The next day Paul continued to be standoffish with me, and while I hated to admit it, it bothered me. Before everything had happened, we were friends, and always got along well. I knew that was lost after the incident, but I was hopeful we’d still at least be able to work together. I told myself I was overreacting and to continue being myself, doing a good job at work.
I knew we had to prepare for our meeting with Mr. Halliday. We needed to be united, know exactly what the other was going to say. I was still just as passionate about getting Sean to change his mind and helping out his children. I prayed he would put his pride aside and see the many benefits of having a brand new home.
It was just after eleven when Paul came out of his office. I was working on the new house plans we had designed for the Hidden Creek project and didn’t hear him approach. I jumped a bit when I heard him say my name. I turned to face him, still dying inside at the sight of him, but I did my best to stay neutral.
“What time is that meeting with Mr. Halliday on Friday?” he asked, no emotion in his voice.
“Ten o’clock,” I answered.
He ran a hand through his hair. “Okay. I hope we can keep it short and to the point. I’ve had something come up, but I will put it off as long as I can.”
I sat there, not knowing what he expected me to say. He has known about the meeting for a while and knows how important it is. I felt angry, but wasn’t up for an argument.
“Well, whatever you feel is best, Paul,” I said, turning around to face the computer again.
I heard him sigh. “Aly, I will be at the meeting. I’m just saying I need to attend to something immediately after is all.”
I didn’t turn around when I answered. “And all I said was whatever you think is best.”
“Then why do I sense you’re upset?”
I paused my typing. “I’m frustrated.”
He came closer, but kept his hands in his pockets. “Why?”
I twirled my chair around. “Why? Because you’ve known how important it is for me to meet with Mr. Halliday. I offered to drive to Brewerton to talk with him, to which you insisted on coming with me. The plans changed to meet here and you wanted to be here. Now you’re acting like it’s a nuisance so yeah, it frustrates me.” I didn’t look away when I was done. I just sat there, keeping my eyes right on his. He took a hand out of his pocket and ran it down his face, obviously frustrated.
“Aly,” he said quietly. “That’s not it at all. I am just trying to fit everything in. I know it’s important to you to meet with Mr. Halliday and I will be there. I just wanted to make sure of the time, okay?”
Sure, Paul, I thought. “Okay.”
He started to say something, then stopped. I raised a brow, but he just turned and walked back into his office. I shook my head, not understanding these games he’d suddenly started playing.
I had just finished looking over the plans and revising a few things when I heard a familiar voice.
“Aly Chase! There you are, girl!”
I looked up to see one of my old college friends, Missy Laughlin, standing at the door to my office. I screamed then stood up and ran to her. She met me halfway and we grabbed each other in a hug.
“What are you doing here?” I cried.
“I’m in town for a few days and wanted to surprise you. I think I succeeded?” she asked with a laugh.
“You sure did. Come in and sit down. I’m so happy to see you,” I said, dragging her toward the chair by my desk.
We’d just sat down when Paul came out. Missy’s eyes widened in awe and I shook my head. Was there any woman on earth who wasn’t affected by Paul’s beauty?
“Is everything all right out here?” he asked, his green eyes smiling. He then saw Missy and I saw the curiosity appear in his eyes. Jealousy spurted inside which I quickly squelched. I was not willing to go down that path. I noticed what Missy was wearing and it definitely highlighted her in all the right places. Her olive green dress was tight around her chest and ended at mid-thigh. Her auburn hair cascaded down to the middle of her back in light waves. Her light blue eyes were highlighted well with her mascara and eyeliner. She was always gorgeous and never failed to gain the attention of the opposite sex.
“Yes, everything’s fine,” I answered. “Paul, this is Missy Laughlin, my college roommate. She just came into town and surprised me. That’s the screaming you heard.”
Paul walked over to stand in front of Missy, extending his hand out. “It’s very nice to meet you, Ms. Laughlin, I’ve heard a lot about you,” he told her in his deep voice. My insides tightened when she placed her hand in his and he leaned down to kiss it.
Missy stammered. “Uh, thank you. It’s nice to meet you too.”
Paul smiled, obviously enjoying the affect he had on her. I rolled my eyes and cleared my throat. He looked over to me.
“I think Missy and I will go to lunch now, if you don’t need me for a bit,” I told him.
“Oh, of course. Take your time,” he said, looking back to Missy.
“You’re welcome to join us,” Missy said to him. My eyes widened in shock and I started to shake my head, then stopped when Paul looked at me.
“Uh, are you sure? I wouldn’t want to interrupt your reunion,” he said, looking between Missy and me.
“Of course not,” Missy piped up, even though she’d seen my reaction. I scowled at her and she just smiled. I was not surprised of course, as this is how she’d always been, but I didn’t want to deal with Paul at lunch, especially when he suddenly seemed to be all over my friend.
“Aly?” he asked.
I sighed. “It’s fine.”
He quirked an eyebrow at me, but didn’t comment on my reply. “Great, it’s settled then,” he said. “Let me just run to my office and grab my keys, then we’ll head out.”
As soon as he was out of earshot, I hissed at Missy. “Why did you do that?”
She feigned surprise. “What?”
“Don’t give me that. You’ve barely been here two minutes and you invite my boss to lunch with us, even when you saw me clearly shaking my head no.”
She chuckled. “Oh, Aly. He is hot and when have you ever known me to turn away from that? Speaking of hot, how’s Ethan doing?”
Ethan! Of course, thank goodness. I’d just run over to his office quick and ask him to come to lunch with us.
“Ethan is doing great. He works here too. I should run over to his office and see if he can join us for lunch.”
“Ooh, that would be fantastic,” Missy exclaimed, a huge smile on her face. I excused myself, telling her I’d be right back.
I rushed to Ethan’s office and was annoyed to see he wasn’t there. I asked his secretary where he was and she told me he’d run out to an impromptu lunch meeting with some of the construction crew. Thanking her, I walked back to my office, sad I had to have lunch without him beside me.
When I got back to my office, Paul and Missy were chatting easily, Missy laughing and tilting her head in a flirty gesture. I rolled my eyes as I walked toward them. They didn’t even notice me, so I cleared my throat. They both turned and Paul winked at me.
“Where’s Ethan?” Missy asked.
“Oh, he already went to lunch with some guys from work,” I said, disappointment in my voice.
Paul looked annoyed at that, but I didn’t care. “That’s too bad,” he said, when I clearly knew he didn’t care that Ethan wasn’t coming. “Shall we, ladies?” he asked, holding out each of his arms for us to take. Missy latched right on, but I ignored the gesture and started walking out the door.
We drove in Paul’s car to one of his favorite cafes a few blocks away. At least Missy was smart enough to let me have the front seat. Paul and Missy chatted most of the way, with me only adding one-word answers here and there. I was completely annoyed by the time we reached the restaurant.
Paul let the two of us out while he went to park. We went inside and were immediately led to a table. Missy and I sat down and perused the menu, waiting for Paul to arrive. When he did, he sat in the chair next to Missy, directly across from me. I barely looked at him for fear my eyes might tear him in half if I did.
We ordered our lunches and Paul immediately started asking Missy all about herself. I wondered why the hell I was even there since they were acting like I wasn’t. By the time our meals came, I was about ready to call a cab and go back to the office.
“You have a beautiful laugh, Missy,” Paul complimented her, then looked over to me. I glared at him then took a bite of my turkey sandwich.
“Thank you,” she replied. “So, you two have been working together for a few years, right?” she asked, finally remembering I was at the table.
“Yes,” we both answered at the same time. Paul chuckled, I stayed quiet, still annoyed. He looked at me with a puzzled expression to which I just shrugged. “Aly started working for me three years ago,” he continued. “Hiring her was the best thing I ever did.”
Yeah, yeah. I’ve heard that before. He had been acting weird with me for no reason and now he started the complimenting. Wasn’t going to fall for it.
“Oh that was so sweet,” Missy exclaimed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. She daintily bit into her caesar salad, dabbing at the corner of her mouth with her napkin.
“It’s the truth,” Paul stated, looking at me, his green eyes darkening.
“Thank you, Paul,” I said.
“So, Paul. Excuse me if I’m being rude, but I have to ask. Do you have a girlfriend?” Missy asked.
I choked on the sip of water I was taking and they both looked at me concerned.
“Are you okay, Aly?” Missy asked, leaning over to tap on my back.
Paul started to stand to come assist, but I held a hand up, stopping him. “I’m fine,” I choked out. “Just swallowed the wrong way.”
He sat back down after seeing that I really was okay. Missy then looked back to him. “Um, no, I don’t,” Paul answered her. “I broke up with my long-term girlfriend a few days ago.”
My eyes widened in shock. He never told me he’d actually broken up with Casey. “You did?” I asked, a little too loudly.
He turned to look at me and smiled softly. “Yes.”
Missy looked between the two of us. “Did you know her well, Aly?”
Still looking at Paul, I answered her. “Well enough.” I knew Paul got my meaning by the look on his face. Mission accomplished.
Missy didn’t pursue anymore and turned to Paul. “Well, I’m sorry about that, but that’s good news for all of us women,” she said, sitting up higher in her chair.
Paul laughed. “Oh yeah? Why is that?”
Missy leaned over toward him, resting her chin in her hands. “Have you seen yourself?” she asked.
Paul laughed harder at that. “Well, yes.”
“There you go,” Missy stated. “You are definitely a catch and if I play my cards right, maybe I’ll win the prize.” She sat back against her chair, taking a sip of her Diet Coke, still staring at him.
“Well Ms. Laughlin, you definitely don’t hold back your opinions, do you?” Paul asked.
She shook her head. “Nope, never have,” she said, giving him one of her dazzling smiles. “Just ask Aly here.”
They both turned to me then. “I believe you,” Paul said.
They continued chatting throughout lunch and when the server brought the check, I breathed a sigh of relief. Paul grabbed the check before either of us could see what we owed, insisting on paying for all of us. Missy didn’t object, but I did.
“No, I want to pay for mine please,” I told him.
He shook his head. “Please don’t do this again, Aly. I want to pay.”
I argued back. “I will do this because I would really feel better if I paid for myself.”
The server came then and Paul gave him his credit card before anymore could be said. I was seething inside, but kept my cool, not wanting to make a scene in front of Missy. Paul gave me a smirk and I shot him a dirty look.
The server came back and Paul signed the slip. We stood up to walk out when he was done and I stayed quiet. They didn’t seem to notice as they kept chatting while we walked to the car. This time, I insisted on sitting in the back. Missy didn’t oppose and marched to sit in the front seat. Paul looked over at me, but stayed quiet.
The ride back was more of the same, them chatting and me staying quiet. When we got back to the parking garage and parked, I jumped out of the car, telling them I had to use the restroom. I hurried inside and immediately hit the first bathroom on the way to the office. I stayed much longer than I needed to, trying to gain some semblance of calm.
It annoyed me that they were flirting so much with each other and it annoyed me even more how much it bothered me. Being in love, or at least severely in like, with two men was more trouble than it was worth. Paul was playing games as well and that was a huge turn off for me.
I wandered back to the office and, of course, saw them still chatting, Paul perched on my desk and Missy in one of the chairs. They both turned at the same time when I walked in. Paul got off my desk and came toward me.
“Are you okay?” he asked, touching my arm.
I shrugged his arm away and continued walking to my desk. “I’m fine, thank you,” I said in a clipped tone. He gave me another look, but didn’t say anymore. He turned back to Missy.
“Well, it was lovely meeting you and having lunch. I need to get back to work now, but I hope to see you again soon.” He took her hand and kissed it again. She flushed a bit and sighed when he returned her hand to her side. He turned around and looked at me. “When Missy leaves, come to my office.”
I nodded and he went inside, closing the door. I heard Missy let out a huge sigh and looked at her. Her eyes were staring at his office door.
“Why have you never told me how gorgeous he is, Aly?” she asked, looking at me now.
“It never came up,” I said.
“Oh, whatever. We used to talk about guys all the time. What’s going on?”
I leaned back in my chair. “Nothing, why?”
“Something’s going on. Do you have a thing for him?” she asked, her eyes widening in realization.
“Missy, I need to get back to work,” I said, avoiding her question. “Write down where you’re staying and I’ll call you later.”
She looked at me with surprise, and I realized I was a little short with her. “Um, okay. I’m just here for a few days so I’d love to see you one more time if possible, Ethan too,” she said, quietly.
I nodded. “I’m sorry, I just have a lot going on. We’ll definitely grab dinner and I’ll make sure Ethan can come. What day do you leave exactly?”
“Saturday afternoon,” she replied.
“Okay, what night would be easiest?”
She checked her phone for her schedule. “Is Friday okay?”
“Yes, Friday is great for me. I’ll ask Ethan and let you know, okay?” I stood up, really needing a break from her suddenly, which then made me feel guilty. I hadn’t seen her in months and was already annoyed. I told myself to ease up on her, that she had no idea of what was going on with Paul and I.
She stood too. “Okay, thanks. And hey, see if your boss wants to come too, would you?” she asked and I was again reminded why I was so annoyed.
“I’ll see what I can do,” I said, plastering a smile on my face.
She leaned over and gave me a hug. “Okay, we’ll plan on Friday. Can’t wait.”
I told her the same and she was gone. I turned back heading toward my desk when I remembered Paul had told me to go to his office when she left. I blew my hair out of my face and went to his door, knocking on it.
“Come in,” he called.
I opened it and stood there. “You said to come in here when she left,” I said, staying put.
He looked up at me from what he was reading and his eyes softened. “Yeah, come have a seat,” he said, motioning toward the chair.
I went and sat down, crossing my legs and started to twirl my hair around my finger. When I saw his eyes zone in on that, I immediately stopped, remembering. He gave me a small smile.
“Your friend is nice,” he said.
I nodded. “She is,” was all I said.
He looked closer at me. “Is everything all right, Aly?”
I felt the butterflies take flight. “Yes, everything is fine. Why do you ask?”
He leaned over on his desk, resting on his elbows. “Because I can tell it’s not. Don’t lie to me, what’s wrong?”
Okay, I was even more annoyed. “Nothing is wrong, Paul. Did you want me in here to ask me that or to work?”
His eyes grew annoyed as well. “Both, actually. But I know you and I can tell when you’re upset.”
I sighed. “I don’t know what we are anymore,” I whispered.
That made him stand up. He walked around his desk and went to the door, shutting it. He then walked over to me, sitting in the chair opposite me. He grabbed my hands and held them in his own.
“We are co-workers and friends, that part is definite. I’d like us to be more, I’d like us to be in a relationship, but that is up to you.”
I tried to pull my hands back but he wouldn’t let me, he held on even tighter. “I don’t think you know what you want, Paul,” I stated. “I mean, why didn’t you tell me you actually broke up with Casey?”
He lowered his eyes at that. “I wanted to, but it never came up. Yesterday was awkward at work and we needed some space from each other. This morning went by so fast, then your friend showed up. I’m sorry, though. I should have.” He started rubbing circles on my hand with his thumb and I shuddered.
“Paul, you have been distant with me since before lunch yesterday, and you were flirting intensely with Missy. Now you’re all concerned about me and affectionate. Let me tell you right now, I don’t like games and I won’t play them.”
He continued looking at me, amusement on his face. “Is that right?” he asked, still rubbing my hand.
I glared at him. “What is so funny?”
He laughed. “Oh, sweetheart, you are. I love that you’re jealous.”
I glared even more. I again tried ripping my hands from his, but he anticipated it and held on. “I am not jealous. That’s ridiculous.”
He scooted closer. “Yes you are. It’s cute.”
I bristled in my seat, clearly annoyed. “You wish,” I muttered.
He threw his head back, laughing. “I don’t have to wish. It’s completely true, and I love it.” He started to reach for my cheek, but I dodged his touch, jerking my head aside. He put his hand down, trying to conceal his mirth.
“All I’m saying is that you’ve been playing games and I don’t like it,” I said.
He suddenly pulled on my hands, catapulting me into his chest. I made an “mmph” sound as I landed and he lifted me so I was sitting on his lap. His hands went to my face and held me there so that I had to look at him.
“Sweetheart, I haven’t meant to play games. I’ve tried to back off, to give you your space. To do that, I have to be strong, to stay as far away from you as possible. I’m sorry if I hurt you.”
The look in his eyes told me he was sincere. I licked my lips in nervousness and his eyes filled with lust. Before I knew it, his mouth crushed to mine and he pulled me closer, his tongue thrusting in my mouth.
I didn’t resist. I realized I’d wanted this from him since he’d started acting aloof. I held onto his shoulders and pushed my tongue into his mouth, stroking in unison. Heat rushed to my core and the memories of being on his desk came rushing back. I moaned at that and he twisted me to the side so that he was leaning over me and started sucking on my lower lip. My hands went to the back of his neck, threading through his chocolate waves and he suddenly broke the kiss, traveling down my neck to the top of my shirt. He slid to the floor so he was on his knees, and cupped his hands under my ass, lifting me closer to him. I continued running my fingers through his hair as he moved his hands up my body, settling on my waist.
“Aly, I only have eyes for you,” he told me between kisses. “It’s only you. I want you so badly, I want us to be together. I’m not sure I can sit back and be patient. It kills me to be so near you, yet so far,” he said as he raised his head to look at me.
My heart slammed to my chest. I wanted to be with him, to be able to get to know him on another level, and I was powerless to let him go. The harsh fact that I was truly torn between two men, both of whom I loved, rocked me to my core. As I sat there staring into Paul’s beautiful eyes, mine started welling with tears. I pushed him away from me and ran to the door, but before I could make it, he was next to me, pulling me into his arms. I struggled against him, but he wouldn’t let me go. Finally I succumbed and laid my forehead on his chest, tears streaming down my face.
“Baby, it kills me to see you cry. Please don’t,” he whispered softly, running his hand down my hair. That only made me cry harder, and he held me tighter. How could two men make me feel so good, in such vastly different ways?