Page 27 of Degrees of Innocence
I finish my coffee and look at the time realizing I only have a short while to get ready before we are expected in the conference center. “I really should get back to my room and get ready for the day,” I say.
“I’ll walk you down.” As we get into the elevator, he takes my hand. “I really enjoyed last night, Katarina,” he says, turning me around to face him, pulling me close and gently kissing me before the elevator arrives at my floor.
“I’ll meet you in the conference room,” I say, and reach up to give him a kiss good-bye before pulling the door behind me. I dress quickly in a skirt, blouse, and heels, carefully selecting a sexy pair of panties that were part of Jenny’s selections on our recent shopping spree. I manage to fix my hair and arrive in the conference center with ten minutes to spare. Chase is busy working on his Mac while others are either getting breakfast or networking with each other. I have time to pour a quick cup of coffee before we begin the day.
The team starts to identify issues within the current healthcare model and the morning flies by. I give the team a fifteen-minute break and grab my phone as I head toward the bathroom. Swoosh…
Message:Nice job holding this group together! Inquiring minds want to know if you are wearing panties today.
I smile. He’s so fun to be around.
Reply: Wouldn’t you like to know!
Message:Such sass! Be careful, Katarina. I might feel the need to punish you.
Reply: That plan might end up backfiring, as I recall it ended pretty well for me!!!!
Message:Yes, we might have to look at alternative punishments for you.
I can feel my face flush even before I walk into the room and try to avert my gaze from his direction, but I can sense his eyes moving over my body, lingering and penetrating.
The group listens to several live video sessions from clinics who are trying to improve the way primary care is delivered and to a hospital team in Houston responsible for developing a new care model that is starting to see significant outcomes. It’s a long afternoon of sitting and I take a much-needed walk during the short afternoon break.
Swoosh…
Message:You look tired!
Reply:A little… I’ll catch a second wind. I just need a quick walk.
I look up and nod to the guy standing by the corridor window. He looks familiar, but I can’t quite place him.
Message:I need to video into a conference directly after the event. Dinner after that?
Reply: Sounds good.
Message:You’re going to be late.
Reply: Just around the corner.
I walk in just as he looks up and see his bright smile. I melt inside. I really like him, a lot. He’s hot, amazing in bed and so fun to be around.
The last item on the agenda is a video of patients who provide us with heartrending stories of gaps in care and service failures. The team is given a real glimpse of the general care from the patient’s perspective before we wrap up for the night. Chase has already left, presumably to sign onto his conference call, so I head back to the room to change into running gear.
Message:Dinner in town tonight?
Reply: Sounds good. Do I have time to get a run in?
Message:Sure. Text me when you’re back and ready.
Reply:Okay
The Aruban sun is hot and I am drenched in sweat as I finish my run and head into my room. I’ve barely gotten out of the shower when there is a knock on the door. I pull on my robe and wrap my hair in a towel to answer. When I open the door Chase is talking to someone on his cell and motions he will be one moment. I gesture for him to come in just as he’s disconnecting with the person on the phone.
“It’ll take me a little bit to get ready. Would you like a drink?” I ask.
“No, Katarina, unfortunately, I’m going to be detained this evening. Brian and I are working on a project overseas and we need to finalize some contract details. Given the time difference and all the stakeholders involved, we’re going to need to redline the contract and turn it around tonight. I was looking forward to spending the evening with you,” he says, pulling me into his arms.
I am surprised at how disappointed I am and try hard not to let it show. “I completely understand. I can get caught up on some other work tonight.”
