Obsidian (Mystic Stones Series #1) (3 page)

“One date couldn’t hurt. Besides, if you get fired, you could just come to work for me. That would work out nicely. It’s a win-win situation,” Tom said.

I didn’t want to jeopardize my reputation by going out with a client. Of course, if the restaurants were closed we would be in the privacy of his home, which was another kind of risk.

I hadn’t dated since my parents died. I always dreaded the awkward conversation that began with, ‘so what do your parents do?’

“Alright,” I heard myself say, although my mind wasn’t completely convinced, obviously my voice was. Might as well go with it at this point.

“I’ll be ready at 7. Meet me at Montrell’s?”

“I’ll be there,” Tom said. The devilish grin returned.

I smiled and turned to walk away. I couldn’t believe I had just accepted his invitation. I couldn’t believe I was going on a date with a client.

Then a thought came to me that would have been handy a moment before.
What if someone from the office saw us?
It would be an awkward conversation and my reputation would be ruined. I told myself I’d put it off as if it were a business dinner if suspicion arose.

Time passed with ease as I worked on and finished the security passes. I dropped them by the gate and went home to get ready for my . . . date. Every time the word ran through my mind I clenched my fists on the steering wheel and thought,
I should not be doing this
.

Nonetheless, once I arrived home, I found myself zipping up the back of my best little black dress.

The dress showed off my cleavage—just a little. I left my long, dark hair in neat waves, and put on some smoky eye shadow to highlight my blue eyes.

I stared at myself in the mirror. Thoughts in my head competed for attention. Some shouted to call and cancel. Others shouted I needed to go on a date. One reminded me I’d been attracted to him since the first day I took him on as a client.

Ultimately, I took control and told myself that I was almost 25, and I did want to get married someday. Today was as good as any to start dating again. My best friend, Alani would be proud. I forced myself to get in my car and drive to the restaurant.

Montrell’s was open. Thankfully, we wouldn’t have to eat dinner at Tom’s house. A sign in the window said “CASH ONLY.” The satellites affected credit card machines too. I hoped Tom carried cash.

“Hello, Miss Tanner.”

I heard his voice from behind me. My body reacted and I spun around to see him in an exceptional suit—probably Armani. His short hair laid perfectly swept back, and he had a huge smile on his face and a gleam in his eyes. A force of nature derived from his charm pulled me in as I stepped toward him. He looked stunning.

“You can call me Ava. After all, it’s a date,” I said with a smile.

“Alright, Ava. I’ve got cash, but if you’d rather go to my place--” he said as he gently took my hand and motioned toward his car.

“Slow down there, cowboy. I think it would be best if our first date was in public.”

“As you wish,” he said with a devilish smile across his face again.

He opened the door for me, and even pulled out my chair. It had been a long time since I’d been on a date, and even longer since I’d been with someone so well-mannered. Tom ordered a vintage wine, then we ordered our meals and started into some easy-going conversation.

“So, what do you have in mind for our second date?” Tom asked mischievously.

“You’re confident, aren’t you?” I countered.

“Would I be President of the Hawaiian Branch of Psytech if I weren’t?” Tom said as he flared out his napkin and laid it in his lap.

“I suppose not,” I replied.

“How long have you been with Herrick-Peyton?” Tom asked. He set his elbows on the table and clasped his fingers together.

“Almost four years now. I got the job right out of business school. How long have you been with Psytech?”

“It’s been a long time. Seems like a hundred years,” he said with a chuckle, “But, I love it. I’ve worked my way up. Did you know, we have corporate offices in every state and all major countries?”

“I didn’t. But, I guess your business is in demand right now. Technology is growing as our generation comes to power,” I said then took a sip of my water.

“You know what I like about you? You’re beautiful and brilliant. There aren’t many girls like that around these days.”

I smiled and averted my eyes. He was full of compliments today. “Well, I do enjoy the intellectual conversation now and then.”

“That’s why I wish you would come to work for me, you would make twice the pay,” Tom said trying to sway me. I was starting to think of this as more of a business dinner.

“Yes, you’ve mentioned that many times, but I’m comfortable where I am and with the amount of money I make,” I said.

“That’s modest of you. It’s refreshing to meet someone who isn’t out for all they can steal, you know?” Tom said as he looked into my eyes.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” I replied, “I do like the way things are right now. I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished and how hard I’ve worked to get to where I am.”

“Hard work is the best road to a thoroughly appreciated reward. It’s the only way to live without any true vices,” Tom said.

“Well, I’m sure I have my iniquities, but I think that my good deeds greatly outweigh my bad ones.”

“I’m sure they do. You’re extremely honest and good at heart—and let’s not forget stubborn. This is why I must confess something to you, Ava.” Tom leaned forward and brought his hands closer to mine. “Part of the reason I asked you out is to tell you that my company is preparing to offer Herrick-Peyton a lot of money. The executives coming tomorrow are trying to buy the Herrick-Peyton building and all the warehouses.”

A gasp escaped my mouth. Words tried to gather and form sentences in my mind, but I kept them at bay because I knew they’d come out in a jumbled mess. Then I was hit with a wave of anger. He definitely had audacity.

I couldn’t believe he asked me on a date just to tell me this news.

“So, it’s not a date, but a business meeting as well. I should’ve known,” I said. I crossed my arms and leaned back in my chair.

I was a little annoyed that I’d gotten so dressed up for the date. I should’ve worn business attire. My first date in years was wasted on a man who was unworthy.

“No, I really wanted to take you out. I’ve wanted to do this for a while. I never could get the nerve up to ask you, and then when the corporate heads told me what they were doing . . .”

His sentence cut off while he searched for more words.

“I just wanted to tell you so it’s not a shock to you,” he finished

“Why do you need the entire building? That’s a lot of space for one company, especially in Hilo. What about all the people I work with? What about the other companies who’ve been renting from us for years?”

“The companies will find other buildings to rent from, and your co-workers will be considered for jobs with us if they wish. They will not take a pay-cut if they decide to stay with us. As for the building, we are expanding, and we grow tired of renting.”

I raised my voice above standard restaurant level. “You grow tired of renting? Why not build a new place? Why go messing with the way people live their lives?”

“We’ve considered that option, but our expansion plans are rapidly growing, so we need a place that already exists. Building a 21-story building would take much too long, and the Herrick-Peyton building fits our needs perfectly. Plus there’s a lot of red tape to go through in order to build on the island. You know that. Space is at a premium here.”

“Your needs? What about the needs of other people? All corporate companies are the same. Crush the little guys and move on to overtaking the world.”

Tom fought off a grin.

“Maybe I should leave,” I said as I stood up. His hand moved for my wrist, but I was quick to avoid it.

“No, please. I didn’t mean to upset you, Ava. It’s not even my decision. It’s over my head,” he spoke quickly and quietly. Heads were now turned in our direction.

“I may be the President of the Hawaiian branch, but they make the major decisions like this. You went to business school, you know how it goes. Please, sit down and let’s try to make the best of this evening,” he pleaded with a gaze so intense that I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. My compassion kicked in and I eased back into my chair. With my guard up.

We waited for our food in silence.

Once our meals were placed on the table, I took my eyes from glare mode to stare mode. Tom’s charm was too much. It was almost as if I couldn’t say no to him.

That worried me.

“Are you okay?” he asked after a moment of watching my face.

“Yes. I’m just thinking. Maybe I over reacted. I’m sorry for causing a scene. I really like working for Herrick-Peyton. I care about that place, Tom.”

“It may not last. Don’t you ever want something new?”

“Sometimes. Sometimes I wish I could put my degree to better use,” I admitted. Uncertainty surfaced, but I felt the need to confide in Tom.

“You could do that at Psytech, Ava. I would give you any job you’d feel comfortable in. Any position you wish—except mine, of course.”

“If Herrick-Peyton sells, I may have no choice,” I said as sadness cracked my voice. I cleared my throat.

“When will Psytech make the offer?”

“In two days. A meeting is already set with the shareholders of your company for Wednesday. The shareholders are aware Psytech wants to meet with them for a business proposition, not that they want to buy. So, if you could refrain from telling anyone, I would greatly appreciate it. You and I are the only ones that know outside of the men coming tomorrow.”

“You haven’t told your employees?” I asked.

“They know something big is happening, but not what.”

My heart raced. I was astonished that he would tell me before anyone else. He could lose his job if they find out. “Why risk your career to tell me this?”

“Because, I have had feelings for you for a while now, and I don’t want you to think that you have no place to go if this deal goes through. My gut tells me it will. The men coming tomorrow are persuasive; that’s how they got to the top.”

“I guess we’ll find out on Wednesday,” I said purposefully ignoring the comment about his feelings for me.

Defeat crossed his face, and then with determination he said, “I’m betting we’ll have an answer before noon. I’ve seen it happen before. It’s likely there will be a staff meeting after that. Come find me after the meeting. I’ll be in our warehouse. If you want the job, that is. If you turn it down, I’ll understand.” He seemed to swallow a lump in his throat. A strong urgency coated his voice.

“Okay, I have to think, I guess. I’ll come to the warehouse either way, to tell you what I decide. I don’t want to leave you guessing.”

At least he trusted me and cared enough to tell me everything. I would have been angrier if I found out on Wednesday after we’d just had a date.

“I would appreciate the extra effort,” Tom said.

I thought I saw, for a split second, Tom trying to fight his smile again. I ignored it and cursed myself for being paranoid. I proceeded to attempt to save the evening from total failure.

We finished dinner—and the wine. The whole bottle, that is. My mood had led to me drinking more than I should have.

Feeling a little tipsy, I walked out of the restaurant with Tom. He walked me to my car, as I pretended to be perfectly sober. He seemed to buy it, but before opening my door he noticed me stumble a little, “Would you like me to drive you home? Or maybe you’d like to come to my place for a while? I don’t know if you should be driving tonight.”

“I don’t think I’m ready for that yet,” I replied.

“Well, at least let me give you a ride home. I couldn’t live with myself if you were hurt because I kept filling your wine glass.”

Swirls in my thoughts and the sensation of not wanting to hold my head still made me rethink my plan of driving myself. I came up with the conclusion that I shouldn’t. The accident came to mind and my hatred for the drunk driver who caused me so much pain made me even more decisive. “Okay, a ride home would be nice.”