Something About Eve (An Eve Sumptor Book 1) Read online

  Copyright © 2003 by Jourdyn Kelly

  Published by Jourdyn Kelly/MoonChild Innovations, Inc.

  All Rights Reserved.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  ISBN Number - 978-0-557-73828-1

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Art by: Jourdyn Kelly

  Interior Design by Angela McLaurin, Fictional Formats

  Other books by Jourdyn Kelly:

  Destined to Kill

  Flawed Perfection (Something About Eve #2) - Coming Soon

  ONE

  TWO

  THREE

  FOUR

  FIVE

  SIX

  SEVEN

  EIGHT

  NINE

  TEN

  ELEVEN

  TWELVE

  THIRTEEN

  FOURTEEN

  FIFTEEN

  SIXTEEN

  SEVENTEEN

  EIGHTEEN

  NINETEEN

  TWENTY

  TWENTY-ONE

  TWENTY-TWO

  TWENTY-THREE

  TWENTY-FOUR

  TWENTY-FIVE

  TWENTY-SIX

  EPILOGUE

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  This is for Mama who is the source of my strength. For Penny, my best friend, whom without I couldn’t have finished this book. And, to everyone else who has helped me find the strength to follow my dreams.

  Sumptor, Inc. wasn’t the most glamorous place to work, Lainey thought as she walked in the old building, but at least it got her out of what was becoming an unendurable existence at home with her husband’s constant complaining and criticism. She could have put up with Jack if it had been only her to consider, but she had her sons to think about. Kevin and Darren deserved a home life that wasn’t fraught with resentment and discontent. Maybe going back to work would help solve the problem. And if it didn’t...Well, she couldn’t afford to worry about that now.

  In fact, this wasn’t the job she had her eye on. It was Sumptor Gallery she was interested in, but knew she would have to work her way up to that. She had deliberately kept her interest in art a secret when she had applied for the accounting job, fearing that if they knew she had been an art history major, it would ruin her chances. She had heard rumors about Sumptor being very picky about the people he hired.

  Noises and creaks came from behind the elevator door, and had Lainey leery of the old, rickety piece of machinery, so, she opted for the stairs. She was early and it was only two floors up, anyway. It was the first time Lainey had worked since Kevin was born, and although she was more nervous than she cared to admit, she was grateful for Mr. E. Sumptor, for giving her this chance and meant to thank him as soon as they met – if they ever did. As Lainey stepped out of the stairwell, she nearly ran into the manager of the accounting firm, Meredith Lansky.

  “Oh! Hello,” Lainey said cheerfully.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Stanton. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” Meredith replied.

  Meredith Lansky was a very tall woman in her forties with a regal presence that demanded attention. Her brown hair was tied back in an unrelenting knot and she almost always wore a severe look on a face devoid of any cosmetics. She had to be stern, Meredith thought. After all, she was the manager, and with that title came the responsibility to maintain a sense of authority and discipline.

  “You are very prompt,” she said now. “I like that. Sumptor will appreciate that quality in you, too.”

  Before Lainey could answer, Meredith turned away. At five six, Lainey was having trouble keeping up with the taller woman’s long strides, and found herself practically jogging to stay in step.

  “This is where you’ll be working,” Meredith said with a grand sweep of the hand as they reached the end of the hall.

  The office was tiny, and could have once been a closet for all Lainey knew. An old desk all but filled the room. The computer looked as decrepit as the desk, and the chair...Lainey wondered if the thing would even hold her or if it would topple before she was fully seated.

  “It’s not much,” she heard Meredith saying contritely, “but it will have to do for now.”

  “It’s perfect,” Lainey replied with a smile, missing the incredulous glance Meredith gave her as she studied the poor excuse for an office.

  “Yes, well, let me introduce you to your co-workers,” Meredith said. Lainey Stanton was a peculiar one, she thought, and there was just something about her that didn’t sit right with Meredith. Shrugging to herself, she led Lainey to a small group of women gathered at the door of her own, much larger office. “Ladies, this is Lainey Stanton. She’ll be taking Margaret’s place as supervising accountant.”

  Everyone gave Lainey the once over, at the same time trying to be discreet. What they saw was a pretty woman in her thirties with dark blonde hair to her shoulders and a delicate face accented by beautiful green eyes. When Lainey smiled, it was warm and inviting. Friendly they would call it. Her gray suit was cut conservatively, but there was still a hint of long slender legs and soft, womanly curves. Unexpectedly, her voice, like aged whiskey, carried a hint of sexuality.

  They all welcomed her, all except one, Katherine Bushnell. Lainey knew that Katherine had been up for the job as well, that it had been management’s, or rather Sumptor’s decision to go with someone from the outside. However, Lainey refused to let Katherine’s icy stare bother her. She had been waiting for this chance for nine years now, and nothing was going to ruin it for her. They would both just have to be adults about this.

  “This isn’t permanent,” she heard someone say.

  She turned towards the small blonde woman who was standing beside her. “Excuse me?”

  “This.” The woman gestured widely. “It’s not permanent. Sumptor has another building that’s being renovated. We all just have to put up with this a little bit longer.”

  “I see,” Lainey responded. “I’m sorry, I missed your name.”

  “I’m Jackie,” the woman replied, smiling. “I work in accounting, too. I guess that makes you my boss.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Jackie. So, the closet is only temporary.”

  Lainey was relieved when the women surrounding her laughed. Just as Lainey was beginning to relax, a young girl, wearing far too much makeup, rushed up.

  “Sumptor is coming!” She whispered in urgency.

  Instantly, everyone stopped laughing. Turning, Lainey saw a middle aged man with horned rimmed glasses and a receding hairline. Next to him was a woman. Although Lainey couldn’t see the face of the woman who was talking intently with him, she appeared to be very young and dressed in what looked to be a very expensive, tailored suit. His secretary, no doubt, she thought. How typical that a man facing a mid-life crisis should hire the youngest secretary he could find. The idea made Lainey want to chuckle, but she cleared her throat instead. No need to be so judgmental. After all, he was the owner of the gallery she wanted to work in. Just then the woman lifted her head and smiled at him.

  Lainey watched as he blushed, actually blushed, and hurried off down the narrow corridor.

  “Good morning, Meredith. Ladies.” The young woman nodded her head in greeting, locking eyes with ea
ch employee and smiling.

  Her voice was soft. Sensual was the first word that came to Lainey’s mind. Her blonde hair was pulled back, though not as severely as Meredith’s, with strands falling at the sides, framing a face that could bring a man to his knees, with its striking gray eyes, a small, perfect nose and full lips. She wore a black skirt that stopped at mid-thigh, showing those beautiful, shapely legs and a white button down shirt undone enough to show the swells of perfect breasts. Lainey had never seen anyone quite so beautiful.

  “Good morning, Ms. Sumptor,” Meredith replied. “This is our new employee, Lainey Stanton.”

  Eve turned her head and looked at Lainey, holding her gaze with smiling eyes. “Lainey. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Eve Sumptor.”

  As they shook hands, Eve raised one perfect eyebrow.

  “You weren’t expecting a woman,” she said knowingly giving Lainey’s hand a friendly squeeze before releasing it.

  “Ms. Sumptor,” Meredith said over Lainey’s stunned silence. “I need to speak with you for a moment.”

  “Yes, Meredith. Excuse me, Lainey. I apologize for the poor working conditions,” she said pausing at the door. “It won’t be for long, I promise.”

  Winking at Lainey, she turned to walk into Meredith’s office, leaving all of the women staring after her enviously.

  “Amazing, isn’t she,” Jackie whispered as everyone separated to return to work. “I’ve never seen anyone quite like her.”

  “Yes, she’s beautiful,” Lainey agreed. “I was expecting a man. I never imagined that E. Sumptor was a woman, let alone so young. I must’ve looked like a fool, just staring at her.”

  “She’s used to it, I’m sure,” Jackie said, giggling. “I think we all had the same reaction when we first met her. It’s almost impossible not to stare. She’s so – captivating.” Both women turned to watch Eve through the window to Meredith’s office.

  Inside, Eve was enduring yet another meeting with Meredith about the hiring of Lainey Stanton.

  “I understand how you feel, Meredith,” she said patiently. “But as I’ve told you before, Katherine just isn’t the right person for the job.”

  “But she has seniority, Ms. Sumptor. She should’ve been next in line.”

  “Seniority doesn’t necessarily mean that she’s next in line.” Eve sighed softly. “I know that you and Katherine are friends, Meredith, but I have to do what I feel is right for the company. Katherine simply doesn’t have enough experience.”

  “Nor does Lainey, she hasn’t worked in over nine years...”

  “Enough,” Eve interrupted. “I’ve made my decision. We’ll try this with Lainey, and if I feel as though it is not working, then we’ll try with Katherine. In the meantime, I expect you and Katherine to be kind to Lainey. Is that understood? I think Lainey will do great.” Eve turned to look out the window just then, and made eye contact with Lainey once again. Holding the contact for a moment, Eve gave her a small smile. Turning back to Meredith, she said, “I’m a good judge of character, Meredith – as you know.”

  It sounded like a warning.

  “Now, if there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to work. Have a good day, Meredith.”

  Since a minute earlier Lainey was looking in the window, Eve sauntered over to her.

  “Come to my office in about ten minutes, please,” she said pleasantly. “I would like to speak with you.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Eve smiled at her, a bold and devastating smile. “Don’t call me ma’am. It makes me feel old.” Then with another wink, she turned and walked away.

  Eve sat at her desk, surrounded by paper work. She tried concentrating on the report in front of her, but her mind was on other things besides work. There was something about Lainey Stanton that had intrigued Eve from the first moment she set eyes on her, although she wasn’t sure what it was. Lainey had a classic beauty, the sharp, yet delicate features with soulful green eyes, and a wonderful mouth that bowed down slightly at the edges. Eve shook herself and tried focusing back on her work. It must be the painter in me, Eve thought. She could notice the inner beauty of a person as well as the outer, and Eve noticed Lainey. She drummed her fingers on the desk as she thought about how she would love to paint Lainey’s captivating features.

  The intercom on Eve’s desk buzzed, interrupting her thoughts.

  “Ms. Sumptor, Lainey Stanton is here to see you.”

  “Send her in, please,” Eve said.

  The door opened and Lainey walked in.

  “Please have a seat,” Eve told her.

  Eve watched silently as Lainey looked around her office, enjoying the way she seemed to take it all in.

  “It isn’t you,” Lainey said.

  Interested, Eve raised an eyebrow and sat back in her chair. “Meaning?”

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have...”

  “No. Please, tell me,” Eve encouraged her.

  “I just meant...I don’t know. The wood, the dark colors, the brown carpet, they’re not you. But the painting. Van Gogh. Now that’s you.”

  Eve’s smile widened and she looked behind her at the colorful painting depicting two figures in the woods. She looked back at Lainey.

  “Good eye. Why is it me?”

  Lainey lifted a shoulder, and considered for a moment.

  “The confidence, the strength. There’s an air of independence, but there’s romance, too.”

  Eve raised both eyebrows at that. “Romance? You get all of that about me from a painting?” There was a silence between them as Eve studied Lainey. “You know art.”

  Lainey hesitated, and then decided to tell Eve the truth.

  “Yes,” she said. “I majored in Art History in college. I’ve always had a love for it.”

  “Why?”

  Lainey frowned slightly at what she considered to be a silly question, especially from someone who owned her own art gallery.

  “Because it’s fascinating...”

  “No, why are you here?” Eve interrupted her. “Why apply for the accounting job when it’s not what you want to do?”

  “I thought it would get me closer to the gallery,” Lainey answered honestly and waited for Eve’s disapproval.

  Instead, Eve picked up a piece of paper in front of her.

  “Lainey Stanton,” she read, and Lainey realized that it was her résumé.

  “Thirty-seven.”

  She looked Lainey up and down and smiled approvingly.

  “Married. Happily?”

  A shadow crossed Lainey’s face.

  “I’m sorry,” Eve said quickly. “It’s none of my business.”

  “It’s all right. Sometimes we’re happy, but not always,”

  Lainey answered grimacing. “I don’t know why I told you that. Somehow, I just felt I could.”

  Once again, Eve smiled that bold and devastating smile and started reading again. “Two children, Kevin and Darren. I have a lot of information about you, Lainey. But nowhere here does it say art major. Why?”

  “I didn’t think it was necessary to mention it since I was applying for the accountant position,” Lainey answered matter-of-factly.

  “Hmm, I guess not.” She liked Lainey’s directness. Most people who dealt with Eve were intimidated by her, and almost always agreed with whatever she said, whether they had the same opinion or not. “Will you meet me at The Garden of Eve for lunch?”

  It was an expensive restaurant nearby that Lainey and Jack had once gone to for their anniversary.

  “I’d like that,” she said.

  “Good,” Eve said with pleasure. “I’d like to get to know you a little better.”

  Eve had always wanted a good professional relationship with her employees, but she wanted more from Lainey, although what that more was, she wasn’t quite sure. Why did she feel this way, Eve asked herself. “Don’t tell anyone you’re meeting me for lunch,” she said as Lainey rose. “I’m sure you’ve already experienced some animosity from a couple of people.
If you tell them you’re eating with the boss, it might get worse for you.”

  As Lainey left the office, she found herself trembling with anticipation, although why she should feel this way she had no idea. One thing was certain, however. This woman had brought something new into her life.

  Later, Eve waited for Lainey at one of the more secluded tables of the elegant restaurant. The aroma of gourmet food lingered with the sweet scent of the exotic flowers that surrounded her. It should have relaxed her. But she could feel men looking at her and knew what they were thinking, just as she had known since she was sixteen. A beautiful face, an exciting body. No substance, no brain. She had let them think that. Then. Now, it was Eve who made the decisions, and who chose the men she would share her time with, never letting them get too close, always shielding herself and her heart from hurt.

  Although numerous people, including her employees, thought that she had many men, Eve never slept with any she had been seen dating, except for one. Adam. And her relationship with him was purely physical. She wouldn’t allow it to be any more than that. Of course she cared for Adam, perhaps even more than she could admit. But she couldn’t – wouldn’t allow love to enter the equation.

  “Hi,” Lainey said quietly. As she had followed the waiter to the table, she had noticed the attention Eve was receiving from men and women alike, although Eve – clearly deep in thought – was oblivious to them.

  Eve looked up and smiled brightly.

  “Are you okay?” Lainey asked, sliding into the chair opposite her.

  “Yes, of course. Why do you ask?” Eve replied cheerfully.

  “You just looked so...” Lainey hesitated.

  “So, what?” Eve asked.

  “Lonely.”

  The silence that followed and the look that Eve gave her made Lainey uncomfortable. Why did she always have to open her mouth and say just what she was thinking?

  Eve closed the menu that was in front of her. “I don’t know why I look at this,” she said, laughing. “I always get the same thing.”