Unbroken (12 page)

Standing ther
e in the foyer contemplating his next move, it suddenly hit him, the obvious answer to the puzzle.  If he didn’t miss his guess, Britney was deliberately disguising her looks for fear that she wouldn’t be taken seriously in the business world. And in all likelihood, her outward reserve and the resulting
Ice Queen
persona she’d garnered within the Blades organization was likely a result of that mentality.  Of course, now that he thought about it, it made perfect sense.  He knew firsthand what it was like to be judged by outward appearances.  He was good-looking and athletic, not to mention rich and famous.  How many times had he wondered if someone was interested in him for him and not just for who he was or what he was worth?  Maybe in some ways it was similar for her.

Huh. 
Now that he’d come to that realization he couldn’t help but wonder what he was supposed to do now? Was he supposed to pretend like nothing had changed? 
Yeah right.
  How on earth was he going to do that?  He doubted he could even look at her now without picturing her in that sexy red bikini.  Hell, he was getting aroused just thinking about it. 

Damn
it
, he thought in the next second.  He’d just proven his own point, he acknowledged with a frustrated sigh.  Turning from the direction of the office, he headed for the kitchen instead.  Suddenly he was in desperate need of a distraction.

Having
finished up the last of her daily tasks nearly an hour ago, Britney had spent the past twenty minutes on the phone with Ian and then another twenty minutes needlessly reorganizing the contact lists in her email.  Finally, knowing that she couldn’t avoid Jake for much longer, she took a deep, calming breath, pushed her chair back from the desk and rose to her feet. 

Strolling into the kitchen
a minute later, she did her best to act as if nothing had changed since she’d donned that little red bikini.  “Mmm, something smells good.”

“Aunt Rose’s c
hicken casserole,” Jake replied as Britney walked into the kitchen.  He’d just pulled the large baking dish out of the oven and a delicious aroma now filled the kitchen.  “It’s one of my favorites,” he added, casting a quick glance in her direction as he pulled the red oven mitts from his hands and tossed them onto the granite countertop.  “I hope you like it.”

“If it’s anything like the rest of Rosemary’s cooking, I’m sure I’ll love it.”  The table was already set, so she pulled out a chair and sat down. 
She watched then as Jake shoved a serving spoon into the casserole and then carried it over to the table, setting it onto a square metal trivet.

“Is white wine okay?” he asked, motioning to the bottle on the table.  “Or would you like something else to drink?”

“No, this is fine.”  Perfect actually, she thought as she reached for the open bottle and filled her glass.  Maybe it would help to calm her nerves.

Determined to act as if
nothing had changed since Britney’s stunning reveal, Jake did his best to appear nonchalant as he took his seat. He’d thought it over and decided that the best course of action was to take no action at all, at least for the time being.  He was going to treat her exactly the same as he had before, difficult as that might be. 

“I’m surprised you cooked,” Britney said, as she spooned a healthy serving of the casse
role onto her plate.  “I thought that you and Bruce might be going out to dinner tonight.” 
Accompanied by Candace and April
, she silently added.  She hoped that she sounded only mildly curious, though she was anything but.

“Yeah, I guess the photo shoot kind of wore me out,” Jake
dissembled.  “Besides, we’ve got that early tee time tomorrow morning.”

“Oh, right.”  She’d booked a tee time for Jake
and Bruce at Sun Valley’s Trail Creek Golf Course for seven-thirty the following morning.  With drive time, Jake was going to have to be on the road pretty early.  But was that the only reason he’d stayed home, she couldn’t help wondering?

“So, I didn’t get a chance to ask you earlier what you thought of the shoot,” Jake said, as he filled his own plate.

“It was great.  I think the results are going to be incredible,” she replied honestly.

“Yeah,” Jake shru
gged.  “Ricardo’s a little high-strung,” he continued with a chuckle, “but he’s an amazing photographer.” 

“A
little
high-strung?” Britney said with an answering grin and a dramatic lift of her brows.  “If you could find a way to harness that energy you could probably power a small city.”

Jake laughed, nodding his head in agreement.   

“You’re right, though.  The guy is definitely talented.  Brian showed me some of the photos on his computer and they were fabulous.”

“
Thank you again for all of your help today, Britney, and for handling all of the arrangements,” his tone was serious now.  “You did an outstanding job,” he said, meeting her gaze, “and I want you to know how much I appreciate all of your hard work.”

“You
’re welcome.  And it was my pleasure, really.”

She smiled then, a soft, gentle smile that made Jake want to reach ac
ross the table and pull those dreadful glasses from her face and toss them across the room.  “Ian McNealy’s very fortunate to have someone like you working for him,” he said instead.

“Thanks.  I’ll be sure to tell him you said that when I’m due for my next raise.”

Jake grinned.  “You’d better.”

“That reminds me,” Britney said, after taking a bite of the delicious casserole.  “Bruce mentioned earlier that he’s got a couple of
really good candidates lined up to take over for me once we get back to Minneapolis.”

“Oh yeah?” Jake tried t
o appear pleased by the news, though he was anything but.  The truth was, after spending the past three weeks with Britney, he couldn’t imagine anyone replacing her.

“He wants me to do a preliminary phone interview with each of them, before having you talk with them.”

Jake nodded, grimacing slightly.  “That’s probably a good idea.  Especially considering that I don’t exactly have the best track record in that department.”

“Don’
t worry.  As Bruce likes to put it, we’re going to find you someone who can go the distance this time.”  Although Britney’s smile was encouraging, her positive attitude wasn’t entirely heartfelt.  For knowing that her time with him would come to an end, she wasn’t really looking forward to finding a replacement for Jake at all. 

Hours later, as Britney
settled into bed for the night, she couldn’t seem to decide if she was relieved or disappointed by Jake’s behavior that evening.  Throughout dinner and the remainder of the night, he’d made no mention of her brief transformation by the hot tub just hours earlier.  In fact, he’d treated her exactly the same as he always had.  Splaying her hands out atop the quilt, she stared up at the ceiling.  In all honesty, she had to admit that disappointment was winning out over relief.

Oh stop it
, she chided.  What had she expected?  That Jake had been so dazzled by her altered appearance that he should have spent the entire night mooning over her?  No, of course she shouldn’t have expected anything of the kind.  Jake was surrounded by beautiful women all the time, she reminded herself.  He dated supermodels and A-list actresses for goodness sake.  In comparison, she was nothing special, she acknowledged, giving herself a necessary, though disheartening reality check.  Nevertheless, her ego couldn’t help feeling a little bruised.

Emitting a long, drawn out sigh, she reached over
and turned off the bedside lamp, hoping that sleep would soon claim her.

Downstairs, Jake pulled his
cotton t-shirt over his head and tossed it onto the floor of the exercise room.  He was sweating now, the beads of moisture running down his chest in tiny rivulets as he put another mile on the treadmill. Even so, despite his best effort and the growing burn in his chest and legs, he couldn’t get Britney Taylor out of his head. 

Damn, but t
here was just no denying it any longer.  Over the past weeks he’d grown increasingly attracted to her, despite her initial standoffish demeanor and her continued ultra-conservative appearance.  He had to admit that her keen intelligence, her surprising sense of humor, their shared interests and the genuine warmth and affection she exhibited toward his family, had all piqued his interest in more ways than one. But now, after witnessing her stunning transformation and coming to recognize that her appearance was just a carefully crafted disguise,
hell
, he was beyond interested.  He was utterly infatuated with the enigmatic Miss Taylor. The question was now, what was he going to do about it?

Opening her eyes
the next morning, Britney rolled over to look at the digital clock on the nightstand next to her bed.  It was just a few minutes past eight.  It was also her birthday.  Sitting up, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, her mood cautiously optimistic as she rose to her feet.  Today was the beginning of a new year in her life, and if she was willing to try, perhaps it could be the turning point she so desperately needed. 

Walking into the bathroom, she
reached into the shower, turned on the faucet and then stepped to the sink to brush her teeth while the water heated.  She showered quickly, wrapped herself in a towel and then dried her hair.  Afterward, she combed through the blonde waves and then pulled them back.  However, rather than pinning it up, she let it fall to the middle of her back, securing the heavy mass with an oversized tortoiseshell barrette at the base of her neck.  Then, instead of a brief cursory glance at her reflection, she forced herself to look in the mirror, to really look this time, without shying away from the face looking back at her. 

She stood there for several minutes, studying her reflection.  This time, however, she didn’t try to shut out the memory of Randall Littrell’s voice.  Staring into the mirror, she allowed his hateful words and vicious taunts to replay themselves over and over again within her head, until after a while that’s all they were, just words.  Just like the image looking back at her was just a face, a face like any other face. 
Her looks didn’t define her, she reminded herself.  They didn’t then and they didn’t now. 

She
hadn’t asked for Randall Littrell to notice her, she hadn’t wanted it; just as she hadn’t wanted to be his victim, despite his vile accusations.  She hadn’t done anything wrong.  He was a madman.  She hadn’t deserved what had happened to her, just as his other victims hadn’t deserved what had happened to them.  Molly, like the others, hadn’t deserved to die, and
she
didn’t deserve to spend the rest of her time on earth living in fear, afraid to be noticed, afraid to live her life to the fullest.  She knew that and deep down she’d always known that.  But for the first time in a long, long while she was beginning to believe it.

Padding barefoot
from the bathroom and across the floor toward her closet, she opened the door and scanned the contents within.  Her eyes moved automatically to the yellow sundress.  Reaching out, she grasped the skirt, rubbing the soft, lightweight fabric between her fingers.  She’d always loved dresses, but it had been ages since she’d worn one anywhere but in the safety and security of her own home. 
Go ahead.  Put it on
, her inner voice encouraged. 
Don’t allow that monster to control you, not anymore. 
Though her hand was trembling, she forced herself to grasp the hanger and pull the dress from the closet. 

Seconds later, after
donning her bra and underwear, she stepped into the skirt.  Pulling it up over her hips, she threaded her arms through the short, cap sleeves and then reached for the back zipper.  Struggling for a few seconds, she finally managed to tug it upward and into place.  The dress fit perfectly, she noted, feeling a glimmer of satisfaction.

Grabbing one of the shoeboxes from the floor of the closet, she removed the ballet flats and slipped them on
.

Standing at the top of the stairs a few minutes later, Britney stood still for a moment, just listening.  As she’d expected, the house was quiet.  Descending the polished wooden steps, the heels of her new shoes made a faint tapping sound beneath her feet.  It was a light, airy sound; a happy sound.  Reaching the foyer she began walking toward the office, but then changing her mind, she turned and headed for the kitchen instead.  She was suddenly ravenous.  Her inbox could wait until she’d had a cup of coffee and bowl of cereal.  Then again, a ham and cheese omelet sounded even better.  It was her birthday after all.

Once she’d filled her belly and gotten a little caffeine into her system, Britney eventually made her way to the office. It might be her birthday, but she still had work to do.  She’d only just turned on her computer, however, when she heard the unmistakable crunch of gravel on the front drive.  Standing up, she walked to the window.  For a moment she thought that it might be Ben or Rosemary, but when the vehicle came into view it was one she didn’t recognize.  It was a van. 
A delivery van?

Oh c
rap!  She’d forgotten about Tyler’s birthday surprise.  Looking down, she eyed the yellow sundress in dismay, feeling a sudden sense of panic.  Catching herself before it could escalate, she took a calming breath and tried to talk herself down.  “Relax Britney.  It’s just a delivery.  Open the door and take the package.  You can do this,” she said aloud. 

Turning back toward the desk, she lo
oked for her glasses, but they weren’t there. 
Darn, she’d left them upstairs.
  Spinning back around to the window, she watched as the white van pulled to a stop in front of the house.  There was an oval sign painted on the side that read, Sun Valley Floral, surrounded by a succession of vibrantly-colored flowers.  See, she told herself, it’s nothing to be afraid of.  Even so, she leaned closer to the glass, trying to get a look at the driver, but the vehicle’s tinted windows made it difficult to see who was at the wheel. 

W
hen the door opened a moment later, however, she was relieved to see that is was a nicely-dressed young man who looked to be no older than nineteen or twenty.  She watched from the window as he walked to the rear of the van and opened one of the door panels.  When he closed it, he was holding an enormous bouquet of flowers.  Holy smokes, Tyler had gone all out.  Fortunately her purse was in one of the desk drawers, and backing away from the window she quickly grabbed a five-dollar bill out of her wallet.

When the doorbell sounded a few seconds later, she was ready. 
“I’ll get it,” she called out loudly, hoping to make it seem as if she wasn’t the only one in the house.  Better safe than sorry, she reasoned.  Nonetheless, as she pulled the door open, she could feel her heart begin to race.

“Hi there,” the young man said politely.  “I have a delivery for Miss Taylor.”

“I’m Miss Taylor.”

“Well, these are for you then,” he said with a bright smile,
holding out the magnificent bouquet.

“Thank you.  They’re beautiful,
” she replied, taking hold of the large vase.  “Oh my, they’re heavy too.”

“That’s the
vase,” he explained.  “My boss said that it’s Swarovski Crystal.  The sender had it shipped to the store a couple of days ago.  We just put the flower arrangement together.”

“Oh, I see,”
she responded, relaxing slightly as she eyed the vase.  “It’s lovely, and you certainly did a wonderful job with the flowers.”

“Thanks.  My boss wi
ll be real glad to know you think so.”

Shifting the bouquet
carefully into one arm, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the five.  “Here, this is for you.”

“Thanks,” he said, pocketing the bill.  “
You have a nice day now.”

“You too.”

Closing the door, Britney felt a nearly overwhelming sense of relief, but even more powerful was the realization that she had just taken another step in regaining control over her life.  It felt good, really, really good.

Setting the flowers onto the corner of her desk, Britney examined the elegant vase.  It was an extraordinary piece and obviously expensive.  Then, drawing the small white envelope from the midst of the bouquet, she quickly pulled out the card.  Much to her surprise, they weren’t from Tyler as she’d assumed.
Happy Birthday, from Ian
, the card read.  

She should have known that Ian wouldn’t forget her birthday.  Sinc
e she’d started working for him he’d always made it a point to give her flowers and take her out to lunch on her birthday. These flowers, however, at least six different varieties of the most beautiful blooms she’d ever seen, put all of the others to shame.  He must have spent a fortune on the spectacular arrangement, not to mention the vase.  Clearly he was feeling guilty for sending her to Idaho, she thought with a knowing smile.  Little did he know that she was thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.

Sitting down, she picked up the phone and dialed his cell number.

“Hello,” he answered after the first ring.

“They’
re beautiful, Ian, the flowers and the vase.  Thank you.”

“
You’re welcome.  Happy birthday, Britney.”

“
Thanks, but don’t forget, you still owe me a lunch date,” she teased.

“
A belated birthday lunch at the best restaurant in town,” he said.  “As soon as you get back, I promise.” 

“Deal.”

They talked for a few more minutes before Ian had to take another call.

“Hang in there, Britney,” he said, before hanging u
p.  “You’ll be back in Minneapolis before you know it.”

U
nbeknownst to Ian, however, Britney wasn’t nearly as eager to return to Minnesota as she once thought she’d be.

It was nearly lunchtime when Britney once again heard the sound of an approaching vehicle.  A
ssuming it was Tyler’s surprise, she stepped to the window and looked outside.  But a moment later she was surprised to see a nondescript black sedan, rather than a traditional-looking delivery van, pull to a stop out front.

Once again the vehicle’s tinted windows kept her from seeing the drive
r, she noted in frustration.  She didn’t have to wait long for the driver’s identity to be revealed, however, for as soon as he stepped from the car her eyes went wide in disbelief.

Britney flew to the fr
ont door, opening it wide and stepping out onto the front porch.  “Tyler!” she exclaimed.

“Surprise,” he called, an ear to ear grin splitting his face
as he strode forward, opening his arms wide.

She was
down the stairs in a flash.  Throwing herself into his arms, she wrapped her own around his neck, hugging him tightly. 

Tyler grasped her around the waist, lifting
her feet off the ground as he twirled her around in a circle.  “Happy birthday, Brit,” he murmured against her hair.

“
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you’re here,” she said, as he set her back on the ground.

“Are you glad to see me?”

“Are you kidding?  It’s been over six months since your last visit to Minneapolis,” she replied, looking up at his beloved face.  “I’ve missed you like crazy.”

“
I know.  I’ve missed you too,” he said, placing a light kiss upon her forehead.  “It’s been way too long.”

“How long can you stay?”
she asked excitedly.

Tyler grimaced. 
“Sorry, Brit, but I’m just here for the day,” he told her.  “I’ve got to catch another flight out of Sun Valley later tonight.  I’ve got a business meeting in L.A. first thing in the morning.”

“You’re leaving tonight?” she replied, feeling slightly deflated.

“I’ll make it up to you.  I promise.”   His tone was lighthearted but his expression was earnest.

Britney sighed in resignation. 
“I’m going to hold you to that.”

“I know you will,” he chuckled.

“Come on, let’s go inside.”

Stepping back, Tyler eyed the cabin and the surrounding area in appreciation.  “Wow, Brit.  You weren’t kidding.  This place is incredible.”

“It is, isn’t it,” she said with a smile.  Grabbing his hand, she pulled him toward the porch steps.

“I can certainly understand why Jake likes to spend the off-season here.”

“I know, right.”

“Is he here?”

“No, he went to Sun Valley for the day,” she said, leading him into the house.

Tyler looked at her curiously.  “Are you okay
being here by yourself?”  Concern was evident in his tone.

“I have to admit that I was
a little worried when I first left Minneapolis,” she acknowledged.  “But it’s been fine.  In fact, I feel really comfortable here.”

“I’m glad
, Brit.  You seem more relaxed than usual.  You look good too,” he said, with an admiring glance.

“
Thanks, Ty,” she replied, squeezing his hand.  “Now come on, let me show you around.”

“If you’re not too busy with work stuff, we could go for a drive,” Tyler suggested, once Britney had given him a quick tour of the house.  “I’d love to see more of Stanley.”

“I hate to break it to you,
” Britney replied with a chuckle, “but if you drove down highway twenty-one, you’ve pretty much seen it.”

“Yeah, I noticed the population sign,” he said with a grin.  “It’s not exactly an urban metropolis is it?”

“Nope, definitely not.  But the surrounding area
is
pretty amazing.”