A Different Kind of Love

By CR Delport

Lucy Campbell moves from Houston to Cincinnati to start a new job and a new life. Falling in love was never part of the plan, but from the moment she lays eyes on the handsome Paul Cunningham, she knows her plan has to change.

She has three problems though. Paul is her new senior manager. He has two children, and she has a secret that she is reluctant to share. As their relationship grows, she has to overcome her issues, but her secret threatens to destroy her new-found happiness. Will their love survive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: CR Delport
• Release date: Aug 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370488438

CR Delport

I am a South African born author. I am currently single and live in the lively town of Brakpan. Apart from my love for writing, I also play golf, love gardening and do loads and loads of fishing.

Book preview

For My Mom

Smiling down on me from Heaven

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A Different Kind of Love

By

CR Delport

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A Different Kind of Love

Copyright © 2016 by CR Delport

PUBLISHED BY:

CR Delport at Smashwords

Cover Art:

www.myebookcover.co.za

Chapter 1

Lucy Campbell fidgeted with the purse in her lap. She sat on the leather-upholstered chair in the luxurious foyer of the Cincinnati regional command centre of First Trust Savings and Loans. She watched as a steady stream of people walk into the big office building and enter through the turnstiles to start their work day.

It was her first day in a new job, and butterflies fluttered around in her stomach. Moments earlier she reported to the security station, and they informed her that Mr. Cunningham would be with her shortly.

After a ten minute wait, a tall, slim young man in his early twenties walked through the security turnstiles. He had a mop of wild curly brown hair, and was dressed in jeans and a blue, striped golf shirt.

Lucy Campbell? he asked.

Lucy hadn’t met her new boss yet, but thought he would be older, and better dressed. When she came for her interview a month earlier, she was informed that he was away on business and was interviewed by two people from human resources, and two managers from another department. She later found out that it was company policy to have two managers present at interviews.

She rose to her feet clutching her purse. Eh, Mr. Cunningham?

The young man laughed. I wish! No, I’m Peter Dunfield, one of the operators. Paul sent me down to fetch you. Did security issue you with a temporary pass?

Lucy nodded and held up the plastic access card.

The young man smiled and said, Follow me.

He showed her how to swipe at the turnstile and then swiped after her to authorize her entry. She pushed through and then followed Peter to a lift. They got off on the second floor, and he led her down a corridor.

They passed a round, glass-paneled room. Several flat screen televisions, used as monitors, lined the walls. The team leader at the back overlooked three rows of desks, with four people in each row.

This is where I work. We call it, The Fishbowl, Peter said with a proud smile.

Lucy smiled. An apt name for the room. The setup was familiar. She started her career as a mainframe operator in a similar environment.

Peter showed her to an office located next to the entrance to The Fishbowl. He glanced around the empty room. Paul must’ve stepped out for a second. You can wait here. I’m sure he’ll be with you in a moment.

With that, Peter swiped at the security booth and entered The Fishbowl. Lucy stepped into the office. Of all the offices of senior managers she had seen over the years that one was the smallest. A medium-sized oak desk stood in the middle of the room with a black leather chair behind it, and two plain office chairs in front for visitors.

An open, top-of-the-range laptop stood on the desk, but the screen was locked. On the right edge of the desk were three photo frames. The one contained a picture of two young children, a young girl of about eight, and a boy of five.The second frame had a picture of a man and woman with the same two children, but when the children were much younger. The third frame contained a picture of the man and woman on their wedding day.

Lucy took a closer look. Dressed in her wedding gown, the woman was a picture of elegant beauty. Her long, curly blonde hair was done in a stylish manner, and the complicated white dress fitted her like a glove.

The man was dressed in a black tuxedo with a matching bowtie. His thick eyebrows matched his short, black hair. Friendly brown eyes stared at her through the picture. The man’s square jaw made him look stubborn, but showed his authority. They were both handsome people, but together, they made a stunning couple.

Two minutes later, Paul Cunningham walked into his office carrying a mug of coffee. The moment she heard his footsteps, Lucy stood up from the visitor’s chair and swung around. He looked exactly like he did in the photograph. Only, he wore a pair of black pants with a light-blue shirt instead of the tuxedo. The shirt’s top button was unbuttoned, and he wore no tie.

Paul stopped in the doorway when he noticed the girl in his office. At six foot four, Paul was taller than most, but to his surprise, only a head taller than Lucy. Her slim body was toned and athletic and fit well into the black skirt and cream-colored top. Her light-brown hair hung straight down and touched her shoulders. A pair of anxious green eyes stared back at him.

He browsed through her file while he waited her arrival. She worked for six years at her previous company, and although her manager didn’t write a glowing review, he spoke of her hard work and dedication.

Good morning, Lucy. I’m Paul Cunningham, he said and shook her hand.

Good morning, Mr. Cunningham, Lucy returned the greeting.

He smiled. Call me, Paul. Our department is hard working, but I like to keep things informal.

Lucy nodded. He indicated the chair, and she took a seat. Paul Cunningham was a handsome man, and she had to concentrate hard to keep her composure in his presence.

Welcome to First Trust, Paul said. Your line manager is Julian de Lima, but he’s at a conference in New York and will only be back on Monday. I like to welcome all our new employees personally anyway.

He opened a drawer, pulled out a file, and laid it on the desk.He tapped it without opening the folder. It says here that you spent six years at your previous company. What brought you here?

Lucy frowned and her heart missed a beat. How much of her past was in that slim folder? Was the reason she left her previous company all in vain?

She took a firmer hold of the brown purse in her lap. As I said in my interview, I needed a change of scenery.

You’re a long way from Houston, Paul said.

Lucy let out a soft sigh. I hope it is far enough.

Are you a Cowboys fan? Paul asked.

Her mind raced. Why would he assume she liked sports? "Calm down, Lucy, she chided herself. You listed sports as one of your hobbies in your application, and he obviously read your file."

She shook her head. No, I’m a Ravens fan.

He smiled. I like you already.

Lucy cast her gaze to the left wall. A framed purple football jersey with the number 74, signed by Michael Oher, was mounted on the wall.

She smiled. You’re not a Bengals fan?

Just because I live in Cincinnati doesn’t mean I have to support the local team, Paul said.

Lucy tugged at her ear. That’s what I used to say in Houston. I bet you’re Mr. Popular around here during football season.

Paul laughed and shook his head. No, I’m not. Well, I’m sure you’ll fit in here.

He leaned forward and pushed a button on the phone on his desk.

Yes, Mr. Cunningham? a woman’s voice said over the intercom.

Suzanne, can you please send Henry to my office, Paul said.

A minute later, a short, stocky man in his early forties entered.

Paul stood up. Lucy, this is Henry Wells. He’ll be your team leader and will show you the ropes. He’s been with the company for twenty years and knows how everything works around here. Henry, let me introduce you to your new Production Support Analyst, Lucy Campbell. Please show her to her desk.

She shook hands with the man that barely came up to her shoulder and then followed him out of the office to her new desk.

Paul sat down and stared at the open doorway for a moment. It had been a while since a woman made him laugh like that. He turned his head and looked at the picture of his wife. He reached out and touched the glass.

It had been two years since Sharon passed away. The cancer that took her was aggressive and quick. She died two months after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. They were only married for nine years, and although they had a rocky relationship at times, he loved her, and she gave him two wonderful children.

Paul sighed and looked at the empty doorway. Ever since Sharon passed away, his friends had tried to set up him with dates, but he shied away, saying he was not ready. Even his daughter, now eight, encouraged him to look for a new wife.

Most of the women he met in his social circle he found shallow and pretentious. Sharon was like that too when they met, but his mother approved of the relationship, and both his parents pushed him to get married. Not only is she good looking, but well connected,his father said.

He was only eighteen when they got married, but due to his strict upbringing, was mature beyond his years.

Paul shook his head. If he ever got married again, it won’t be for another relationship of convenience. He wanted something more from a wife.

He wanted a friend. Someone he could enjoy life with and shared his children.Someone uncomplicated. Someone like Lucy.

The sudden thought shocked him back to reality. He jumped up from the chair, turned around, and stared through the window. He had a good view of the Cincinnati business district, but he didn’t see any of it.

What was he thinking? Lucy was his employee. He just met her and knew nothing about her, but there was no getting around it. The soft spoken woman with the captivating green eyes had left a lasting impression on him. He had a desire to get to know her better.

Paul, get a grip. She’s just another woman, he said to himself and slid into his seat behind the computer.

Down the hall, Henry led Lucy past a few cubicles to an open area that contained four desks that face each other.

Lucy, this is Leon Jenkins and Stuart Woods, Henry said, and introduced her to her new team members.

He showed her to her desk, and she took a seat. Apart from the desk-top computer with dual screens, the desk was empty.

Henry handed her an envelope. This contains your username and temporary password. You need to change your password at first login.

Lucy took the envelope and nodded.

Henry smiled. Let me show you around the place and introduce you to some people.

For Lucy, the next two weeks went by in a blur. She had to learn the production schedules and got acquainted with the company’s processes and procedures. She also learned that most of the office women formed a clique.

From the outside, they seemed like a bunch of snobs, so Lucy kept to herself. Apart from her conversations with her co-workers about work related matters, she didn’t speak to anybody.

She met her new line manager, Julian de Lima, the day after he returned from New York. He was not a friendly man. He instructed what he expected from her, and what criteria he would use to measure her performance. She made a mental note to stay out of his way, and not to do anything to give him cause to call her into his office again.

During that two week period, she ran into Paul only once. She was in the break room getting coffee when he walked in with his empty mug in hand.

Oh, hi, Lucy, he greeted.

She returned his smile. Good afternoon, Mr. eh … Paul.

He laughed at her slip. Just Paul is fine.

Lucy blushed and turned away.

Are you settling in okay? he asked.

Yes, thank you, she answered, and with a mumble about work, she disappeared around the corner to her desk.

Once seated, she pretended to work, but her heart was racing and she couldn’t think straight. Why did the man have such a nervous effect on her?

She learned about his deceased wife from an overheard conversation between two of her co-workers in the break room. Through their speculation about his love life, she deducted that he was still single and not in a relationship.

She caught movement out of the corner of her eye and noticed Paul walking in her direction. Lucy concentrated even harder on her computer monitor.

I think you forgot this, Paul said, and placed her cup of coffee on the table next to her.

In her haste to get away from him, she left her coffee behind.

Thank you, she said, her voice a whisper, but couldn’t stop the pink blush that crept across her cheeks.

You’re welcome, he answered and strolled down the aisle toward his office.

Wow, you’re lucky. The big boss never brings me coffee, Henry said from the desk opposite hers.

She jerked her head up to defend herself, but noticed the twinkle in his eyes. He was kidding.

She shrugged. I forgot my cup in the break room.

In the last two weeks, she learned that Henry Wells was a happily married man and father of three. He was loyal to the company, but his family always came first. Paul was right. Henry did know everything around the office.

He worked in just about every position at one point or another. One day Lucy asked him why he wasn’t a manager yet.

Henry shook his head. Managers in this company are married to their work. I rather spent time with my family.

After two weeks, Lucy resigned herself to the fact that she may never make a female friend at work. Then one day she sat in the pause area, sipping her coffee and nibbling on a bran muffin when a woman about her own age walked in.

She was almost as tall as Lucy, but had a fuller figure. Her long ash-blonde hair was tied in a pony-tail.

Hey, you must be the new girl I heard about. I’m Cheryl Branson. I work in the disaster recovery team. I was on leave and only returned today. Do you mind if I join you? she asked, but took a seat before Lucy could answer.

With you sitting here all by your lonesome, I take it you were not invited to the bitch-clique? Cheryl asked with a lowered voice and jutted a thumb in the direction of a group of women having a conversation around the photocopy machine.

Lucy laughed. No. I rather avoid them like the plague.

Cheryl nodded. Then you and I will get along just fine.

Lucy smiled and took a sip from her cup. She made her first friend at work.

Chapter 2

Lucy found that she had a lot in common with Cheryl Branson. They had the same sense of humor, and could laugh at jokes and funny moments that no one in the bitch-clique got, or understood.

Over the next few weeks, Lucy and Cheryl became good friends at work. Every day they spent their lunch break together. Sometimes they would share a muffin in the break room, and sometimes they would walk together to the nearby shopping mall. They kept their conversations light and laughed often.

One day, as they sat down, Cheryl looked at Lucy. You never speak about your love life?

Lucy choked on her ham and cheese sandwich. That’s because I don’t have one.

You’re kidding, Cheryl said, her voice filled with genuine surprise. A pretty young woman like you? Surely there must be a handsome man pining over you back in Houston?

Lucy paled and lowered her head.

Cheryl placed a hand on Lucy arm. Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.

Lucy shook her head. No, it’s fine. It’s just that, at my previous job, I wasn’t exactly Miss Popular, and had no social life.

She paused for a moment. I used to get along with most of my co-workers, but then something happened, or rather, they found out about something I did, and everything changed. From that day, everyone avoided me. Some of the guys made advances, but only for one reason, and love had nothing to do with it. They didn’t take rejection well, and soon some nasty rumors about me started doing the rounds. That’s when I decided to move to a new city to make a fresh start.

Cheryl’s eyes widened. Don’t tell me you’re gay! Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Lucy laughed. No. It’s nothing like that. Maybe one day I’ll tell you all about it.

Cheryl took a sip of her coffee and looked at Lucy over the rim of the cup. You know you can trust me.

Lucy nodded. I know, but it’s not that. I’m not ready to talk about it.

Well, whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here, Cheryl said. Besides, I think you just haven’t met the right guy yet.

Two women walked into the break room and looked down their noses at Lucy and Cheryl.

Sensing Lucy’s uneasiness, Cheryl changed the subject and talked about an upcoming weekend camping trip her husband had planned. Cheryl didn’t touch the subject again, knowing Lucy would talk about it when she was good and ready.

In that time, Lucy hadn’t seen much of Paul. One week he was away at a manager’s conference, and the rest of the time he avoided the break room when he knew Lucy was there.

Compared to his wife, and all the other women he dated, Lucy would be considered dull, but there was something about her he found fascinating. Whenever he saw her, his pulse quickened. The sudden unexplainable feelings scared him, and he thought the best way to deal with them, would be to avoid her.

They moved in different social circles, so it was not all that hard to do. The only place left to meet, was in the office space.

One afternoon, Lucy had to work late due to an emergency release that had to be implemented that evening. She had to make late changes to the production schedule. While she was busy typing away on the computer, the office started to empty as everyone left for home, until she was the only one left, apart from the operators on duty in The Fishbowl.

She pushed the enter button and sat back in her chair. Lucy yawned and stretched, and as she leaned backward, her stomach gave a loud growl. She looked around if anybody heard it and then reached for her purse.

Lucy pulled out her wallet, but there were only a couple one dollar bills left. It was two days before payday, and she was broke. Her parents didn’t agree with her move to Cincinnati, so she was determined to make it on her own.

She got a one-bedroom apartment in walking distance from the office, and although convenient, it was a little over her budget.

Lucy glanced at the computer screen. The compile would take another few minutes to complete. She grabbed her purse and hurried downstairs to the hotdog vendor on the opposite side of the street.

One with everything, Tony, she said to the vendor as she pulled the bills from her wallet.

He handed her the hotdog, and she rushed back to the office. She turned the corner to the entrance of their building and collided with a man. She bounced back and landed on the seat of her pants. To her horror, she stared at her dinner that spilled onto the sidewalk. She looked up and stared into Paul’s brown eyes.

Lucy? he said when he recognized her. Are you alright?

He stuck out a hand to help her up, but she ignored it and got to her feet. She bent down and picked her wallet and the spilt hotdog from the pavement.

Sorry, she mumbled. I was in a hurry.

She turned, dumped the hotdog in a trash bin, and headed for the doors. Tears of disappointment and embarrassment welled in her eyes.

Lucy, wait! Paul said, but she wanted to get away from him as quick as possible. Without looking back, she walked to the elevator and pressed the button. When she got back to her desk, she sank down in the chair.

Something dripped onto her arm. She reached into her purse, pulled out a white handkerchief with pink flowers, and wiped away the tears.

Are you okay? a voice asked next to her.

She looked up, and with horror in her face, Lucy realized that Paul had followed her. She stuffed the hanky back into her purse and jumped to her feet.

I’m fine. I didn’t get any sauce on you, did I? she asked.

Paul shook his head. "No, the sidewalk caught everything. I didn’t picture you