Lost Without You

“Well, we are happy to have someone of your caliber interested in Adams Cosmetics,” Kayla said, trying to ease the obvious tension between the two chemists. Courtney had reminded her that Shane and Gabrielle were not fans of each other.

“Your resume is quite impressive,” Ethan stated.

“Thank you,” Gabrielle said and smiled. “I believe in working hard to achieve one’s goals.”

“After you graduated second in your class at perfumery school, you joined L’Oréal?” Shane jumped right into the fray.

Gabrielle stared daggers at Shane. Trust him to remind her that he’d beaten her as valedictorian of their class. Had he called her Gabby to knock her off her game? “That’s correct. And I’ve enjoyed an immensely successful career there.”

“Why don’t you tell me some of the projects you’ve worked on?” Shane asked. It was time to skip the pleasantries and get down to business. Find out exactly what Gabrielle Burton was made of.

“Well, I’ve worked on numerous L’Oréal fragrances, and recently we’ve been working on some new skin-firming crèmes.”

“Tell me more,” Shane urged.

For the next hour, Shane grilled Gabrielle about her work in the lab. When he was done, he was impressed with her credentials, but he wasn’t about to tell her that, at least not yet. Gabrielle was competitive and would be eager to prove her worth.

Kayla watched Shane and couldn’t believe how hard her brother was being on Gabrielle. She had never seen him behave this way toward a woman. Usually Shane was such a smooth talker that women melted around him like butter. Gabrielle seemed immune to Shane.

“One final question,” Shane said. “Do you really feel confident working in cosmetics even though your primary focus was fragrance?”

“I am a qualified chemist,” Gabrielle stated. She resented that Shane was implying otherwise. “And I am confident that I can work on cosmetics or fragrances.”

“That’s good to know.” Shane’s gaze focused on Gabrielle. “Because this company means everything to me, and I will not settle for mediocrity.”

“Wow!” Ethan looked down at his watch. “Look at the time. I have to get to another meeting. Ms. Burton, we’re delighted to have met you and will be making our final decision within the next few days. We’ll be in touch.”

“Thank you, Mr. Graham.” Gabrielle rose from the table and shook his hand. “Mrs. Graham.” She snapped up her portfolio before turning to Shane. “Mr. Adams.” She called him by his formal name. “It was a pleasure to get reacquainted with you, and I do so hope for the opportunity to work with you.”

Shane smiled and nodded. He just bet she did.

Once Gabrielle had gone, Kayla turned to Shane. “Was that really necessary?”

“What?” Shane asked.

“You cross-examined her as if she was on the witness stand,” Kayla responded. “You know as well as I do that Gabrielle Burton is more than qualified for this job.”

“I had to be sure she wanted the position,” Shane replied. “And if she was willing to fight for it.”

“And I assume you got your answer?” Ethan asked.

“She will do.” Shane closed the folder holding her resume.

“Then why don’t you tell her she got the position?”

“We are not interviewing anyone else?” Shane asked, slapping down the folder on the table. “I should have known this was a done deal with you and Ethan, because you always have to have your way.”

“That’s not true.” Kayla leaped to defend her husband.

“Shane, you know this was merely a formality to get your stamp of approval, which she has. You yourself said she’s qualified for the position. So go give her the good news, as she will be your employee.” Ethan rose from his chair because the discussion was over. “Kayla and I have other plans. My dear…” He turned to help his pregnant wife out of the seat. “Let us know a start date,” Ethan said over his shoulder on their way out.

Shane wrung his hands as he rode the hotel elevator up to Gabrielle Burton’s room. He could wring his brother-in-law’s neck for forcing him to have Gabrielle in his crosshairs every day. Gabrielle was competent and focused, but she was also very much by the numbers, and sometimes when it came to creating fragrances, an element of whimsy was required. He doubted Gabrielle had ever had a whimsical moment in her entire structured life.

He could have delivered the news over the telephone, but Shane preferred to take his hits like a man. Even more than that, he needed to make a few things clear to Gabrielle before she accepted the position. He didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings in the future.

He arrived at her hotel room shortly after 6:00 p.m., after he’d learned from Kayla’s assistant, Myra, where Gabrielle was staying. He knocked several times and was just about to leave when Gabrielle finally opened the door.

He must have awakened her, because for the first time he could remember, Gabrielle looked disheveled. Her normally perfect updo hung haphazardly over her shoulders, and the silk blouse she must have worn earlier underneath the hideous gray jacket was wrinkled. But her liquid brown eyes shone brightly, and that appealed to him.

“Shane!” Gabrielle immediately closed the door and leaned back to check herself in the foyer mirror.

“Ohmigod, I look a fright,” Gabrielle said aloud. “Uh…I’ll be right with you,” she yelled through the door and rushed to the bathroom to find her brush and repair the damage from her afternoon nap. She was still getting accustomed to the time change and must have fallen asleep.

On the other side of the door, Shane chuckled. Gabrielle Burton not perfectly in control at all times? Heaven forbid!

When she was satisfied with the results of her impromptu hair fix and quick lip-gloss application, Gabrielle opened the door. She found Shane leaning against a pillar, looking as cool and handsome as he pleased. His hazel eyes were lit from within with a golden glow.

“Sorry for the delay. Please do come in,” Gabrielle said formally.

“If now isn’t a good time I can always come back,” Shane said, smiling as he stood up straight.

“No…no, now is fine.” Gabrielle motioned for him to come inside. “My apologies… I took a nap. I’m still trying to get on East Coast time.”

Once inside the hotel room, Shane’s male energy dominated the small living area, and she found it disconcerting. She watched him assess the suite before turning his eyes back on her.

He had a way of sizing her up that Gabrielle wasn’t quite sure what to make of. “So, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?” Gabrielle folded her arms across her chest as a defense. “I’m sure it’s not to catch up on old times.”

Shane’s eyes pierced hers. “And if it were?”

“Well, we were never really friends in perfumery school, now were we?” she muttered hastily.

“So we were enemies?”

Color flushed Gabrielle’s cheeks. “I…I wouldn’t say enemies, that’s quite indelicate. I would say more like rivals.”

“Hmm…” Shane mulled her comment over in his head. “And do you think you can work under me, your former rival?” He doubted she wanted to be under him for any reason.

“If that’s what the job entails, but I had more hoped it would be a collaborative effort, given my background and experience.”

At this, Shane’s face turned as hard as stone. “Make no mistake, I run the lab.”

Gabrielle sucked in a deep breath, as she’d obviously hit a nerve. She didn’t want ego to get in the way of her getting this position, so she said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to infer otherwise. I just assumed we would work very closely on projects together, but ultimately you would have the final say.”

“That’s correct,” Shane said coldly. “An Adams will always run Adams Cosmetics. If you are clear with those terms, then the job is yours.”

A smile spread across Gabrielle’s face. The news was music to her ears. She was ready to come home. “Thank you so much.” She offered her hand to Shane. He stared at her small, delicate hand for several moments, as if he wasn’t quite sure what he’d signed up for, before he finally shook it.

A strange electric sensation pulsed ever so briefly between them at the touch of their palms, but then it was over just as quickly as it had begun, making Gabrielle think she’d imagined the connection.

“Welcome aboard, Gabby Burton,” Shane returned. He offered her a forgiving smile with no trace of his former animosity.

“Will I see you bright and early on Monday at the lab?”

“Absolutely.”

Chapter 2

Gabrielle dressed with care on Monday morning as she prepared for her first day at Adams Cosmetics. She pulled her hair into an unsophisticated ponytail and donned a charcoal designer pantsuit. Because the science lab was a male-dominated place, Gabrielle wanted Shane to view her as a serious chemist. If she showed more skin or dressed to gain their attention, they might view her as inferior. But Gabrielle was determined to command Shane’s respect.

She had a few last-minute jitters, but it wasn’t because of her laboratory experience. She was more comfortable there than anyplace else. She was just anxious because Shane Adams had already made it clear that the lab was his domain and that he was merely tolerating her presence, much like a child who should be seen and not heard.

It didn’t help that he was sinfully gorgeous. She’d acted as if she hadn’t noticed with Mariah, but the truth of the matter was that she’d always known Shane Adams was attractive. It was hard not to notice him. He oozed masculinity from his every pore. Add the sexy eyes and a body for lovemaking, and any woman would be powerless to resist his charm. Except her.

Why? Because even though he was attractive, he was still the arrogant, cocky ladies’ man she remembered from school. Back then, Shane had to have a woman on his arm, and even though he didn’t go through women once a week as some playboys would, after several months he always seemed to tire of them, and it was on to the next.

What surprised Gabrielle the most was that after it was over, the women never spoke ill of Shane. They always praised him for respecting them and treating them well. They even said he was the most romantic man they’d ever met. How could they be so naive? Why would they date a man knowing he offered them nothing but a temporary good time? Once he’d gotten what he wanted and had his fill, the door revolved and another woman was in play.

It boggled Gabrielle’s mind, and so as she walked into the laboratory that morning, she resolved that despite Shane’s good looks and obvious charm, she would not be taken in by him.

Gabrielle tore through the double doors of the laboratory with gusto and stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Shane leaning over the counter smelling several vials. From her vantage point, she could see he had a well-defined behind. Resisting his charm was going to be easier said than done.

“So glad you could make it, Ms. Burton,” Shane said, standing upright.

Gabrielle glanced down at her watch. Was she late? He did say 8:00 a.m.? “Did I miss something?” But when she looked around, she saw that several employees were already milling about in lab coats.

“No,” Shane replied, walking over to the other vials he’d been working on. “But if you want to hang with this crew, you’re going to have to get here earlier, my dear.”

Gabrielle rolled her eyes upward. She hated the condescending tone in Shane’s voice, but it was her first day and she didn’t want to get on his bad side. “I will be sure to remember that.” She walked closer to him until they were nearly inches apart. Being this close to Shane allowed her to smell his aftershave, which was sharp and kind of spicy. It tantalized her senses and sent shivers up and down her spine. “What are you working on?”

Shane’s body instantly became alert at Gabrielle’s nearness, and he stiffened. “I’m working on a couple of different scents that might work for the new fragrance.”

“Really.” Gabrielle walked around the counter and went to several vials containing essential oils and perfumer’s alcohol. “Hmm…not bad,” she said.

“I don’t recall asking for your opinion,” Shane replied to her lackluster response.

“And I wasn’t giving you one,” Gabrielle responded in turn. “I was merely commenting aloud.” She grasped a sheet of perfume paper and dipped it into one of the vials. She brought the paper to her nose and inhaled deeply. After several moments she smelled it again and was silent before saying, “Seems like you’re going for more of a citrus scent. Have you considered adding some spearmint?”

Shane’s forehead bunched into a frown. “No, I hadn’t thought of that.” And he hated that she had a point, as it would complement the current potion in the vial.

“And what are these?” Gabrielle motioned to several mockups for the skin-care line.

“Some preliminaries for a redesign of the current bottle to go along with a couple of new fragrances for the shower gels and lotions we’re developing.”

“So let me get this straight. You work on cosmetics, skin care and fragrances, and you only have four other employees?” Gabrielle asked.

Shane glared at her. “That’s right.”

“Well, no wonder you need me.” Gabrielle didn’t turn away from his stare. Instead, she gave him one of her own.

“I don’t need you,” Shane replied. “This lab has been working perfectly fine without you.”

“Mr. Graham didn’t think so.”

“Because Mr. Graham isn’t familiar with how the Adamses do business. We are a small family company.”

“That’s now a subsidiary of a major conglomerate like Graham International,” Gabrielle said. “You’re going to have to let go of the reins, Shane, if you want Adams Cosmetics to expand.”

“How insightful of you, Gabby,” Shane said, calling her by the nickname she hated. “Why don’t you go check in with HR on the third floor and complete your paperwork and be back here in, say, an hour?”

“All right.” Gabrielle gave Shane a halfhearted smile even though she’d rather strangle him. He was really only dismissing her because he hadn’t liked what she had to say. “I’ll see you shortly.”

The paperwork wouldn’t take Gabrielle long, but it would give Shane time to regain his composure. He wasn’t used to having someone question what he was doing or what he was working on, and he didn’t like it one bit. When he’d come up with a revolutionary skin-care cream seven years ago, Kayla had pretty much handed him the reins of the laboratory, and he’d never looked back. Some may have thought his sister crazy for handing over the laboratory to a twenty-five-year-old straight out of his apprenticeship, but Shane had had a vision even then, and he’d let no one deter him. So he certainly didn’t appreciate Ethan bringing an outsider into his domain.

He didn’t know what it was about Gabrielle that irked him so. Was it her perfectly coiffed hair? Or was it her smooth complexion free of makeup that bothered him? Or the fact that she dressed in black, browns and grays? Did the woman even own an item of color? Or perhaps it was the fact that she was the only woman on the planet who seemed immune to him.

In school, Gabrielle Burton had steered clear of him, which had only intrigued him more and made him curious to get under that layer of cool reserve. He’d watched her date Preston, a pretentious yuppie with a moneyed background who was clearly a boring dud. Yet, she’d acted as if he was the catch of the century, when in fact the relationship hadn’t lasted much longer than a few months. Perhaps she liked stuck-up men who wouldn’t know fun if it was staring them in the face.

Either way, Shane was not too happy about her presence, which is why he left his lab to go to Kayla’s office. He had a bone to pick with his traitorous sister.

“Hi, Myra.” He smiled at Kayla’s assistant before heading straight into his sister’s office.

Kayla was on the phone, but she waved him inside. Shane plopped down in the plush chair in front of her desk and glared at her.

Several minutes later, Kayla hung up the line. “So did you come in here to give me hell?”

“As you knew I would,” Shane returned. “How could you not have given me a heads-up on what you and Ethan were discussing? I’m your brother, for Christ’s sake!”

“Shane…” Kayla sighed. She knew her brother would be upset, but she’d hoped that once he’d had time to cool down he’d see the rationale behind their decision.

“Don’t ‘Shane’ me,” he responded, jumping to his feet. “You knew I wouldn’t be behind this—” he pointed to his sister “—so you and your hubby blindsided me. And I don’t appreciate it.”

Kayla took offense to Shane’s tone. She knew the family still didn’t completely trust Ethan, but she wouldn’t abide Shane bad-mouthing the father of her child. “We did what was best for this company, and you might do well to remember that.”

Shane’s eyes narrowed. “Are you pulling rank on me?” Although Kayla was president of Adams Cosmetics, he was vice president and they’d always shared the same vision of what was right, until now.

“Of course not.” Kayla sighed wearily and rubbed her belly. “But even you must see the logic.”

“I see my territory being intruded upon by an outsider.”

“Ah, now we get down to the heart of the matter,” Kayla said. “It’s not that we brought on some help. It’s who we hired.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Kayla smiled at her brother’s outright lie. He wouldn’t be in her office right now if Gabrielle Burton hadn’t rubbed him the wrong way. “What did she do?”

“She had the nerve to tell me what note to add into my fragrance. Can you believe that?” Shane asked.

Kayla chuckled. “She is there to help you.”

“I don’t need her help. I have been making fragrances long before she got here.”

“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!”