Distorted (Laura Dunaway) - By Laura Dunaway Page 0,1

through my long blonde hair and took some calming breaths; I was a little nervous to go into the big room off of the stage and talk to him. I didn’t think I’d ever get used to working for such a big company, and such a well known boss.

I headed to the elevator where I encountered others who were coming out of the auditorium. From what I could hear, everyone was raving about Paul’s speech and what a generous man he was. I smiled as I listened to all of the compliments, not being able to help the surge of pride I felt for him.

I finally reached the bottom level and headed toward the room behind the stage. Pulling the door open, I see my favorite security guard, Doyle. He smiled at me as I passed him and I waved. It was obvious where Paul was by the crowd at the back, so I headed that way. I instantly spotted him smiling and shaking hands with a handsome older gentleman. It was easy to tell by their laughter and the warmth in their eyes that whatever it was they were talking about, it was good.

As I started to walk closer to him, I was stopped by an evil stare. Her evil stare. I smiled and waved to her, but continued on toward him. It was obvious she didn’t like me and I didn’t know why. I had never once acted on my love for her boyfriend and Paul had never made me feel that I was anything more to him than his friend and assistant.

He saw me approach and his eyes brightened as he drew me into a quick hug. “Aly,” he said as his arms went around my waist. He picked me up a little, then set me back down with a laugh.

“Congratulations! I knew you could do it,” I told him, smiling up into his warm eyes.

“I’m glad you have so much faith in me. It means a lot,” he told me.

“Of course. I always have.”

I couldn’t help but continually be dazzled by this man and I knew that it would never change, no matter what happened. The thought of quitting my job and never seeing him again was too much to bear, so I made the choice to torture myself by being around this beautiful man, this man who would never love me as more than his friend.

As I was about to ask him his thoughts on something he’d mentioned in his speech, she waltzed her way up to us and immediately pulled him in for a kiss. Standing there, I knew she’d done that for my benefit, so I did not let my discomfort show one bit. I had plenty of practice in hiding my feelings and not even the likes of Ms. Casey Hammond was going to unravel me.

“Fabulous job, darling,” she told him when she finally released his lips. “I knew you would do it. I’m very proud of you.” Turning her head towards me, she gave me an icy smile. “And I know you are a part of this too, Aly. Congratulations to you, as well.”

You could have blown me over with a feather at her words.

Was this Casey Hammond, girlfriend of Paul Pierce, the woman who intentionally makes my life a living hell by repeatedly assuring me the man I love will never be mine?

While I shouldn’t have been shocked - she always put on a show in front of Paul - it still surprised me that she even acknowledged my part in the evening’s success. I’d better enjoy this moment while I had it because I knew it would be gone in a heartbeat.

“Thank you, Casey,” I said quietly.

“I am so happy, Case! This night has gone better than I ever could have imagined,” Paul said, wrapping his arm around her slim shoulders. Looking at me with a knowing glare, Casey brought her glass of champagne to her lips and snuggled closer into his broad chest.

I felt my heart sink. Feeling like an idiot continuing to stand there, I congratulated Paul once more and made an excuse that I was needed elsewhere. He gave me a kiss on my cheek, thanking me again. The spark I felt from his lips touching my skin was nothing I hadn’t felt before. This man could look at me funny and I’d still feel it throughout my body.

I didn’t miss the smirk on Casey’s face as I turned to leave. Feeling more dejected than I