Distorted. Part 2

I went back to my desk, still puzzled by Paul's behavior, but resolved to stop focusing on it. I continued researching the Hidden Creek neighborhood. The more I read about it, the more my heart broke. How did this area go by unnoticed for so long? The crime in this area was ridiculously high. This was the first time I wondered if Pierce Homes had what it took to help. Going in, building new homes, and making the neighborhoods look better definitely helped, but this one was sure to be our biggest challenge yet.

I was so wrapped up in my reading that I didn't hear Paul come out until he cleared his throat. Looking up, I waited for him to speak. He stood there against his door and I could tell something was on his mind.

"I'm sorry I acted that way a few minutes ago. I'm really stressed about starting this new project so soon after we just secured the funding for Glendale. Plus, Ethan has been hanging around more than usual and I'm not used to it."

Now that bothered me. "Why does Ethan hanging out with me more matter?"

He rubbed a hand down his face. He seemed conflicted and I had no idea why. The thought that maybe he did like me more than I realized entered my mind but I quickly pushed it aside.

"Nothing. Forget I said anything. I'm just very stressed and eager to get this weekend over with."

Was he saying he couldn't wait to be done spending time with me? Doubt seared me as I realized that was probably what he meant. We'd never had to travel overnight for a neighborhood tour as they were all within an hour's drive. Realizing he couldn't wait to be done with it devastated me.

Turning back to my computer screen, I shrugged. "Well, it will be over with soon enough. I should get back to my research on the neighborhood so we can be as prepared as possible for the tour."

I heard him sigh then walk back into his office and shut the door. Refusing to dwell on what happened, I forced myself to continue reading and soon fell back into the groove. At five o'clock I printed out a few things I wanted to go over more at home and shut down my computer. Stepping into Paul's office, I told him I was leaving for the day.

"Aly, wait," he said as I turned to go.

I turned back around. "Yes?"

"I can't help but feel I've hurt your feelings somehow, but I can't think of what it is I've done. Is everything okay?"

I was stunned he'd noticed. Feeling embarra.s.sed, there was no way I wanted him to know that he had, in fact, hurt my feelings. I had no right to expect him to look forward to spending time with me. This was just business.

"Everything is fine. And no, you didn't hurt my feelings. I've been wrapped up in learning all I can about the Hidden Creek neighborhood, so I've been distracted. Nothing to worry about." I smiled when I finished, hoping it would add to my words that everything was okay.

His face showed relief and I felt it as well, knowing he'd bought my lie. "I'm so glad. I've been sitting here all afternoon, worried I'd offended you somehow. I'm looking forward to this weekend, but I've also been feeling the stress of taking on another project so soon, even though I know it's the right thing to do."

He was looking forward to it? I couldn't keep up. One minute he couldn't wait for it to be over with it, then tells me this? I was too tired to worry.

"It is the right thing to do, Paul. You know I'd tell you if I didn't agree. These people needed our help yesterday and we are in the position where we can start the ball rolling. We'll have to have another fundraiser sooner than we'd planned, but our reputation backs us up. I doubt it will be an issue."

Standing up from his chair, he walked around his desk over to me. When he reached my side, he smiled at me. "Have I told you lately that you're the best a.s.sistant anyone could ask for?" he asked quietly, looking into my eyes. My eyes widened at the look in his and I had to stop myself from stepping back, away from him.

Feeling awkward, I attempted to lighten the mood that had suddenly become too serious. "You'd be just fine, Paul. You know this business inside and out. You actually don't even need an a.s.sistant for how well you do."

He stood there quietly, not taking my bait. "You're wrong. I do need an a.s.sistant. I need you."

Shock and pleasure ran through me hearing this. There is no way he meant that in the way that I wanted him to. I felt my heart rate slow down and I relaxed.

"Well, thank you. I'm glad you feel that way. I love my job, Paul." Reaching for the doork.n.o.b behind my back, I fiddled with it until I got it open. Moving forward and forcing Paul to step back, I readjusted my purse over my shoulder.

"Aly, I mean it. The more time goes on and the more projects we work on, I realize I can't do it without you. You may think I can do this on my own, but I a.s.sure you, I can't. We're a team, and a d.a.m.n good one."

Smiling, I nodded. "I agree. I'm glad you think so too. Well, I'd better run. I've got a lot to look over tonight to get ready for this weekend."

His brows drew together in thought. "What do you have to go over?"

I lifted the printouts in my hand. "Just some things I found through my research that I wanted to go over more at home."

"Man, Aly. Do you ever stop?" he asked.

Confused, I c.o.c.ked my head to the side, not sure how to answer.

"No, I just meant that once I think you can't top yourself, you go and say something like that."

Blushing, I waved my hand in dismissal. "It's nothing. I just take my job seriously and want to do the best I can. That's all."

He stepped toward me and brushed some hair behind my ear. "It's not all. Trust me. I'm seeing you more clearly now than I ever have."

"Paaauulll, are you ready to leave yet? We have that dinner at the club tonight, baby," I heard her say as she entered our office. Jumping away from Paul, I pretended to look for something in my purse. As she breezed pa.s.sed me, she put on her nice act.

"h.e.l.lo, Aly. Heading home?"

Giving her my best smile, I said, "Hi, Casey. Yes, I'm just leaving. I hope you two have a nice evening at the club." Turning to Paul, I saw he was still looking after me with the expression he had on before she interrupted. Feeling even more uncomfortable because she was here, I waved to him and rushed out the door.

Friday arrived quickly and I'm freaking out that it's about time to leave for our overnight trip. While it did help that the rest of the week he behaved more like himself, I was still more nervous than I'd like to admit. Ethan had stopped by every day to say hi and flirt with me. I could tell it annoyed Paul, but I didn't care. Ethan was my friend and he was welcome to stop in whenever he felt like it.

I was sitting there daydreaming when I heard Paul step out of his office.

"Are you about ready, Aly? I just have to make a few more phone calls, then we can head out."

"Yup. I'm ready when you are."

His green eyes dazzled me when he smiled. "Okay, great. I won't be long."

Deciding to go over the research one more time, I could practically recite each article I'd read. I felt fully prepared for tomorrow's tour. I was eager to get going so we could get to the hotel and settle in. I wanted to get a good nights sleep before our big day tomorrow.

I finally heard Paul come out and shut his door, locking it for the weekend. "All right, the time has come. Let's. .h.i.t the road." Laughing, I stood and grabbed my overnight bag from under my desk. He was waiting for me at the door to our main office and stood there to allow me to pa.s.s him so he could lock that too. Paul's office took up the majority of the top floor. When you walked in, my area was the first thing you saw. It was more open than Paul's, but was still hidden behind the walls that surrounded our corner. I liked that we had privacy, as I wasn't comfortable being out in the open for all to see. Paul had complete privacy with his as he could shut his door and block everything out whenever he wanted. Inside, his office was surrounded by huge picture windows that showed off a magnificent view of the city.

Hearing Paul clear his throat brought me back to the present. I took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. Even after having to hear Ethan's many pep talks about moving on from Paul, I'd already decided I would. At least that's what I kept telling myself.

We'd been on the road a little while when I looked over at him as he drove. The same adoration I always felt when I looked at him came over me and I sighed. I still loved him. Even though I shouldn't, I still loved Paul Pierce.

Hearing my sigh, he looked over at me. "Everything okay?"

"Yes. I'm just sleepy. I always get that way on road trips."

He smiled at me. "Well then get some rest. I'll wake you up when we get there."

"I don't want to sleep. I'd feel bad if I did, leaving you alone to drive," I told him, looking out the window.

"Don't be silly. I'm fine and I don't want you to get worn out."

"It's okay, really," I said. The last thing I wanted to do was waste any precious time with him. While I knew this was just a business trip, it was still alone time with him.

"Truth be told, I prefer your company, but I honestly wouldn't mind if you did fall asleep. Either way."

I looked over at him. "Thanks."

He looked back at me, then to the road. We didn't say much for a while after that. We just sat there, enjoying the scenery on our way out of town.

As I admired the beautiful green pines and flowing waterfalls, I felt content. Being with Paul was easy. We'd always had a rapport that most bosses didn't share with their employees. Even though he'd been acting strange lately, overall things were still the same with us and I was relieved. I'd never really felt uneasy with him and I definitely didn't want to start now.

"So Casey wasn't too pleased about this trip of ours," he said out of the blue. Surprised, I turned my head toward him.

"What? Why?" I asked.

He sighed. "I don't know. For some reason she feels threatened by you. She has for a while now. I haven't said anything, but I can sense she's getting more aggressive and thought I had better tell you so you're not caught off guard."

I started to laugh. He looked at me, surprised. "What?"

"You think I don't already know this?"

"You knew?"

"Yes, of course. She is only civil to me when you're around. But to be honest, I have no idea why she feels threatened. We just work together and we're friends."

He ran his hand through his hair, messing the waves. "That's what I've told her, repeatedly. I think she envies you."

I choked down my surprise. "She envies me?" I couldn't believe it.

"Don't act so surprised. You are a beautiful and confident woman who does a spectacular job. She sees how proud I am of you and our work and I think it bugs her." He looked over at me to see my reaction.

"Well, I appreciate what you said about my job performance, but honestly, she has nothing to worry about. If anything, I should be jealous of her."

He started to laugh, "No, no way. Believe me, you have no reason to be jealous of Casey."

I looked at him, not knowing what to say.

"Don't get me wrong. She's great, she really is, but you possess something most people don't. You are just natural at everything you do. You don't try to be someone you're not and you don't bulls.h.i.t around. You are just...well, you. It's quite s.e.xy, to be honest."

Come again?

"Um, thank you?"

He burst out laughing. "I'm serious. You are one of a kind."

The confusion burst inside me again for the millionth time this week. What had suddenly changed between us? He'd always been very kind and complimentary, but never like this. This was completely new and I wasn't sure how to handle it.

"Anyway, I had to rea.s.sure her over and over that there's nothing to worry about. I'm getting quite tired of having to do that with her. I'm not sure it's worth it anymore."

My head was spinning. Not only was he treating me more intimately, but he was now telling me he's not sure he can continue being with his girlfriend? This was all happening so fast.

"Well, um, I'm not quite sure what you want me to say. I'm sorry you're having some doubts about her. I think you just need to follow your heart. I'm a true believer that the heart never steers us wrong."

His lips quirked up into a small smile. "I believe that too. I'm not sure what'll happen. I'm not going to worry about it right now, though. We need to focus on this new project and helping the residents."

Relieved at the change of subject, I nodded. "Good. That's definitely what we need to focus on this weekend. Whatever is meant to be with you and Casey will be. Don't worry about it for now."

We were quiet the rest of the ride and I did end up dozing for a little while. We arrived at our hotel and checked into our rooms. Agreeing to meet for a late dinner in fifteen minutes, I hurried into the bathroom to freshen up.

As I looked at myself in the mirror, I finally absorbed what he told me in the car. Could he really be thinking of breaking up with Casey after all this time? Why had he suddenly started treating me differently? Why was he upset at the time Ethan spends with me in our office? Am I reading too much into this?

Deciding to once again push those thoughts aside, I ran a brush through my hair, bending over and rising quickly to give it some body. Parting it on the side, I then refreshed my lipstick and added more mascara, hoping it would give my olive green eyes some kick. Grabbing my purse and the room key, I left one lamp on so I could find my way around when I got back and exited the room. Taking a deep breath, I walked down the hall to the elevator and pushed the down b.u.t.ton.

This is just business, this is just business, I repeated to myself.

The elevator arrived and I stepped in. As it headed to the lobby, I quietly stood and listened to the awful music. It reached the lobby and the doors opened. When I looked up, my heart stopped at the sight of Paul leaning against the wall, waiting for me. He had changed into light blue jeans and a white linen b.u.t.ton down shirt. His hair was in messy waves and his jaw had some scruff.

I was so not thinking this was just business anymore.

Paul smiled at me when he saw me exit the elevator. "Ready to go?" he asked as he held out his arm to me. I grabbed hold of it and sighed. All I wanted was for him to pull me close and kiss me. I had never known such frustration.

"Ready," I smiled as I took hold of his arm and told myself to focus on what we were in town for.

"Do you want to eat here at the hotel, or would you like to walk and find something elsewhere? I asked the front desk for some recommendations, so I'm fine to go wherever you want."

He could not be more perfect. "I think a walk sounds nice. Let's do that and find somewhere to eat."

Smiling at me, he nodded. "Sounds great. Lead the way."

We walked out of the revolving door and stepped into the cool evening air. I looked around the small town and frowned a bit. It was quaint, but needed updating. I thought it might be a good idea for Paul and I to drive around the neighborhoods in the morning before we met Mr. Shay. It would be good to see what they look like, to have an idea as to how to make sure Hidden Creek doesn't stand out in a bad way. I mentioned that to him as we turned right and walked down the street.

"That's a good idea," he said, nodding. "I want to give Hidden Creek its own look, but I also don't want it to stand out like a sore thumb."

We continued walking and looking around. There was a pet shop on the corner and as we pa.s.sed, we heard little yips and meows from the window.

"Look, Paul!" I said, clapping my hands together. I beelined it to the window and immediately began cooing at the sweet puppies and kittens. A little golden lab in particular grabbed my attention. He stood up against the window, yelping and clawing like he was trying to escape right into my arms.

I heard Paul chuckling as he came up behind me. "I think that one likes you, Aly. Can't say I blame him." I turned and smiled, then returned my attention to the adorable puppy.

"Ohh, he's so cute! I wonder if he has a name. Hey, little fella. I wish I could take you home with me," I said to the pup as he continued trying to burst through the window. All of a sudden, a black lab came over and joined in with him. The golden one didn't like his thunder being stolen and tried to inch him out of the way, but he black pup wouldn't have a thing to do with that. He started nipping at his nemesis and they fell to the floor, nipping and wrestling.

I laughed at the scene before me. It was so cute. Turning my head to look at Paul, I asked, "Did you see that? I think they're fighting over me!"

He lazily put his arm around my shoulder. "I sure did. I'm betting the golden one wins. Too bad he won't get the prize, though."

That made me frown. "I know. I wish I could have a little puppy, but my landlord has a no pets policy."

We continued watching and laughing at the pups for a few minutes. They eventually wore themselves out, snuggled against each other and fell asleep. Kissing my fingers and touching them to the window, I bid the sweet animals good-bye.

Starting to walk again, I took a few steps and realized Paul wasn't with me. Looking behind me, I noticed he was still looking in the window.

"C'mon slow poke," I called out to him.

Seeing I'd walked ahead, he grinned at me and caught up. After a few more minutes of walking, we came across a little Italian bistro.