Playing with Power - Book 3: New Adult Office Romance Read online

  2.

  “I feel like Carrie Bradshaw,” Ali said, adjusting the brim of her broad sun hat. “This is how I imagined New York would be before I moved here. Cocktails, lunching, amazing views.”

  “Really? I just imagined I’d be homeless within a month,” Lauren laughed.

  The two best friends sat under the shade of a huge umbrella in a swanky rooftop bar enjoying lunch. The views of the city around them were incredible and the drink prices matched the soaring buildings. It was the first time they’d been together alone since their trip to California over a month before and Lauren was thankful for the girl time. Ali always helped her decompress and recharge. They’d hung out at the Pony a few times but with Nick around, they hadn’t gotten a chance to really talk. With as much as she had on her plate, Lauren knew she had to treasure down time whenever it came.

  “So how’s work?” Ali asked.

  “No! That’s the absolute last thing I want to talk about. I want to hear about you. What have you been up to you busy little actress?”

  “Well, I can’t lie. I am pretty awesome now. So, I have to get up at the ass crack of dawn to get to the set every day and then sit in makeup for an hour. This heat has been an absolute killer. It’s a period piece so every person, like every extra, horse, cat, you name it, is all decked out in these crazy costumes. Some poor girl fainted from the heat the other day.”

  “Was it you?”

  Ali’s eyebrow arched. “I’m made of tougher stuff than that, my dear. Luckily, because I’m playing a whore, my costume shows a lot more skin than the others. Basically, from here up I’m completely naked.” She said pointing to the top of her cleavage. “Other than that, it’s a lot of standing around.”

  “You poor thing! I bet sometimes the caterer forgets the caviar too, huh?” Lauren smirked.

  “First-world problems, I know. It just feels great to actually be progressing, you know? I know I’m not a lead or anything but I have lines, actual freaking lines that are important to the plot. Now I just have to hope I don’t get cut during editing.”

  “Holy hell, woman. You finally land a paying gig, with lines, and you still find something negative to focus on. I’m impressed.”

  “I can’t help that I’m a naturally negative person! If you must know, I’m thinking about joining an actor’s union. How adult is that? If I’m feeling super responsible, I might even go to the dentist. Dane says it’ll never happen, but I’ll prove him wrong. I’ll prove you all wrong!”

  “You spoke to Dane? Wait, aren’t you still seeing Pete?” Lauren could feel the lump already rising in her throat. She resisted the urge to ask if he’d said anything about Landon.

  “Yes and yes,” she replied with a smug smile.

  “Well then, hush my mouth. Good for you.”

  “What about you?” Ali asked hesitantly, her eyes on the table. “Have you talked to Landon?”

  This was the moment she’d been dreading and she’d managed to bring it upon herself by asking about Dane. She hadn’t told anyone, not even Nick, about My Best Friend’s Closet. Taking a slow sip of the pink cocktail, she shook her head.

  “Nope, nothing.”

  “Nothing?”

  “No, why?”

  Ali squinted at her as if trying to weasel out the truth in her expression. “You’re telling me after that weekend neither you or he have shared even a single text message? Why do I find that hard to believe?”

  “No! I told you, Nick was waiting for me when I got back from the airport. I’m over it,” Lauren laughed nervously.

  “And you and Nick, you’re all gravy now?” Lauren loved and hated the way Ali could see right through her. She absolutely hated keeping anything from her but it was still too risky.

  “I suppose. I mean, we’re still living apart but we see each other all the time. I think he wants things to go right back to normal and to his credit, he’s trying really hard. I’m still having a hard time trusting him though, you know?”

  “Totally understandable. Did you, you know—tell him about what happened?”

  “In California? God, no. I couldn’t do that to him. What would it change, anyway?” Even the thought made her nauseous.

  Ali sighed and leaned back in her chair. “I think that’s a good idea. It’s not like it was technically cheating or anything.”

  “Jesus Ali!”

  “I said you didn’t cheat. I figured he dumped you, too. What else were you supposed to think after he left you like that? Stop making that face! I’m just trying to make you feel better!”

  “I know you are but I still don’t want to hear that word! I feel terrible about it.” Lauren frowned. With all the recent ups and downs with Nick, she didn’t want to think about what it would do to their future if he found out. She just wanted to let the relationship run its course.

  “I probably shouldn’t be saying this,” Ali started, her eyes gazing across the rooftop to the far distance. “I think you and Landon could’ve been really good together. I’m not just saying that cause he’s rich or something shallow like that. You two have a definite connection. That’s rare.”

  “But that’s just it. There are billions of people in the world so there’s conceivably thousands we could connect with.”

  “Fair enough, but not every one of those people has eyes that could melt steel and an ass like that. And statistically, most of them aren’t even going to speak English. Ain’t nobody got time for that.”

  Lauren couldn’t help but laugh. “Well for right now, I’m choosing to stay with Nick.”

  Ali quickly changed the subject and soon the girls were making plans for a trip at the end of summer when production was done. In the back of her mind, Lauren hoped what she’d said about Landon was enough to satisfy Ali’s curiosity. She had the bad habit of bringing things up at the precise worst moment and Lauren was worried what she might let it slip while Nick was around. If she could see how little Lauren cared about what happened and how focused she was on Nick, maybe it’d deter her.

  After lunch, they hugged goodbye in the street and went their separate ways. Lauren had to walk in the opposite direction for a block before doubling back and heading down the same station as Ali. Feeling like some cut-rate spy, she crept onto the platform, simultaneously looking for and trying to avoid her friend. With a pit in her stomach, she headed to the MyBFC offices hating that she had to lie her face off to someone she loved.

  Landon, this better be worth it. This better all be worth it.

  There was a padded yellow envelope waiting for her on her desk. Sitting, she turned on her computer and took a pair of scissors to the envelope. Her email notification popped up and her eyes immediately locked on the sender’s name. Landon DeWitt. Setting the package aside she clicked on the email.

  Subject: New Protocol

  From: LDeWitt

  To: LKemp

  Lauren, I’ve sent you a new cell phone. Use this for MyBFC work only. Any communication with the office or myself should be done through this number. Never check it unless you’re alone. Find some way to hide it but still be able to carry it with you.

  -L

  PS - I chose black ... I seem to remember your phone was white

  She smiled at the last line despite herself as she tore open the package, uncovering a carefully wrapped black iPhone. It was fully charged, preloaded with contacts, and he’d even connected her email account. Her heart skipped a beat when she realized he’d held this phone. Could he have left me something hidden on it? She frantically hunted through the notes, reminders, anyplace where Landon may have left her a secret note but found nothing. Setting the phone on the desk, she stared at it while mentally chastising herself. You’re acting like a 10-year-old with a crush. This isn’t elementary school. If a man like Landon has something to say to you, he’ll just come right out and say it. She pushed the tense excitement away and tried to remind herself to act like an adult.

  A few hours later, she picked through a local convenience st
ore, hunting for the perfect item in which she could conceal her new phone. The task was a lot more difficult than she originally expected. It had to be small enough she could carry it around all the time but inconspicuous, something that was completely normal to have in her purse but not make anyone go near it. She studied a metal tin of mints but quickly imagined a scenario where someone would see it and ask for one. Ornate cigarette holders were too thin and besides, she didn’t smoke. She even had the idea of hiding it in a small box of tampons before dismissing it.

  About ready to give up, her eyes landed on a tall rotating display of notebooks. The plain blank books ranged from huge to pocket-sized, the smaller ones secured with a strong elastic band. She held her phone up to one to test the size and thickness, surprised at how well they matched. If I can hollow this out and fit the phone inside, it’ll never fall out. Plus, no one will ever question what it is. Who goes through someone’s notebook, right? The subterfuge continues—

  3.

  A week later, Lauren was busy at work in the StyleSpur offices. She and Faith began the arduous process of planning a company day out that they hoped would boost morale. They were hunched over the table in the kitchen picking through brochures.

  “I know this one will probably be fun for everyone, but I know I’ll end up playing mom with all their stuff. Look how high that rope ladder goes!”

  “Yeah, I think we’ve got a few too many people afraid of heights anyway. I like that this place is all-inclusive. I don’t wanna have to fuss with having to get lunch and drinks and all that,” Lauren said pointing to a paintball excursion.

  “Ugh, me too. Remember having to drag all those coolers when we went to the beach? I thought my arms were gonna fall off.”

  “Exactly. With this one, we just get on the bus and an hour or so later we’re there. They’ve got paintball, rock climbing, go karts. Looks perfect! Everyone signs up for what they want to do as we’re driving up there so we don’t have to stand around. Can you call them up and get us in?”

  “Yup, I’m on top of it,” Faith saluted with a giggle.

  “Then I think we’re ready! I just hope we can all go.” Lauren continued in a hushed voice, “I’ve been dreaming about nailing Parker with a paintball gun for years. Never thought I’d have the chance!” Faith laughed, looking over her shoulder to make sure he wasn’t coming in.

  Lauren’s phone buzzed on the table. Ever since Parker had sent her the new phone, she was careful to always carry everything together in a specific order. Her normal white iPhone sat face down on top of the black notebook. Inside the hollowed book, the black iPhone remained on silent, tightly secured and hidden from sight. Both phones had identical covers so the only way to tell either apart was to see the front side. Any vibration from calls or texts was immediately dismissed as coming from her normal phone. Lauren had even gone so far as to imply a family member was ill in order to explain the increase in texts and private phone calls. A part of her felt proud she was able to pull off such a clever deceit since lying didn’t come naturally to her. She’d always been the “good girl” and never had a chance to practice naughty skills.

  “Oh crap,” she said looking at the blank screen, “I’ve gotta take this. You’re all good with this, right?” Faith nodded as Lauren snatched up the phone and notebook and ducked into the bathroom. Shutting the stall door, she pulled out the MyBFC phone. It was a text from Landon.

  Please call me ASAP, urgent.

  ...

  I’m at work, can it wait until later?

  ...

  No, call now.

  Slightly annoyed and more than a little concerned, it wasn’t difficult to fake an upset expression as she walked through the office. Faith glanced up and gave her a sympathetic smile, thinking that something terrible was happening to her family. The knife of guilt twisted a fraction in Lauren’s heart. She ducked out to the street, slipping one phone into her pocket and the other out. She felt queasy. Landon had never insisted on speaking immediately so either something very good or very bad was about to happen. Her heart thudding in her chest, she called.

  “Hello?” he said formally.

  “It’s me.” Her voice was nearly a whisper.

  “Right, hold a second.” She heard him half cover the mouth piece and murmur an excuse to someone. “I’m sorry, I have to take this.” A few moments later he returned, speaking louder this time over the background noise of traffic. “You there?”

  “Yeah, I’m here,” Lauren replied clearing her throat.

  “Okay, good. I’m sorry if I panicked you,, but I had to tell you as soon as I knew. I’m coming in tomorrow.”

  “Oh! Well, okay. The guys are always there so you should be able to get right in. You don’t have a key, right?”

  “No, Lauren, listen, that’s not what I meant. I’m in New York already. I’m coming into StyleSpur. I’ll be at your office tomorrow morning.”

  He’s in New York? The traffic noise suddenly felt overwhelming as she was hit with a wave of nausea. She switched hands, the phone slick with sweat. Lauren had known it was inevitable they’d see each other again but she’d never imagined it’d be at work, her real job.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner. I flew in yesterday for a meeting and my assistant just happened to get a call from Parker. I had her to extend my trip so I could fit it in. I almost didn’t but I couldn’t help myself.”

  “Why? What are you doing? Damnit, you know I hate it when things are planned behind my back!” She hated the panic she heard in her voice but couldn’t control it.

  “Like I said, I didn’t choose for this to happen. The opportunity just presented itself.” Landon remained calm, as if he’d anticipated her outburst. “With everything we have planned, doesn’t it make sense that I get to know Parker? I might even be able to distract him a bit, keep him thinking I’m interested. It’s not a bad idea if you just stop to think about it.”

  Lauren took a deep breath. As she recovered from the shock of it she had to admit it wasn’t a terrible idea. “Right. I’d just appreciate the chance to actually think about it next time. Thanks for giving me a heads up. Since you’re in town, do you wanna get together tonight?” She started and continuing quickly, “I mean, we have a lot to go over for MyBFC and it might be good to have a meeting with the guys—”

  “I can’t. I actually have plans tonight. Listen, I’m sorry if I surprised you, but I need to get back in there. I’ll just see you tomorrow morning, okay? We can probably get together later tomorrow to go over anything you’d like, okay?”

  “Yeah, cool, great. See you then,” she said in rapid fire. She closed her eyes and tried to force her heart to slow. Sliding the black phone into its hiding spot, she walked back to the office in a daze. The blast of air conditioning immediately cooled the sweat that’d popped out on her brow.

  “Everything okay?” Faith asked as Lauren passed her desk.

  “Huh? Oh, yeah. Nothing serious.”

  “Good,” she smiled, her expression saying that she didn’t believe her. “I just forwarded you an email. That investor from California you stayed with is coming in tomorrow, I’ve already put the meeting on your calender.”

  “Thanks,” Lauren choked out. Everything isn’t okay, she thought. My two worlds colliding in less than twenty four hours and I have no idea what’s going to happen.

  4.

  From the moment she woke up to the moment she stepped foot in the office, Lauren felt like a bundle of live wires. Outwardly, she did her best to appear calm and collected as always, but her behavior betrayed her poker face. She normally took, at most, twenty minutes to get ready for work in the morning. Although she’d planned ahead the night before, even waking up an hour earlier just in case, she still had to rush to get to the office on time. Finding a balance between looking good and looking normal was more difficult than she’d anticipated. Why don’t I ever dress up for work? I essentially work in fashion but I always look so sloppy, she had cursed herself loo
king in the mirror. She finally chose a pair of dark jeans, black kitten heels, and a tailored blue button-up shirt that hugged her small waist. Professional, work casual, and sexy. Eat-your-heart-out meets oh-this-old-thing.

  Even after all her planning, she stumbled into the office just before 8 a.m. sweaty, makeup smeared, hair disheveled. Another fifteen minutes fixing it all in the bathroom mirror and she decided it was as good as it was going to get. Her desk was in the center of the open-plan office and faced the front door. Although she knew Landon wouldn’t be arriving for another hour or so, her eyes jumped up at every sign of movement. As such, she found herself cheerily greeting every person who walked in, the odd behavior drawing a few sideways looks. She checked her calendar again, hovering over the blocked out meeting time just to see his name. Ugh, I need to stop! Grunting in frustration, she pushed herself away from the desk and stormed off to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee.

  How am I even going to greet him? Do I pretend I don’t know him, introduce myself? No, that’s really weird. You spent the weekend at his house, of course you know him. Both Parker and Faith know that—but then how do I say hello? How well should I know him and how can I pretend I haven’t seen him naked? I just know I’m gonna flub this up, somehow end up kissing him on the lips instead of the cheek, make some inappropriate comment. Assuming I hadn’t slept with him, what would the boundaries have been like while staying at his house? Argh! It’s like I can’t even remember how I’m supposed to act around another human being!

  Most of the staff had gotten in by the time she returned to her desk, everyone having small conversations about their evenings or plans for the weekend.

  “Hey Lauren, there you are! Could I show you something? I got stuck last night after you’d left.” Josh waved her over.

  “Yeah, absolutely.” Josh’s desk was directly behind hers facing the window. After a few minutes of going over the code with him, she realized there wasn’t going to be a quick fix, so she wheeled her chair over and sat next to him. She always enjoyed working with Josh and was glad she’d given him a chance. He was a clever programmer, intuitive but not cocky. He didn’t have a problem with constructive criticism and always seemed eager to learn. Lauren had high hopes for his future at the company.