Hide: Part One (The Black Letters Series Book 1) (5 page)

My eyes were wide now. I frantically searched the web on my phone so I could give Kobiashi some answers and shut Mitch up before we lost the biggest investor in Miami.

“Well, look here, I’ve found the record holder’s square footage! Mitch, what do you think?” I asked apprehensively while shoving my phone in front of his face so he could see the number.

Mitch pried his eyes from Kobiashi and found the number on my screen. But his confidence vanished as he stared at the number.

What the hell?

“Mr. Kobiashi, we’ll need to get going if we’re to make it to your next meeting in time,” his assistant squeaked. It was blatantly obvious she was terrified to interrupt him, but knew his need for punctuality.

“Of course,” Kobiashi snapped, then turned to me. “You’ll be calling?”

I nodded enthusiastically, then proceeded to walk Kobiashi and his assistant to the main lobby to call for the elevator.

“What the fuck, Mitch? Is there a reason why you just sized up our most important client?” I growled the second the elevator doors started closing, taking Kobiashi out of the potential downward spiral of a business deal.

“Me? He’s a dick! And what the hell is your problem?” Mitch yelled back as he began stuffing the rolled prints back in the tube.

“What do you mean, what’s
my
problem?”

“Why did you answer for me?” he shouted in anger.

“I saved your ass!”

Was he really mad at me for answering simple questions that a well-established construction worker should be able to answer? All he’d had to do was read the numbers on the prints. How could he be building these monstrous buildings if he couldn’t even find a simple number on a piece of paper?

Mitch flew by me to punch the elevator number. “You made me look like a fucking idiot.”

“If you would have answered the questions sooner I wouldn’t have had to intervene. Gosh, does Tony do everything for you?” I exaggerated my words, which only fueled his fire more, but I couldn’t care less at the moment.

“Tony does his job, and I do mine.” he bit back.

“Well, I sure hope Kobiashi doesn’t take offense to your attitude. He’ll tell Nathan then you’ll have to deal with him.”

“Nathan doesn’t scare me,” he snorted.

I crossed my arms as the elevator pinged back to our floor. “He should. I don’t know where else he can ship you off to.”

Mitch’s ears turned bright red and his green eyes were wide with fire behind them, but I refused to back down. He might have big muscles, but I could throw a mean knee to his crotch if he got physical.

Mitch slammed his hand on the first floor button, then turned to cage me in the elevator. “You know nothing about why I’m here.”

“Then tell me.”

Mitch curled away from me, running his hand down his face. “My brothers don’t know me like they think they do.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means they’ve got bullshit accusations. I’m surprised Becca hasn’t told you how they think I’m some drug addict who hides shit all over the place for dealers.”

I looked at him in shock. “Do you?”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” he shouted as the doors opened on the first floor. He threw his helmet on one of the workbenches and sauntered toward his big truck. I huffed as I followed his lead. He was furious with more than just me at the moment.

His cocky and flirty presence was gone as he slammed the truck door, firing up the loud diesel engine. I almost thought he was going to take off without me. Luckily I managed to pull the door open, which was way heavier than I’d thought, and climbed in successfully on the first try. A small triumph clouded my mind because I didn’t need his help this time.

The ride back to the office was silent.

Chapter Five

The only words that came out of Mitch’s mouth as he dropped me off were, “Enjoy dinner with Nathan.” The sass in his voice was evident, and it took everything in me not to flip him the bird as he drove away. To think I’d started to feel sorry for him.

My feet were killing me as I climbed the stairs to my office. The first thing I did when I arrived was kick my heels off in the entryway. Thankfully, a pair of flats was stashed in my drawer. My feet wouldn’t make it through dinner in four-inch heels.

My desk had never felt more comfortable as I flopped down rather ungracefully. My legs were sprawled in front of me as I slouched to find comfort. What a mess this afternoon had turned out to be. I understood Mitch was relying on Tony to take over the business side when dealing with clients, but surely he had to understand how to read a print. How could he be so good at building and not be able to read the instructions? Maybe that was what Tony did, read him the instructions? His hands were pointed to the right numbers when I looked over his shoulder, he just couldn’t get the words out.

He had a hard work ethic—I saw that in his mentality. And I knew he cared about his buildings. More questions unraveled in my head about why Mitch acted the way he did, and I couldn’t help but want to figure out his mystery.

My phone vibrated. “Got a time and place for me?”

“Yes, 7:30 pm at Gabbiano,” Nathan replied.

“Gabbiano? Isn’t that upscale? Can’t we just go to a chain restaurant?” A beer from a bottle sounded way too good.

“Of course not. Don’t be late. I’m curious to hear how today went.”

“Yes, sir,” I said mockingly as I hung up the phone.

***

Shutting down my computer, I slid on my flats and made my way to the restroom. I needed to freshen up if we were going to Gabbiano. Hopefully, Nathan wouldn’t give me too much crap for wearing flats to the high profile restaurant, but I honestly couldn’t give two shits if he scolded me. I’d had a rough week.

I tousled my caramel hair, debating if I should throw it in a ponytail, but went against it. After redoing my makeup and rejuvenating myself the best I could, I made my way to my desk to grab my purse. My heart thudded to a near halt.

A black envelope was sitting dead center on my keyboard.

My eyes darted around the room as my back slammed against the wall. Crouching low seemed to be my first instinct. My hand instantly covered my mouth, trying to control my breathing while the other reached for my neck protectively.

He was here.
Watching me
. My heart beat rapidly as fear coursed through my veins.

What do I do now?

Sweat formed on my forehead as I frantically looked over at Corey’s drafting table. Usually, the mess he constantly left drove me crazy, but I was thankful for it as I reached for the scissors he’d forgotten to put away. I had no idea what to expect from Rod and I wasn’t going to be confronted by him without some form of protection.

I breathed heavily as the adrenaline took over my body and gripped the scissors tighter in my hand. Inching my way quietly between the few cubicles, I searched the area before my eyes landed on the front door. I had a clear shot, but needed to take my time. He could be in the shadows, lurking, waiting for me.

Wiping my forehead, I took one last look around before I reached into my purse, quietly as possible, desperate to find my keys. My heart felt like it was beating out of my chest as my fingers finally grasped them. I squeezed the cold metal in my palm, still gripping the scissors in my other hand.

Everything is going to be fine. I’m going to be okay.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly started making my way toward the front door, my eyes darting from shadow to shadow.

Then it occurred to me, this could be exactly what he wanted. What if he was waiting by my car? Wanting me to flee outside in a rush out of fear?

Back tracking my steps, I headed toward the conference room, where a door led outside toward the main street. There was more traffic and more people. I’d be able to flag down a taxi instantly.

Looking through the open door of the conference room, I wished like hell it wasn’t so dark. I blinked my eyes rapidly, trying to get them to adjust. Letting out a slow breath, I readied myself to start moving. Just as I lifted my foot to cross the threshold, the main entrance door creaked open.

My eyes widened in fear and I stopped breathing.

Chapter Six

My body twisted around as fast as lightning, my hair flicking me in the face from the rapid movement. “What the fuck are you doing here?” I shouted as I nearly stumbled to the ground from fear.

Mitch’s face was sour as his eyes met mine. “I was looking for my black notebook.”

I blew out air as I sat down in the nearest chair, dropping the scissors on the table and putting my hands on my head. Every bone in my body had thought Rod was going to come through that door and put my life through another whirlwind. I never thought I’d be so happy to see Mitch.

The thud of Mitch’s boots got louder as he moved closer to me. “You all right?” he asked.

“Yeah, I just…” I dropped my hands from my scalp and thrust my head upwards to look at him. “You just startled me, that’s all. I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

“You didn’t peg me as one to be jumpy.” The aggravation in his voice returned.

“I’m not,” I said defensively. “I just have a lot on my mind.” I couldn’t think of a better excuse, although it wasn’t an excuse. It was the truth.

“Yeah, well, seems to be the growing problem. I figured you’d be out with Nathan by now. I didn’t mean to come when you’d still be working.” He moseyed over toward my desk, his eyes searching the area.

My feet couldn’t find the floor fast enough as I darted to grab that black letter before Mitch saw it. “I was just leaving, but I can help you look for your notebook.” I didn’t want to be in the same room as Mitch, but I also didn’t want to leave the office without his muscles being next to me.

“Don’t worry about it. I can look for a notebook on my own.”

Rolling my eyes, I nudged by him to search through a pile of magazines. “Stop being such a guy. It’s okay for there to be strong and able women in this world.”

“I never said it wasn’t.”

“Then what are you so mad about?” I asked as I slammed a magazine down and crossed my arms.

“I’m not mad at you, Jamie. I’m mad at myself, and right now, I really need to find that notebook.”

“What’s so important in that notebook?”

“I just need it, okay?” He looked like he needed a tall beer as badly as I did.

My arms dropped and I began looking again. After ten minutes of very tense silence, Mitch spoke. “So, where are you going with Nathan?”

I sighed as I moved a stack of papers. “He wants to go to some fancy Italian restaurant. To be honest, I’d rather just go home and drink whatever alcohol is in my fridge.”

Mitch grinned as he looked through another stack of magazines on a table with a few chairs in the waiting area. “Then ditch him.”

My laugh was low. “Trust me, I’d love to, but he seems anxious to hear about how our meeting with Kobiashi went.”

Mitch stopped searching and stood tall. “What are you going to tell him?” My eyes found his. I knew how much Mitch wanted Nathan to approve of him.

“That Kobiashi wants to break records and we might have to extend the time period to make it happen.”

Mitch’s brow rose as he watched me continue to look through the stack of papers on my desk where he so often tossed the mail down. “Is that all you’ll tell him?”

“Mitch, that’s what happened. He doesn’t need to know you froze. I handled his questions. That’s why I went. Don’t worry about it.”

Silence passed between us again. Then Mitch’s voice was quiet. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that. I should have been more prepared.”

I looked up from the stack and gave him a slight smile, impressed by his apology. His eyes looked downward, and just as I was about to say something more, he jolted underneath my desk. “Found it! Thank God!” He jerked from under my desk and held the notebook in the air, then brought it to his face and kissed it.

The giggle that escaped me didn’t go unnoticed by Mitch. He lowered the notebook from his face, giving me a genuine smile. Maybe Mitch did have a gentler side.

“Feel better?”

“Yes, Tony isn’t going to be with me tomorrow, and this notebook…well— it helps when he’s not around.”

My puzzled look didn’t faze him as he folded the notebook and put it in his back pocket. “Well, you better get to that dinner date.”

“It’s not a date. I’m sure he’ll be using the company card to pay for it.”

For whatever reason, Mitch’s shoulders relaxed and his smile returned. He watched me intently as I threw my purse over my shoulder.

When I walked to the door, he didn’t follow me.

“I have to lock-up.”

Mitch shook his head to rid him of his trance and walked toward me. “Sorry, I didn’t get the hint.” To my surprise, he reached for the door and opened it for me.

I secretly hoped he’d stand by me until I got the door locked. My twitching fingers fumbled with the key as I shoved it in the lock. Mitch stood behind me, close enough for my hands to calm enough to lock it.

“I’m surprised they don’t have an alarm,” Mitch said as he watched me.

“I’m sure Nathan views this tiny place as temporary. He really wants Miami to be a permanent location.” When I turned, I nearly ran into Mitch’s chest. He didn’t even flinch by our proximity. “Sorry!”

“Don’t be.” His voice was smooth like velvet. When my eyes found his again, the softness they held was hypnotizing. Finally breaking our gaze, he said, “Have a good night.”

My laugh was unsteady as I shook my head from staring at him like I was fascinated. It didn’t help that those green eyes sent the same vibe. “You too. Enjoy the weekend.”

Mitch gave me a final nod and turned to walk to his truck…

On the other side of the parking lot.

My eyes scanned the area as my footsteps moved faster. I had to get to my car before Mitch pulled away. Being alone could only play out badly, especially if Rod were lurking in the corners. The sound of my breathing increased with each step I took toward my car, causing the largest exhale to escape my mouth once I was safely inside with the doors locked. After throwing my purse in the passenger seat, my head found the steering wheel. My hands were clammy as they gripped the leather tightly.

The roar of Mitch’s truck coming to life startled.

With apprehension, my head slowly looked down to my purse. Releasing the steering wheel with my white knuckle grip was agonizing as my hand shakily made its way to find the letter.

The familiar wax seal of the envelope made a tremor creep up my arm and throughout my body. After one more deep breath, I pulled the letter from the envelope, the waxy texture catching underneath my nail.
There it was
—perfect white penmanship in the center of the threefold black paper.

Red’s never been your color. I suggest re-thinking your wardrobe and your company.

-Rod

The audible gasp was uncontrollable as I dropped the letter in my lap, my eyes taking in the softness of my deep red shift dress. My eyebrows knitted as I tossed the letter on the passenger seat. What could he have seen to make him so jealous? The only person I’d been with was Mitch. He must have caught our interactions while getting into the car earlier in the day. Shit. I couldn’t let any feeling toward Mitch slip up again
. Feelings toward Mitch?
I didn’t have feelings toward that cocky asshole. Maybe some sexual tension, but that was it. We’d never be anything serious. After all, I hadn’t had a serious relationship with anyone since Rod.

I wasn’t going to take that letter seriously because he was bat shit crazy to think I had long term intentions for Mitch. My
shoulders shook with laughter as I started my car from how ludicrous that letter was.

“Get a fucking clue, Rod.”

***

“You’re late,” Nathan scolded as I joined him at the table for two. I waited impatiently as the hostess pulled out my chair for me to sit. Nathan looked annoyed, but I couldn’t care less.

“I was working. I expect a raise for my dedication to this company for giving up my Friday evening.”

Nathan smirked as he steepled his fingers under his chin. “You’ll get a raise when you lose the attitude. Now, tell me about Kobiashi.”

“After I order a drink. Gin and tonic please, and make it a double,” I said as the hostess started to leave.

Nathan tilted his tumbler of amber liquid to his lips, taking a long swig. “Went that bad, huh?”

“No,” I said nonchalantly as I opened my menu.

I bit my lip as I skimmed the items. Nothing looked appealing. All I wanted was a burger, and fries, and, of course about four beers to wash them down. Wasn’t that the best way to feed a hangover? Greasy food and more beer?

The tap of Nathan’s finger on the rim of his tumbler was beyond irritating. Nathan wasn’t a patient man, even more so when it came to his business.

“All right, fine. Kobiashi came, he saw the suite, wanted a few adjustments, and then left.”

“That’s it? Did he say anything about the amusement park?”

I rolled my eyes. “Of course not.”

“And you didn’t bring it up?”

“No,” I said, exasperated. “I told you I wouldn’t.”

Nathan’s hand went in the air as he relaxed in his seat. “Just making sure. How was Mitch?”

My eyes darted to the menu again. “He did his part.”
Sort of.

“Jamie…” I knew Nathan didn’t believe me.

“Does he have trouble with numbers?” I asked inquisitively. I really didn’t want to throw Mitch under the bus. I’d planned on keeping the pissing contest between him and Kobiashi to myself. If Kobiashi decided to tell Nathan, then Mitch would be on his own with that conversation with his brother.

“Not that I know of, why?”

“Just curious.”

Nathan sat taller in his chair. “God, Jamie, stop beating around the bush. What the hell happened?”

The server came with our drinks and a plate of bruschetta that Nathan must have ordered. The distraction gave me more time to think about how I was going to approach this subject without Nathan calling Mitch and being a dick.

After taking a hefty sip, I said, “He kind of froze when Kobiashi asked him for some measurements, that’s all.”

“Did he answer him?”

“Kobiashi got the answers he was looking for.”

Nathan visibly relaxed. “Jamie you almost gave me a heart attack. Get to the point next time.” I shrugged in apology. “What are you going to order?” he asked as he folded his menu.

Dinner conversation was lighter for the most part. We only discussed a few clients and up and coming projects. Nathan was confident that Miami was going to be a game changer for the Conklin name. I agreed with him, but I wasn’t sure if I’d be a part of that endeavor.

My life was easier without those letters, and Grand Rapids had been the safest place for me so far.

“Want to go to the bar?” Nathan asked as he finished his drink.

My tiredness had set in, but I didn’t want to be alone. The bar might help take my mind off of life and black carbon paper with white writing.

“Oh, why not. What’s two nights in a row?”

“Now that’s my girl.” Nathan grinned as he stood from his seat, reaching for my hand. “Where to?”

I took his hand then placed my other hand on my chest. “Are you really letting me choose?”

Nathan rolled his eyes dramatically. “Well, only this one time.”

My head rested on his shoulder as I laced my arm through his. “Wow, you are the
best
boss.”

“Damn right.”

***

Miller’s Ale House was near our condo. Nathan turned his nose up and whined when I chose the location but quickly quieted down when I reminded him it was my choice. I wasn’t in the mood for loud and obnoxious, and I just wanted a beer. Fortunately for me, they had seventy-five beers on tap to choose from, so we’d ditched my car at the condo, taking Nathan’s car to the bar.

Sitting at the bar in silence with Nathan was a new and comforting feeling. Straight bars didn’t faze Nathan, but he definitely wasn’t as outgoing. His business demeanor normally took over, and his phone became his best friend. I didn’t mind. I enjoyed sitting and staring at a sporting event, even if I didn’t care about who won.

“Hey, little brother, what are you doing here?” Nathan said as he rose from his seat. Of course, out of all the bars in Miami, Mitch had to find the exact same one we were at.

Mitch took Nathan’s hand, then gave me a lopsided grin. His eyes looked a bit hazy, and I was sure the bottle of beer wasn’t his first. “Enjoying my Friday night. This isn’t really your scene, is it?” Mitch asked as he eyed the two of us.

I spun in my seat, the beer making me feel feisty. “Why wouldn’t this be our scene?”

Mitch shrugged and gave us a mocking grin. “Thought you were into, what’s the word,
fancy
restaurants?”