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I roll my eyes.Getting right down to business, huh?
Emily continues, “We must consider minimizing the lights at Sovereign Harbor, especially now during the sea turtle mating season. It's critical for their survival.”
Her tone is so professional it’s almost irritating. I’m supposed to pretend we’re all in for making changes for the environment, but I can’t keep my cool when she’s interviewing me about all this nonsense.
If only she knew who I was…
I recline slightly in my chair, my grumpy demeanor showing. “Emily, while I understand your concern, it's not as straightforward as it might seem. Those lights are essential for security and convenience. We can't just switch them off.”
Plus, bright lights are just cooler. More luxurious. Not to mention better for parties.But I keep those thoughts to myself.
Emily's resolve remains unshaken as she continues, “But there are other ways to make it safer for the turtles without compromising security. We can use the right type of lighting and install barriers to direct the light away from the beach.” Emily presses on, her eyes filled with hope. “Please, Mr. Cooper, theseturtles are depending on us. They're crucial to the ecosystem, and without them, the balance would be disrupted.”
As I sit here, Emily's passionate plea echoing in my ears, I can't help but smirk at her sincerity. Sure, the thought of making changes to accommodate sea life is great, but if I were to make any changes on my yacht or marina, I would do it for her. Anything to keep her close to me…to win her heart.
So, I decide to play along during this interview, but I’m not about to kid anyone. Real change? That's just not in the cards.
With every word she speaks, Emily's passion becomes more evident. So, I put on a mask of concern.
“Alright,” I say, my tone resolute. “I'll do everything in my power to make the changes you've suggested. We'll find a way to protect the turtles during their mating season.”
But then, I see her bright smile at my suggestion, and my heart suddenly skips a beat. Emily goes on to share even more ideas I could implement for better environmental protection, and I congenially listen to and admire her excitement on the topic. With the interview finished, I rise from my chair and extend a hand to Emily. “Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. I'm excited to work with you to make a difference.”
As our hands meet in agreement, a surprising spark jolts through me at the touch. It's a sensation I didn't anticipate, and my proud demeanor wavers for a moment. I can’t help but feel as though my body is on fire…and the only thing I need urgently isher.
Frustration courses through me as I can't help but despise the unexpected feelings that surfaced. It's not like me trying to impress some woman I barely know.
Since when did I care about what she thinks of me?
Why even bother if she's happy or disappointed with what I do with my own marina?
Feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable, I quickly step away and storm off from the emotional turmoil that Emily's presence has stirred within me.
Chapter fifteen
Emily
Wow, what a jerk.I watch as Alexander Cooper storms away, leaving no explanation for his change in mood. It doesn't come as a surprise, though. Wealthy men like him often exude an air of snobbishness that's hard to miss. My confusion lingers, but I'm not taken aback by his behavior.
What does surprise me, though, is the jolt of electricity that I felt when our hands touched. When Alex Cooper stepped toward me to shake my hand after he finally came around and agreed to my ideas, the same feelings I'd felt with the masked man the other night overwhelmed me. My heart raced, butterflies danced in my stomach, and I just felt…connected. I realized how tall and gorgeous he was. With his broad shoulders and warm hand…I almost wanted to reach out and kiss him.
I can't explain why I'm feeling this way—he can't be the mysterious man I'd met before.
Now, as I watch Alex's retreating figure, there's a nagging thought at the back of my mind, a feeling that his presence is strangely familiar. His voice resonates in my memory as if I'vetalked with him somewhere before. It tugs at me, teasing me with the notion that we may have crossed paths in the past.
No, he couldn't be…
I quickly dismiss the idea as pure imagination. After all, how could I possibly know someone like him? He's wealthy, older, and moves in entirely different circles. Any connection between us would be purely coincidental, except my brother, of course, and my mind is merely playing tricks on me.
Besides, even if there were some remote possibilities that I did know him, we have nothing in common. It's best to chalk it up to nothing. There are more pressing matters at hand, like my new job and pregnancy…and I can't afford to get sidetracked.
I make my way back to April, who's leaning over her tablet, frantically typing up notes.
“How was that?” I ask her.
“You did great. You got off on the right foot with your new boss; you made it clear that change is the only option,” April replies.
I feel my cheeks redden. “Thanks,” I say. “But do you think this story will actually make an impact?”
