Page 19 of The Innovator

Paul grinned at me. “I’ll be over at the warehouse next week. Thanks for moving this along.”

I’d met with him a few times when I needed the city to approve my building projects, and he’d done his job well.

“I’m happy to help.”

Natalie rolled her eyes at my comment.

Paul glanced at her, and her expression changed, but I couldn’t read it.

“Excuse me, I’ve got work to do.” Natalie looked at me, but didn’t offer the warm smile she’d offered to Neil. She walked away, and my eyes followed her as though they had no control.

Paul did the same, but I wanted to gouge out his eyes for looking at her.

“What day are you planning on coming to my warehouse?” My question drew his attention to me—away from her. I didn’t wait for his answer. “Send me an email.”

I walked out of the kitchenette, wondering if Natalie was thinking about me.

CHAPTEREIGHT

NATALIE

Changing into my knit top and pants, I strode out of the locker room of Martial Arts Studio, trying to release some tension. Today had been an interesting day, where my body experienced a full spectrum of sensations—annoyance, anger, sexual desire, wonder, frustration, and something I couldn’t quite comprehend. No man had annoyed and enthralled me at the same time.

I hadn’t stopped by the gym in over a week. It was more welcoming because of the warm atmosphere. The cream-colored walls with daylight bulbs brightened up the atmosphere. The plants scattered all over the studio added a delicate touch and fresh air to the space. I adored the boutique-style gym and loved the massage services they offered in the backrooms. The muscles in my body relaxed as though they could sense the massage chair.

I desperately needed this workout to release my mounting anxiety. My quick meeting with Robert the other day outlined my responsibilities, which included my presence at Grayson’s office when necessary. Apparently, his massive donation had put the city at his beck and call. The power of money and prestige never ceased to amaze me.

One good thing that came out of this additional responsibility was access to any information I wanted. Usually, as a worker for the Department of Public Works and Parks, I could only access data pertaining to those areas. But this Three Point Park project involved all departments. This was my opportunity to dig up information on The Prism from a different angle. Another department could hold the key to what I needed. There had to be breadcrumbs somewhere. I only had four months before the Board of Directors voted on the fate of House of LaRue.

“Hey! You’re early.” Michelle tapped me on the shoulder. She wore a pale-yellow top and brown pants. Her curly brown hair was tied in a ponytail.

Meeting Michelle on a plane on my way back from Iceland had been an incredible happenstance. I hadn’t wanted to attend the bachelorette party for my cousin Nicolette, but family duties called for representation, and I delivered. Even though Nicolette and I were the same age, we weren’t friends. We hated each other as kids because she was a bully. When I fought back, her mom punished me. Now, as adults, we were cordial to each other because she didn’t want to taint her persona. She’d married into a wealthy family, and I’d moved on. But I would never forget her part in making my life hell that day in the closet. There were certain traumas you’d never forget no matter how much you tried.

“Yeah, I left on the dot. Time to kick some butt tonight.” I stretched out my arms and legs.

“Who do you need to kick?” Michelle asked, doing stretches of her own.

“An irritating man.” I spotted Audri exiting the changing room and heading toward us.

Though Grayson annoyed me, I didn’t want to put Audri in an awkward position by hearing me speak ill about her brother. Michelle and Kiera had mentioned that he was protective of his younger sister, so despite how I felt about him, I’d spare her my opinion.

Michelle bumped my shoulders with hers. “Deets, please.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not like that.”

These girls had become my good friends, and they loved discussions about relationships. My frustration had nothing to do with that kind of relationship—well, sort of. It was both business and personal. I didn’t like mixing the two. It complicated things, and I needed simplicity to focus on my goal. Plus, I didn’t know if my body’s reaction to him was just a temporary phase that would disappear in due time.

My friends didn’t need to hear about my dilemma.

Audri approached us in a blue outfit with her black hair in a French braid. “Ready to sweat?”

“Born ready!” I bent down and touched my toes, stretching out my legs.

Kiera entered the room with a group of girls and walked toward us. “It’s packed tonight.”

Michelle glanced around the room and nodded. “It’s always packed when Vivian’s the guest instructor. Did you know she’s also a dentist?”

“Really? I’m due for a cleaning.”

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