The Hourglass Read online

  As I sat dreaming about what a day in Hourglass would be like, my phone rang. I leapt from my chair and saw a phone number with no name flash on the screen. Oh my, this is it! Straightening up tall, and clearing my throat I answered the phone.

  “Hello, this is Brooke Reid,” I said, sounding as professional as physically possible.

  “God, how is it possible you sound even cuter on the phone?” a husky voice crooned back.

  “Excuse me?” Appalled I took a second glance at the phone trying to recall the phone number. “Who is this?”

  “Lucas, we met, well... when you ran into my car,” he joked.

  “I believe the accident was deemed your fault, Lucas,” I teased back as a smile spread across my face.

  “Umm, I’m not positive. I just handled the officer for you; he would have probably thrown you in jail for reckless driving or something. I’m thinking you owe me at least a dinner.”

  An uncontrollable laugh bubbled out of me. Covering my mouth, I feebly attempted to muffle it.

  “Gosh, I didn’t think a date with me was such a funny joke,” he scoffed sounding a little offended. Quickly composing myself I could feel the blush creeping up my neck as my nerves kicked in.

  “Lucas, I apologize. I didn’t mean to be rude, I would love to go out on a date with you, but I thought I had already promised you my Wednesday,” I consoled.

  This time Lucas’s laugh came through the line, a deep hearty one that made me picture him with a huge smile. “Oh Brooke, you are too gullible. I was teasing, and yes your Wednesday is mine, but I don’t want to wait that long. How about tonight?”

  “Well…” I hesitated. Still waiting on the call from Hourglass, and figuring Savannah would want to celebrate again, I wasn’t sure if I should agree. Thinking of Savannah I was reminded how she kept telling me to take chances, live life, and so my decision was made. “Tonight sounds perfect, where should I meet you?”

  “Well, actually I’ll pick you up; I was hoping you’d agree, so I already made us reservations at The Briarwood Inn. It’s about twenty minutes away in Golden, but the food is phenomenal. Just text me your address and I’ll pick you up at five-thirty. Gotta run, someone is stepping into my office. See you tonight.”

  Lucas disconnected the call, and I was left in utter silence once again. Pulling my phone away from my ear I quickly called up the internet and searched for the restaurant. My screen filled with images of a swanky dining room with ornate dishes that looked more like artwork than meals. Wow, this date would call for something special. Chewing on my fingernail, mentally going through my racks of clothes for something to wear, I drew a blank. I’d need to enlist Savannah’s help on this one. Exchanging several quick texts with her, we agreed to meet at her house at four so I could borrow an outfit and then have him pick me up there.

  I returned to waiting for the call from Hourglass, watching as minute by minute ticked by. That call was just not happening; I needed to get out some energy. Not wanting to go out and run I decided to just head to the on-site fitness center instead. I cued the mp3 player and stuck in my ear buds, starting a stream of music in my ears that would power me through my run for the next hour. Just as I pressed the cool down button, my phone rang showing another number that wasn’t programmed into my contact list.

  “Hello,” I answered hopeful it was the magazine this time.

  “Good Afternoon this is Rebecca calling from Hourglass Magazine. Is Brooke Reid available?” the nervous voice inquired.

  “Yes, speaking. How may I help you?” I asked, noting this person didn’t sound confident at all; I could picture Monica tearing her apart.

  “I have Monica Vincent for you, hold please,” she spoke again.

  “Brooke, Monica. I’m calling to tell you that you got the job as our Design Editor. You’ll start tomorrow, I expect you in my office precisely at eight in the morning. Understood?”

  Well I suppose that was as courteous as this job offer was getting. “Yes ma’am. I’ll see you at eight,” I replied rapidly, figuring Monica didn’t tolerate suspense well. A woman like Monica was used to life operating on her timetables, nobody else’s. When I heard no reply I looked at my phone to realize she had disconnected the call. Leaving me wondering, did she even wait for my response?

  Jumping up and down beside the treadmill, I let out a squeal of delight. Quickly I dialed Savannah’s office number and waited as the phone rang twice.

  “Savannah Prescott,” she answered, sounding distracted. Figuring she hadn’t looked at her caller ID, I decided to play around.

  “Hi yes, this is the Design Editor, I need you at a photo shoot tomorrow at two a.m. I think the light will be perfect then to capture my idea.”

  “Two in the morning!” Savannah roared into the phone, I heard her desk chair wheels roll as she stood. Savannah was never a morning person; her days would begin at noon if she could choose. “Look lady, I don’t know who you think you are. Wait – Brooke? Design Editor? They called!” Her voice took on a whole new pitch as her excitement built.

  Unable to fight the huge smile any longer, I replied, “Yes, Monica just called and – well she informed me in not so many words that my ass better be in her office tomorrow at eight.”

  “Brooke that’s fantastic. Wow and Monica called, that’s something. It’s what, three? I’ll leave work now, meet me at the condo, I’ll grab champagne. We are celebrating while you get ready; I’ll even grab you something from the closet here since you are officially an Hourglass employee now!”

  After letting Savannah go, I hustled back to my apartment, showering quickly and then heading over to her condo. Pulling up in a visitor space, I saw her little BMW already in its spot. God only knew how many traffic laws she’d broken from there to here. I walked inside and stopped at the concierge’s desk.

  “Hey Carl, any word on my spot on the wait list?” I questioned, hopeful I was nearing the top. Living in this building would just be icing on my delicious chocolate cake.

  “Good afternoon, Ms. Reid. As a matter of fact you’re next up, and I hear that the Miller’s are moving out very soon,” Carl gave me a wink and returned to his work.

  ”Thank you.” Leaving him to his work, I made my way to the elevator and up to Savannah’s floor. When she opened the door I almost tackled her to the ground, overwhelmed with joy at everything coming together.

  “Jeez, Brooke!”

  “Pop that cork! Man, job, and soon condo!” I screamed.

  “No way! Ahh!” Savannah ran to the kitchen and grabbed the champagne, popping it open and pouring two full glasses. “Cheers!” Drinking together, Savannah helped me get ready as we talked all about Hourglass and the upcoming projects she’d heard were coming down the line. We figured if I could be informed before even starting it would give me the upper hand.

  My phone vibrated on the coffee table and I saw a text message from Lucas.

  Hey, I’m here. Meet me in the lobby, I am illegally parked.

  Laughing, I replied I’d be right down and said my goodbyes to Savannah. When I arrived in the lobby, Lucas was standing off to the side, anxiously scanning the area as he waited. Catching sight of me, his tongue quickly slipped out wetting his lips as he ran a hand through his dark locks. Stepping up to me he placed a kiss on the corner of my mouth.

  “Wow, I’m not sure I can promise to be on my best behavior at dinner with you in that,” his voice and eyes filled with lust as he checked out the plunging neckline of my midnight blue dress.

  I smacked him on the shoulder, and giggled. “You better, or you won’t get a second date with me.”

  Lucas quickly ushered me out to an idling Mercedes and opened the door for me to take a seat.

  “Lucky me; good looking and chivalrous. Be still my beating heart.” With a wink he shut the door and jogged around to his side, taking a seat and swiftly driving off.

  “Brooke, I’m so excited to spend an evening with you. You’ll love the restaurant. Their lobster bisque and chi
cken piccatta are to die for.”

  Smiling, I nodded. “I’ve never been before, but those both sound divine.

  In no time he was whipping into the parking lot and passing his car off to a valet attendant. Once seated, he ordered for both of us, and in a flash the waiter brought us the bottle of wine Lucas had picked out.

  “Salute,” he toasted, and we clinked our wine goblets together. “Brooke, tell me what do you do?” he asked as he sipped his wine.

  “Well actually,” I began setting my glass down, “I was just hired on as a Design Editor at Hourglass Magazine—”

  Wine came spraying out of his mouth, as Lucas forcibly coughed. Jumping from my seat I went around and patted him on the back, handing him his napkin. “Lucas, are you okay?”

  “Yes. Oh man, I’m sorry. Wrong pipe,” he explained as he wiped off his mouth.

  Just as I took my seat, the waiter appeared with our starter course. Once I took my first bite I was mute, as the flavors of the lobster and butter danced across my taste buds. Letting out a moan, I decided this is exactly what Heaven tasted like. Lucas’s eyes met mine, pupils big as he watched me savor the taste of the soup.

  “Well, I can’t wait to see what you do with dessert,” he murmured with a wink.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Savannah

  MY DAY AT work flew by as I had photo shoot after photo shoot, not even allowing me any time to check in on my best friend to see how her first day as an Hourglass Design Editor was going. Fiddling with my camera on my way back to my office I finally ran into Brooke. “Hey, how was your first day?”

  She looked like a kid in a candy store with the smile that was plastered on her face. “Perfect, absolutely perfect. The morning was slow, but after I finished all of my new employee paperwork I got the grand tour and was assigned an office. I have a window, can you believe it, like a real floor to ceiling window and my office has everything you could ever imagine already stocked and ready for me.”

  Snickering at her enthusiasm as she followed me into my office; I placed my camera in its case. I opened my desk drawer and rifled around in search of my purse that was buried beneath paperwork from earlier in the day. “Well, I’m dying to hear all about it, what do you say we go out for happy hour?” Nodding in agreement, we both made our way to the elevators. “What floor are you on?” I asked pressing my usual, level nine.

  “I’m on two.”

  Shaking my head as I rolled my eyes, I laughed at my best friend. “I’ve never been early enough to park on two.” Waving, I hopped out of the elevator. “Meet me at The Cruise Room, and we’ll grab a few martinis.”

  Happy hour was just what the doctor ordered. Brooke filled me in on her day and how excited she was to finally be working at Hourglass. We sipped the most delicious martinis and enjoyed the eye candy surrounding us.

  “Okay, I know it’s only seven, but I’ve got to get home, I have an early morning tomorrow, and I don’t want to be late.” Brooke leaned over and hugged me, before waving as she headed for the door. After taking the last sip of my martini and then finishing Brooke’s, I shot her a quick text.

  Brown noser! ;)

  Hailing the bartender for the check, I searched my purse, grabbing my wallet. Suddenly a set of strong arms took over my personal space, barricading me in my seat at the bar. “Leaving so soon?” The now familiar voice whispered into my neck just as his teeth nipped my earlobe.

  Leaning back against his frame I closed my eyes, taking in his masculine scent. “As long as you’re coming with me.” Grinning from ear to ear, I twirled around in my seat and locked eyes with Luke. Handing me a fifty dollar bill he asked, “Will this cover your tab?” Nodding, I placed the bill on the bar top just in time for Luke to pull me out of my seat then shove me through the crowd toward the door.

  Luke sped off toward my condo, eager to get back to my place and take full advantage of everything I was so willing to give him. After he pulled into his usual parking spot he threw the car in park and came around to my side, hauling me out of the passenger’s seat, “Upstairs, now,” he demanded.

  I tried my best to control Luke’s wandering hands as the elevator made its way from the garage to the lobby, knowing full well Carl had a bird’s eye view to every elevator in the building; but he outmaneuvered me every step of the way. Luke slipped his arms tightly around me, gripping forcefully at my ass. My body was pressed snugly up against his, allowing the pounding of his heart to be felt on my chest. Automatically causing my body to react, heating itself from the inside out at just the mere thought of his excitement. When the soft ding announced our arrival I slipped from his tight embrace and stepped into the lobby of my condo, pulling him behind me.

  Carl greeted us at the concierge’s desk with my mail. “Good evening Ms. Prescott, Mr. Wellington, this is the second time I’ve seen you this week, you certainly are a busy man.” Raising an eyebrow at Carl, I took my mail from his hands and continued toward the elevators.

  Skimming through my mail, I pressed the elevator call button. “Two times this week? Did I miss a date night?”

  Luke was fidgeting with his phone as the elevator doors opened. I stepped in and looked up as Luke caught the door.

  “One of our clients lives in the building, so I was here for a business meeting. Listen babe, I’ve got to run. Something just came up at work and I’ve got to get back to the office. See you Friday?” My mouth fell open as Luke kissed my cheek and stepped back into the lobby. “I’ll call you later,” he yelled, the doors closing leaving him there in the lobby, while I made my way up to the twenty-third floor.

  Opening the door to my condo I was still perplexed by Luke’s sudden change of plans. I tossed my bag on the table, grabbed my phone and sent a quick text to Brooke.

  Just got dissed for work…what the hell, this is definitely the first time this has ever happened to me and I’m not a fan. Looks like it’s me and Bob tonight.

  I poured myself a glass of wine, and then brought it to my lips, allowing myself a taste of heaven, deciding that instead of overanalyzing the fact that Luke had left me high and dry I would take care of business with Bob and call it a night. Ten blissful minutes later, my wine was finished and Bob was tucked neatly away in my closet drawer. Swiping my phone to turn on some music I saw a response from Brooke.

  Bob??? Who the hell is Bob?

  Shaking my head I laughed at my best friend while answering her question.

  Battery Operated Boyfriend…..Bob!

  The hot shower was just what the doctor ordered and within half an hour I was all clean and tucked into bed, sound asleep before the strike of midnight, which was unusual for me.

  Ignoring my alarm the next morning caused me to be over an hour late for work. Trying my best to avoid an accident, I applied the final touches of lipstick on my lips as I whipped into my usual parking space. I spotted Luke’s car, which, as always, was right next to mine. Rolling my eyes, still frustrated at his disappearing act, I threw my car in park and decided I’d deal with him later; right now I had models that were waiting on me.

  Snagging my camera off of my desk on the run, I quickly darted over to the green room, thanking Heaven above that the photo shoot was onsite today. “Good morning ladies, we have thirty minutes to finish this shoot, so I really need you to show me why Hourglass hired you. No bullshit today. I may be late, but I’m still expecting you to make me look good.”

  Grateful that I’d been given a talented set of models who helped me wrap up in twenty minutes, I treated them for their hard work. “Girls, you were wonderful. Hourglass has an open credit next door at Starbucks, so help yourselves. I’ll send you a copy of the final layout as soon as the design editor is finished. Just make sure my assistant has all of your information.” Waving goodbye, I walked out of the room and toward Brooke’s office.

  Brooke was up to her eyeballs in layouts, not even noticing that I’d entered her office. I plopped down on her crisp leather couch and stretched out, propping my feet up o
ver the arm rest. “You would think after my lack of sex last night I wouldn’t have slept in this morning.”

  Brooke laughed and finally looked up. “The Savannah Prescott, being left to tend to herself, I fear we may be on the verge of the apocalypse. Let me be sure and stock up on canned goods and bottled water now.”

  Laughing at her, I sat up nodding my head in agreement. “It’s true, what is this world coming to?”

  Brooke rolled her eyes and chuckled under her breath. “I’m so glad you’re the high maintenance best friend, I don’t think I have the energy.”

  Deciding I needed to get back to work, I got up off the couch. “I’m heading to my office; I have a conference call with a new client. I’m going running after work, want to join me?”

  Brooke scrunched her nose and shook her head. “It’s too cold, besides, I have to finish this layout.”

  Halfway through my day, I was surprised when my assistant walked through my office door carrying two dozen long-stemmed yellow roses. “A delivery for you, Savannah.” Setting them down on my desk I swiped the card from the bouquet and blushed when I read it.

  Sorry about last night. Let me make it up to you tonight. –LW

  The carefree, excited side of me wanted to call Luke and instantly agree to tonight, but the pissed off side of me decided I’d make him squirm by going the rest of the day without acknowledging him or my receipt of the flowers that now decorated my desk.

  The day quickly passed, and my eight-mile run was almost over. Coming around the bend, I spotted Luke, who was obviously finishing his run as well. He was jogging without a care in the world, black Nike track pants on and a dri-fit, long-sleeved shirt that was drenched in sweat causing it to cling to his every muscle. Luke spotted me and I felt my center flush with heat as a smirk took over his face, the two of us finishing our run at the entrance of the office parking garage. Tugging on his ear buds Luke opened the door that led to our cars while I slipped in and he followed. Sprinting up the stairs to the ninth floor we were both winded as we approached our cars.