“We learn from the past to fix the present, don’t we?”
“Huh. So what are you learning?” I round the desk to take a peek at the notes he's making.
His handwriting is messy but familiar. I don’t pay too much attention, though, as I focus on the notes he’s taking.
“‘Cutting employees reduced productivity and affected income generation’.” I run a finger down the page, reading more of thenotes. By the time I’m done, I turn to see Chance watching me carefully.
His dark brown hair is mussed from a long work day and his eyes are lined. Even so, he looks so good my heart quickens.
I drop my gaze and my eyes snag on the undone buttons on his chest, showcasing smooth tan skin. Then lower to his rolled-up sleeves and corded forearms.
I swallow. “These are… interesting.” My voice is squeaky! Why is it squeaky?
If my boss notices, he doesn’t draw attention to it. “They are. It’s the trends that matter. The highs and lows of the Island’s businesses, the growth of its population, or the downturn of the same is traceable to policies my grandfather and father put in place.” He sighs and leans back, looking at the spread of papers. “I want to learn from them and make Magic Island the best it can be in my time.”
My brows furrow as I watch him. I can’t imagine what it means to be tasked with looking over a company, much less be the deciding voice in what happens on a whole Island.
“You’re doing great.”
He chuckles and looks up at me, his eyes vulnerable. “Am I?”
I squeeze my hand into a fist, resisting the urge to run my fingers through his hair.
“You are. It’s quite obvious your family is proud of you.” He’s still doubtful, so I press on. “My parents are the opposite. My dad would ask me why I’m not doing more and my mom would be overly concerned that I’m doing anything at all.”
He smiles, one of the very few I’ve ever seen. “I don’t know what my mom would think.”
Since he brought it up… “Why’s that?”
His eyes refocus and his smile drops. “Why’s what?”
“You mentioned your mom? So I’m wondering why you won’t know what she thinks.”
A frown lines his forehead and he sits up. “I should get back to work.”
He starts fiddling with the papers, his jaw set in a firm line.
What just happened?
“Oh, I…”
“You should go home.” His tone is firm, all the warmth from earlier gone. “We have an early start tomorrow.”
“Okay.” I’m at the door when I look back. He’s as I found him, only this time, his face looks troubled.
I close the door on my way out.
I stand outside the building waiting for a cab but seconds later, a car I recognize stops before me.
The window rolls down and Ralph leans out. “The boss asked me to drop you off.”
I glare up at his lighted window. After dismissing me so rudely! I get into the car. Even annoyed, I’m still aware that I’m being followed and this is the safest way home.
Chapter Twelve
Maddie
Julia isn’t at her desk the next morning. Just when I need her the most.
