CHAPTER 9

The Lightman Group had secured exclusive contracts with several government agencies. Their work load was going to triple.

Cal was filled with pride and Gillian was equally happy that not only was his science finally being recognized but the influx of cash was going to go a long way towards paying off some debt and enabling them to hire more people.

It was late on a Wednesday night when Cal came into her office holding a bottle of wine in one hand and two glasses in the other.

Gillian smiled at him curiously. "What's this?"

Cal handed her the bottle. "This is a very expensive bottle of wine. It's a gift…from Bud Jackson."

Gillian's face showed her shock. "Bud Jackson sent YOU a gift."

"At's what I said," Cal answered as he set the glasses down then proceeded to open the bottle. "Fancy having a drink with me?"

Gillian gave a slight nod as she folded her arms in front of her. "That man hated you, he told me you were the most unprofessional person he ever dealt with!"

Cal shrugged as he handed her a glass. "At might be true but I just saved him fifteen million dollars so I'm thinking he got over it."

Gillian took the glass then leaned back in her seat and took a sip. "This is good!"

Cal grinned as he took a seat and just started to talk. The started out talking about their cases then they moved onto topic after topic just enjoying each others company. At some point, Gillian walked over to her closet and removed a grocery bag. She set it by her desk and grabbed a second bottle of wine and held it up for him to see.

Cal nodded as she handed it to him to open. Cal grinned, "You started drinking at work? Am I that hard to work with?"

"I bought it at lunch. Alec and I were supposed to have dinner tonight to celebrate his promotion. He called an hour ago and said he wasn't going to make it." She nodded at the bottle. "It won't be as good as the one we just drank and if you need to get home…"

Cal interrupted her. "Nope, Zoe took Emily shopping at the mall. Em just shot up in height like overnight and none of her clothes fit anymore, she looks like an orphan."

Gillian chuckled as he poured her another glass and they slipped right back to their easy conversation.

Four hours later, Cal's phone rang. Gillian gasped when she realized it was almost ten o'clock!

Cal answered. "Hello, Darling!"

"Where the hell are you?" Zoe's angry voice could be heard through the phone.

Cal made a face before he grabbed for a journal and opened it. "Foster and I are going over the books. With all the new contracts she feels we'll be able to hire some more people and give ourselves a little raise. Might help towards paying for all the clothes you just bought our daughter. How much damage did you do to the credit card?"

Zoe must have answered because Gillian heard Cal say. "Ouch that much aye? Well, I guess if she needs it…hey, we're finishing up here so I should be home in a little while…"

Gillian guessed Zoe said something racy because Cal's voice got low and seductive. "Oh, yeah? Well, I better get home quickly then."

Cal hung up then jumped to his feet. "I got to go, Foster, gather up your stuff and I'll walk you to your car."

Gillian glanced at the dirty glasses and empty bottles. "I just have to…"

Cal grabbed her hand. "Nope, come on, they'll still be here in the morning!"

"Cal, I can't let the staff see alcohol on my desk! What kind of a message would that send?!"

Cal rolled his eyes as he pointed at her door. "That's why they invented door locks! Let's go!"

Gillian frowned with indecision but reached for her purse and let him walk her to her car. "This was fun, Cal."

"At it was; you and me have become good friends, yeah?"

"Yep, best blokes!" Gillian giggled as she tried to mimic Cal's accent.

"At's pretty good…" Cal chuckled. "You okay to drive?"

"I'm fine…how are you?"

"Peachy…"

"Okay."

"Be careful, Foster."

"You too, goodnight, Cal."

"Later."