Head Over Heels. Gail Sattler

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СКАЧАТЬ in some of the older and more promising teens for summer relief work or other odd jobs at her company. More computers at the youth center meant that down the line she could bring in more experienced helpers—a definite bonus for her boss.

      She smiled. “That would be great.”

      “Think of this as my way of making things up to you.” Grant turned to Russ as he reached into his back pocket. “I think the first computer that we’ll replace will be yours.”

      Russ grinned in response. “I won’t argue with that. When I get back to work, I’ll make sure all my backups are current.”

      Grant froze, his hand resting on his pocket. “You’re not coming back to work anytime soon. You need some time off.”

      “I thought you came here to take me back to work, since I don’t have my car here.”

      “I came to check on you, then tomorrow I’ll return to drive you home—and leave you there.”

      “But what about that project?”

      The two men stared at each other as if she weren’t there, which she wished were true. She wanted Grant’s card, but she needed to get to her own job.

      Grant’s hand remained motionless on his back pocket as he spoke. “You’re my best employee, Russ, but you work too much. Everyone needs some time off, and you’re taking yours now.”

      “I can’t just sit at home and stare at the walls all day, knowing my work is piling up. I’ll go insane.”

      “Then, tell you what. If you’re really up to it, why don’t you help the nice young lady out at the youth center? Help her make room for the new computers—starting with yours.”

      “But…”

      Marielle had to interrupt. “Excuse me. I hate to be rude but I really have to get to work. If you can give me your card, I’ll call you later today.”

      “Of course. Sorry.” Grant pulled his wallet out, removed the card and handed it to her. “Call me anytime.”

      “I will. Thanks.”

      “Wait. You didn’t give me your card.”

      “I don’t have cards. But don’t worry, I’ll call you.”

      Marielle quickly left the room, but as she walked out she heard Grant say, “Marielle, huh? Interesting name.”

      Marielle’s feet skidded to a halt.

      “Yeah,” Russ replied. “It’s different.”

      “This is just like how she left yesterday.” A trace of laughter colored Grant’s voice. “Except you sure don’t look like our Cinderella’s Prince Charming with your face like that. Are you ever going to be handsome again?” Grant broke out into a full laugh.

      “Forget it,” Russ grumbled, with no trace of amusement in his voice. “I’m not her Prince Charming, and I’m not going to be her Prince Charming. I know what you’re thinking, and I’m not interested.”

      Marielle gulped air, along with a good portion of her pride, as she turned around and hurried out.

      While she definitely wasn’t looking for another Prince Charming, it hurt to be so easily brushed off. Again. Maybe Michael—the man she had thought was her Prince Charming—was right, and the problem really was her, after all.

      But this time, instead of dwelling over her hurt, Marielle chose to be happy that she was getting more computers for the youth center. That was all that mattered in her life right now. It might have been a rather unpleasant way to get them, but God had provided an opportunity to help a bunch of kids who needed more than their parents could give them in order to have a brighter future. It was her duty to follow through—whatever Prince Not-So-Charming felt about her.

      For now, she had more important things to do than worry about him.

      Chapter Three

      By the time Russ made it up the first flight of stairs on the way to his third-floor office he knew he’d made a mistake, but it was too late to turn back. Usually he enjoyed the exercise. Today, he would have given nearly anything for the choice of an elevator—something the older building where his office was located didn’t have. Every step up jarred his ribs, but if he took any more painkillers, he wouldn’t be able to think straight or drive safely.

      He told himself that he had a good reason for what he was doing. The sooner he could clear out his old computer, the sooner he could get a new one and get back to work. Even though it was midafternoon, that still gave him a couple of hours to catch up on what he’d missed with Tyler, his assistant, and then after everyone left, Russ would have the office to himself to work in peace and quiet. Then he didn’t have to worry that anyone would watch him suffer while he finished constructing the database and doing more work on the programming for Byron’s interactive Web site, which was his current project.

      He doubted he could ever repay his debt to Marielle, but now he had one more thing for which he owed her. First she had been responsible for saving his life, and now she was responsible for his getting a new computer.

      Russ didn’t like owing debts. He’d had enough of debts. The only debts he wanted to have were his mortgage and his car payments—manageable debts and nothing else.

      By the time his hand touched the doorknob to the main office on the third floor, his chest hurt so much he was dizzy. He wanted to walk into the office looking like he was fine and justified in coming back to work, so he leaned against the wall until he could regain his bearings and prepare himself to face his workmates.

      When he finally opened the door and entered the main office, everyone stopped their activity and stared at him. He smiled weakly as he walked past Brenda, the receptionist. She stood, and good manners dictated that he stop.

      “Russ? What are you doing here? How are you feeling?”

      Automatically he raised one hand to touch the bandage covering the bridge of his nose. He wrapped his other arm around his rib cage, just in case the support bandage covering his chest showed through his shirt. “I’m feeling better than I look. Where’s Grant?”

      “He’s in your office,” replied Tyler. “With someone.”

      “Good.” Grant was usually very prompt, and today was no exception. Already, Grant had the technician in there to discuss their needs for the new system.

      Recovered from the climb and full of ideas, Russ opened the door to his private office and stepped inside.

      “Hey, Grant! This is…” His smile faltered. “Marielle? What are you doing here?”

      She turned around and smiled so brightly she nearly glowed.

      “I was on my way to the youth center, so I thought I’d stop in and have a look at the computers.”

      He glanced around the room. “Where’s the tech?”

      Grant shook his head. “He was busy today. He’ll be here tomorrow morning. By the way, what are you doing here? I thought you СКАЧАТЬ