Cruel & Beautiful Read online

  “Yeah, yeah, that’s fine. Just go with it,” he says animatedly to the brunette.

  She nods and scurries off.

  “Cate?” the guy asks when he comes to a stop in front of me.

  He holds out his hand. I take it and give it a quick shake.

  “That’s me,” I say brightly, unable to risk a glance at the twenty-something receptionist who acted more like my mother.

  “Jeff,” he says and adds conspiratorially, “And don’t mind her. She’s a bit of a bitch. She likes to think she’s like the gate keeper in World of Warcraft.”

  I have no idea what that is but am grateful I’m not the only person she probably doesn’t like.

  “Follow me and I’ll show you to your desk and introduce you to the team.”

  We end up in an area filled with cubicles, which are like mini offices with moveable or knock down walls. They are tall enough to give you privacy while sitting, but when standing, I can see the vast number of them that spread throughout the large open room. Through one of the openings, I spot a woman filling a banker’s box with stuff. She lifts the heavy cardboard box onto the desk using the nifty handles on the sides.

  Jeff pauses and waits. I have the uncomfortable feeling that I’m replacing this woman.

  “Don’t worry. She isn’t being fired or anything. Rumor has it she’s dating the boss. Because of a non-disclosure agreement, she can’t confirm or deny that. But she can’t work for him because of it.”

  The dark haired woman glances up and she’s beautiful. If the rumors are true, I can see why any man would want to date her. She flutters her eyes before hefting the box and exits without a word.

  “Bye Miss Thing,” he mutters at her back. To me, he says, “So this is your seat. And I’ll be the one to train you.”

  He holds out a hand like he’s a game show host. I sit because it’s easier than the alternative.

  “You log in this way.” He begins to show me what to do and produces a paper with all the pertinent information. He pulls it from somewhere in the middle of stack of papers he holds. I’m surprised by his organization. A while later into our training session, a voice startles us both.

  “Ms. McKnight, I found these at reception and was told they weren’t delivered to you by mistake.”

  Jeff and I turn as one. I’d seen the small vase full of purple and lilac flowers when I’d walked in. I wonder if they hadn’t been delivered because the woman I’d replaced had still been in the office or if the hateful receptionist is paying me back. For all I know it’s both.

  I take them from his awaiting hands. “Thank you Mr. Caine.”

  “It’s Ted.”

  The weight of the smile on his handsome face is almost too much to resist.

  “He’s no cuddly bear, I tell you,” Jeff mutters quickly. “Quite the opposite, to be exact.”

  “Jeffery, just because we’re related doesn’t mean I can’t fire you.” Jeff rolls his eyes. “Please give Cate and me a moment.”

  Jeff’s lips purse and he wisely says nothing as he heads out of my cube.

  “Thanks for the flowers,” I say.

  “Everyone gets them.” Jeff’s disembodied voice passes through the thin walls.

  Ted sighs. “Yes, it’s company policy to make all new employees feel welcome.”

  “Some more than others,” Jeff voice croons.

  Ted’s jaw tightens and I want to stop Jeff because he seems like a really nice guy and I don’t want him to lose his job over warnings to me.

  “I hoped I could take you to a welcome lunch today.”

  Jeff’s voice is clearer and I realize he’s standing in the cube behind me leaning over. “I’m afraid she can’t. We’re taking her to lunch as a department.”

  Ted is barely holding back his anger as he says, “Tomorrow, then.” He manages to make it sound pleasant before he tips his head to me and walks off.

  Jeff sighs loudly and several other heads pop up all around me.

  “He is so dreamy,” a cute blonde in glasses breathes.

  “I know, he is,” says a woman with a thick Latina accent.

  “I would so do that,” from another woman whose caramel skin makes her hazel eyes stand out in her pretty face.

  “You are full of crap,” Jeff says to the last woman. “He hit on you and you turned him down.”

  She shrugs. “My man would kick my ass.”

  Jeff shakes his head. “Back to work, people.”

  Everyone, including the two guys who say nothing, disappear again behind the brown walls.

  “This desk is cursed,” Jeff says. “Don’t fall for him. Promise me. I don’t need to lose another employee.”

  I don’t have time to ponder that because Jeff switches back to business, like he’s bipolar, as he makes his way over. We spend the day reviewing everything thoroughly. I’m impressed at his managerial skills. He seems to uncover my skill level and run with it. I learn more than I expect about their process in that single day. Except for the informative lunch, where the office dirty laundry is aired in a maelstrom of names I will never remember, I feel like we’ve accomplished a lot.

  By the time I get home I’m beat. Too lazy to cook and too hungry to wait for take out, I make a salad with all the fixings. I’m just about to dig in when my phone rings.

  “Jenna,” I squeal.

  “Hey Love Bug, has Louise gotten a fix yet?”

  I sigh. “Really, that’s what you lead off with?”

  “I’m guessing that’s a no. No worries, hun. We are going to a masquerade ball when I get to town.”

  “Friday?” I ask unable to contain my excitement to see her. I miss her like crazy.

  “No, Saturday, but I swear, you will get laid.”

  “I’m not having sex with a stranger, Jenna.”

  “Stranger, smanger, baby Jesus in a manger. Have you done anything I suggested dating-wise? I researched all the ways to meet new single people in DC and you do nothing with that golden information.”

  “No,” I murmur.

  “Not even Match.com?”

  “Of course not, and do not ask about those hook up apps.”

  “What’s wrong with Swiping Left?” she asking while barely containing her laughter.

  The app she refers to has potential dating partner’s profile pics show up on your screen. If you liked what you see, you swipe right to see if that person also likes your picture. If you don’t like how they look, you swipe left. It seems too mean for me. Someone with low self-esteem might be pushed over the edge if they swipe right and that person swipes left.

  “So many things,” I say.

  “Whatever, you will find the man of your dreams at the masquerade ball.”

  “What’s so special about this ball? Other than spending way too much on a dress I won’t ever wear again.”

  “What’s so special? All the movers and shakers of the city will be in attendance. There will be so many eligible bachelors there. You’re bound to meet someone. And don’t worry about a dress. I have that covered.”

  By the time we get off the phone, I’m actually pretty excited. Not so much about meeting a man or dressing up and seeing celebrities, if what Jenna says is to be believed. I can’t wait to see her. I think about Andy in a tux and how he looked the other night. I check my phone and he hasn’t called. I ponder texting him but decide maybe it’s for the best that we don’t have further contact. We have too much history for us to ever work.

  The next day, Jeff manages to wiggle me out of lunch with Ted. Easy when it’s his assistant who calls while Jeff is sitting at my desk.

  “I have to go to a meeting,” Jeff sighs. “The vultures are here.”

  “Vultures?”

  “The auditors. They’re like a Rottweiler with a bone. They latch onto to any one mistake and make a huge deal about it.”

  For the first time, I feel bad. Here I am, one of those auditor types, spying on these good people. When they find out what Ted has contracted me do, they’l
l hate me. I barely know them, but they’ve made me feel so welcome.

  “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  “An auditor,” I jest.

  He laughs. “I’ll be back in an hour if I’m not torn to pieces.”

  I sit staring at the computer wondering how to handle everything once the truth comes out, when I get a call from Mandy.

  “Oh my gosh, he won’t leave me alone. When will you be back?” she asks.

  “When you admit you like Daniel.” I’m relieved she’s able to take my mind off my current problem.

  “He wants to hang out this weekend. That’s so code for let’s have sex. And I can’t even remember the last time.”

  “At least one of us had sex.”

  She gasps. “You didn’t have sex with doctor drop dead gorgeous?”

  “First, I thought you didn’t remember anything from that night.”

  “It’s slowly coming back,” she admits.

  “And second, it’s so not cool to mention doctor and dead in the same sentence.” I laugh.

  “Oh right, yeah, no good. How about Dr. McDreamy?”

  “I think I’ve heard that one before.”

  I hear a tapping on the other end. “I’ll think of something.”

  Changing the subject, I say, “In the meantime, have you ever heard of an annual masquerade ball with all the important people of the city?”

  “Oh my gosh, yes,” she gushes. “A former friend of mine went one year and met a lawyer she ended up marrying. I heard she has three kids now.”

  “You heard? She didn’t tell you?” I cautiously ask.

  “She ended up marrying a lawyer,” she reiterates, making it clear what the problem is. “Now with all her society events, she doesn’t have time for us little people. Anyway, are you going?”

  “Yes,” I begin.

  “Promise me you won’t marry a lawyer and forget about me. Or just take me with you,” she begs.

  I snort and have to cover my mouth. I fear the people around me heard. “I would take you but I’m the plus one. My friend has the invite and she’s taking me.”

  “Well, pack some condoms in your purse. I hear it gets a little wild.”

  I’m still thinking about Mandy’s comment on Friday after I get home from work. Jeff has given me a thorough view of Ted’s company’s accounting system and practices. It’s good and he and his team seem to know what they’re doing. I set up a meeting with Ted’s office on Monday morning after filing a report with my boss. I’m going to have to bring muffins, donuts and coffee as peace offerings and maybe take them all to a fancy dinner to make up for my ruse.

  There is a knock at my door and I’m pumped. Since I wasn’t sure when I would get off of work, Jenna agreed to take a cab to my place when she lands.

  “Jenna,” I say throwing open the door. Only it isn’t Jenna. “Andy.”

  Confused, I just stand there. Since he hasn’t called all week, I’ve assumed he’s given up on us.

  “Cate,” he says before leaning down to take my mouth in a possessive kiss.

  He pulls back and I dumbly say, “Andy,” again like my mouth is on repeat.

  His smile widens into a smirk. “Cate.”

  With an arm around my waist, he dances me back so that the door can close behind him.

  “Andy, I’m so happy to see you. Come in,” he mocks.

  “I’m—” I start but I’m unable to finish. Jenna will be here at any time and I’m not ready for her to find out about him. She will have so much to say, none of it good.

  He pulls back to stand straight. His arms are gone and I’m suddenly chilled by the cool air created between us.

  “I can go.” His face is so serious and I know that things are already messed up between us.

  “No, it’s not that. You didn’t call all week. I assumed—” I waved a dismissive hand between us.

  “I didn’t call, but you didn’t either. I planned to wait you out and not push. But when I want something or someone, I don’t play around. I want you, Cate. I can’t get you out of my head. I think I said your name at least twenty times this week by accident in multiple conversations. I had to see you.”

  “It’s just that—” I try again but his lips are on mine.

  He pulls me close and I feel his need pressed against me.

  I practically swallow his tongue as I give him entrance. He tastes of coffee and hazelnut. I find myself on my toes wanting to get closer.

  He obliges me by scooping me up under my butt. He turns and walks me over to set me down on my Ikea bistro table. It’s not expensive solid wood and I worry it won’t hold us both if he has what I have in mind.

  He manages to untuck my blouse from the skirt I wore to work. I hadn’t changed yet, not knowing what Jenna might want to do tonight. His hands brand my sides. I want them to move north and touch me where I ache. I push at his coat on his shoulders. He takes the hint and lets it fall down his arms and to the ground.

  “Fuck, Cate, I need you. I love the feel of you.”

  That one word makes me go cold. Love. It’s as if he’s reached into my chest and fisted my heart in his hands. Love. It’s a dirty word in my book and brings me back to the past we both promised to leave behind. But it’s there. I remember with aching clarity all the reasons why he should hate me and I should hate myself.

  He pulls back and focuses on my face. “Cate.” He says it so soft it almost sounds desperate.

  “I can’t.” My voice breaks on the word and I feel on the verge of tears.

  “Don’t do this.” He sounds calm but I hear the anger behind the words. And he has every right to be angry. “You’re going to run aren’t you?”

  He steps back without bothering to wait for an answer. I cover my mouth with my hand, fearful of the sob that’s banging at the back of my closed lips. I say nothing because only pain will spew forth. He reaches down to gather his coat and when he stands I can see the bulge there for the taking. But it’s too late. He turns and heads out the door. It rattles when it closes making me jump. I’m about ready to release the sob when a knock comes at my door.

  I run to it, hoping I can straighten things out. When I open it, I realize my mistake.

  A wide-eyed Jenna points a finger down the hall. “That guy looks a lot like—”

  Her words trail off when she turns and gets a good look at my face.

  “Honey, what’s wrong?” That’s when my floodgates open. “Was that—?”

  I shake my head. “I can’t. I can’t talk about it right now.”

  She walks inside, drops her suitcase, and I’m immediately engulfed in a fierce hug.

  “We don’t have to talk about it tonight. But we will talk about it before I go,” she declares. “Tonight, wine and ice cream. Plus—” She steps back and from her massive purse she pulls out a DVD. “I bought this.”

  Proudly, she holds up a copy of the latest installment of the Magic Mike series. It could have been sixteenth or seventeenth, for all I know.

  “We can watch this on mute.”

  “On mute,” I sputter, wiping at tears.

  “What they’re saying is not important.” She laughs. “Let’s just get drunk. Tomorrow, you get laid.”

  So despite everything, she isn’t giving up her pursuit of happiness for Louise.

  “CATE, I HAVE A SURPRISE planned for you this weekend. Are you game?” The excitement in Drew’s voice is contagious.

  Laughing, I say, “As long as it’s legal, yeah.”

  “Oh, it’s legal, sweetheart. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous. Highs in the high seventies and lows in the mid-fifties. It will be perfect for what I have in mind. I’ll come up tomorrow night and we’ll leave on Saturday morning. You’re not squeamish are you?”

  Squeamish? What does he mean?

  “You mean like seeing blood and stuff? You’re not going to make me look at icky medical stuff, are you?”

  I have to hold the phone away from my ear because h
is laugh is ear-splitting. “No medical stuff. This is all fun.”

  That’s a relief. “Okay, then no, I’m not squeamish.”

  “Great. I’ll see you tomorrow. Can’t wait.”

  It leaves me puzzled over what he has in store.

  The next night, Drew pulls up, his car packed with all sorts of things. I peek in the back asking, “Whatcha got in there?”

  “Stuff for our little trip tomorrow.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll find out.” We walk inside arm and arm. Jenna is on the couch so we’re stuck chatting with her. We end up ordering pizza and eating dinner together. Finally … finally we head to bed.

  “I didn’t think I’d ever get you to myself,” I say, as I pretty much attack him when my bedroom door closes. His arms wrap around me and he’s a willing partner.

  “I’ve missed you, Cate. You are a sight for my greedy eyes. But we need some sleep because we’re getting up to catch the sunrise in the morning.”

  “Huh?”

  “The sunrise. Tomorrow is a nature day for us.”

  Nature day? What the hell does that mean? I had plans to wallow in the bed with my sexy boyfriend and he wants to what—watch the birds and bees in the sunrise. What the hell?

  “Don’t look like that. You’re going to love it. Just wait. Lift your arms.” When I do, he strips me of my shirt. Then he helps me remove my jeans. When I’m down to my unders, he tells me to get in the bathroom and brush my teeth. As I’m brushing, I keep trying to guess where he’s taking me. I come up with one huge blank.

  When I come out of the bathroom, I fully intend to interrogate him, but he stands here, shirtless in his boxers and wearing the cutest smile. All my questions evaporate.

  “My turn.” He disappears and I ogle him as he goes. I climb into bed and wait. When the door reopens, he’s smacking his lips and he reminds me of a cute little kid.

  When he slides under the covers, my eager hands reach for him but he grabs them and kisses them.

  “Cate, honey, you know if we start we’ll never wake up before dawn.”