Bedrock (5 page)

Addie had made up her mind that she was done having
children, at least for a very long while, and while she didn’t discuss her
decision with Patrick or anyone else, it thankfully never came up.

So a year later, when Addie found herself dizzy and vomiting, she
didn’t think, not even for a minute, that she might be pregnant. It was
actually Patrick who suggested it.

“Nah.” Addie reminded him. “There is no way. We’ve been using
protection.”

“Um, yeah, except for that one time that we didn’t.” Patrick said
with the shit-eating grin that Addie both loved and hated.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
“What one time?!”

“You know, last month, in the parking garage, after my company
party.”

“Oh shit, Patrick. Wait. I thought we did! You mean we didn’t?”

Patrick rolled his eyes. “No. Addie. I don’t exactly carry
condoms around with me everywhere I go.”

Addie paced the room. “
Damn it
. I must have been really
drunk. I hardly remember that.”

Addie pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling faint.

“Gee thanks.” Patrick called over his shoulder as he walked out,
slamming the door behind him.

The next morning when Addie peed on the stick, much to
her dismay, two bright blue lines quickly appeared.

She stormed out of the bathroom and over to the bed where Patrick
was still sleeping. As she sat on the edge of the bed and stared down at him,
he stirred and rolled over, peeking his eyes open “What time is it?” he asked
groggily.

“Five thirty. Wake up. It turns out you were right.”

Patrick rubbed his eyes. “Isn’t that usually the case? What am I right
about this time?”

“This.” Addie said, shoving the test into his chest.

He sat up and glanced down at the test in Addie’s hands that
clearly told him that she was pregnant. “You don’t seem very enthusiastic. It’s
not as if we’d planned to stop at one.” He said, squeezing her knee.

“I guess it’s just the timing. I’m not ready. I was actually
thinking about going back to work next year with Connor turning three and all.
Plus, we had such a hard time with
him.
What if this one turns out the
same way? Or worse?”

“Bad luck never strikes twice.”

Addie frowned.

“Seriously? This is the first time I’ve heard you talk of
returning to work. I thought we had come to an agreement and put that thought
behind us?”

Addie stood and rolled her eyes. “Doesn’t matter now.”

“Well, I, for one, am over the moon. Connor is going to love
being a big brother.”

Addie smiled, shook her head, and prayed to God that he was right
about this too, of course.

Three weeks later, Addie found herself sitting in the sterile
waiting room of her doctor’s office, nervous for a reason that she couldn’t
quite put her finger on. She felt uneasy, and she had the slightest of feelings
that it wasn’t just the excessive nausea she was dealing with. Perhaps, it was
just that Patrick was running late. Something had caught him up at the office,
which wasn’t surprising.

When Patrick opened the door, she saw him before he caught her
eye. He was rushed, searching the faces for hers. In that moment, all was
forgiven for being late. The look on his face said it all. There was so much
love in that look Addie melted. Just then, he caught Addie’s eye and he smiled
affectionately. Addie smiled back as he made his way over to her at sat down
beside her. “Sorry I’m late. I didn’t miss anything, did I?”

“No, the doctor is running behind due to a delivery. But they
should be calling us back soon.”

A few minutes later, the nurse called Addie’s name. She
instructed her to use the restroom and leave a urine sample while she ushered
Patrick to an exam room.

When Addie was finished, she made her way back to the exam room,
where she changed into a paper gown the nurse had laid out for her, and hopped
up on the table. “Earth to Patrick,” Addie repeated twice before Patrick
finally glanced up.

“Sorry, honey. I just have to answer a few emails. Things are
crazy back at the office.” Patrick replied, not taking his eyes from his phone.

“Must be pretty important because I was just naked and you didn’t
even notice.”

Patrick laughed. “You’re wrong about that. I was watching from
the corner of my eye.” Patrick sighed, stood, and kissed her head. “Don’t be
nervous. Everything will be fine.”

Addie smiled, wondering how he knew her so well.

Addie’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Dr.
Pierce walked in, followed by the nurse who wheeled in an ultrasound machine.

Dr. Pierce, who Addie guessed was probably in her early 40s, was
cheery and beautiful. She was petite with jet-black hair, which only made her
sharp blue eyes that much more distinguishable. She had been Addie’s doctor
with Connor, and Addie had fallen love with her bedside manner.

“Well, hello.” Dr. Pierce said boisterously. “When I saw you on
my schedule, I was a bit surprised. You didn’t mention trying for another when
you came in for your annual a few months ago. I would’ve started you on pre-natals.”

Addie just shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

Dr. Pierce instructed her to lie back as she squirted the cold
gooey gel on Addie’s abdomen. She placed the ultrasound wand and moved it
around just a bit. Patrick stood next to Addie, stroking her hand. Suddenly
Addie gasped, causing Patrick to jump. She covered her mouth with her hand, not
taking her eyes from the screen. She registered what she was seeing on the
screen just as Dr. Pierce did. There they were. Two perfect blurry blips up on
the screen, each tiny dot flickering with a heartbeat. “Twins,” Addie said
weakly, afraid she was going to faint.

“Congratulations! Twins.” Dr. Pierce said with a chuckle.

“Twins?” Patrick asked, looking back and forth between Addie and
the doctor in a way that told them that he wasn’t privy to what they were
seeing on the screen.

“Oh my God.” Addie cried as Patrick finally grasped what was
happening and began to rub her back.

Dr. Pierce went on to give Addie instructions, of which she heard
very little. She nodded and took the paperwork that was handed to her,
pretending she heard what they were telling her. But the room was spinning, and
yet everything was happening around her in slow motion, all at once. Her face
grew hot and chills washed over her. She collapsed just as Dr. Pierce and
Patrick moved in to break her fall.

Five

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

After several years at home with her children, Addie decided that
she had had enough and began looking for work. While she loved her family
dearly, she had grown tired, feeling bored and unfulfilled. Her days at home
were mindless. She needed a challenge: something, anything, to make her feel
alive again. Knowing how Patrick felt about her going back to work, she decided
not to discuss the matter with him until she found a job. She figured an offer
that she couldn’t turn down would be the perfect solution.

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 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. Always one to prepare, Addie had the kids’
clothes and things packed and ready the night before. Still, she couldn’t have
prepared for the chaos of trying to look presentable herself while getting
three kids out the door at such an early hour.

She rose extra early, worked out, and showered. Dressed in a
black pencil skirt, crisp white button-down top and peep-toe black pumps, she
checked herself in the mirror and was satisfied she looked the part. She was
surprised that the skirt still fit her, certain that her hips were wider after
giving birth to three children, two of them at once! But it fit, a little
tighter nonetheless. She swept her long blond hair up in to a loose bun,
hopeful that would make them take her seriously.

Addie fed the boys cereal, got them dressed, dropped Connor off
at school, and waded through traffic on the twenty-minute ride to Jessica’s
house. Thankfully, Jessica had agreed to watch the twins while Addie
interviewed.

She arrived in front of Jessica’s expansive colonial without a
minute to spare and practically dumped the boys off at the curb. Jessica and
her two children, Sophie and Liam were watering flowers in the massive front
yard as she pulled up. “Thank you so much for taking them for me. You’re a
lifesaver.”

“Yeah, well, 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 bug me.”

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

Addie winked back. “I’ve gotta run.”

Jessica blew her bangs out of her eyes and looked at Addie
intently. “You look nice. And you didn’t even ask for my help. I’m proud of
you. Now, go! Break a leg.”

“I plan on it.”

Luckily, the twins were so excited to see their friends they
hardly noticed as Addie kissed them goodbye and drove away. As she pulled out
on to the street, Addie glanced in the rearview mirror and wished she could be
more like her best friend. 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. Addie knew that no matter
how hard she tried she could never be that kind of mom. First of all, she
wasn’t crafty, and second, she wasn’t all that patient. She just didn’t seem to
be in love with motherhood in the way that Jessica was. And that fact always
made her just a tad bit envious.

Addie parked in the garage and checked her hair and makeup in the
mirror briefly before making her way to the elevators. The office was in a
beautiful high-rise building in downtown Austin. As she rode the elevator up to
the thirteenth floor, Addie tried to remain calm.
It’s just a conversation
.
She reminded herself.
What’s meant to be will be.

The doors closed as Addie checked her phone and texted Jessica to
check on the boys. Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the man in the suit
standing behind her until she stumbled backward into him. She hadn’t worn heels
in a while.

Startled, Addie glanced up and caught the man’s eye in the
mirror. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you there.” The man seemed amused but only
nodded.

As the elevator started to climb, Addie 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 one
another?” the deep voice behind her said.

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

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

Addie smiled nervously. For the first time, she really took
notice of the man. He was tall and very handsome with dark hair, piercing blue
eyes, and was dressed impeccably.
Probably gay.
Men this beautiful
usually were.

He extended his hand. “I’m William Hartman. And no, I’m not gay. It’s
a pleasure to meet you. What did you say your name was again?”

Holy shit. Did I say that out loud?
Addie swallowed nervously,
pretty sure she hadn’t. This man was clearly messing with her. She hadn’t said
her name.
Two can play at this game.

She placed her hand in his and then quickly pulled away,
frowning. “Have we met?

The man chuckled. “I don’t think so. But you can’t say it’s for
lack of trying on my part.”

What the hell? Is he seriously flirting with me?
“I’m
Addison Greyer. And just so we’re straight here, pun intended, I’m not gay
either. I’m married, actually.”

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, made him want her that much more. “Well, I’m glad that’s settled.”

Addie 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?
Though she couldn't put her finger on it, 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, she told herself, thoroughly convinced.

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

“Easy there. You ok?” Addie’s legs felt like putty. She could
barely stand.

Addie wiped her forehead.
Ouch.
“Um . . . Yeah. Yeah, I’m
ok.”

She wobbled as he loosed his grip a little. Dizzy and unable to
steady herself, Addie grabbed the man’s arm, taking notice of how big it was
and how hard his body seemed as she fell against it.

“How about this . . . Here, let’s sit,” he said, lowering her to
the floor.

Addie blushed. “Thanks.”

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

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

Addie’s mouth went dry. She was flustered by the way he looked at
her but managed to nod.

William stood cautiously and picked up the phone. Addie listened
to him speak to what she figured was security. Never taking his intense blue
eyes from hers, he listened to whoever was on the other end. He relayed
information on who was in the elevator but otherwise only responded with
one-word answers. She could tell the news wasn’t good.

“Listen, have EMTs standing by for a possible concussion. Call my
office and have them cancel my meetings.”

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

Addie gasped, unconsciously drawing her hand to her mouth. “To a
job interview at The Carlisle Agency.”

William nodded, and Addie noticed a look in his eyes she couldn’t
place. “Thomas, call Ms. Sheehan and explain that Mrs. Greyer is stuck in an
elevator in the building.”

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

William hung up the phone and sat close down beside Addie.
Too
close.
Addie noticed how amazing he smelled.
Had a man ever smelled that
heavenly before?
She was faint, out of breath. It felt as though all of the
air had been sucked from her lungs. William ran his fingers through his thick
black hair, removed his suit jacket, loosed his tie, and patted her thigh as if
he’d known her his whole life instead of having just met her a few minutes ago.
“They’ll have us out of here soon.” Addie glared at him, speechless.

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

“Should I?” Addie asked, trying to hide her disdain.

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

Caught off guard, Addie looked away. She stared at her shoes
until William gently placed his hand beneath her chin and lifted it. Before she
knew what was happening, his lips were on hers, and, for a moment, Addie was
lost. William pulled her closer. As she realized what was happening, Addie
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.

Addie stood, smoothing her skirt. “What the fuck was that? Didn't
I tell you I was married?” Addie said, thrusting her ring hand towards him.

He grinned at her, clearly amused. “Excuse me, if I didn't read
anything in your kiss that said, ‘
I’m married
.’”

Feeling flustered, finally noticing how hot it was getting in
such a small space, Addie picked up the phone.
Nothing.

William’s hand covered hers and placed the phone back on the
receiver. “I’m sorry. It won't happen again.”

Addie said nothing and backed away from him instinctively. The
two of them stood silently in opposite corners until, uncomfortable, even in
the silence, Addie spoke up. “What a day.”

“It’s not so bad. It led me to you.” Addie never would 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 his arms. She
kissed him with a passion that she hadn’t felt in quite a while, maybe ever. He
matched her style, kissing her back harder than before. All at once, they were
tangled up in each other, tearing at each other’s clothes. William pushed Addie’s
skirt up and pinned her against the wall with his body. He lifted her slightly,
his piercing blue eyes staring into hers as he pushed himself inside her. Addie
dug her nails into the hard muscles in his back as he bit her lip. They made
love ruthlessly, primitive instinct taking over.

After he climaxed, still inside her, William sank slowly to the
elevator floor. He kissed her bare shoulder. “Damn, Addison.”

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

William reached for her hand, reading her mind. “Hey, no apology
needed.”

Addie rubbed the back of her neck.
Oh God. Shit. Fuck! What in
the hell just happened here?
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 possible.
How in the hell had she let this happen?
She had
just made the biggest mistake of her life.

Sensing her unease, William squeezed her hand and released it. He
traced his finger across her lips, sending chills down Addie’s spine. “Your
secret is safe with me.”

Addie studied his face as though she were trying to place it in
her mind forever and forget it all at the same time. He was so beautiful it
made her stomach turn.

William pulled away, releasing her. “Blame it on the concussion. You
weren’t in your right mind.”

Feeling as though she could finally breathe for the first time,
Addie dressed and straightened her clothes. William stood too, watching her but
saying nothing. Finally, he, too, fixed his attire. Addie, sated, found herself
drifting off to sleep: a sleep deeper and more restful than she had had in a
long while.

She woke to William stroking her hair, her head in his lap,
whispering softly in her ear “Addison, wake up. Firemen are going to be busting
through the door in about sixty seconds.”

Addie panicked, realizing where she was and what had happened.

She sat up just as one of the men slid the door open. Soon
another grabbed her by the arm, and they lifted her out, placing her on a
stretcher. Addie was dizzy. There was so much commotion going on around her.
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, ok?”

She blinked away tears until William’s face came in to view.
There were so many things she wanted to say to him, but the words wouldn’t
come. He smiled, stroked her hair, and then he was gone.