Hiding Out (10 page)

“What kind of work?”  He asked with interest.

Sam arched an eyebrow.  “Does it matter, my little trust fund brother?  Work of any kind has held no interest for you.”  He stood to meet his brother’s gaze, but Adam was definitely enjoying this exchange.

In a flash, Haley interceded, “Nonsense.  From what I understand, this company belongs as much to Adam as it does to you.”  She fixed a stern gaze on Sam that took him completely by surprise.

“That’s right,” Adam said, flashing a brilliant smile.  “So, we’re off to the library?”  He offered Haley an arm, which she politely declined.

Sam’s heart lifted.  In the past, all the women he dated would have gladly been escorted to the library by either brother.  After all, they were quite the pair, an heir and a spare.  That was the family joke. When his mother gave birth to a second son and then had her tubes tied, everyone had questioned her decision.  “Why do I need more children?  I’ve produced an heir and a spare,” she always quipped. 

Now he watched Haley lead the way to the library, stepping aside to allow Adam access to the door.    As he pushed the door open for her and stepped aside, she reached for Sam’s arm as she walked through the door.  Sam was positively glowing and his brother bowed in deference as he passed.  She chose him.  That had to count for something.

Chapter Four

“So how are things going?”  Dr. Erikson asked Sam the day before Employee Appreciation Day. 

Sam had marched in, an indication that he came with a purpose.  And he had.  “It’s strange,” he remarked quietly.  “Ever since I’ve known her it’s been two steps forward one back.”  He stared at Dr. Erikson, waiting to hear that this was normal or at least to be expected.  He wasn’t disappointed.

“Naturally,” the doctor responded.  “And how do you feel about that?”

Rolling his eyes, Sam said slowly, “I don’t mind, really.”  He saw Erikson’s eyebrows arch in surprise.  “I know.  No one is more shocked by this revelation than I am.”  He sighed.  “She’s worth it.  Being with her is worth it.”  He gazed out the window as though searching for the right words to express his feelings.  “When we get it right, it’s so perfect.”

Wandering back to his office, Sam noticed how his heart quickened as he prepared to open the outer door.  Anticipation of seeing Haley, even in one of her humungous dresses, had him excited.  She raised her head and smiled at him as he entered.  “You’re back.  Want some help getting everything together for our afternoon meeting?” 

“I would love some help,” he said honestly.  They had boxes and bags of supplies to carry down to the cafeteria, the only venue large enough to accommodate the entire staff.  As they loaded the carts he managed to commandeer from the janitorial staff, he asked, “Heard anything from your coworkers?”

Haley chuckled.  “They have no idea what a treat they are in for.  Today, when I popped in to grab a soda from the break room, they were all griping about a meeting the day before the day before a long weekend.  You know they are just biding their time right now, don’t you?”

Smiling warmly and excited about the surprise they were about to reveal, Sam said, “I can’t wait.”  He gazed at her wistfully.  “This is all because of you, you know.”

She grimaced.  “Please.  You made it happen.”

They were quite the pair, a mutual admiration society.  And working together, they had the room set up in thirty minutes.  Moments later, employees began trickling in.  Haley watched with joy as their eyes widened.

“Sit anywhere,” Sam commanded as they entered.  After close to ten minutes, everyone was seated.  “So, I’m sure you are wondering what kind of ogre would call a meeting this close to a long weekend.”  He was greeted with some chuckles.  “Take a moment to peek in your gift bags.”  He hoisted one in the air.  “As you well know, Monday, the day you are all looking forward to, is Labor Day.”  A few cheers sounded.  “In your bag each of you has a wooden picture cube organizer for your desk.”  Murmurs of approval came mostly from the women.  “A key pass for our gym.  Now everyone can work out here, whether before, during, or after work.”  The men were nudging each other and nodding.  “And finally, and most importantly, you will find your attire for tomorrow.”  Sam pulled out a t-shirt.  On the front was the company logo, but on the back, the writing said, ‘1
Annual Employee Appreciation Day.’  “This, of course, implies that there will be many more to come.”  Murmurs of wonder greet him.  “So, let me introduce my personal assistant, the mother of Employee Appreciation Day, Haley Iverson.” 

Haley blushed as she stood before the room.  She had not expected to speak this afternoon.  “Hello.  I know you don’t know me, but I saw how hard all of you worked for Mr. Davenport.  And I’m sure many of you feel overworked and under appreciated.”  She watched the reaction in the room and knew her words hit home.  “Mr. Davenport agreed that he didn’t want you to feel neglected, so we put together a special day for all of you.”  She beamed.  “In my hands, I hold a personal schedule designed for you based on how you responded to the survey we emailed you last week under the guise of marketing research.  So, I hope you were honest.  And if you weren’t, you’ll have another chance tomorrow when we send you the post-activity survey to rate the day and offer suggestions.”  The room was abuzz.  “Please come forward to collect your schedule when I call your name.  After all the schedules have been passed out, we’ll answer questions and let you go home a few minutes early.”  Sam looked at her with surprise.  “Hope you don’t mind,” she whispered to Sam. 

He shook his head.  He knew in his heart he would never be able to deny Haley anything.  He was defeated before the battle had begun.  Together they passed out schedules.  And when Haley reached the final schedule in her hand, she squealed with delight.  Sam was warmed inside out.  “Thank you,” she said through tear-filled eyes.  She had assumed she would be running around ensuring the day ran smoothly.  She never suspected that she would be participating.  “How did you decide on my schedule?  I didn’t fill out a survey.”  She looked at him questioningly.

Sam gazed at her affectionately.  “I took a guess.  How’d I do?”

Haley glanced around the room, worried they were attracting attention, but everyone was studying their schedules, just like she was.  She perused it a moment.  Tomorrow she would be taking a cooking lesson, receiving a manicure and pedicure, having a hot stone massage, catered lunch, time with a personal stylist, and a self-defense seminar.  She sighed.  “It’s perfect.  Thank you,” she said emphatically.              

Employee Appreciation Day was amazing.  Everywhere Haley turned people proudly wore their t-shirts and bubbled with enthusiasm.  And more than that, they were now talking to her, being friendly.  They all wanted to know how she had tamed Mr. Davenport.  How had she tricked him into agreeing to fund this event?  And he didn’t go cheap, either, numerous women commented.  Why he must have spent a small fortune on the spa treatments alone.  It surprised Haley how she filled with pride as they spoke about Sam. 
That’s my Sam,
she thought happily. 
He’s generous, loving, attentive, and he cares for me like no one I’ve ever known.  
             

She sighed.  “Feel good, Miss Iverson?”  The warm stones had just been placed on her forehead and in between her toes.  Her legs were getting massaged with larger heated stones. 

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to move afterwards,” Haley said wistfully.

“Well, lay back and relax ma’am.  You are the only one getting a ninety minute massage today,” she said offhandedly.

And Haley was sure that was another question disguised as a statement.  She knew instinctively the question was how did you merit a ninety-minute massage?  Are you sleeping with the boss?  “I’m Mr. Davenport’s personal assistant,” she said quietly.  “He about works me to death.  He probably thought he’d better treat me right or lose me.”  It wasn’t entirely true.  She did work hard, but she was after all, simply a temp.  And once Ellen returned from maternity leave, she would have to reinvent herself again.  She would merely have to enjoy these moments as they came.  Like everything else in her life, they were temporary.

At two, Haley walked tentatively into the self-defense seminar, determined to soak up everything she could during those two short hours that could carry her safely through the rest of her life.  She quickly discovered this wasn’t a demonstration, but an interactive event.  Everyone present was paired off with a partner.  Since Haley, knew no one, and everyone else was taken, she was paired up with one of the instructors, Miss Kim. 

The seminar began with some stretches, which Haley excelled at since she stretched before and after her run daily. Next, they learned some punches, kicks, and blocks.  While everyone tried to complete the moves as instructed, Haley caught the attention of the instructors with the enthusiasm she demonstrated for the lessons.  She was so absorbed in the activity that she failed to notice Sam watching from the far side of the room.

“What is the danger of jogging in loose clothing?”  Master Tim asked in his drill sergeant voice. 

No one moved.  No one answered.  “Loose clothing is easy for an attacker to grab,” she mumbled. 

Miss Kim nudged her.  “You’re right.  Now speak up.”

So now Sam knew why she worked out in spandex.  Haley was a natural, or maybe she just tried harder than everyone else.  Whereas she was clumsy in the office, here her movements were smooth, fluid.  He could have watched her all day.  He wanted to wait for her, walk to the meeting with her, but instead, one of the instructors pulled her aside.  Sighing, he walked to the cafeteria alone.

“Wait a minute,” Miss Kim said quietly.

Dabbing her face with a towel, Haley paused.  “Yes?”

“I couldn’t help but notice the interest you exhibited in Tae Kwon Do,” she began in a low voice.  “Have you ever studied before?”  Haley shook her head slowly, her eyes wide.  “Well, in my experience, there are only two reasons people are that passionate about martial arts.  Either they are preparing to defend themselves, or they failed to defend themselves in the past.”  She studied Haley’s face.  “And I don’t need to ask which you are, do I?”  Haley shook her head once more.  “We offer adult classes twice a week.  Are you interested?”

Haley smiled shyly.  “Yes, but is it very expensive?”

Miss Kim thought for a moment.  “Well, there’s the cost of a uniform and sparring gear, but I can help you purchase those second hand.”  She watched as Haley began to look more relieved.  “And, for those who can’t afford the classes, we waive the cost if they work at our Saturday morning kid’s classes.”

Tilting her head to one side, Haley thought for a moment.  “So, I would kind of trade two hours of class for two hours of work?”

“Exactly,” Miss Kim said seriously.

“I’d love to,” Haley gushed.

She was beaming as she entered the cafeteria.  It warmed Sam’s heart.  She must have enjoyed everything he had planned for her today.  Now if he could just get her to spend the night, it would be the perfect end to his week.  He was aching to wake up next to her again, and have an excuse to spend a Saturday with her.  He was out of work related reasons.  He would have to pursue a new account for her to work with him on, and fast.

“Today was great, wasn’t it?”  Sam asked her.

“Absolutely perfect,” she answered honestly.

And because of that response he took a chance.  “Have dinner with me tonight.  Let’s celebrate a job well done.  You put so much work into this event and I really want a chance to relax and thank you for all you’ve accomplished.”  He smiled at her expectantly.  She had never turned him down.  Why would she start now?

“It’s really tempting,” she said slowly.  And instantly his heart began to sink.  “I have something I have to do first thing in the morning, somewhere I have to go.”

“What does that have to do with tonight?”  He asked disappointedly.

Haley touched his arm affectionately.  “I think you know,” she said with a half-smile.

“Hors d’oeuvres?  Drinks?  A light snack?”  He realized he was starting to sound desperate.

“Some other time,” she said gently.  And then to soothe him added, “I promise.”

The next four Fridays were identical.  During the week she would attend all the parties and dinners and like events that he requested, turning him down only occasionally.  He studied that pattern and realized that she had something going on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.  And he was dying to find out what.  Ellen had been on maternity leave ten weeks already and still she hadn’t given birth.  How long could he possibly hold out before dating Haley?  Damn, he missed that woman.  He wanted to hold her in his arms, wake up to find her nestled against his side, and spend lazy weekends with her.  Just thinking about it was driving him crazy.