inch of her desk, a small round conference table in the corner, and stacked on the bookshelves behind her.
“Yes, Beatrice.”
“I need lunch. Can you get me a green smoothie from the deli?”
I was surprised since Candice was the only one that got Beatrice lunch. Maybe after three days on the job, she trusted me more.
“Sure. Now?”
“Yes, now. See Aida for petty cash when you come back. And bring a receipt if you want to get reimbursed.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t call me ma’am. I’m not much older than you.”
That was a lie—Beatrice was nearing forty, which would make her almost old enough to be my mother. But I just nodded, hurrying from her office and stopping at my desk to grab the last twenty in my wallet. The hallway was empty when I went to the elevator to wait for the car to come down. When it did, and the doors opened, I couldn’t move because of the lone occupant inside. I stood there like a dummy.
“Are you getting on, Miss Stewart?”
Oliver Fox’s voice rolled over me like hot butter. He once again had me mesmerized with his beauty. Today, he wore a black suit, crisp lavender shirt, and purple tie. He looked so well put together. He folded The Wall Street Journal he was reading and stuck it under his arm.
“Well?”
“I—uh….”
The door started to close, and he hit the button on the panel to hold it open. I finally recovered and stepped inside, immediately hit with the scent of his cologne. That clean scent was perfect for him. I moved to the corner of the elevator as the door closed, and as it did, it dawned on me that he addressed me by my last name.
“How did you know my name?”
“I handed you your diploma, did I not?”
His sapphire eyes focused on my hazel ones with such intensity that I had to look away.
“Yes, but you handed many people their diplomas that day. You couldn’t possibly remember my name.”
He chuckled. “You underestimate my memory. Your name is Ryleigh Stewart, is it not?”
“Yes, but….”
He held his hand up to stop me. “I always remember faces, especially one as pretty as yours.”
I could feel my heart pounding as he continued to speak. Why would this man remember someone like me? After graduation, I went on my laptop to search for images of Oliver Fox. I found him in several with gorgeous women in his arms, much prettier than me.
“Thank you for the compliment.”
“It’s well deserved.”
Thankfully, the elevator dinged onto the main floor, the doors opened, and Oliver gestured me out when I didn’t move. I moved and felt his hand on my back as we exited. He removed it and said goodbye to me. I stood there like a statue, watching him walk away. It was then that I realized I was aroused. My nipples were straining against my red lace bra, and down below, my panties were damp.
Jesus Christ, he was turning me on just by his very presence. I wondered what would happen if we spent time alone or he touched my bare flesh. Would I explode into flame? I fanned myself as I walked toward the glass doors of the building.
At the end of the day, I met Sadie on the sidewalk. We walked to the subway together.
“Guess who I met today?” I asked.
“Who? You’re lucky to be working in PR. I bet you’ll meet some celebrities.”
“Oliver Fox.”
Her eyes widened. “That gorgeous guy who spoke at our graduation?”
“Yes. Fox Asset Corporation is in my building. Can you believe that? He remembered me from graduation,” I said excitedly.
“What did he say?”
“He called me Miss Stewart and then said my entire name. Why would he remember me at all?”
“You’re hot,” she said.
A man in front of us turned around and smiled at me. I frowned as if to tell him to mind his own business.
“See,” Sadie whispered.
“Shut up. Let’s get home. I need a shower.”
We moved toward the subway station, hoping the air conditioning was working in the car. I was sweating by the time we got off the train. Even though the A/C was blowing at full force, the amount of people in the car made it feel warm. I was glad we only had one more day to go before the weekend.
When we walked in the door, I ran to the bathroom as Sadie pulled her key from the lock. She cursed at me and banged on the wall a few times as I let the cool spray cascade over my body.
She rushed in when I came out with a fluffy white towel wrapped around me. I could understand her need to rid her body of the clammy sweat that coated her skin. Later, we sat on the floor in the living room, eating day-old Thai food from white containers and talking about our day.
“I still can’t believe you met Oliver Fox again.”
I sighed. “He smelled so good. The entire elevator was filled with his cologne.”
“Sounds like you have a bit of a crush.”
I had more than a crush on Oliver Fox. He was like a God to me, untouchable. I couldn’t match up to the women he dated, and I was so much younger. It would never happen, but a girl could dream.
“I do, but he’s too old for me. I read an article that said he was thirty-six. It doesn’t matter. You should see the beautiful women attached to his arm. I looked through dozens of images and didn’t see the same woman twice. He must be quite a catch, and obviously, he doesn’t want to be caught.”
She cocked her head. “He’s probably the type that will play the field until he’s fifty and then finally get married. He’s handsome, rich, and not desperate for companionship.”
“Did you meet anyone interesting at your job?” I asked.
“There are a few guys that I might be interested in.”
I caught her gaze, giving her my full attention. “Tell me.”
“This one guy, Dan, is really nice. He’s in the cubicle next to mine. I don’t think he’s dating anyone. I don’t see pictures on his desk like with some of my coworkers.”
I snorted. “That doesn’t mean shit. Some guys don’t display pictures of their significant others.”
“Speaking of guys, have you heard from Ty?” she winked.
Everyone tried to push me Ty’s way, but it would never happen. We grew up together, but I never felt anything for him other than brotherly love.
“No, why would you bring him up?”
“Because he still has a crush on you. I still think you’re a fool for not dating him.”
“Ty is like my brother.”
“Just because he’s a police officer doesn’t mean he’ll get hurt.”
Sadie knew how I felt because of my father’s death, but it was true about Ty being like my brother. We used to play together when we were little. He taught me to swim in his pool when I was four. My father was always busy with work and didn’t have time. I would always be thankful for Ty.
“But he could, and I can’t deal with that pain.”
“Okay, suppose something happened to him now. Would you feel something?”
The question was ridiculous because I loved Tyler. He held a special place in my heart, and to lose him would be devastating.
I frowned. “Of course, I would. I love Ty. But I’d prefer not to think about it.”
My phone rang, and I put down my fork to answer it.
“Speak of the devil,” I said as I swiped the green button on the screen.
“Hello, Ty.”
“Hello, stranger. How is your new job?”
“Okay. I like it.”
Sadie nudged me with her foot and made kissing noises. I gave her the dirtiest looks, but she only laughed.
“Would you like to have lunch this upcoming weekend?” he asked.
I smiled to myself. “Let me check my schedule. You know I’m so busy with all my events.”
Ty chuckled. “How about Saturday? I have the day off.”
“Won’t you be sleeping?”
I had no idea how he functioned, working nights and getting little sleep during the day.
“I get up at 1:00, but I could get up earlier if you want to go out at noon.”
“I could deal with a late lunch. I want you to get some sleep,” I said with concern.
“I’m fine. I almost always get up before one.”
“Where?”
There was a place we always met, so I had no idea why I was asking. It would be the same, and Ty would agree.
“Want to meet me at Iron Horse?”
“Yum, they have the best burgers.”
“Our place. How about 1:30?”
“Hold on a sec.”
I put my hand over the receiver and asked Sadie if she wanted to accompany me. She declined.
“1:30 is great. I’ll see you there.”
“Talk to you later. I have a few errands to run before I go to work.”
“Bye.”
I hung up and saw Sadie smirking at me.
“What?” I squeaked.
Her smirk became a wide smile. “Lunch with Ty?”
I snorted. “As friends. Stop reading into our relationship so much.”
“I think he’s perfect for you.”
I rolled my eyes as I dipped my Hoy Joh in plum sauce.
I was disappointed that I didn’t see Oliver Fox all day Friday until I walked out of the building to go home. He was sliding into a long black sedan driven by a muscular man in a gray uniform. I couldn’t see his face behind the dark glass of the window as it pulled away.
That night, I had a wonderful dream of a man with sapphire eyes making love to me. I woke up feeling flustered, with a dull throbbing between my legs. It had been months since I’d dated anyone or had sex—maybe it was time. I stayed in bed until I heard Sadie get up. When I opened my bedroom door, she was banging around in the kitchen making coffee.
“How did you sleep?” she asked as I padded into the kitchen.
I shrugged. “Pretty good. I’m glad I have my first week under my belt. I feel better than I did last weekend.”
“Told you it would pass.”
“I have lunch today with Ty.”
“I know. I still think you should proclaim your love for him.”
I splashed her with water from the sink as I washed out a glass from the night before.
“There is no love other than brotherly.”
“Are you two going dutch?”
I shrugged again. Tyler was the perfect guy, polite, respectful and decent, but he wasn’t for me.
“Ty likes to pay even though I tell him no. He’s very gentlemanly. I think he’ll make some woman very happy.”
She waggled her eyebrows. “He pays, and he’s a gentleman? Maybe I’ll snap him up.”
“You always pick jerks.”
“But they’re good in bed, so I can’t complain.”
Sadie was less picky about the guys she dated, and she didn’t have hang-ups about sleeping with her dates by the third outing or earlier. I needed to feel comfortable before I got between the sheets with someone. It was possible if I felt an instant connection, that could change.
“Any prospects?”
“Not yet, though Dan asked me to lunch yesterday.”
I wanted to sound excited, but Sadie forever searched for the guy who could care for her. I had a different attitude. I wanted independence.
“And you never said anything?” I screeched.
She shrugged. “There was nothing to tell. We had lunch and went back to work. He told me about his summer soccer games in Central Park. I might head over there to watch one of these Saturdays.”
“That’s nice.”
“I guess. I’m unsure if he’s boyfriend material as opposed to a good roll in bed a few times.”
She took the words right out of my mouth. She tried too hard, and guys could smell the desperation.
”Be cautious. He”s a colleague, and if things go south, it could get messy.”
”I”m not planning on getting involved with him unless there”s genuine chemistry and he”s open to something casual,” she replied with a hint of determination.
”Not interested in something more serious?” I probed.
”We”re young, and this city is teeming with eligible bachelors. Why tie myself down?” she retorted confidently.
I couldn”t help but feel differently. While the allure of freedom was there, I secretly longed for the stability of an exclusive relationship, though I kept that to myself.
”Fair enough,” she conceded.
Grabbing a mug as the coffee finished brewing, I craved the caffeine kick despite a restful night”s sleep. We lounged in the living room, surfing channels until I drained my cup and headed for a shower. With a lunch date scheduled with Ty at 1:30, punctuality was key.
Emerging from the bathroom, I pondered my wardrobe options, torn between a breezy sundress or a more casual ensemble. The Iron Horse had a laid-back vibe, and I sought Sadie”s input.
”How about a summery dress with sandals?” she suggested.
”Really?” I questioned, unsure.
She appeared beside me, effortlessly selecting a floral sundress that grazed mid-thigh.
”Don”t spoil it with a bra,” she advised with a mischievous grin.
”I”m not sure I feel comfortable without one,” I hesitated.
”Are you serious? Why not? This dress isn”t see-through, and your figure is stunning,” Sadie countered.
”I would feel naked,” I confessed.
”This dress has a plunging back. What bra would you wear?” Sadie reasoned.
”I have the one with the cross straps around my waist,” I offered.
Sadie shook her head. ”Don”t be ridiculous. Try this on without one.”
I shrugged off her black silk robe, the familiarity between us making nudity a non-issue after years of friendship. Slipping into the dress, I adjusted the spaghetti straps.
”You look great. Check it out in the mirror,” Sadie encouraged.
Walking over, I examined herself from different angles. The lack of a bra felt liberating, especially in the warm weather.
”I like it,” I admitted, a smile creeping onto my lips.
Testing the fit, I bounced lightly on her heels, pleased with the lack of jiggling.
”I like it too. Wear your white sandals and leave your hair loose. Ty will love it,” Sadie suggested.
”I”m not doing it for Ty. I”m doing it to feel comfortable,” I clarified.
Sadie rolled her eyes. ”Whatever.”
”What are you doing today?” I inquired.
”Absolutely nothing. I want to sit around, watch television, and eat junk food. Maybe I”ll call my parents,” she replied.
”That”s it?” I pressed.
”That”s all. Enjoy your lunch with Ty. I”m taking a shower,” Sadie declared, slipping out of the room.
As I leaned towards the mirror to apply some makeup, I opted for a light touch, given the heat. Leaving my hair cascading around my shoulders, I located my sandals. I paused just before reaching the door, realizing I had forgotten to put on panties. Chuckling to myself, I slipped on a pair of white lace boy shorts before heading out.
Arriving at The Iron Horse, I found Ty leaning casually against the building. His grin widened as I approached, enveloping me in a warm hug. I felt the soft press of his lips against my cheek, his nose buried in my hair as he held me close, his fingers tracing lightly over the bare skin of my back before releasing me.
”You look great,” he complimented.
”So do you. I haven”t seen you look this laid-back in ages,” I observed.
He was wearing worn blue jeans with a frayed knee and a BattleAxe t-shirt from their recent tour. His hair seemed to have grown longer, brushing against the collar of his shirt. I ran my fingers through his locks before tugging gently at the back.
”You need a haircut,” I remarked.
He smirked. ”Haven”t had the time.”
I smoothed down his wavy hair. ”I like it longer.”
Ty raised an eyebrow. ”Oh?”
”Yeah. You always get it cut so short. It looks better this way,” I insisted, wrinkling my nose playfully.
”I”ll take that under advisement,” he replied with a playful grin.
”I”m starving. Let”s head in,” I declared, eager to satisfy my hunger.
The Iron Horse”s exterior may have appeared nondescript with its darkened windows and weathered brick facade, but stepping inside revealed a cozy interior. Thick, dark wood tables and plush cushioned chairs created an inviting atmosphere adorned with vintage rock posters from Woodstock and Led Zeppelin, among other memorabilia.
Seated at a table against the far wall, the hostess handed us menus. I already knew what I wanted—a cheeseburger with gruyere, sautéed mushrooms, and waffle fries. Despite not typically being a beer drinker, the allure of a sweet microbrew called Sunday Sundae, with hints of chocolate and caramel, was too tempting to resist.
”What are you getting?” Ty inquired as she closed her menu.
”A cheeseburger,” I confirmed.
”Let me guess, mushrooms and gruyere?” he teased.
”How did you know?” I chuckled.
”Seriously? I”ve known you for your entire life,” he reminded me.
”What about you?” I prompted.
”Double grilled cheese with fried pickles and shoestring fries. They have a red stout I want to try. Are you getting a beer?” Ty questioned.
”Sunday, Sundae,” I replied.
”Too sweet for me,” he remarked.
Our conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a platinum blonde waitress, clad in the uniform of a black Iron Horse t-shirt and black jeans, ready to take our order. Once she left, Ty turned back to me with another question.
“How is everything?”
I shrugged. “Good. Work is good, and the apartment is good. I’m adjusting to everything.”
He stared at me momentarily as if he was weighing the question he wanted to ask.
“Any nightmares?”
“Not really,” I lied.
Ty was well aware of my nightmares. When we were kids, we camped out in my backyard in a big tent. I scared the shit out of him when I woke up screaming. He moved his sleeping bag next to me and held my hand for the rest of the night.
“That’s good. I’m happy to hear it.”
“How about you?”
“Things are good. I might be able to transition to the daytime.”
I chuckled. “And give up your vampire tendencies?”
“I am not a vampire. I like being out at night,” I protested.
“Exactly, you’re a vampire. I should check you for fangs.”
Ty sneered so I could see he didn’t have the fangs I accused him of.
His eyes traveled over my clothing. “I like your dress.”
“Thanks. It’s very comfortable.”
“It’s cute. You’re cute.”
I felt my face heat and thanked God that the waitress came with our drinks. I took a long sip, letting the sweetness of the Sunday Sundae roll over my tongue. I had my eyes closed and Ty was staring at me when I opened them.
“I’ve never seen you enjoy beer so much.”
“I hate most of it, but this stuff is delicious.”
“Want to taste my stout?”
I wrinkled my nose, knowing his beer would be bitter, and shook my head. We chatted about things going on in our lives. Ty told me about a few of the cases he was working on, then paused. I waited because I knew his next words would be about my father.
“I reviewed our evidence for your father’s case.”
I raised my eyebrows. “The department still has it?”
“Of course. It’s an open case. They wouldn’t get rid of anything yet.”
I feared him digging into my father’s case and what he would ask of me. It took me months to try and put it behind me, but it was still there.
“I still think you’re wasting your time. There wasn’t much to go on back then.”
He took a sip of his stout and licked the foam from his lips. “I wanted to ask you some questions.”
I sighed loudly. “Is this why you wanted to take me to lunch?”
He shook his head. “No. Of course not. I would never. You’re the only witness. The few cameras in the area didn’t catch much because your father’s SUV was out of range. Do you remember anything from that night?”
“No. Everything is shadow. I remember hearing the shot and crouching by my father’s body.”
I sniffled as tears welled in my eyes, picking up my napkin to dab at them. Ty reached across the table and gently stroked my arm.
“I’m sorry. I want justice, but I won’t hurt you by doing it.”
“I want this case solved. My father deserves it,” I said tearfully.
“If you remember anything, will you tell me?” he asked hopefully.
“I’ll tell you, but I don’t. I want to see his face, but I can’t. In my nightmares, it’s just a blur.”
“Did you ever try hypnosis?”
I shook my head. “No, I don’t want to.”
“It’s your choice. I’m only asking because it might make you remember.”
“What if I told you I don’t want to remember? It’s been sixteen years since it happened, and I’m still not free. Sometimes I feel trapped.”
The waitress came to our table with the food, but my appetite had disappeared. Ty dug into his grilled cheese, taking a big bite but stopping in mid-chew as he looked at me.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m not hungry.”
He swallowed what was in his mouth and put his grilled cheese back on his plate.
“Don’t let it consume you. I won’t ask again unless you offer.”
I picked up a waffle fry and nibbled one corner until I finished it. Ty smiled as I took my butter knife and quartered my burger, a habit I had for years.
“Good.”
We didn’t speak about my father’s case for the rest of lunch. I enjoyed spending time with Ty. It was like we were kids back in Hudson Brook again. He insisted on paying the bill even though I offered him money, and after that, we went out into the bright sunshine.
“Want to hang out for a while, or do you have something to do?” he asked.
“I can hang out for a bit.”
“Let’s go for a walk, then.”
He put his arm around my shoulders, and I thought nothing of it even though he caressed my bare arm with his fingers. We talked about memories from home and strolled the sidewalks full of those who were enjoying the warm May weather. An hour later, Ty was yawning continuously.
I chuckled. “Go home.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re yawning like you’re ready to go to sleep.”
“I want to see your new apartment,” he said, ignoring my comment.
“I’m not sure.”
Ty raised his eyebrows. “You’re not sure? What am I, some jerk off the street?”
“NO! Sadie decided to do nothing today. She might not be ready for visitors.”
“Call her. We’re not far from your place.”
I fished my phone from my small purse and hit her contact number.
“What’s up?” Sadie said as she crunched on whatever was in her mouth.
I frowned. “What are you eating?”
“Pretzels.”
I stared at Ty, who shoved a mint in his mouth while I was talking. He gave me a warm smile.
“Ty wants to come by. Are you decent?”
“I’m certainly not naked. What exactly do you think I do when you’re not here?”
I ignored her snide comment. “Can I bring him over?”
“Yes. I’m dressed and sitting around watching some crappy eighties movie. What the hell did people do without cell phones and internet back then?”
“I have no idea. I’ll be home in a little while.”
Sadie took another bite of pretzel and chewed into the receiver.
“Bye,” she mumbled before she hung up.
I looked at Ty. “Let’s go.”