Page 11 of Degrees of Innocence
Ugh! Is this guy always so insufferable? Honestly, he can’t be serious! I still need to organize all of the exercises we’ll use during the event before tomorrow not to mention everything else.
From:[email protected]
Dear Mr. Prestian,
I still have preparation for Monday, among a multitude of other items. Please do NOT begin contract renegotiations when you see me online later!!
Kate,
Kate Meilers
Project Consultant
Torzial Consulting Firm
***
From:[email protected]
Are you always this tenacious? If so, this is going to be a very long project!!
C. H. Prestian
Chief Executive Officer, Owner
Prestian Corporation
***
Me, tenacious? This guy has got to be the most overbearing—Ahh—assholecomes to mind again. I chuckle to myself while glancing at the time on my computer. Shit, it’s almostten.I close the Mac and scurry for clothes, sliding into a long skirt, matching cami and sandals. As I head to the bathroom, I pull a large comb through my hair and decide to pull it back for the day, before carefully applying eyeliner and a little gloss for my lips.
CHAPTER FOUR
I open the door tofind Chase dressed in khaki shorts and a casual tan polo. I can’t help but admire the sturdy athletic build. I wonder what he does for exercise and quickly avert my eyes from his shoulders and chest. His eyes are alight with amusement. He can’t possibly know what I’m thinking… at least, I hope not.
“Good morning, Chase.”
“Katarina, you look beautiful today,” he says.
“Thank you,” I respond, feeling the rising blush on my cheeks.
“Are you ready?” he asks, eyes still not leaving mine. I nod, and it’s not long before I feel his hand on the small of my back, guiding me toward the Mayan Tower elevators. The resort is heavily lined with beautiful palm trees, which are swaying in the gentle breeze coming off the ocean.
“We’re taking the Jeep out, so I think you’ll be happy you’ve tied your hair back,” he says.
The valet pulls the Jeep into the loading area, and Chase helps me step into the passenger side before climbing into the driver’s seat and navigating his way through the island traffic.
“Aruba is on the continental shelf of South America. It’s one of three islands that comprise the sovereign island nations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We are actually only about twenty miles north of the coast of Venezuela,” Chase explains as he slows to show me some of the desert landscape.
“Really… I had no idea we were that close,” I reply, wishing I had researched the area a little more before arriving.
We approach the coast, and he pulls the Jeep to a stop in front of a large dock. A tall older gentleman with graying hair and worn jeans greets us as we approach.
“Welcome back, my friend,” he says with a broad grin.
