Page 8 of Degrees of Innocence
Miss Meilers,
I have been able to procure two representatives for the event. They will be arriving on Sunday night and staying in the Mayan Towers. Please let me know if you require anything, before the meeting.
Mark
Mark Powers, Project Coordinator
Martel and Sons Design
***
From:[email protected]
It appears they will be participating. Now can you stop working? If not, I will need to make good on my earlier threat.
C. H. Prestian
Chief Executive Officer, Owner
Prestian Corporation
I wonder if he is always such a controlling asshole. I decide not to respond to his email, besides, it’s a beautiful evening. The resort lights are starting to turn on as dusk arrives, and I can hear the faint sound of music in the distance. I quickly search my closet and choose a strappy sundress. It’s a simple little number, and it feels delightful to let myself be free of constraining undergarments. The blue color matches my eyes and is an excellent complement to my hair. I brush through the long coppery mane and admit defeat. It has a mind of its own, unruly as always, and curling at will. I apply a little face powder and lip gloss and I’m ready to go.
I can hear the music before I reach the bar. This time, it is full of people listening to a local reggae band. I take a sip of the strawberry daiquiri and lose myself in the soft and sultry tones of the music while watching the moving lights in the distance. I jump slightly at the feel of a hand on my shoulder and glance up to see Chase looking down at me.
“Good evening, Katarina. I’m glad you were able to put your work away for a short time,” he says. The twinkle in his eye and quirk of his lips makes it hard to tell if he’s mocking me or sincere.
“I finished that a little while ago.”
“It must have been quite an extensive analysis,” he says.
“It was. I’m preparing for a weeklong healthcare planning session,” I say, not sure why I feel the need to explain myself.
“That seems much more interesting than exploring the islands,” he says and his eyes are still alight with amusement.
I can feel the warmth on my cheeks. “It was very sweet of you to offer. I didn’t want to be a bother, and I never left my computer all day. I did take advantage of the fantastic weather and views from the balcony of my room, though.”
“It would hardly have been a bother, Katarina. The planning session is here on the island?” he asks, joining me at the table.
“Yes, the company that hired me is flying a design team in from the States. The island is breathtaking. I’m sure the group will love the surroundings this week,” I say.
“I couldn’t agree more. How is your drink?” he asks.
“It’s good. Although, I was going to order the wine we had yesterday, but couldn’t remember the name.”
“Well, that can be easily remedied. The bartender is at the other end right now. I’ll walk down,” he says, seeking out the attention of the server.I have a few moments to observe him unnoticed as he waits for our drinks. He is leaning casually against the bar in tan khakis, boat shoes and a polo that does nothing to conceal the shape of his small waist and broad shoulders.
I push what’s left of the daiquiri aside and take a sip of water before he returns with the wine. It is light and crisp like I remembered, with a mild sweet fruitiness. I let the flavor resonate before swallowing, enjoying the rich finish that I recalled from the night before. I’m aware he’s watching me intently, and I can feel the same warmth as yesterday rise to my cheeks.
