Page 49 of Prickly Romance

“Each of the rooms are built for accessibility?”

“Accessibility was our main concern when designing the rooms. The Sazuki Foundation will mainly serve deaf and hearing impaired students. The use of projectors and holograph screens are Adam’s special touch, but our goal is to have plenty of visual cues as well as multiple contact points and translators in case a student needs to speak to someone.”

My mouth falls slightly open. “You’re kidding.”

“Did you agree to work here without doing your research?”

I scowl at him. “There was no agreement, remember?”

“Beside the point.” He offers his hand to help me off the stage.

I remember the electricity I felt between us earlier and jump off on my own, gripping the guitar so it doesn’t swing wildly.

He gives me a knowing look. “The Sazuki Foundation was created for students like Niko who have very few options. It took me a long time to find a music school in the US that catered to students who are fully deaf. And even though classes were available at the private music school, the monthly tuition is not accessible to the average family. I wanted a place where deaf people of all ages and walks of life could enjoy, create and learn music in an environment made for them.”

“What’s the price of a class?” I ask, thinking that maybe Yaya would be interested in a few lessons when she returns home.

“It’s free.”

I try not to expose my shock, but I can’t keep it in. “Completely?”

“The mission of the foundation is to offer music to every deaf child who wants to engage with it. Making classes free would provide the lowest barrier of entry.”

I look beyond him to the fancy room, fighting back tears.

His frigid expression holds a touch of concern. “Miss Williams?”

“I…” Emotions make my voice waver.

A handkerchief appears in front of me. I’m stunned that people still carry those around.

“Here.” Sazuki offers.

“I’m okay.” I try to hide my face from him.

He takes my hand and slips the cloth between my fingers. His touch is comforting and I’m surprised by the urge I have to hold on and give his hand a squeeze.

“My sister started losing her hearing when she was three and I’ve watched her fight to fit into a world that refused to make room for her.” I struggle to keep my voice from breaking. “I’m… I’m sure this place is going to change many lives.”

“This is the intention.”

My eyes dagger him. “You should have led with that. Maybe I wouldn’t have had to be dragged here kicking and screaming.”

“Perhaps. But what would have been the fun in that?”

I let out a stunned laugh.

He smiles back at me.

A loud sound shatters the moment.

It’s his ringing phone.

Sazuki glances down and a dark look cloaks his face. The change in his demeanor is quick. A slight raise of his chin. A tightening of his posture.

He adjusts his blazer with hooded eyes. Gone is the subtly playful smile. The dimples have been put back on their leashes.

“The tour is over for now,” he mutters. “You will need a pass and security clearance from HR. Wait for me at your desk.”

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