Whatever You Do Read online

  Whatever You Do

  Book 2 in the Try Again Series

  Copyright © Stephanie Smith 2014

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system without the written permission from the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes only.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Please note Stephanie Smith is an Australian author and some Australian English spelling and slang have been used in this book.

  The following story contains mature themes, strong language, and sexual situations. It is intended for adult readers.

  Editing by Lauren K McKellar

  www.laurenkmckellar.com

  Cover Art by Regina Wamba of Mae I Design and Photography

  www.maeidesign.com

  Interior Design by Stacey Blake of Champagne Formats

  www.thewineyreader.com/champagneformats

  ISBN: 978–0-9942427–1-6

  Other Books by Stephanie Smith

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Epilogue

  Thank you

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Other Books by Stephanie Smith

  Wherever You Will Go

  “You’re the boss, Brooke. You don’t need to run to Saxon with everything,” I laugh at her first day nerves. Although, I guess filling the shoes of your dead husband would be a hard job to do.

  “I guess you’re right.” She sighs, releasing the hair she’d been twirling around her finger. “I just feel like he knows what’s best. What will I do when he leaves?” Saxon was Nate’s best friend. They had grown up together, from what I knew, and Saxon had helped Nate start the business.

  “You’ll be fine. Saxon won’t leave until you’re ready, I’m sure. That’s if he does ever leave,” I say, serious. Brooke had convinced herself that Saxon couldn’t wait to leave Argo and move onto bigger and better things, guilting herself into thinking that he was only here because she had been at home in the pits of depression for the past three months.

  “Trust me; he would’ve already left if it weren’t for me.” I had no doubt that she was right, but not for the reasons she thought.

  “I have no doubt you’re the reason he’s here.”

  Brooke’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but before she is able to question me, the ping of the elevator doors sliding open interrupts us and the hottest guy I have ever seen stands in the opening.

  He stills for a split second before his lips lift into a cocky grin and he saunters to my desk, throwing two bags of takeaway onto the high bench-top. He places his arms onto it and leaning forward, gives me a confident smile.

  “Okay, I’ll take these.” I faintly acknowledge Brooke as she grabs the takeaway bags and leaves the foyer to head back to the staff cubicles and office area.

  I take no shame in running my gaze over all the parts of him I can see above my high desktop. Firm, tanned arms covered in colourful tattoos rest in front of a strong chest, covered in a tight black polo with Emilio’s emblem on the pocket.

  I subconsciously push my chest forward, hoping to accentuate my small breasts, and follow his gaze as it slides southward.

  “Where’s Bobby?” The voice belonging to the beautiful woman in front of me pulls my gaze back to her perfect face as she asks after the young boy who normally delivers their lunch orders. Her creamy skin and full lips have rendered me speechless for a moment and I don’t answer her straight away.

  When the elevator doors slid open and I caught sight of the little raven-haired beauty peeking over the bench-top, her warm eyes had stopped me in my tracks. She has a dark look about her with her short hair, deep brown eyes, and smoky eye make-up, but something about her screams light, something shining through those sparkling eyes. Sunshine. She radiates it. Radiates happiness like a daisy.

  “He’s away. I’m filling in,” I tell her, unable to think about giving her any more information. The fact that Bobby is unwell completely escapes my mind as I’m caught in her beauty.

  “If you’re just filling in, what is it you usually do at the café?” She raises her eyebrows causing me to smile.

  “Oh, you know. A little of this and that.”

  “Harper. Harper.” Our attention is drawn to a tall guy standing by the edge of the desk, his frustration and annoyance coming off him in waves. How long has he been standing there, trying to get her attention while we gaze at each other like idiots?

  We continue to stare at him, not responding at all. Shaking his head, he storms out of the foyer. Harper doesn’t even seem bothered as she shrugs and turns back to me. “Harper,” I whisper and love how it sounds rolling off my tongue.

  “Excuse me?” She frowns.

  “Harper. What a perfect name for such a beautiful woman.” I grin and lean further over the counter.

  Harper giggles like a schoolgirl, and I’m glad to see my usual charm is not lost on her.

  “Well, hopefully Bobby’s recovery takes longer than expected and I get to see you again.” I wink at her.

  A huge smile fills her face and sunlight and luminosity shine from her once more before I turn and make my way to the elevators.

  All I can think about for the rest of the day is that light. The air of sunshine that glows from her. I was instantly drawn to it, not having had light like that in my life for a long time.

  Bright, just like a daisy. Yeah, she’s a fucking daisy, all right.

  “You’re firing me?” The blood rushes in my ears, and even though I see his mouth moving, see his hand gesturing towards the paperwork in front of him, I hear nothing. I’m getting fired.

  I’m sitting in the conference room at Argo Investments; the new owner sits directly in front of me, his CFO to his left, and the HR manager to his right. They are throwing words at me I barely recognise and definitely don’t understand. Redundancy, dismissal, severance. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m stupid or because I still haven’t returned full
y to earth.

  I vaguely distinguish the words, ‘walk you out,’ as Mr. Latham gestures to Sue, the HR manager. She stands and I imitate her actions, mindlessly following her out of the conference room and back to my reception desk. The desk I have occupied for the past four years. The desk I had loved until six months ago when the company was sold.

  Sinking into my chair, I stare at the blank computer screen. I hadn’t even turned it on this morning before being called into the conference room. A cardboard box banging on top of the desk in front of me breaks my state of confusion. I look up to meet Sue’s gaze. Her face is hard as she looks at me in displeasure.

  “You need to pack your desk up so I can walk you out, Miss Lindell.”

  Six months. Six months of constantly hearing Harper do this, Harper do that, Harper get me a coffee, and now it’s Miss Lindell.

  I begin throwing random things into the cardboard box, emptying my drawer of any personal items as Sue stands over me like a jail warden.

  Feeling more like myself, I turn to glare at her. “Do you need to watch over me like that? What . . . are you worried I’m going to steal some stationary?”

  Sue doesn’t respond. She doesn’t even blink as she stares at me with a callous expression on her face. It seems ever since it was made known I’m a friend to Brooke and Saxon, the previous owners, this treatment has become the norm from the big bosses.

  Ignoring her, I finish packing up the last few items I have and turn to make my way to the elevator with Sue following closely behind.

  Before I pass the desk, I spin around and pick up the pen and accessories holder, tipping all of its contents of pens, scissors, highlighters, paper clips and rubber bands into the box before placing the holder back on the desk. Turning to leave, I hold my head high and don’t meet Sue’s eyes as I pass her.

  The elevator ride is full of awkward silence as my mind plays over the events of the morning. I’ve been fired. I can barely believe it. I don’t think it has quite sunk in.

  Carrying my box of belongings, I stalk out of the elevator, hearing Sue hit the button to hold the doors open. Is she really going to watch me the whole time to make sure I exit the building? God, what does she think I am going to do?

  Reaching the large lobby glass doors, I pause briefly and throw Sue the bird over my shoulder. Her gasp trails behind me, and it gives me a small moment of satisfaction. No matter how immature or short-lived it is.

  Stepping out of the building, I take in a deep lungful of the fresh air. Looking down the street, left then right, I stand unmoving. I’m lost. What do I do now? Do I just go home?

  Without thinking, I wave a taxi over, open the door, and sit inside. I place my box of belongings on the seat beside me, holding the miniscule possessions that I have accrued over the years I have worked at Argo Investments. I give the taxi driver the address and thank God my boyfriend happens to have today off work.

  I met Aiden nearly a year ago at a club downtown on a girls’ night out. I was still getting over my previous boyfriend, John, of two years, who had cheated on me and wasn’t looking for anything serious. Aiden was sweet and had said and done all the right things, and we’ve been dating for several months now.

  Leaning my head back on the seat, I close my eyes and go over this morning’s events again. Events? Or sequence of disastrous occurrences? Fired. I’ve been fired. I have nowhere to go tomorrow. Nothing to wake up for. What am I going to do now?

  A short trip later, the taxi pulls up in front of Aiden’s apartment. I throw some small change at the driver, causing him to grunt at the minimum tip. Dude, I’m unemployed now. In hindsight, I probably should’ve walked here. A receptionist’s pay isn’t great, and choosing to live in the city means my rent is sky-high. All this has caused me to live week-by-week since moving here.

  Stepping out of the cab, I pull my box across the backseat and lift it out. The taxi driver steps on the gas and speeds off before I have a good grip on my belongings. My cardboard box full of small memories and stolen stationary is now scattered all over the road as I yell, “Hey!” and give the taxi driver the bird as well. Well, that’s two for today. Wonder how many more I can fit in before night falls?

  Getting on my hands and knees, I try to scrape up all my items, down to every last rubber band and paperclip. That’ll teach me for stealing. I can hear my mum’s voice now.

  Lifting my box, I head into Aiden’s apartment building. When I get to the elevator, there is a large sign on the doors that reads ‘out of order.’ Awesome. Today is just not my day.

  Heading towards the stairwell entry, I push open the door, thanking God I only have to lug this box up to the third floor.

  Regardless, when I reach the landing, I am huffing and puffing like I’ve run a marathon.

  Dropping my belongings down by Aiden’s door, I lift the floor mat, looking for the spare key. It’s not there, which is weird, yet I try the door anyway. When it pushes open, I enter and lock it behind me.

  The apartment is quiet, except for music coming from Aiden’s bedroom. He said yesterday he was feeling like he might be coming down with something so maybe he’s in bed.

  Heading straight for the bedroom, I focus on the sounds other than the music. Voices. Not one, but two. A banging sound. Are those springs? No way.

  I throw the door open, knowing exactly what I am walking in on, yet having the overpowering need to see it for myself.

  “You’ve got to be fucking shitting me?”

  Aiden turns to look at me as he slams Tits McGee from behind.

  “Harper. What the fuck are you doing?” His voice is tense and I’m not sure if it’s from the shock of my arrival or his aroused state. Either way, he doesn’t miss a beat. Doesn’t stop thrusting for even a second.

  “What am I doing?” I shout. “What in the hell are you doing?”

  Of course this is happening again. I should’ve expected it. After all, this is how every relationship of mine has ended since I started dating at sixteen. I shake my head as I stand in the doorway, Aiden still thrusting strong. The anger builds and overtakes me as I grab a bottle of cologne sitting on his dresser and pitch it at his head.

  I don’t stay to see what happens next, but I hear Aiden yell, “shit,” as heavy feet thud on the floor, and I assume my missile made contact. I’m quick to leave, shouting all kinds of expletives, some I don’t even recognise as I run out of the apartment, retrieving my box from the front door and making my way to the elevator.

  “Harper,” Aiden calls, his footsteps pounding behind me. Opening the stairwell door, I throw him the bird over my shoulder, slamming the door shut behind me. Wow, turns out I did have more of those to give.

  The silence in the stairwell is deafening and humiliation fills me. I take my time going down the stairs, knowing he isn’t going to follow. He won’t be chasing me, and it’s not only because he is still probably naked, but also because deep down I know he just doesn’t care.

  Exiting the building, I stop dead in my tracks. People lining the busy street curse me for blocking the walkway yet I don’t even care. Looking up, I let the sun warm my face as I bite my bottom lip, trying to hold the tears back, and it occurs to me I’m more upset about the embarrassment of it all than losing Aiden.

  Not wanting to head home just yet to dwell on this all alone, I make my way down the sidewalk and head towards Brooke’s art gallery.

  Six months ago, Argo had been sold. The previous owner, my friend Brooke, took over the company after her husband was killed in a car accident. She ended up falling in love with her husband’s best friend and business partner, Saxon. After much guilt and drama, she decided to sell the business and now owns a beautiful boutique art gallery in a hip district downtown.

  The art gallery isn’t far from Argo or Aiden’s apartment, so I decide to walk. Maybe clear my head and pull myself together a bit before I get there.

  Upon entering, the first person I see is Ruth. Ruth is Saxon’s old personal assistant who left Argo
to come and work with them at the gallery.

  “Harper. Hello darling, how are you?” Ruth blinks in surprise.

  “Hi Ruth, I’m good. Is Brooke around?” I try for a fake smile.

  Ruth frowns. “Sure, sweetie, she is in the office with Saxon.” She nods towards the hallway leading to the back offices.

  I give her a small smile as I come around her desk to give her a hug. She squeezes me tight and gives me a light kiss on the cheek.

  Heading down the hallway, laughter reaches my ears as I approach the open office door and knock lightly on the frame. Brooke and Saxon both turn with wide grins on their faces, Brooke still giggling.

  It’s great to see them so happy together, and normally I love seeing them like this, but today the sight of a perfectly functional couple sends a stabbing pain to my gut.

  “Harper. What are you doing here?” Brooke tilts her head and narrows her eyes at me.

  “I just found Aiden cheating on me,” I blurt out.

  Silence fills the room as Brooke and Saxon stare open-mouthed at me before Saxon clears his throat, standing from his chair. “I might go give Henry a call about those figures.”

  Brooke nods solemnly as Saxon gives her a kiss on the forehead and then gives my shoulder a squeeze as he passes me to leave the office. I don’t waste a second before I go and throw myself into the office chair he’s just vacated.

  “What in the hell happened?” Brooke asks.

  Closing my eyes, I lean my head back, trying to put everything together so I can tell her.

  I look up, meeting her concerned gaze. “I caught Aiden cheating. Literally caught him. Butt naked, banging some chick from behind.”

  Brooke’s eyes are wide, her mouth hanging open. “Oh my God, Harper, I can’t believe it.”

  “Well, believe it. I shouldn’t even be surprised.”

  “Did he try to explain? Maybe it wasn’t what you thought?”

  I raise my eyebrows at her. My sweet friend, always trying to find the good in everyone and every situation.

  “Brooke, I saw him. Caught him red-handed. Or boob-handed.” I smirk. “It wasn’t something I could misconstrue.”