His eyes brighten. “Exactly. Also the nickname for the LBR780T contract.”
“I haven’t thought about that toy in years. I loved that thing.”
“Me too.” He grins wide.
My feelings for him are making my illness react in unpredictable ways and that’s dangerous.
“I’m glad I caught you before it was too late,” he says, gesturing to my half-packed office.
“You are?”
“The Lite-Brite contract is in trouble. I got an email from your contracting company just today and it feels like a sign.” He holds my gaze as he speaks.
I can barely stand his scrutiny but I can’t look away either. How do normal people maintain eye contact while having conversations? Suddenly I’ve completely forgotten.
“We could desperately use your help. I’ve been doing my best to keep up with the customer deliverables but to be honest I’m an R&D guy through and through. The document stuff stresses me out. All the due dates and correct classified markings.” His hands shake out around his head. “Trips me up.”
Oh. Realization sets in. Of course that’s what he meant when he said he needed me. What else could he have meant? His team needs me for work.
Wait, what?
“Wait, what?” I repeat out loud, only to remember who I’m talking to. “You’re asking me to come work with your team?”
The lab already boasted the crème de le crème from all around the world and Nathaniel’s team were the varsity stars. The dream team. I struggle to keep my face neutral.
“They mentioned that you have six weeks until your next contract started,” he says.
I blink. I had plans to go traveling and see the national parks of the Southwest desert. Six weeks to recoup from constantly jumping from job to job, contract to contract every six to twenty-four months for the last ten years. I was exhausted.
“I know it’s a big ask, but if you could stay—just a month, five weeks tops—it would mean the world. We’re in desperate need of help.” His hopeful look almost has me saying yes before I realize what I’m doing.
Must break eye contact from beautiful man to maintain strength.I had barely come to terms with leaving as is but that didn’t mean I could stay.
“Wow. I’m so honored. Really—”
He holds up his large hands. Very large hands. “No, no. Wait. Don’t decide yet. I know it’s last minute but at least let me try and sell you.” He grins like a little kid asking for another cookie.
“How can I let down the Big Cheese?” I give two thumbs-up. And then immediately cringe to death inside.
Big Cheese? Thumbs-up? Do I know what the word normal means?
“I am the cheesiest,” he agrees. My insides settle. He chuckles with a head shake. “The team is gonna like you.”
“The team?” I ask, already knowing I shouldn’t.
“Do you have some time? I can give you a short tour to meet everybody.”
I wipe my palms on my pants noticing the slightest glow to my skin. I discreetly tug my sleeves down to cover my hands. I chew my bottom lip.
“I don’t—um, I can’t shake hands,” I say quickly and wonder if it sounds rude to his ears.
He nods once and says, “Okie dokie.” As though he hears it all the time, he moves on. “It’ll just be a quick tour.” He ducks his head a little lower to meet my focus. His head tilts toward my cubicle opening. Dimples tease me as his hazel eyes search mine, pleading, with their puppy dog magic.
Well how in the heck could anybody say no to that?
“What’s the worst that could happen?” he asks.
I glance to Ferngully without meaning to. Boy, isn’t that a loaded question. I’ve already decided. I can’t stay, but I can hang out with him just a few more minutes.
“Just a tour,” I say and clench my fists. It’ll be fine.
