Page 14 of Beck and Call

My eyes blinked open, and I found myself laying on a bed in the back of the plane, covered with a fleece blanket. I could have sworn I'd only just taken the pain reliever.

Beckett sat on the edge of the bed. "There you are."

"How long was I sleeping?" My voice was rough with the lingering effects of sleep.

"About nine hours. It's good, because it's nearly ten in the morning here."

"Did you sleep?" I asked.

"A little. I had to review contracts and make some calls. I'll catch you up to speed over some breakfast. Once we land we'll both be able to freshen up at the hotel. Then I'm afraid the day is packed with meetings, starting with a lunch meeting with the client."

My stomach was a riot of nerves from the moment he showed up at my apartment, but now it was for a different reason. I'd been so preoccupied with the personal side of our arrangement I'd nearly forgotten there was a very real, very grown up job he was expecting me to do. I was determined not to let him down.

"Come on. Breakfast is being set out for us. It should help you feel human again after drinking too much the other night."

I groaned. "I can't believe I did that. I hardly ever drink, let alone drink that much."

"I'm glad to hear that." He tipped his head toward one of the seats, and I took it.

The flight attendant set real ceramic plates down in front of us, with metal domes covering them. She removed the lids and retreated back to the front of the plane. It was an omelet similar to the one he ordered from me at the diner. There was a bowl of fresh fruit and a small plate of whole grain toast next to it.

He passed me a file to review, and I flipped through it as I silently ate. From my quick perusal it appeared a German automotive manufacturer wanted to use Anderson Global's navigation and guidance system technology.

I set the file aside and looked up to face him. "Your company develops software?"

"We develop everything. When my great-grandfather started the company, we mostly owned and operated lumber mills. Then the company progressed into building railroads. From there it was only a small leap to doing other infrastructure projects. Each generation has managed to remain current with changes in society and the economy. Infrastructure projects are still part of what we do, but technology comprises the largest portion of AG's business today."

"I'm still trying to understand what I'll do as your assistant," I admitted.

"On this trip I'll need you to keep notes. Maintain the schedule of our appointments. When we get to the hotel I'll unpack your new phone and laptop. Maintain a list of the paperwork we need to file. I'll let you know what that is, but I'll need you to keep track of the due dates as we learn of them."

I nodded and tried to sneak a calming breath. It came through in a shaky, hesitant pull of air into my lungs, which I thought I managed to hide until he grabbed hold of my hand. "You'll do fine. I'm sure of it."

"How can you know? We barely know each other. You didn't even interview me."

"I didn't need to. I found out all of the important things about you while we talked at the diner. You're hard working, have great people skills, and we have chemistry. I was serious when I told you I wanted to help you. It isn't a normal impulse for me, but I'm not heartless.

"I was going to pass along your resume and help you find a position, that was until I saw you again, and then I knew I couldn't let anyone else have you. Not in business, and not in bed. As far as the job is concerned, I would never hire someone incapable of doing what my business requires. If you believe nothing else, believe that. My company is the most important thing in my life."

I didn't know if I should be flattered or saddened by his admission. I supposed I'd have to settle on a little bit of both.

* * *

Acouple hours later the plane descended and we moved into a waiting limo. I made myself a little dizzy trying to observe as much of Berlin as I could through the window of the car. There wasn't much to see when we pulled up to the hotel either. Not because it wasn't in a desirable part of the city, but because our schedule dictated we hurry to our meeting.

We were guided into an opulent lobby, where another gentleman rushed over to greet us. "Good morning, Mr. Anderson. Your room is ready."

"Room? Don't you mean suite?" Beckett asked. His tone was too even and too calm. Even though we hardly knew each other, I could already tell it wasn't a good sign.

"No, sir. I'm terribly sorry, but it appears we were over booked. Belgian diplomats checked in, and their security demanded the suite you'd reserved," the concierge explained. "I tried to make alternate arrangements for you, but when I phoned your office, a different Mr. Anderson informed me you'd prefer a more intimate setting for yourself and your girlfriend."

Beckett turned an apologetic look my way. "Of course he did. There isn't by any chance a second room we could book right now, is there?"

The concierge shook his head. "I'm very sorry, sir. There's an EU conference this week with the President. If you'd like I can call around and see if there are other accommodations, but most of the acceptable establishments will have been booked."

The muscle in Beckett's jaw jumped. He seemed to force himself to relax before he spoke. "That's fine, we'll make do here."

Once we were in the room I better understood why he was irritated. It was a beautifully appointed room, with soft colors and fabrics mixed with masculine furniture that gave it a warm atmosphere. However, there was only the one large bed in the middle of the room. It was the sole focus of all his attention. The one, large bed.

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