Page 14 of The Wrong One

That was a loaded question. I would definitely love to have her in my hands.

“Yes,” I confirmed. “I’ve got it.”

After he left, Izzy smiled and held up her badge. “I’m an assistant.”

“Only until we get you up to speed,” I said. “I’ll give you the grand tour.”

“You’re working on nano technology, right?” she asked.

“Something like that,” I replied. Izzy followed me around the lab as I showed her the various instruments and equipment we used to conduct our experiments. She listened intently, taking mental notes as I explained the different processes and procedures we used to analyze genetic samples. I found myself getting lost in her blue eyes as I spoke, the way they sparkled in the fluorescent light of the lab.

“So, what do you need me to do?” Izzy asked, interrupting my thoughts.

I shook my head, trying to refocus. “Right, sorry. We have some samples we need to analyze. I’ll show you how to prepare them for testing.”

As I began to explain the process, I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful Izzy was. Her flowing dark auburn hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, her perfect smile, and those mesmerizing eyes. I tried to keep my cool, but it was becoming more and more difficult.

As we walked around the lab together, I found myself getting more and more distracted by her presence. I kept imagining what it would be like to run my hands through her hair, to feel her lips against mine. But I couldn’t let myself get carried away. This was a professional environment, and I didn’t want to ruin things by acting on my impulses.

“Any questions?” I asked her.

She smiled, looking a little overwhelmed. “I have a million questions, but I think I can get the answers on my own. I want you to know how much I appreciate you guys giving me this chance.”

“It’s not a chance.” I shrugged. “We know you’re going to do well. I need all the help I can get in here. We did have a really good kid, but he got offered a job in Sweden. He couldn’t pass it up. So, I’ve been trying to do all of this on my own.”

“I’m happy to jump in and help. I just hope I can be a help. This isn’t really my thing, but I’m excited to learn.”

“Did they show you the office?” I asked her.

She shook her head. “I’ve been there a few times visiting Ramsey.”

“Why don’t I show you around there,” I suggested.

“I don’t want to take you away from your work here,” she said.

“It’s fine,” I assured her. “I need a break anyway. I could use a caffeine jolt.”

“Still hooked on those energy drinks?” she teased.

“I’ve cut back,” I replied.

“Only half a case a day?” She laughed.

“Just a few.” I shrugged. I looked at the time. “I usually have one this time in the morning. I could use a boost.”

I led her out of the side door of the lab that led down a hall to our office space. We had a relatively small operation. Ramsey had an office and I had one. The HR, accounting, and reception all shared a space with a few dividers.

“As you know, we aren’t big on the admin side of things,” I said. “Not yet, anyway. One day we might find ourselves occupying an entire building. For now, this is all we need.”

I gave her the two-cent tour, ending in the breakroom. I opened the fridge and grabbed a cold drink. “Want anything?” I asked her.

“I think I’ll just grab a water,” she said.

“Sit.” I gestured to one of the chairs at the table.

“Shouldn’t we get back to the lab?” she asked.

“Trust me, it will all be there when we get back. My brain needs a break. Tell me about California.”

---