Reid: Vested Interest #4 Read online

  I felt about ten feet tall.

  “I could hook it all to your TV once you buy one.” I pointed to the empty space in her living room. “I could also set up a sweet system. You have lots of space.”

  “Oh, ah, I have something coming that will take up a lot of room.”

  “You do have some electronics?”

  “Um, no. I gave up. If I wanted to watch a movie, I usually went to Richard and Katy’s place.”

  “You’re pretty close to them?”

  “Yes. I miss them already.”

  I looked down as I spoke. “I’m glad you’re here, though.”

  She covered my hand with hers, squeezing it. “Thank you. I’m glad too.”

  Our gazes met, holding in silence.

  It was the perfect chance. I could ask her if she wanted me to take her around, show her Toronto. Spend some time getting to know me. But the words died before I could speak them. Then she glanced away, and the moment was gone.

  Clearing my throat, I picked up a cup, took off the lid, and sipped at the coffee. “Okay, we can figure something out.” I handed her the other cup. “Just tell me what you need.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Anytime.”

  I grabbed my messenger bag, a notebook, and a pen. “Can I take some measurements and look around?”

  “Yes.”

  A buzzer went off, and for the first time, I noticed the aroma in the kitchen.

  I inhaled deeply. “Do I smell peanut butter?”

  Becca smiled and slid a tray from the oven. “Cookies for when you’re done. To say thank you.”

  I eyed the tray, but she laughed, waving me away. “Too hot. Do your work, then you can eat them.”

  “Okay.”

  I returned to the living room. Becca was at the counter, tapping on her laptop. A plate of cookies sat beside her. I reached over, snagged one, and took a bite.

  “Oh God, these are amazing. Peanut butter is my favorite.”

  “Good.”

  I pulled out the other stool. “May I?”

  She laughed. “Of course.”

  She pushed a bottle of water my way. “Got everything you needed?”

  “Yeah. I’ll change the lock for the same kind we have in Ridge Towers. The camera is wireless. I’ll need to add the software to your laptop and phone for you. You can control it, look to see who is at your door, unlock it remotely. It’s a good lock too. You’ll be safe.”

  “Is that all it does?”

  “No, it has a lot of features. Maddox’s connects to his concierge desk, and he can talk to them directly, have deliveries sent straight up, check out visitors. I’ll set it up so you can use your phone to buzz people in from the front door.”

  She chuckled, reaching for a cookie. “I’ll never get off the sofa.”

  I snagged another cookie. “Once we figure out what you want, I can set up a bunch of features for your electronics and your music. Some wireless speakers would work well in here.”

  “That would be awesome, but I don’t want to take advantage.”

  I wanted her to take advantage. Especially of me. In every way possible. I cleared my throat and shifted on the stool. “Nope. I offered, and I meant it.”

  “Thank you, Reid.” She bit down on her cookie, a few crumbs sticking to her mouth. She swept her tongue over her bottom lip, and I had to bite back my groan.

  I wanted to kiss her.

  She tilted her head. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.” Desperate to change the subject, I waved toward the shelves. “Do I need to bring stuff over to hang those?”

  “I have a little toolbox my dad insisted I should own. There’s no drill though, and I’m not sure I have the things that hold them up.”

  “You mean anchors?”

  “Yes.”

  “I can bring those and a drill. And we’ll need a level. I have all that.”

  Or I would once I went to the hardware store.

  “Are you sure?”

  I bobbed my head in agreement. “Yep. When would you like me to hang them?”

  “Oh, whenever you have time.”

  “I can swing by on the weekend. Tomorrow works, if you’re free.”

  She frowned. “That’s two of your Saturdays I would be taking. You must have plans . . . with your girlfriend . . . ?” She let the words trail off, not meeting my eyes.

  “No. No girlfriend.”

  “Oh.” That was all she said, but I noticed the way her mouth curled at the corners, as if she was fighting a smile.

  “I-I won’t be interfering with your, ah, significant other coming to visit?” I asked, my throat dry.

  She met my gaze, shaking her head. “No. There isn’t one.”

  We both smiled, our eyes locking. Her gaze skittered away, the light flush appearing on her cheeks once more. I had to stop myself from reaching over to feel if her skin was warm.

  “So what do you have coming for this spot?” I asked, indicating the empty space behind me. “A dining room table or something?”

  She bit her lip, leaning her chin on the palm of her hand. “No, I’m good with the counter. I don’t do dinner parties.”

  “A new desk?”

  “No,” she repeated. “I use the space for exercise.”

  “Oh, like yoga?” I knew Cami, Emmy, and Dee had taken up yoga recently.

  She tilted her head, studying me as I took a large mouthful of my water.

  “No, I use a stripper pole.”

  My throat closed, mid-swallow.

  Until that very moment, I had no idea how far I could spray water.

  Apparently, it was really far.

  Reid

  I CHECKED THE contents of my bag, yanking the zipper shut. I had enough screws, nails, and anchors to hang the contents of a museum. My drill and level would be well used today. I glanced at my watch, wondering if eight a.m. was too early to show up at Becca’s apartment.

  After I had imitated a fountain the previous night, she had scrambled off the stool, grabbed a towel for me, and patted me on the back as I choked.

  “I’m so sorry,” she exclaimed. “I didn’t mean to!”

  I drew in some much-needed oxygen and mopped the counter in front of me. “No problem. I wasn’t expecting the joke. My bad.” I glanced at her. “Did I get you?”

  She shook her head, eyes dancing. “No.”

  “Good.”

  She shrugged. “Even if you had, it’s only water. What’s a little spit between friends?”

  Luckily, my bottle was only partway to my lips, or I would have choked again. I had to bite my tongue in order not to tell her I would like to trade spit with her. Instead, I cleared my throat and swallowed the last of my water. I slid off the stool, wiping my hand down my damp shirt.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow. What time is good?”

  “I’m here all day, so whenever.”

  I left before I could embarrass myself further. Her unexpected remark caused a flurry of images to go through my head. The vision of Becca on a stripper pole became a constant loop in my mind. I knew she had no idea her teasing would result in a barrage of fantasies starring her, but I couldn’t help it.

  Deciding it was too early, I tidied my small apartment. It wasn’t much, but it was close to the office, and when I rented it, it seemed like a palace. I had never had my own space before. Growing up in foster homes and ending up in prison pretty much guaranteed a lack of privacy.

  It was a simple, basic setup—one room, with a kitchen at one end, and a futon I used as both a couch and a bed at the other end. The bathroom was by the entrance door, and it held a toilet, sink, and shower. All old and chipped, but serviceable. The walls were plain beige, with only a couple of posters hung to break the monotony of the space.

  In the middle of the room, under the one window, was the desk I’d made from old cinder blocks I had dragged home and a heavy slab of wood. On either side were compact, heavy, steel shelves filled with computers and parts. My on
e extravagance, the TV, hung on the wall, and a nicer set of shelves held my comic books. I hadn’t been joking when I told Becca I loved them. They were something I longed for as a child, and now I could buy them. I’d added some shelves to the cupboard at the front, and it served as a dresser and a place for my coat. I rarely had visitors. I lived simply, and until today, it never mattered. But as I studied the space, I knew I didn’t want Becca to see it. She wouldn’t judge me, but it was lifeless—a spot I used to sleep and change.

  There was no doubt that I preferred my office at BAM. I was thrilled when I was given a chance with them. I had read about BAM in the paper, checked them out online, and one day, saw a listing on a jobsite for their IT department. I found the courage and took a resume to the office directly. Sandy had been at her desk, Aiden talking to her when I approached them. I waited until their conversation ceased, then asked politely if I could leave my resume with her.

  Aiden frowned. “There’s a website to file an application.”

  “I know. I did that as well. But I wanted to give you one in person.”

  He studied me. I knew who he was—I had seen his picture in the paper many times, and I’d followed the growth of their company while I was in prison. I held his gaze and was relieved when he extended his large hand.

  “I’ll take it.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Callaghan.”

  “You know my name?”

  “Of course. I’m sure you’ll check me out—I did the same so I would know who I’d be working for,” I replied with a grin, faking the cocky assurance.

  He chuckled. “Nice one, kid.”

  Sandy cursed as she tapped on her keyboard. “This is frozen again, Aiden. Every time I’m in this program, it happens.”

  He groaned. “I’ve done everything I can do. We’ll get a new machine.”

  The words were out before I could stop them. “It’s not the machine. Let me try.”

  I was sure he would refuse, but he stood back with a wave of his hand. I sat down, and in seconds, was into the system, scanning the files, and finding the problem. With a few strokes of the keys, I fixed it. Standing, I smiled. “Done. It should be fine now.”

  “What did you do?”

  “There’s a glitch I knew about. It’s common and simply needs an override. You shouldn’t have any more problems.”

  Aiden frowned. “My IT guys should have known that.”

  I shrugged. “It’s something I picked up online.”

  “Thank you, young man.” Sandy beamed at me.

  “Reid,” I said, extending my hand. “My name is Reid Matthews.”

  She shook my hand. “Well, Reid Matthews, I appreciate it. I’m Sandy, the real brains behind this operation.” She winked. “Now, I suggest you head down the street and get a haircut. You need to look good for your interview.”

  I blinked. “My interview?”

  She glanced at Aiden with a nod. “Tomorrow. Two o’clock. Right, Aiden?”

  He grinned. “Right.”

  And that was how it all started. I was nervous about the interview and wore my best clothes, which, in retrospect were not great, but they were all I had. I cut my hair myself since I didn’t have the money to have it done. I interviewed with Aiden, his questions direct and fast. I answered them all easily.

  He sat back, tapping my resume. “You certainly seem qualified.”

  “I am. I would do an excellent job for you.”

  “You haven’t worked much. The job you have is very limited for your obvious knowledge. It doesn’t play to your strengths.”

  I wanted to laugh. A repair guy in a questionable computer shop was hardly even a job. I could barely make ends meet. I worked as a bartender to help fill the gap, but I hated both jobs.

  “I know. I want to do more. If you give me the chance, I won’t let you down.”

  “You took a lot of your courses online. Can I ask why?”

  This was when every interview fell apart. I took in a deep breath. “Because I took them from prison.”

  He nodded, and I knew he had already discovered that information. He was simply checking to see if I was going to be honest. “What were you in prison for?”

  I was sure he knew that too, but I answered. “I went to jail because, allegedly, I stole fifteen million dollars from a bank.”

  His eyebrow quirked. “Allegedly?”

  “Look, Mr. Callaghan—”

  He held up his hand. “Aiden. I told you to call me Aiden. We aren’t formal at BAM.”

  It gave me hope that he hadn’t stood and ended the interview. That was what usually happened.

  “Okay, Aiden. I was young and stupid, and trying to prove myself. I spent a lot of time on the internet. I was checking out a problem for a friend, and I noticed something odd. After I did some checking and a bunch of tests, I went to the bank and told them about a hole I found in their online program and the fact that I had the solution. They laughed at me, which really wasn’t surprising since I was a kid. They refused to listen.”

  Aiden leaned forward, interested. “What did you do?”

  “I hacked in to their system and sucked fifteen million from them and put it in an account elsewhere—I never planned to keep it. I sat back and waited for them to come to me so I could show them how it happened and what they needed to do to stop it happening again. I planned to give the money back. As I said, I was young and stupid. I thought they would be thrilled at my ingenuity and offer me a job.”

  Aiden began to laugh. “That’s not what happened, I’m guessing.”

  “Nope. I was arrested on a bunch of cyber-based crime charges. They threw the book at me to set an example, and I spent four years in prison, finally getting out with good behavior.”

  “Did you return the money?”

  “Yes.”

  “That didn’t help?”

  “No.” I met his eyes. “I did my time. I learned my lesson. But no one will touch me.” I sucked in a long breath. “This is the first time I’ve made it past ‘I was in prison,’ to be honest.”

  Before he could say anything, I leaned forward, my hands locked in fists on the table. “I’m a hard worker, Aiden. I can overhaul your systems, make them tighter than Fort Knox. No one can out hack me. I was, am, one of the best, even if part of the terms of my release prevents me from active hacking. Plus, I can do anything with computers. Write any program you want. Rebuild and maintain the machines. Add all sorts of improvements and features. Keep you up to date and running faster than you ever dreamed. Anything to do with a computer, I’m your guy. I have tons of talent, and I just need a chance. Someone to give me one chance to prove myself.”

  I slumped back with a shake of my head. “That’s all I’m asking for. A chance.”

  He studied me, his fingers tapping the wooden table.

  “I’d do a good job for you. You wouldn’t be sorry.”

  “I need to think about it.”

  I nodded, defeated. At least he’d listened to me. That was more than I usually received. I stood and shook his hand. “Thanks.”

  At the door, I paused when he called my name. “Reid.”

  I looked back.

  “Come back tomorrow. One o’clock. I’m not promising anything, but I want you to meet Maddox.”

  It was all I could do not to launch myself at him and hug him. But I resisted.

  “One. I’ll be here.”

  I shook my head over my musings and glanced at the clock. It was a few minutes before nine. I almost sent Becca a text asking if she was ready for me, then cringed at my words and changed it to asking if it was a good time. Her reply was prompt.

  Can we make it ten?

  I replied with a fast yes.

  I poured another cup of coffee and returned to memory lane.

  Maddox Riley was quiet, observant, and somehow scarier than Aiden. His eyes saw everything; right down to the cheap pants I had purchased last night in order to look the part. I had persuaded the woman who ran the rooming house to let m
e use her iron, and I was at least wrinkle-free, but the shirt and pants I wore probably cost less than Maddox’s socks.

  Still, he was professional, kind, and surprisingly nonjudgmental, even though he made me nervous. I relaxed after a few minutes as he went over my resume the way Aiden had done. He rested his chin on his hand.

  “Aiden told me of your prison record.”

  “Yes. I don’t put it on my resume, but I don’t hide it either.”

  He nodded. “Aiden runs intense security checks. Best to be honest.” He sat back. “Why’d you do it?”

  I shrugged. “Young, stupid, and arrogant. I thought if they saw the problem with their own eyes, they would be impressed.” I laughed abruptly. “I didn’t consider the fact that they might think I was actually stealing their money. I left a trail so plain even an idiot could’ve followed it. I only wanted their attention.”

  “And you got it. But not in the way you hoped.”

  I nodded, unsure what to add.

  “How did you take courses in jail? I would have thought you’d be banned from computers.”

  “I was for the first while. But surprisingly, one of the bankers disagreed with the decision and came to my defense. He helped my lawyer get that removed as part of my rehabilitation. I was able to take courses and use the computer with supervision. He was fascinated by what I had done.”

  “Did you have ways to get around the supervision?”

  “Yes,” I replied honestly.

  “And did you?”

  “At times.”

  He tapped his cheek as he stared over my shoulder.

  “Why aren’t you working for him now?”

  I stroked the edge of the table, my voice quiet. “He died of a heart attack.”

  “Have you been involved in illegal activities since going to prison?”

  “No.”

  “Would you if given the opportunity?” Maddox’s gaze was intense.

  “Since I highly doubt BAM is involved in illegal shit, the answer is no,” I huffed. “I made a mistake, and I paid for it.” I leaned forward, suddenly pissed off with his question. “I was a kid. I fucked up. I paid the price. All I want is a chance to move on and put all that shit behind me. For one person to believe in me.” I tapped the table with my finger in fast jabs. “If you or Aiden needed me to do something, I would follow orders. If it were for the good of the company, I would do whatever I had to do. Would I do something to benefit myself? No. It was never about that. It was simply a bad decision.”