I move past her to retrieve the grinder from its shelf. A waft of her hair reaches up to me, reminding me of the carnal intimacy that exists between us. Professional yes but so much more than that. If she weren’t so worked up, I would take her right here on the counter.
“The power supply. You know about this?”
“I was wondering when you were going to mention it,” I shrug.
Her eyelashes flutter in surprise, and she blushes yet again.
“What? All this time?”
It’s fun to watch her piece it together. She knuckles her lower lip nervously as I spoon out the coffee grounds into the cone-shaped filter over the handblown carafe.
“Sure, I remember you,” I say. “Well, I didn’t know it was you. Not at the time. But your name was on the report, and we were all one big, happy company at that time.”
“And you just let me go on? Saying nothing?”
“It took me a couple of days to recall where I had heard the name Opal before. Opal Curie, right? And we had other things to talk about, if you remember,” I murmur, bending down to caress her cheek with my cheek.
She trembles under my touch, but more from nervous energy then desire. Though I would like to divert her attention, I know she has a job to do.
“You don’t have to let her talk to you like that,” I continue. “You’re just as smart as she is. She’s treating you like an underling, and I think you know you’re more than her equal, Opal.”
“I’m barely an intern,” Opal replies in a whisper, her voice choked with emotion.
Surprised, I search her face. She really seems to believe this. She really doesn’t understand how talented and valuable she is.
“All I am saying is that you don’t have to let Veronica treat you this way.”
“It’s my job, Cal,” she explains hopelessly.
To my surprise, she turns and leaves the kitchen, her spine straight as she strides back for another round of abuse from Veronica. I can’t believe she tolerates that. That she really thinks her hold on her job is that fragile?
“Good, you’re back,” Veronica says coldly. “Where is this coffee?”
“Still brewing,” I answer as I settle back into my chair. “That’s the inconvenient part of linear time, Veronica. Please continue.”
Her eyes flash as she glares at me, then settles her disdain on Opal. “I really do need to be going. If you have some invention? Some little innovation? Now would be a good time to explain yourself.”
Opal glances up and shrugs, shaking her head tightly. “It’s not critical,” she insists. “I’ll send you the plans later. Please continue with what you’re saying.”
“Fine, whatever,” Veronica sniffs. “The last item is, I think—”
Her voice is drowned out by the low rumble of a jet engine overhead. Giorgio looks at me in surprise. Opal startles and glances at me for confirmation.
“Let’s take a break, shall we?” I ask with a smile. “Looks like my dear big brother has returned.”
Chapter 23
OPAL
The sound of the jet engine is like music to my ears, and I am not lying. I hadn’t even realized how tentatively I was holding myself together. But as soon as I heard that sound, and Calvin confirmed what I knew in my heart, I felt like I could breathe again.
“You want a ride?” Giorgio smirks.
“Me?” I ask inanely.
“Of courseyou,” he chuckles. “I know I can use a break from this room. Let’s go to the airfield.”
Veronica scoffs derisively. “Who’s going to take notes?” she demands.