As I automatically adjust the camera and connect to my call, I can't stop thinking of her sleeping all alone in such a flimsy structure. Does she have a safe place to park this at night? Is she on her way to a family member's house? Is anyone looking out for her?
Who knew I had such a strong protective streak. It's never popped up before until now.
I turn the laptop a bit more and grab two thick books from the shelf beside me to bring it up a touch higher. The shelf wobbles, so I slide the other books over as a counterbalance. The last thing I want to do is damage something.
Another crack of lightning and peal of thunder shake the air just as three men in dark suits come into view on the screen.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen," I begin. "I was going to start with a walk through the forest on the way to one of our listening stations. But the unpredictability of the mountain, which works in our favor, also extends to the weather, as you can see." I gesture to the rain glancing off the awning. “On a day like today, the bird listening stations will be recording lower levels. The sounds of the stream will be louder. And one of the undisclosed stations will definitely be altered, too."
I run through the usual spiel of how we use readings from natural inputs around the mountains to create randomized patterns for our security algorithms. Anything produced by a machine could eventually create predictable patterns, which are easier to crack. Using wind and birdsong and water from listening stations across this area of Wolfe Mountain, there can be no set patterns. Plus, since the stations are solar powered, they’re a greener solution.
I'm always animated when I give these talks and have been told that my smile sells our business as much as the methodology. People love things that are both high-tech and environmentally responsible. Not to mention, kind of cool.
While I'm speaking, then taking questions at the end, I hope that Leah is listening. My business is part of my identity.
I want her to get to know the man she'll be having dinner with tonight.
2
LEAH
One thing about life on the road is the constant surprises. Like suddenly seeing the hottest guy in the world stripped down to his underwear. That wasbizarre.
His arms were muscular, I noticed that when I was checking him out. But his sculpted thighs? They made my heart jump right up into my throat. He’s sturdy as well as strong. Like a hundred-year oak.
I’m trying not to eavesdrop, but I can't help but hear the rundown of his business, which sounds fascinating. I'm no expert in encryption or internet security, but Kai clearly is.
At first glance, I thought he was a typical mountain man with a pickup. Yet he runs a tech security company with his four brothers, who he mentions during the call.
I think it's sweet that his family is running a tech startup right here on the mountain. That's the kind of do-it-yourself attitude I've always loved. And my goodness, his smile! It lights up his eyes, turning him from simply handsome to wildly sexy. I've seen attractive men before, but this is different. I've never felt a legit electrical spark just from a man smiling at me.
I hear him saying his goodbyes, then he calls out, "I'm done, Leah. Thank you."
I come back out to see him carefully putting back my books he used as a laptop stand.
His eyes are twinkling as he flashes me another grin. "I hope you heard most of that. That way I don't have to explain my business to you twice. You know…over dinner."
I blink. "Dinner?"
I'm suddenly extremely aware that we’re very close together. Kai stands up carefully in the tight space, stooping slightly and maneuvering so he's directly in front of me. Wow – he must be at least six foot two. And even though I saw his thick, muscular shoulders while he was half naked outside, they seem even broader when filling out a sharply cut suit.
"Yes. I was hoping I could take you out to dinner as a thank you for the emergency shelter and backdrop."
Thunder rumbles in the distance as the storm passes over us. The rain is letting up.
"I should find a place to park for the night before I think about dinner. Are there any trailer parks or campgrounds nearby?"
He shakes his head, then runs a hand through his thick dark hair. “No, but I know a parking lot that's big enough. They have an outdoor oven for summer festivals – that would have the correct power hookup you need for this, right?"
I'm surprised he’d think of that. It makes me feel very…cared for. It also makes him even more endearing.
"Yeah…an outdoor oven is probably a thirty amp…and if it doesn’t work, I can run on the battery for the night. I don't take a lot of power."
"So, how about it – organize a parking spot for the night, then have the best pizza on the mountain in the company of a man who would like to get to know you better. Sounds good?"
Normally, I think things through carefully before acting. I ponder. But this guy… There's something special. I feel drawn to him.
I'm already nodding. "Sure. What's the address?"
