The Bedrock Trilogy Box Set

Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

In hindsight, those two bright blue lines that Addison was surprised to see on the pregnancy test would prove to be very foretelling. She gave birth to twin boys exactly six months later.

Life flew by quicker than ever. After two years at home with her children, Addison decided everyone was ready and since Connor was off to kindergarten, the timing felt right for her to return to work. The truth was, although she’d only ever really admitted it to Jessica, she craved something more. While she loved her family dearly, she had grown tired of feeling bored and unfulfilled. Her days at home were all consuming and yet still mindless and she found herself desperate for something new, anything, to make her feel alive again. Knowing how Patrick felt about her going back to work, she decided it was best not to discuss the matter with him until she found a job.

She hired a professional to tweak her resume, and thankfully it didn’t take long for her phone to start ringing. A few weeks after she started her search, she’d landed two interviews. While the first one had been mostly a disaster, she learned a few lessons and felt better prepared for the second.

The morning of her second interview was hectic, trying to get everyone where they needed to be. But she felt ecstatic at the thought of adult conversation, at the thought of being useful to someone other than those who lived in her home.

So ecstatic that she found herself unable to sleep the night before, so she got up an hour earlier than she’d planned and worked out to help keep her calm. Afterward she dressed in a black pencil skirt, crisp white button-down top and peep-toe black pumps, she checked herself in the mirror and asked Patrick if she looked the part.

“You look like a school teacher,” he said.

“A teacher? Really?”

“Not just any teacher,” he said pulling her close. “The kind you see in one of those low budget adult films.”

She pulled away and slapped his arms. “Nice,” she said and then she frowned. “Why would you even say that?”

“I’m kidding. You look fine.”

“I’m just surprised it still fits after three kids,” she said after sweeping her blonde hair up in to a loose bun, hopeful that would make them take her seriously.

“Hair up? Or down?”

“Up,” Patrick says. “It makes you look stern. Like a schoolteacher should.”

“I’m not applying to be a teacher.”

“Or a porn star,” he said.

“Stop. You’re not funny.”

“I’m just saying… you’ve kept this whole thing very hush-hush. We never discussed you going back to work.”

“I didn’t know I’d get a call back so fast. I thought I’d just throw my resume around and see what happened.”

“Because that sounds like a solid plan.”

She knew he was angry. She knew she probably should have told him. But this, this was what she’d wanted to avoid. The scrutiny. The mocking disguised as jokes.

“What are you interviewing for anyway?”

“A placement coordinator for a staffing agency.”

“Sounds easy enough.”

“Let’s hope.”

“Just make sure to mention all of your experience hiring nannies around here, surely they’ll hire you then. Look how well that turned out in the end.”

“You’re an asshole, Patrick.”

“What?” he asked, throwing his hands up. “It’s true.”

* * *

Addison dropped Connor off at school, and waded through traffic on the twenty-minute ride to Jessica’s house. Thankfully, Jess had agreed to watch the twins while Addison interviewed.

When she arrived in front of Jessica’s colonial, Jess and her two children were watering flowers in the massive front yard as she pulled up. Jess caught her eye and she smiled thinking how lucky she was to have a friend like her. Also, she wished with the slightest bit of envy that she could be as happy as Jess was. 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. Addison knew that no matter how hard she tried she would never be that kind of mom.

“Thank you so much for taking them for me,” Addison said kissing Jess on the cheek. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“Yeah, well, it was a dumb thing to do saying yes…I don’t know what I’m going to do if you get this job. Who will I call and bug all day?”

“You can still call me.”

“Yes, but it won’t be the same. Now, you’ll have a real excuse for not picking up,” Jessica said and then she winked.

Addison eyed her boys who’d already run off to find shovels. She bit her lip. “I’ve gotta run.”

“You sure you don’t wanna just hang out here and dig in the dirt?”

“I need this job, Jess.”

Her friend smiled. “I know.”

Jessica blew her bangs out of her eyes and looked at Addison intently. “You look nice. And you didn’t even ask for my help. I’m proud of you. Oh—and—hey before I forget,” she said reaching into her pocket. She dug out a small bottle of liquor and handed it to Addison. “Right before you go in, just take one long swig…”

Addison furrowed her brow. “Why would I do that?”

“You know you. You’re always so nervous. Just try it. Remember back in college, how I’d tell you to have a shot before we went out because it made you so much more enjoyable to be around.”

“I try not to think about it.”

“Just try it.”

Addison shook her head. “Is this why you’re so calm?”

Jess laughed and pulled on her glove. “No, it’s the gardening.”

* * *

“I hope you like gardening,” the man told her lifting the trap door. “Because unless you can find a critter or two, you aren’t going to be eating for awhile.” Addison felt him lift her by the hair. He forced her mouth open with his fingers and stuck the water hose inside. She gulped as quickly as she could but the water came too fast. She needed to drink, she knew she needed water but all she tasted was dirt. It was everywhere—in her ears—in her eyes—everywhere.

Finally, he removed the hose, just in time for the water, for everything, to come back up. She couldn’t decide which tasted worse, the vomit, the dirt, or a mixture of the two.

“Now, look what you’ve done,” he said. “You’re not worth much like this…”

Addison choked. “Here,” he offered. “I found one of your friends.”

She squinted trying to see through the mud that was caked on her face. He pried her mouth open. She clenched it shut, grinding her teeth, biting her tongue. But in the end, it mattered little, he won. That day she learned, if you swallow them whole, worms aren’t the worst thing one could be forced to eat.

* * *

Addison parked her car in the parking garage and then checked her hair and makeup in the mirror. Maybe Patrick was right. Maybe she did look like a joke. Maybe this whole thing was a bad idea. What was she thinking having been out of work for almost a decade that someone would just hand her a job? What was she going to tell them that her expertise fell somewhere in the range of making playdough cakes and arranging play dates? Surely, those are marketable skills. Her stomach churned. She was wasting her time and theirs, too.

Addison glanced down at her skirt but it was the bottle Jess had given her that caught her eye and something within her stirred. It was irresponsible and quite frankly out of character. But, ah, what the hell? It’s not like they were going to give her the job anyway. What harm was there in taking the edge off, as Jess had put it?

Not much, she decided. She downed the contents of the small bottle. Vodka. It doesn’t smell, Jess had said. She chased it with a juice pouch because that’s all she found in the car. Suddenly her mouth burned and her head felt lighter. She checked herself once more in the mirror before hopping out and making her way to the elevators. The agency’s office was located in a beautiful high-rise building in downtown Austin. As she pressed the button for the thirteenth floor, Addison popped a breath mint and tried to remain calm. It’s just a conversation. She reminded herself. What’s meant to be will be.

The doors closed as she checked her phone and texted Jessica.

Addison: I drank it. Now I’m buzzing. How are the boys? Also, I’ve never told you this before. But I think I hate my husband and I’m pretty sure that’s not normal.

Jess: YOU DRANK THE WHOLE THING? OMG. Addison! HAAAA. That’s so like you. The boys are fine. Now, break a leg. X

Addison: What about the husband thing?

Addison felt brazen and slightly drunk as she awaited a response.

Jess: I’m afraid I’m the wrong person to ask about normalcy…

Addison frowned and then replied: What is that supposed to mean?

She sighed. She hadn’t noticed the man in the suit standing behind her until she was stumbling backward into him. It could have been the vodka or it could have been the fact that she hadn’t worn heels in a while.

Startled, Addison glanced up and caught the man’s eye in the mirrored wall. “I’m sorry,” she said, feeling her face redden. “I didn’t see you there.”

The man seemed amused but he only nodded.

As the elevator started to climb, Addison 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 each other?” the deep voice behind her asked.

She looked up, her eyes meeting his in the mirror.

He didn’t wait for her reply. “I’ve always thought so anyway.”

Addison smiled nervously. For the first time, she really took notice of the man. He was tall and very handsome with dark hair, and was dressed impeccably. But it was his piercing blue eyes that struck her most. Probably gay. Men that dressed this well usually were.

He extended his hand causing her to turn back toward him. “I’m William Hartman.”

“Addison,” she said placing her hand in his.

He shook her hand slightly, carefully. “And, no, I’m not gay.”

Shit. Had she said that out loud? Addison swallowed nervously, pretty sure she hadn’t.

“You’re easy to read,” he said.

Two can play at this game. “Also heterosexual. Married, in fact.”

“I figured as much given the ring on your left hand. But you never know,” he shrugged. “Sometimes you’re wrong.”

Addison checked how many floors they had yet to go. What the hell? Is this man seriously flirting with me?

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, intrigued him that much more. “Well, I’m glad that’s settled.”

Addison 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? 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, combined with the fact you’re stupidly and irresponsibly half-way drunk she told herself, almost thoroughly convinced.

Suddenly the lights flickered as the elevator stalled and then plummeted before finally coming to an abrupt halt. Addison fell backward into the man, hitting her head on the mirror as the elevator jolted. He grabbed her before she hit the marble floor, and held her upright.

“Easy there,” he said. “You ok?”

Addison’s legs felt like putty. She wiped her forehead. Ouch. “Um . . . Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.”

She wobbled as he loosened his grip a little. Dizzy and unable to steady herself, Addison grabbed his arm, taking notice of how big it was and how hard his body seemed as she fell against it. She felt like she could stay there forever. Stop, she told herself.

“How about this . . .” he started to say. “Here, let’s sit,” he then suggested, lowering her to the floor.

She smiled. “Thanks.”

The lights flickered again, going out completely until dim fluorescent lights came on overhead.

“Are you ok for a second? I’m going to use the emergency phone.”

Her mouth went dry. Emergency. She was flustered by the way he looked at her, and quite confused, but managed to nod.

“Do you remember my name?”

She furrowed her brow. “Joe. No… Dan… Oh—that’s right it’s Thomas.”

He pulled back, confusion played across his face. “Are you joking?”

“Of course. Your name is William.”

“This isn’t the time to joke.”

“You said I was easy to read.”

He grinned but only sort of. “Yeah, well, that was before you hit your head.”

William stood cautiously and picked up the phone. Addison listened as he spoke to security. Without taking his eyes from hers, he listened to whoever was on the other end before speaking again. When he did, his voice was calm and intense. It wasn’t so much what he said, it was the way he stood, the way he filled space. She listened as he relayed information on who was in the elevator but otherwise only responded with one-word answers. Addison could tell the news wasn’t good.

“Listen, have EMTs standing by. I think she might have a concussion. Also, call my office and have them cancel my meetings.”

William set the phone down and kneeled beside her. “Where were you headed? Is there anyone we can call for you?”

She took a deep breath in, unconsciously drawing her hand to her mouth. “To a job interview at The Carlisle Agency.”

William nodded, and Addison noticed something shift in his expression, there was a look in his eyes she couldn’t place. “Thomas, call Ms. Sheehan and tell her Mrs. Greyer is stuck in an elevator in the building.”

Addison couldn’t help note the way he abruptly barked orders at whomever was on the other end of the phone. He was arrogant and rude, and yet the magnetism she felt toward him was undeniable.

He hung up the phone and sat down beside her. He was so close she could feel the fabric of his suit on her leg. No matter how confined a space they were in, this was too close. He smelled amazing. Had a man ever smelled this good or was that the liquor talking? It felt as though all of the air had been sucked from her lungs. She looked on as William ran his fingers through his thick black hair, removed his suit jacket, loosened his tie, and patted her thigh as if he’d known her his whole life. “They’ll have us out of here soon.” She glared at him, speechless.

He laughed. “You have no idea who I am, do you?”

“Should I?” she asked, trying to hide her disdain. She wasn’t that good though. She knew he saw it. One minute she was attracted to him and the next he seemed to know exactly what to say to turn it off.

William eyed her impassively. “Only if you want to.”

Caught off guard, she looked away. She stared at her shoes until he gently placed his hand beneath her chin and lifted it. “I’m sorry,” he said. “For being arrogant… It’s just I’m not much of a fan of being trapped.”

Something deep inside her burned, it ached at the sound of his voice, begging to crawl right out. “Me either,” she said.

“Can I kiss you?”

“If it would help.”

He smiled and shook his head. “It won’t,” he said, and before she knew what was happening, his lips were on hers, and, for a moment, she was lost. William gathered her in his arms and pulled her closer. As she realized what she’d agreed to, Addison pushed his chest to no avail. Either she was powerless to stop or he was incredibly strong. She pushed again; William released her but didn't take his gaze from hers.

Addison shifted away, smoothing her skirt. “I could have sworn I mentioned I was married,” she said, thrusting her left hand toward him.

He grinned at her, clearly amused. “What’s that got to do with anything?”

Feeling flustered, she finally noticed how hot it was getting in such a small space.

William’s hand covered hers “I’m sorry. It won't happen again.”

Addison said nothing and backed away from him instinctively. She pulled herself up to a standing position. Her head ached. The two of them stood silently in opposite corners until, uncomfortable, Addison spoke up. “What a day.”

“It’s not so bad. It led me to you.”

She wanted to hate him for saying that. She wanted to hate him for being arrogant and seductive and most of all, for kissing her and making her feel something. But she didn't hate him.

“I don’t think there’s anyone else I’d rather be trapped with,” he said. “Even if that person doesn’t particularly like me. And, usually that’s what people fear most, isn’t it? Being trapped with a person they don’t like.”

“You seem to know a lot about confinement…”

He pursed his lips. “You have no idea.”

She would never be sure if it was the genuineness of the way he said what he said or the glint of sadness in his eye that led her to cross the tiny space and place herself in his arms. She kissed him with a passion that she hadn’t felt in quite a while. He matched her style, kissing her back harder than he had the first time. All at once, they were tangled up in each other, tearing at each other’s clothes. William pushed Addison’s skirt up and pinned her against the wall with his body. “I don’t even know you,” she said.

“It’s probably better that way,” he told her and then he lifted her slightly and searched her eyes for an answer before he pushed himself inside her. She dug her nails into the hard muscles in his back. He bit her lip in return. It was angry s*x, the ruthless kind, primitive instinct taking over.

After he climaxed, still inside her, William sank slowly to the elevator floor. He took her down with him. She should have seen it as a sign but she was too busy feeling something else. He kissed her bare shoulder. “Damn…”

She smiled faintly and pulled away gently. “I . . .I . . . I’m sorry.”

William reached for her hand, reading her mind. “Don’t be. I’m not.”

Addison rubbed the back of her neck. Oh God. What the f**k have I just done? She had never been unfaithful. Had never even considered being unfaithful. And yet, here she was, stuck in an elevator with this man for less than half an hour and had managed to commit one of the biggest sins imaginable.

Sensing her unease, William squeezed her hand and released it. He traced his finger across her lips, sending chills down her spine. “Don’t worry,” he told her. “Your secret is safe with me.”

She studied his face as though she were trying to keep it there, like a token, a memento of the greatest mistake of her life. She wanted to tuck it away in her mind forever and forget it all at the same time. Looking at him made her stomach turn.

William pulled away, releasing her. “Blame it on the concussion,” he suggested nonchalantly. He read her well. “You weren’t in your right mind.”

Feeling as though she could finally breathe, she straightened her clothes. William stood watching her but he said nothing. Finally, he, too, fixed his attire.

“You’re a runner,” he said eventually.

“Huh?”

“You’re a runner.”

“Oh—well, yes,” she admitted. “But I’m not that good.”

He smiled but it didn’t touch his eyes. “Somehow I doubt that.”

* * *

Addison woke to a strange man stroking her hair. She blinked rapidly and tried to sit up. And then she remembered who he was and what she’d done. “Addison,” he whispered, although his tone was urgent. “Firemen are going to be busting through the door in about sixty seconds.”

She panicked.

“You passed out,” he said.

She heard the door being forced open and then she felt herself being lifted. They placed her on a stretcher. Addison was dizzy and they were hurling questions at her so fast, too fast. There was so much commotion. She searched the faces for William’s until finally she heard his voice in her ear. “These men are going to take good care of you.”

She blinked away tears until his face came in to view. There were so many things she wanted to say, but the words wouldn’t come. He smiled slightly, touched her hair, and then he was gone. She remembered that she’d wanted to hate him. She hated herself instead.