Page 14 of Honor Code

“I thought maybe if you got it off your chest, it would help a little.”

“It did.” She smiled, melting his heart just a little.

“See ya, Ellie.”

“Bye, Phoenix.”

He walked away, feeling her amber gaze burning a hole in his back.

CHAPTER 6

"There’s nothing wrong with the survey maps.” Suzi scratched her head. “I’ve checked them multiple times. According to the geographical satellite images, you’re absolutely right, we should find evidence of hydrocarbons and the correct composition of elements in the test samples.”

“And yet I haven’t.” Ellie shook her head. “It doesn’t make sense. Something’s off.”

“Henderson’s instructions are to keep testing. Test everything that comes up, and if at the end of the six-month trial, we haven’t found anything, the project will be shut down.”

Ellie didn’t point out what a monumental loss of investment that would be, a waste of millions of dollars in resources, an unnecessary environmental impact, not to mention downright puzzling, since according to all the survey data they had, they should be finding oil here.

On top of that, it would mean she’d failed. Her first solo engineer position, and she’d found nothing.

“There’s nothing more you can do.” Suzi rose to grab another soda. “Your job is to analyze the samples, that’s it.”

“I just hate not knowing why.” She folded her arms across her chest and stared unseeing at the wall-mounted television screen that—despite an old-style jukebox standing in the corner—played old music videos. The crew hung out and let off steam in this, the only recreational lounge on the rig. In addition to the two media sources, the room boasted a pool table, ping-pong table, and bar that only sold soft drinks.

“Above our pay grade,” Suzi said. “You want one?”

She shook her head. “Nah, I think I’m going to get an early night. The jetlag is killing me.” She hadn’t been able to shake it off. Besides, she wasn't in the mood to have fun. The issue with the samples was driving her crazy. It was a puzzle she couldn’t solve, and she wouldn’t be able to let it go until she had answers.

“I’ve heard jetlag takes at least a week,” Suzi said.

“I’ll catch you later.” Ellie pushed to her feet then turned to leave the hall.

Five a.m. and the deck was deserted.

"Looks like we're in for some weather," Phoenix's growly whisper came from directly behind her, making her jump. Still groggy from an interrupted night’s sleep, her head hadn’t woken up yet. He was seriously the stealthiest person she knew.

“I wish you’d stop doing that,” she complained, hugging herself to ward off the chill. She’d underestimated the early morning temperature and had worn nothing but a tight, white T-shirt with her leggings—a choice she was deeply regretting.

His gaze dropped to her breasts, and blushing, she moved her arms across her erect nipples.

“You’re cold.”

No shit.

Before she had time to reply, he'd put down his rifle, whipped off his tactical vest, and removed his sweatshirt, displaying through a tight tee a dazzlingly toned stomach with six-pack abs.

Holy hell. Did real men actually have bodies like that? He looked like he belonged on the cover of Men's Health magazine.

"Here, take this," he offered, the fabric still holding the heat of his body as he handed it to her.

She hesitated, but then tore her gaze away from his abdominals and pulled the sweatshirt over her head. It was like being enveloped in a part of him—his scent, warm and inviting, was a comforting contrast to the briny sea air. "Thank you.”

"It looks good on you." He smiled in that secretive way. She noticed he had his vest back on, and his rifle was back in his hands. He'd managed all that while she'd been pulling on his shirt.

"Won't you be cold now?" His T-shirt strained around his biceps. Not that she minded the eye candy, but it didn't offer much in the way of warmth.

He shrugged. "Nah, I'm used to it. Besides, I'm going off duty in a couple of hours. I'll be fine."

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