Chapter 5: Who Are You?

I spend the rest of my day glued to my computer screen, fingers tapping away as I absorb everything I can about Saz. Being a research nerd, I had already done a background check on Ocean Tech once I got the acceptance letter. It's a nice company. The kind that has brochures and info videos about all the wonderful technology they make to help Mother Earth. Being in Miami, where even the streets can sometimes be a river, I thought it would be a great place to make some cash while contributing to "saving my hometown from sinking." But I never once saw that Saz was the VP. How could I miss something as crucial as that?

I click on the company's employee page, the smiling faces of the board looking back at me. Right next to the president, just below the CEO and his daughter, there Saz is smiling with that lopsided grin. Even though it's a picture I swoon at the sight. I hover over the link to his profile and take a deep breath. I'm not being a stalker. This is research. I push forward, reading everything I can about Saz from his past to his present. He's made quite a name for himself after being an army brat. Top of his class at Harvard. Youngest VP to grace the halls of Ocean Tech. It honestly feels like the guy just popped out of a movie. All he's missing is the tragic backstory.

I sit back in my chair and stretch, checking the time on my screen. 6:41 PM. When did it get so late? I run out of my chair and throw myself in the shower, scrubbing my pits free of sweat and fear. I comb my fingers through my curls and tie a headband around the front. The black dress I pulled out earlier waits for me on the bed, the only other thing in my closet that doesn't have stains. My feet are still throbbing from the walk earlier, but I shove my sausages back in those black heels anyway. I have just enough time to throw on some lipstick and mascara when my phone buzzes. I answer.

"This is not the safest neighborhood to be living in, Allie."

His voice is more factual than judgmental. I shrug on my purse and drape a jacket over my arm.

"Well not everyone has four awards from a prestigious school like Harvard."

"Ahh," he laughs, "I see you've done your research."

"Should I even ask which car is yours?"

His laughter grows louder, "You'll know me when you see me."

I switch off the lights and lock the door, running down the stairs like my feet don't kill me. I can already see the car from the lobby. I open the door and a sleek black car sits double-parked in the fire lane.

Saz stands casually in a black suit and tie, his smile widening with every step I take. The sun went down a while ago, casting the night in a mist of lights and wonder. He moves from his casual lean on the hood and opens the passenger door, motioning me inside. "Get in here where it's safe."

I smirk at his concern and take my time walking towards him. The leather feels like butter under my thighs as I get both feet in the car. Saz closes the door and walks to the driver's side, his stride like time is his best friend. He slides into the driver's seat and looks over at me.

I turn to him, a smile playing on my lips. "Are you so full of money that you can be so blunt about my neighborhood?"

He glances at me as he puts on his seatbelt, "I'm a very honest person, Allie. This neighborhood is not safe."

I shake my head, "What are you gonna do? Buy the block and make it better?"

Saz shifts the car in drive, "If it would make you feel safe, I'd buy all of downtown."

I've never been more grateful for the cover of night. My cheeks flame as he drives off my run-down block and into nicer parts of the city. It was rare that I got to be in a car. Not having many friends or family members means not many places to go that don't require the bus. I gaze as the streets I walk down everyday zoom past in a blur. I notice Saz glance at me and realize I'm practically pressed against the window.

"I've only seen kids on TV get this excited about riding shotgun." He laughs.

I sit back and look out the window to hide my embarrassment. "The city just looks so beautiful. I couldn't help but get drawn in."

"I understand what you mean."

The red light turns green, and his eyes hold my gaze a moment before driving off. What are these signals he keeps giving me? Not a date my a**.

The tires screech. His arm stretches across my chest, my body pinned to the seat by his muscular build. An old lady with tattered clothes crosses the street shouting obscenities. Saz and I look at each other, trying to catch our breath. His hand grips my arm, eyes searching mine for any hint of pain. I'm sure his forearm can feel my heart about to fly out of my chest.

"I'm okay," I breathe, frozen by his touch.

All too soon he releases his hold on me and continues to drive down the road. My heartbeat slows as I press my head back into the seat and close my eyes. The smell of his cologne is spread across my chest like a badge of ownership. The scent of him mixed with his lingering touch makes my insides scream with desire. I swallow hard and cross my legs to keep myself under control. I can't let him get to me. This is a professional outing, and I'm acting like I'm ready to make out in the backseat. Or more. Stop it. Focus.

"Allie?"

His voice breaks through my internal struggles and I look at him, eyes wide. "Hmm?"

"Are you okay?" he asks. "You've been really quiet since I almost hit that lady."

"Oh, yeah. Just got lost in thought is all." I smile weakly, "It's not every day you get taken out to a surprise restaurant."

"Well wait no longer because we are here."

I look out the window and gasp. The Painted Lady. The most expensive restaurant on the downtown bay looms above me. My mouth waters and I can't help but remember Saz mentioning this would be only a taste of what life at Ocean Tech had to offer. If the nicest place in town is good enough for a common business meeting, what do the members of the board of Ocean Tech consider lavish? I glance at Saz as he expertly pulls into the valet parking line. Have I hit the jackpot? Or am I only awakening a beast that I know I'll never be able to control?