Lost Without You

“But haven’t you said something is missing?”

Shane narrowed his eyes. “Don’t use my words against me, Kay.”

Kayla rose from her chair and walked over to her brother and gave him a punch in the shoulder. “Then don’t be a Neanderthal. Let the woman help you. That’s what we hired her to do.”

* * *

Gabrielle was on her way back from HR, with her head still focused on the mountain of paperwork she had to complete, when she bumped into someone coming out of the elevator. The papers in her hand went flying through the air and onto the floor.

“I’m so sorry,” Gabrielle gushed as she bent down to pick up the papers. She glanced up to find a statuesque beauty staring down at her in what was no doubt a white designer pantsuit. Gabrielle had seen some gorgeous models in Paris, but this woman was different. She was nearly six feet tall with a short, sleek bob and arresting green eyes. Even though her makeup was immaculate, she didn’t need it. She was stunning already.

“No worries, I was texting,” Courtney said. “And you know what they say, you shouldn’t walk and text.” She bent down to help Gabrielle gather the papers strewn across the floor.

Courtney rose and handed the pile to the woman, who appeared a little bit frazzled. And what the heck was with the ponytail and drab pantsuit she was wearing? Didn’t she realize what industry they were in? “By the way, my name is Courtney. Courtney Adams.”

“Adams,” Gabrielle said, staring back at her. “You wouldn’t be any relation to Shane Adams, would you?”

Courtney smiled broadly. “Yes, he’s my brother.”

Gabrielle’s mouth formed an O. She extended her hand. “Great to meet you. My name is Gabrielle Burton.”

Courtney’s eyes widened. “Ah, so you’re Gabrielle Burton.” She accepted the handshake.

“I see my reputation has preceded me.”

“Something like that,” Courtney said and laughed. “Where you off to?”

“Back to the lab,” Gabrielle said, pressing the elevator call button, “where I’m sure your brother is waiting for me and ready to give me the riot act. HR took a little longer than expected.”

“Is Shane giving you a hard time?”

Gabrielle gulped. She hadn’t meant to speak so openly. Although she wasn’t working directly with Courtney, she had done her research and knew she sat on the board of directors and was spokeswoman for the company. “No…uh…I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Don’t backpedal now,” Courtney responded. “I respect a woman who can speak her mind, and I know Shane wasn’t too happy to add you to his staff.”

The elevator arrived at that exact moment, and Courtney joined Gabrielle on the way down to the lab.

“Good. Because I know Mr. Adams isn’t happy to have me here, but I promise I will do the job to the best of my ability.”

“I’m sure you will,” Courtney replied. “But might I give you a word of advice?”

“Hmm…what’s that?” Gabrielle glanced up at Courtney, wide-eyed.

“The first step would be to change your appearance.”

“Excuse me?” Gabrielle was taken aback. “What’s wrong with what I have on?”

Courtney’s brow rose. “Do you really want me to go there?”

Gabrielle couldn’t help but laugh, which immediately eased the tension she was feeling over Courtney’s overzealous tongue.

The elevator announced Gabrielle’s floor and she moved toward the exit, but Courtney touched her arm. “Listen, I have to get to a meeting,” Courtney said, “but why don’t we talk more over lunch?”

“Really?”

“Sure. I’ll meet you in the lobby at 1:00 p.m. We’ll go someplace special.”

And with that comment, the elevator doors closed, leaving Gabrielle to marvel at how nice Shane’s sister was compared with him.

* * *

Shane wasn’t in the lab when Gabrielle arrived, so she had a few minutes to check her cell phone. She was surprised to see she’d missed a call. The voice mail was from her father, who indicated he’d heard she was back in town and wondered if she intended to come and say hello. The tone was accusatory, as if she wouldn’t have come by to visit. And how the heck had he “heard” she was back in town?

She didn’t have time to ponder the thought because Shane came sauntering into the lab. He strode purposely toward her, and Gabrielle couldn’t help but be mesmerized at just how attractive her boss truly was. Shane had a way about him that commanded attention.

“Listen, we probably got off on the wrong foot this morning,” Shane began once he reached her desk. When Gabrielle didn’t stop him, he continued. “So how about we call a truce and get along? There is a lot of work to be done. You ready to roll up your sleeves?”

“Lead the way,” Gabrielle said.

* * *

Over the next couple of hours, Shane introduced her to the other staff members whom she would oversee, but made it clear that the buck stopped with him. She was second in command.

Lunch came surprisingly fast and Gabrielle had to admit she was looking forward to eating with Courtney. Despite the fact that, prior to its acquisition by Graham International, Adams Cosmetics had been considered a boutique cosmetics firm, there had been plenty of write-ups about Courtney as a spokesmodel. Courtney attended the latest industry events and fashion shows and kept Adams Cosmetics in the public eye. It had caused quite a stir in the community when the company hired the actress Noelle Warner as the face of its first fragrance, Hypnotic.

All five foot ten of Courtney was waiting for her in the lobby. She looked poised and sophisticated in her tailored designer duds and fancy handbag. No wonder she thought that Gabrielle looked frumpy in comparison in her gray pantsuit. “So how was the first half of your day?” Courtney inquired, peering down at her as she searched her purse for her keys. “I hope better than the first hour.”

An image of Shane popped in Gabrielle’s mind and she smiled warmly. “Much better. Mr. Adams and I are on the same page.”

“I knew he’d come around,” Courtney said as she walked toward the exit. Gabrielle assumed she was to follow and fell in beside her.

Once outside, Courtney stopped in front of the driver’s side of her Porsche Boxster and quickly jumped in the convertible. “Well, don’t just stand there. Get in!”

“Sorry,” Gabrielle said as she slid into the passenger side. The seats were leather and felt as smooth as butter. “This is a nice ride.”

“Thanks,” Courtney responded as she fired up the engine. “Since it’s your first day, I’m taking you to the Sun Dial.” The trilevel restaurant inside the Westin Peachtree Plaza was known for having a spectacular view of the Atlanta skyline.

“Sounds great!” Gabrielle replied. “Doesn’t it revolve?”

“How do you know? Are you from here?”

“Yes. I’m from Marietta.”

“Really? Shane never told me you were from this area. Isn’t it funny that you would both have careers in the same industry?”

Yeah, real funny, Gabrielle thought to herself. Courtney had no idea that she’d learned everything she knew from her father and Jax Cosmetics.

They arrived at the restaurant surprisingly quickly considering it was lunchtime. After a seventy-three-story elevator ride, the maître d’ was waiting for them. He knew Courtney and seated them in a prime spot with a view of the CNN Center and the Georgia Dome. Gabrielle watched as he rushed to pull out Courtney’s seat and saw how flustered he became when Courtney batted her eyelashes up at him. “Do men always treat you like that?” she inquired once they were seated and perusing the lunch menu.