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Jessica blew her bangs out of her eyes and looked at Addie intently. “You look nice. And you didn’t even ask for my help. I’m proud of you. Now, go! Break a leg.”
“I plan on it.”
Luckily, the twins were so excited to see their friends they hardly noticed as Addie kissed them goodbye and drove away. As she pulled out on to the street, Addie glanced in the rearview mirror and wished she could be more like her best friend. Jessica was such a patient mother, the kind who did daily arts-and-crafts projects with her children—the kind who still made homemade Halloween costumes and cookies from scratch. Addie knew that no matter how hard she tried she could never be that kind of mom. First of all, she wasn’t crafty, and second, she wasn’t all that patient. She just didn’t seem to be in love with motherhood in the way that Jessica was. And that fact always made her just a tad bit envious.
Addie parked in the garage and checked her hair and makeup in the mirror briefly before making her way to the elevators. The office was in a beautiful high-rise building in downtown Austin. As she rode the elevator up to the thirteenth floor, Addie tried to remain calm. It’s just a conversation. She reminded herself. What’s meant to be will be.
The doors closed as Addie checked her phone and texted Jessica to check on the boys. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the man in the suit standing behind her until she stumbled backward into him. She hadn’t worn heels in a while.
Startled, Addie glanced up and caught the man’s eye in the mirror. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there.” The man seemed amused but only nodded.
As the elevator started to climb, Addie turned her attention back to her phone, waiting for Jessica’s reply.
“Don’t you think it’s strange how two people can be standing inches from one another in such a confined space and yet hardly acknowledge one another?” the deep voice behind her said.
Addie looked up, her eyes meeting his in the mirror.
He didn’t wait for her reply. “I’ve always thought so anyway.”
Addie smiled nervously. For the first time, she really took notice of the man. He was tall and very handsome with dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and was dressed impeccably. Probably gay. Men this beautiful usually were.
He extended his hand. “I’m William Hartman. And no, I’m not gay. It’s a pleasure to meet you. What did you say your name was again?”
Holy shit. Did I say that out loud? Addie swallowed nervously, pretty sure she hadn’t. This man was clearly messing with her. She hadn’t said her name. Two can play at this game.
She placed her hand in his and then quickly pulled away, frowning. “Have we met?
The man chuckled. “I don’t think so. But you can’t say it’s for lack of trying on my part.”
What the hell? Is he seriously flirting with me? “I’m Addison Greyer. And just so we’re straight here, pun intended, I’m not gay either. I’m married, actually.”
He leaned back, taking her in. He had to admit, she surprised him. Not only was she not amused by
his charms but she seemed downright annoyed. This, combined with the fact that she was incredibly attractive and quick-witted, made him want her that much more. “Well, I’m glad that’s settled.”
Addie wasn't sure what he meant by his statement; all she knew was that she couldn't wait to get out of this elevator. And what was taking so long, anyway? Though she couldn't put her finger on it, something about this man made her very uncomfortable: the way he shook her hand made her heart race and her knees weak. It’s just nerves, she told herself, thoroughly convinced.
Suddenly the lights flickered as the elevator stalled and then plummeted before finally coming to an abrupt halt. Addie fell backward into the man, hitting her head on the mirror as the elevator jolted to stop. He grabbed her before she hit the marble floor, holding her upright.
“Easy there. You ok?” Addie’s legs felt like putty. She could barely stand.
Addie wiped her forehead. Ouch. “Um . . . Yeah. Yeah, I’m ok.”
She wobbled as he loosed his grip a little. Dizzy and unable to steady herself, Addie grabbed the man’s arm, taking notice of how big it was and how hard his body seemed as she fell against it.
“How about this . . . Here, let’s sit,” he said, lowering her to the floor.
Addie blushed. “Thanks.”
The lights flickered again, going out completely until dim fluorescent lights came on overhead.
“You ok here for a second? I’m going to use the emergency phone.”
Addie’s mouth went dry. She was flustered by the way he looked at her but managed to nod.
William stood cautiously and picked up the phone. Addie listened to him speak to what she figured was security. Never taking his intense blue eyes from hers, he listened to whoever was on the other end. He relayed information on who was in the elevator but otherwise only responded with one-word answers. She could tell the news wasn’t good.
“Listen, have EMTs standing by for a possible concussion. Call my office and have them cancel my meetings.”
