The Hardest Part (4 page)

"
So is your job getting any better?" Lexi asked. Just hearing the word job made my stomach turn.

When I arrived in New York, I landed a job working for a small event planning firm. I'd found it through a temp agency and the job was only supposed to last a day, but then it turned into two, and now a month later, I was still working there. Only problem was that I was sure that every day I went to work would be my last.

"
It's going." I fidgeted in my seat. "I'm still employed."

"
That has to be a good thing, though, right?"

"
Yeah, I guess it's good, or maybe they just forgot I'm still there." I forced a smile.

"
I have a feeling it's a good sign. You must be better than you think." She smiled back at me.

"
How are things with you and Brandon?" I asked, trying to shift the focus. Last week Lexi was freaking out because things were beginning to get serious between the two of them. She wasn't sure she was ready to get close to someone yet. Even though I didn't understand the reasoning behind her reluctance or why she was afraid to let someone in, I tried to be sympathetic and understanding.

"
It's getting better." She paused, hesitating. "I used to be so good at dating. I never had problems with guys… but now…" She paused again and swallowed hard. "It's hard to believe they could actually like me… for me."

Even though I knew it was rude, I couldn't help it. My eyes moved across the scars on her face again. Sure, I was curious to know what or who caused them or what caused her to be even more skittish than me, but I never asked her about them. I knew what it was like to want to keep things buried. I knew what it was like to keep your past behind you and try like hell to move forward. I knew what it was like to have someone touch you or startle you and feel like your heart was going to burst out of your chest.

Jake's face popped into my head. He was staring at me with those cold, dark eyes that used to send fear rippling throughout my body. His voice was loud in my ears.

Look at you. You're pathetic. No one else will love you the way I love you. No one else will take care of you like I do. You have no one except for me. So the next time you think about leaving me, think about that. Think about being homeless or all alone. And if you do ever leave me again, I'll find you. And I swear, Emily, I'll kill you.

"
Emily." Lexi waved her hand in front of my face. "Where did you go just now?"

I blinked away my thoughts and looked over at her. She looked back at me with knowing, sympathetic eyes.
"Is everything okay with you?"

"
Yeah, I was just thinking about work," I lied.

"
Okay, if you're sure you're all right."

"
Fine." I took in a deep breath.

"
Well, I hate to cut it short, but I guess I better go. Looks like Hercules and the Hulk are getting anxious." She laughed a little, something I’d only seen her do on a few occasions.

I glanced over her shoulder, seeing the two men staring in our direction.

"
Do you have plans tomorrow?" she asked as she stood up.

"
Um, I don't think so…"

"
Maybe we could meet up for dinner or something. It's been nice to get out of the condo lately. I'm enjoying the fresh air."

That was another mystery with Lexi. Apparently, before a couple months ago, she rarely left her apartment. Or that's what the gossip was on the first day she came to class.

"
Dinner would be good." I smiled up at her. It was nice to have her as a friend.

"
I'll text you tomorrow." She turned to walk away and I watched her as she crossed the street, toward the two men at the suburban. One of the men, the one that always wore black slacks and a black collared shirt, opened the back door for her while the other man, the one who was usually dressed more causal in khakis and a polo shirt, jumped in the driver's seat.

As I watched the suburban drive away, I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever find out what happened to her.

T
HE NEXT
morning my alarm clock rang out, but it didn't wake me; my eyes were already open. In the few months I had been in New York, there were only a few nights when I slept the entire night without waking from a nightmare.

Throwing off the covers, I got up and jumped in the shower, eager to get to work. Actually, the best part of my day was knowing I had a job to go to. I wanted to cherish the feeling as long as I could.

"
Morning, Isabel." I smiled at our receptionist as I walked in the front door of our small office. Her jet-black hair was pulled to the right side, braided, and hung over her right shoulder. Her brilliant white teeth stood out against her dark olive skin and striking green eyes. She was not only beautiful and exotic looking, she was also really sweet and my favorite person in the office.

"
It
is
a good morning." She smiled back at me. "Have you heard who's coming in this morning?"

I shook my head.
"No, who?"

"
Oh, just wait. You'll see." She smiled wider and gave me a wink as I walked past her.

Confused, I made my way back to my office, the one I shared with Christine—the girl who, for some reason, had hated me since the day I started working there. It was only a few days ago that she even spoke to me when I asked her a question. Before, it was like I didn’t even exist. She was a couple years older than me, maybe twenty-five or so. The strangest thing was that we looked so similar she could have been my sister. Our hair color was the same except hers was cut to her shoulders while mine hung closer to the middle of my back. Our builds were similar, although she was a lot more endowed in the chest area than me.

When I walked in, Christine was sitting in her chair facing me as she talked on the phone. She gave me a quick, wry smile before turning around to her computer. Her degree from New York University hung on the wall above her monitor along with many other awards and accomplishments. At least we had separate desks. Christine faced the wall and I faced the door, having a clear view of the lobby and Isabel's desk. I think I got the better deal out of the two spots. I couldn't imagine staring at a wall all day.

When I sat down, I saw a pink stinky note stuck to my monitor.

PLEASE COME SEE ME. — SHARON

Great. This couldn't be good. Sharon was my boss. If she was going to fire me, couldn't she have at least waited until the end of the day? I sighed, my tired eyes suddenly feeling heavier. I had to keep telling myself that whatever happened, I could get through it. In the past few years, I had gotten through worse. I had dug myself out of deeper holes than this. I could find a new job. I would be okay.

Standing up, I prepared myself to face my fate, when something stopped me dead in my tracks. A guy in a fancy suit walked into our office. I couldn't help but stare at him. I'd like to say it was something else that stilled me. Regardless, it was his good looks and how amazingly sexy he looked in that blue pinstriped suit. His sandy-brown hair was styled perfectly and I swear the clothes he wore were made for him. They fit him perfectly.

When he approached Isabel's desk, it looked like she was about to faint right there in front of him. I wondered if this was the mystery guest she spoke of just a few minutes ago.

Isabel leaned forward on her desk, practically drooling as she stared up at the gorgeous man who stood in front of her. The two of them chatted for a few seconds before Isabel picked up the phone and then pointed him toward Sharon's office. He gave her another dazzling smile before making his way down the hall.

I hadn't even realized I was following his every move until Christine said something.

"
Don't even think about that one. That guy is T-R-O-U-B-L-E." I tore my eyes away from him to glance over at Christine, who was shaking her head. "I guess all the rumors were true. He is back in town."

"
Who is he?"

She looked at me like I was crazy and then laughed.
"I forget you're not from the city. That"—she looked toward Sharon's office, where the gorgeous guy disappeared—"is Reed Alexander. He's been gone for a few years now. He had some crazy family stuff go down. I heard he was back, but I didn't believe it, not until right now."

My eyes drifted back to Sharon's closed office door. I guessed I wouldn't be going in there now.

Taking a seat again, I tried not to stare at the door, but I secretly wanted to see him again. When a few minutes passed and the door opened, I quickly looked away.

Keeping my head down, I reached my eyes towards the front desk where I saw Sharon and the gorgeous guy talking. They looked friendly; Sharon was smiling, maybe even drooling a little herself, even though she was twice his age. Then Sharon looked in my direction and her eyes locked with mine. Crap, I was caught staring. Before I could turn away, I saw Sharon pointing to me, causing Reed to turn around and look in my direction, too. I could feel my eyes grow wide and my mouth drop open a little. Sharon raised her hand up and waved at me to come over. Oh God. She couldn't mean me... could she? I gulped loudly and just continued to sit there, frozen, not sure what to do.

"
Um, Emily. I think Sharon needs you," Christine's voice snapped me back into reality.

"
Uh, yeah, I'll go see what she wants." I stood up and pulled my skirt down, smoothing it out as I made my way towards them.

"
Watch out. He's been known to bring girls to their knees with just one look." I could hear Christine laugh the entire way to the front desk. I tried to ignore her, focusing on the gorgeous man, Sharon and Isabel. They all stared at me as I approached.

"
Emily, I'd like you to meet Mr. Alexander. Mr. Alexander, this is Emily Anderson."

His hazel eyes stared into mine and I’m not sure I breathed for a few seconds. My eyes roamed across his face, taking in his beautiful features. His lips were full, matching perfectly with his wide, square jaw. A little bit of stubble was on his face, giving his sophisticated suit and refined demeanor a little more roughness.

"
Please call me Reed." He smiled as he held out his hand. I could feel the weakness in my knees, just like Christine had said. He was gorgeous and he smelled even better.
Pull it together, Emily, act professional for God sakes.

"
It's nice to meet you," he continued. I took his hand, feeling warmth radiate through me. He gave me a crazy sexy smile... or maybe it was just a smile that I thought was crazy sexy.

"
Nice to meet you, too," I muttered as I stared up into his hazel colored eyes. I felt thankful that the words made it out of my mouth

"
Reed is planning a charity event and he would like to hire us to organize it," Sharon said, pulling my attention back to her.

"
Really?" I asked, not knowing what else to say.
Great, that sounded professional.

"
We are so honored to do this for you and your family, Mr. Alexander." Sharon smiled and then looked between the two of us, finally settling her eyes back on Reed. "Well, I'll let you get going. I know you're a busy man. I'll go over a few things with Emily and we'll be in touch."

My stomach twisted. What did she just say? Go over a few things with me?

Sharon and Reed shook hands and then he looked over to me again.

"
I look forward to working with you, Emily."

Working with me? Had I just heard him correctly? That's not possible.

He walked away and every girl in the office, including me, followed him until he was out the door.

"
Wow, he is so yummy," Isabel swooned when he was finally out of sight.

Sharon looked towards Isabel and laughed.
"I have to say that he is a very attractive young man, but Mr. Alexander has just hired this office to put together the Black and White event for him and we need to act professional."

Isabel shrieked.
"No way. Are you serious?"

I must have been missing something.
What was the Black and White event?

"
We all know who Reed Alexander is and how important this event can be for us, so let's not screw this up, okay?" Sharon gave Isabel a pointed look and then turned to me. "Emily, may I see you for a minute?" She started to walk towards her office as I followed close behind her.

"
Take a seat," Sharon said, shutting her office door behind me. She sat down at her desk and stared at me for a long moment. "Do you know who Reed Alexander is?" she finally asked.

I shook my head.

"
You've never met him before?"

I shook my head again.
"No, not until a few minutes ago."

She sat back in her seat, looking puzzled.
"I didn't think so. I know you just moved here a few months ago and I believe he's been living in London for the past two years. That just makes this even stranger." She clasped her hands together and laid them on top of her desk. "This morning I got a phone call from Mr. Alexander's assistant. She said that he wanted to come see me this morning to talk about hiring our company for an event. He not only wants to hire us to coordinate the Black and White event this year, but Mr. Alexander specifically requested that
you
be involved in organizing it."