First Impressions (One-shot, Adam Carter/OC)

[blackpearl23456]

This is an Adam/OC one-shot dedicated to my friend WhiteDiamond

I hope you enjoy

First Impressions

Harry poked his head out of his office door, and, seeing Adam finish a conversation with Malcolm, called to him. “Adam, could I have a word please?”

“Sure.” Adam turned away from Malcolm and entered Harry’s office, sliding the door closed behind him. “What’s up?”

Harry gestured to the seat in front of his desk. “Have a seat.”

Adam sat down and leant back in the chair, hands resting absently on his lap.

“We have a newbie,” said Harry.

“A newbie? Who?”

Harry responded by handing Adam a file, which he quickly opened. The profile of a young woman stared out at him. “Danielle Steadman…” he read aloud.

“According to her trainers, she was adamant that she be called Dani.”

Adam suppressed a smirk. She was young, twenty-six in fact, tall and slender, with short brown hair and warm brown eyes that captivated him, even though he was only staring at a picture.

“Adam, are you okay?”

He realised that he had been looking intently at Dani’s profile for a while now. “Fine.”

Harry gave him a knowing look before continuing speaking. “She’s a specialist in physics and nuclear theory; she could be useful to have around.”

“I agree.” Adam tried to avoid eye-contact with his boss, already distinctly under the impression that Harry knew exactly what was going through his head.

“She’s downstairs waiting to be escorted up. Will you go and get her?”

As if he needed to be asked. “Of course.” He stood up and crossed the office to the door. Just as he had opened it, Harry spoke again.

“Oh, and Adam, try and keep the flirting to a minimum would you?”

Adam grinned.

*

“Dani Steadman?”

Dani looked up to see a man walking towards her across the entrance hall of Thames House. He was tall, about six foot two by her estimation, with dark blonde hair and gentle blue eyes. She stood up as he neared her.

“Yes, that’s me.”

The man extended his hand for hers and she shook it as he introduced himself. “I’m Adam Carter, your section chief.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise.” He flashed her a devilish grin that made her knees go weak. “Shall we go upstairs?”

Dani’s mind instantly started wandering if there would ever be another situation where he could say those words in an entirely different context. The thought made her heart race.

What the hell is wrong with me? I barely know this guy and I’m already thinking about bedding him. Jeez woman, snap out of it!

Pushing the thoughts out of her brain, she quickly agreed and let him lead her up the marble stairs to the top corridor.

“There’s quite a few names for you to remember, are you up for it?” Adam asked.

“Of course. And I suppose if I’m ever totally clueless as to who I’m talking to I can always come and find you,” she replied.

Adam laughed. “That is, unless you forget my name.”

“Oh, I doubt I could ever forget your name, Adam Carter.”

*

After introducing Dani to everyone on the Grid, Adam left her in the capable hands of Malcolm, whilst he went to talk to Harry. He was on the phone when Adam slid open the door, so he waited by the glass wall, looking out onto the Grid with his back to Harry until he had hung up.

“So, first impressions?”

Adam turned away from the scene of Dani laughing amiably with Jo and back to Harry.

“Judging by the look on your face that was a really stupid question.” Harry sighed. “Do I detect a certain amount of sexual tension radiating from you, Adam?”

Adam remained silent, refusing to admit to Harry that some part of him was stirred by Dani’s presence.

“Do you think you will be able to work well with her?” continued Harry.

“Oh yes,” Adam said. “Very well indeed…”