Huffman - Ties That Bind

Ties That Bind

by: Heather Huffman

Smashwords Edition

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Ties That Bind

Copyright 2010 Heather Bodendieck

Cover Image Copyright 2010 Emily Stoltz

All rights reserved. Without limiting therights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publicationmay be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system,or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic,mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without theprior written permission of both the copyright owner and the abovepublisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters,places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of theauthor's imagination or are used fictitiously. The authoracknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of variousproducts referenced in this work of fiction, which have been usedwithout permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is notauthorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademarkowners.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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To my parents, Dwayne & Carol. There areno words to express how much I love you. Thank you for surroundingme with love and for molding me into the person I am today. Youshould be proud of the family youve created. We love you!

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In the thirty-two years Kate Yager had beenon this planet, she had never once met another person with quitethe same shade eyes as hers. Until now. Her tongue suddenly thick,she struggled to make a good first impression on her new boss.Somehow she managed to tell him she was pleased to meet him.Somehow she exchanged pleasantries about her move, her apartment,the weather, the office dcor. Somehow she managed to do all thiswithout telling him he was her father.

Have you met your team yet? A deep voicewith a perpetual smile asked.

I dont know, she answered truthfully.Shed met a dozen people this morning, but couldnt remember any ofthe names now. I am, however, well aware of the dangers ofclimbing file cabinets.

Are we still showing those? the smile inhis voice moved to his face, faltering for the briefest of momentswhen Kate smiled back. He abruptly dismissed whatever caused hisfeatures to cloud. HR says the safety videos are necessary,although Im not sure I believe them. Sorry about being tied up inmeetings all morning.

Thats okay, Kate looked closely at him,trying to learn the secrets not divulged by the pictures shedseen. She saw a strong man, obviously charismatic and confident.There was nothing in his sandy hair or muscular build that seemedto enlighten her, nothing familiar about his smile or voice.

Lets take you around to meet the girls anddrop your things at your desk, then well grab some lunch to talkabout the launch party.

Sounds like a plan, Kate was relieved tonot be eating lunch alone with Jack. She didnt want to mention hersuspicions until she was sure what to say and couldnt trustherself not to blurt out the wrong thing if they were alone.

Well, the whole team isnt here yet. Westill have one member missing. Gavin Nichols is our newphotographer. Hes flying in from London next week. Were reallyexcited to have him.

Is that so? she wondered what was specialabout Gavin.

Hes an amazing talent, Jack answered herunspoken question. Absolutely the best. Ive been trying toconvince him to join us since we decided to launch this division.Just look at this portfolio. Jack picked a packet up from the deskhe was passing and tossed it at Kate.

Then I cant wait to meet him, Kate agreedbefore opening the envelopes clasp. Once she did, she wasimmediately taken. Gavin Nichols was an artist.

In picture after picture, vibrant colordanced with light and shadow. Each picture told a story, capturedthe essence of the moment perfectly. Kate came to a stop at a blackand white of a little girl with her nose in a gerbera daisy. Long,sooty eyelashes brushed cherubim cheeks and Kates heart tripped anawkward beat. No matter how many years passed, it seemed littlegirls of a certain age always made a what if flit through hermind. Kate quickly replaced it with what is and handed the photosback with a smile.

If this is the new photographer, Im evenmore excited about this opportunity than I was before.

Wonderful, Jack beamed his approval andmotioned for Kate to follow him into a large office with a computerin each corner. This is your new home.

Kate! A young woman with honey hair and abright smile approached welcoming Kate as if the two were alreadythe best of friends. Im Jessica, this is Liz. Were so happyyoure here.

A dark-haired beauty with an equally kindsmile and the hint of a dimple joined the honey-haired angel, herown welcome equally friendly, if less emphatic. Kate felt likehiding behind Jack in the face of these two young beauties, keenlyaware of her plain wardrobe and her hair pulled back into apractical but boring ponytail. She withstood the temptation andinstead returned their smiles.

How long have you been with the SanFranciscan? she asked politely.

Since our internships, Jessica answered forboth of them.

We just love Jack too much to leave, Lizshrugged prettily.

Flatterer, he accused.

I started as a fact-checker, Jessicaadded.

And quickly moved up to features writer.Shes the best we have. Jacks voice practically radiated withpride. And Liz here is the best creative designer in all of SanFrancisco.

Just San Francisco? her blush belied thewords.

And now we have the best event planner onthe west coast, Jessica announced. Arent we quite the formidableteam?

Yes, quite Kate wasnt so sure shebelieved her own words, but Liz and Jessica so quickly swept herinto the welcoming arms of friendship, she didnt have time towallow in her faltering confidence. Kate didnt bother to analyzethe twinge she felt watching Jessica and Liz interact with Jack,but it felt a bit like jealousy.

Together, the four of them ambled down thestreet to a little coffee house to grab a sandwich before claiminga table on the sidewalk. It was a sunny afternoon and they wantedto soak up every minute possible. Plans for the upcoming divisionflowed freely and Kates tension slowly gave way to the encroachingexcitement.

And thats where events come in, Jackmotioned to Kate as the conversation came back around to her. Atleast once a quarter, well be the absolute very best San Franciscohas to offer.

Once a quarter? Had she really been payingthat little attention in her interview? Granted, it had been overthe phone, but she thought shed paid attention. How was she goingto pull off a major event four times a year with no real staff?Kate smiled back at him, hoping her sheer terror didnt show.

Any thoughts on the venue for the launchparty in September?

We can help you brainstorm when we get backto the office, Liz offered helpfully, sensing the panic she wastrying to hide.

Definitely, Jessica assured Kate.

Pressure forces creativity, she nodded withmore confidence than she felt.

Jack nodded with another charming smile andKate could easily see how her mother had fallen for him. What hadhappened between the two? Why had she never mentioned him? Had hebeat her, cheated on her, left her at the altar?

Somehow Kate couldnt picture any of thosescenarios. Or did she just want to like him? Should she even tellhim her suspicions until she knew more about him? Did he know hehad a daughter? Had he wanted her? What if announcing who she wascost her this job? Suddenly the thrill of the upcoming challengeoutweighed her desire for answers, so she shoved the questionsaside for later.