Everything Changes Page 9

  “And second . . .” She paused to make sure everyone was listening. “There isn’t anything wrong with the man. But I want to swing around to the part about we aren’t dating again.”

  “I saw how he was looking at you, Gracie. If you’re not dating . . . or whatever you’re doing, it isn’t for his lack of trying,” Colin pointed out.

  “Even if he was, what’s wrong with that?”

  Parker tucked her arm into the crook of Grace’s and started walking toward the Christmas lights. “Nothing’s wrong with that. We’re all just a little gun-shy.”

  Considering the nightmare that had woken her up in the middle of the night, she couldn’t be too upset about her family’s reaction.

  “If you have anything negative on the man, be sure and bring it to my attention. Right now, it seems like everyone is a worried ninny looking out for the fragile single woman in the group.”

  Colin walked up beside Parker and dropped his arm over her shoulder. Matt and Erin came up behind them.

  “My counselor said it was normal for everyone to be overly protective for a while and to try not to take it as a personal insult,” Erin told her. “It comes from a place of love.”

  Parker squeezed Grace’s arm and leaned close. “We just love ya.”

  “I’d feel better if we knew more about the man,” Colin said.

  “How about you invite him to a family dinner?” Erin suggested.

  “Guys, I’m telling you. We’re not dating. Yes, he asked me out. But I have enough trouble at the office with Richard and his backhanded slights and suggestions to add an actual anything with a client to fuel his fire.”

  “I thought Richard had backed off,” Matt said.

  “He stopped asking me to get his coffee a long time ago. Now he just piles on the work and insinuates that if I can’t handle it he will give it to Evan or one of the other men on the team.”

  “That’s shitty,” Parker said.

  They turned the corner, and the entry to the neighborhood lit up the street.

  “I can say something to him on Friday at the Christmas party,” Colin offered.

  “I only see that backfiring on me. But thanks. I can handle Richard.”

  “Offer stands.”

  Grace smiled at her brother, then turned to stare at the giant nutcrackers that framed the street. “This gets bigger every year.”

  “It’s crazy!” Erin said.

  And just like that, the conversation steered away from Grace and Dameon and onto power bills and electrical grids.

  Dameon was in his office with spreadsheets and projections sitting in front of him. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit to himself that he was nervous. His company had experienced rapid growth over the past four years, equating to more employees, bigger office space, and an increase in overhead. Without Maxwell’s investment, they had very little wiggle room. During their growth, Dameon had the opportunity to step back and spread out his personal involvement on each individual jobsite and delegate the daily operations to people he trusted. Could he continue to work like that? One misstep and he’d have to downsize.

  His phone rang from his secretary’s number. He put it on speaker. “Yes, Pauline?”

  “There’s a Mr. Hudson on line one. I asked if he had a reason for the call. He insisted you’d take it.”

  Dameon started to tap the pencil he was using against his desk. “I’ve got it. Thank you.”

  His finger hesitated over the call. This had a fifty-fifty chance of going bad. He clicked into the call and put Colin on speaker. “This is Dameon,” he answered.

  “Good morning. This is Colin, Grace’s brother.”

  “Yes, good morning. I was trying to find a reason to call you myself. Thank you for beating me to it.”

  “Is that so?” Colin asked.

  “Friday was a bit awkward and I wanted to clear the air.”

  “How did you plan on doing that?”

  Colin was a ballbuster, Dameon had to give him that. “I’m not really sure,” he said honestly. “Grab a beer, prove by example I’m none of the things that were assumed about me.”

  It took Colin a minute to respond.

  The silence made Dameon want to add something, but instead he let the moment linger.

  “Are you suggesting you’re not pursuing my sister?”

  “No. I’d like nothing better than for Grace to let me take her out. She’s determined to make me work for it. Thinks she’ll find trouble with her boss.”

  “If I told you she has legitimate reasons to feel that way, would you back off?” Colin asked.

  Dameon actually had to think on that. “I wouldn’t want to cause her any problems at work.”

  “Good.”

  “But that doesn’t mean I’d give up.” And why was he having this conversation with her brother? “I may have to lie low until my company is through the city’s red tape.”

  “That’s part of the reason for my call.”

  He waited. “I’m listening.”

  “The city hosts an annual holiday party. It feels more like a networking event than a personal office gathering. Many of the city’s brass attend. I thought perhaps if you came you could talk to the other departments, city council members . . . you know, the people who have to give you a green light on your project. Perhaps it would expedite or at least give a face to your name when it’s time for their signatures.”

  Dameon couldn’t help but feel like he was missing something. “That sounds like a perfect idea. Is there a reason why you’d help me with that?”

  He really wanted to hear that Grace had put him up to it.

  “I’m a nice guy,” Colin said, nearly laughing as he did.

  “Who practically took my hand off when we met,” Dameon called him out.

  “I have reason to be jumpy.”

  “You’re referring to the incident with Erin and her late husband?” Dameon asked.

  “Grace told you about that?”

  “She did.”

  Again, there was silence.

  “Then you understand my suspicion of anyone pursuing my sister in less than normal ways.”

  That didn’t sound right. “I’m not sure I’m following you.”

  “You reached out to her on Facebook, right?”

  “I did.”

  “That’s strange, don’t you think?” Colin asked.

  “A lot of people use Messenger for texting.”

  “But you called her.”

  “Okay, yeah. But in my defense, I like your sister. And I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.”

  He heard Colin sigh. “Don’t you see the similarities?”

  “Between calling Grace on Messenger and Erin’s husband trying to kill his wife? No, Colin, I don’t see the similarities.”

  “No. I don’t mean that. I mean between you using Facebook to contact Grace and Brandt using a dating app to approach her.”

  Dameon was completely lost. “Who is Brandt?”

  “Desmond Brandt. The man who tried to kill Erin and who manipulated his way into Grace’s life.”

  Dameon’s jaw slacked. “What?”

  Colin started to stutter. “Oh . . . no. She didn’t tell you that part, did she?”

  All the fragmented pieces of the conversation swirled like leaves blowing in the wind. Finally, they settled into a neat little pile. “You’re telling me that the dead man used Grace to get to his ex?” The hair on his neck stood on end.

  “Sh-shit. Not exactly. But, oh, damn . . . Grace is going to kill me.”

  “What do you mean, ‘not exactly’?”

  “Oh, no . . . no more from me. You’re going to have to get the details from Grace.”

  “At the Christmas party you’re suggesting I go to.”

  “Right. That. Only it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to mention this phone call at the party.”

  “So I just show up at a random party without an invitation . . . How does that take away from my stalker reputation with your fam
ily?” Especially now that he knew the depth of the stalker concern for Grace.

  “You’re a resourceful man, I’m sure you can find an invitation if you try hard enough.”

  Yes, he was all that. “Tell me one thing, Colin . . . Did he hurt her?”

  Dameon held his breath while he waited for the answer.

  “Not physically. But she’s not completely the same since it all happened.”

  Even that hurt Dameon’s heart.

  “Can I ask you something?” Dameon asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “If you thought I was anything like this man, why ask me to this party in the first place?”

  “To determine for myself if you are.”

  That answer Dameon could live with.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  There was a reason Monday memes found themselves on coffee cups, T-shirts, and social media.

  Mondays sucked, especially when the weekend slid by without enough restful sleep to make up for a shitty workweek.

  Grace sat in a twice monthly meeting with the engineers. Richard was at the head of the table, she and Evan took one side, while Lionel, Adrian, and two interns sat on the other. Because they often worked jointly on projects, they regularly held meetings where they could all talk about the progress or issues and iron things out in a group setting. They all had their strengths in different areas of engineering, and it was here that work was delegated.

  She’d made a conscious decision to wear outfits that afforded her the ability to put on high heels on days like this. Wearing the extra few inches gave her the boost she needed to look her colleagues, or better yet, her boss, in the eye.

  Richard had started with Lionel and Adrian before moving on to Evan.

  “Where are we with the Sierra Highway situation? Are we breaking ground or did the landowner cooperate?” Richard asked.

  Evan looked at Grace. “I think Grace has this one,” he said.

  “I told him he had to the end of business today to give us the name of the contractor he was using. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he found some stall tactic to give him more time.”

  “He’s had months,” Evan said.

  “I know. The man is combative,” Grace told them.

  “Aren’t they all when the city is coming down on them?” Adrian asked with a smirk.

  “Too much for you to handle, Hudson?” Richard asked.

  Evan sat forward. “That’s not what she said, Richard. The man’s an asshole. No respect for any of us. I agree with Grace on this one. He’s going to stall.”

  “I gave him a firm deadline. I’ve already drawn up what needs to happen. All I need is the okay to move forward and get a crew on this.” Grace said her piece and waited for Richard’s okay.

  “Put it in January’s budget,” Richard said.

  Grace felt a little victory knowing she could take it to the next level.

  Evan went on to talk about one of his lead projects that was wrapping up and another that needed more hands.

  Richard approved and turned to Grace.

  Like the others, Grace started with the most pressing and ended with the most recent. That being Dameon’s site. She talked about the scope of the project and the pieces their department would be involved in. “I know that Dameon wants to break ground on this by spring. In order to accommodate him, I’m going to need more hands on this. The relocation of the commercial space is a job all by itself.”

  After everything she said, Richard only had one question. “Dameon? You mean Mr. Locke.”

  She cautioned herself to not hold her pencil too tight or risk breaking it. “Yes, Richard, I mean Dameon Locke.” She found herself in a staring match with him.

  Evan, her right hand, offered his assistance. “I can work on the commercial buildings.”

  “Thanks, Evan.” She tore her eyes away from her boss and looked at Adrian. “Didn’t you do a soil report recently for San Francisquito Canyon?”

  “Been over a year now,” Adrian said.

  “Can you find it for me? Might save some legwork.”

  “No problem.”

  Richard finally spoke. “Looks like you have it all under control, Hudson.”

  His tone said he wasn’t happy. “It’s always good to get a jump start on the New Year.” Having accomplished what she wanted out of the meeting, Grace sat back and rested her hands in her lap.

  Evan followed her back to her office and waited until the door was closed before saying what both of them were thinking. “What the hell is up with him?”

  “Don’t tell me you’re just now clueing in.”

  “Okay, he’s always a hard-ass but today was over the top.”

  “Starting with he always addresses everyone before me. He constantly attempts to make me sound inadequate or inappropriate. He calls everyone in this office by their first name, and I’m Hudson.” She plopped down in the chair behind her desk.

  Evan took the chair on the other side. “Call him out. Start talking gender discrimination.”

  She rolled her head back. “I’m not playing that game. I don’t know if it’s gender or personal.” Which was a complete lie. She’d never done a damn thing to Richard that he would hold against her. “Besides, once you go down that road, finding a job after is near to impossible.”

  Evan shrugged. “Why do you think I keep my personal life personal?”

  Grace huffed. She’d known for years that Evan was gay. “You don’t have to pretend with me.”

  “I know. It’s just easier to keep it separate.”

  She pushed her chair closer to her desk. “I have a feeling he’d be more comfortable with your sexuality than my plumbing.”

  He laughed, leaned forward. “Look on the bright side, the man will retire long before us.”

  “If I can outlast him. I have to admit, I’ve done a few online searches.” Though there was no guarantee she’d be treated any better somewhere else.

  “Can’t blame you.” Evan waved a hand in the air. “Hand over the Locke drawing. I’ll make a copy and look at your notes.”

  Grace walked over to her files, pulled the shelf with Dameon’s plans, and found the ones Evan needed. “Thanks. I appreciate you stepping up.”

  “No problem. You’ve been on the Sokolov crap without me. Far as I see it, I owe ya.”

  She rolled the plans and handed them over. “You don’t owe me.”

  “Debatable.” Evan headed for the door, hesitated. “Are you bringing a plus-one on Friday?”

  “You know I haven’t dated in months.”

  “Cryin’ shame. That dead guy is not an indicator that you’re not picky or smart about your dates.”

  “Am I that transparent?” She thought she’d done a decent job of hiding her feelings.

  “Educated guess. You’ve had lots of plus-ones and are always quick to point out their replacements. I haven’t seen that from you since . . .”

  “I know. I’m just not ready.”

  He winked. “Don’t give the dead guy any power, Grace. You’re too young to start collecting cats.”

  That made her smile. “I don’t even have one, let alone a collection.”

  Her phone rang, cutting off their discussion. “Bye, Evan.” She lifted the receiver. “Grace Hudson,” she said.

  “Good morning, Grace.” Dameon’s voice was smooth silk.

  “Good morning.”

  Evan looked over his shoulder as he left the office.

  She placed her hand over the receiver. “Shut the door.”

  He walked out, and Grace turned back to her phone call.

  “Am I interrupting something?” Dameon asked.

  “No. It’s okay.”

  “Good. Listen, I’m going to be in town tomorrow. I’d like to discuss some things.”

  “I’m pretty busy tomorrow.”

  “What about your lunch? Maybe you’ll let me buy.”

  She lowered her voice as if the walls were listening. “Is this your way of taking me out when I keep
saying no?”

  He hesitated long enough to answer her question. “You have to eat.”

  “I actually have a thing . . . tomorrow. At my lunchtime.”

  “A thing?”

  “It’s important.”

  “I’ll drive you to your thing.”

  “Dameon.”

  “I’ll settle for your cell phone number.”

  She shook her head. “You have my work cell.”

  “Do you really want me calling that after work hours? I’m not sure if your phone is ever audited, but . . .”

  The man was persistent.

  “Fine.” She rattled off her number.

  “It has never taken me so long to get a girl’s number.”

  That made her grin. “I’m sure they throw them at you often.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.”

  She pushed aside the meeting notes. “Unless there’s something pressing, I really need to get back to work.”

  “I’ll be on the lookout for something pressing.”

  “Why does that not surprise me?”

  “Because you’re smart. Have a nice day, Grace.”

  She was getting used to hearing her name from his lips.

  “Goodbye, Dameon.”

  She hung up and picked up the folder she’d been working on before the meeting with a smile.

  When her personal cell buzzed on her desk with a text message, she knew who it was before looking.

  Making sure this is you.

  You’re incorrigible.

  He sent a winking emoji.

  Yeah . . . it was probably best that those types of text messages weren’t on the city phone. Richard would probably shit a pumpkin if he saw anything flirtatious.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Dameon had three days to secure an invitation to the holiday party, leaving him few options. He watched Grace exit the office building at noon sharp.

  “If you’re going to be accused of stalking, might as well do it.” He really felt like a perv.

  Instead of climbing into a car, she headed toward a strip mall.

  Following her would be a dead giveaway, so instead he drove the short distance and caught a glimpse of her entering one of the businesses. He parked his car and walked a little farther than where he had noticed Grace disappear into a storefront. As he moved closer, he slowed his pace. It was one of two doors.