And a scowl because someone isn’t doing their job?
God, I want him to turn that scowl on me and then ravage me with that mouth. I’m squirming in my own seat now. It’s hard to tamp down the temptation around Leo now. I’m aching for him.
I hate that I want him this much. That I want to be around him as we navigate this new chapter in our lives.
“We’re going straight to the office to meet the team working on the backend coding. We’ll discuss the issues the program is still having and next steps. Since you know what isn’t functioning, I’ll let you run the show.”
Oh, and that confidence he has in me? I’m melting into a puddle.
“Great. I have all the notes from the coders, so it should be a straightforward meeting.”
As we deplane after the short flight, Leo has a car waiting for us. The air is fresh here. Less congested than Sydney. Mountains stand tall around the city.
“Wow. It’s beautiful here.”
“I’m sorry we don’t get to enjoy it more. Maybe once things slow down at work, you can come back.” Leo’s tone is apologetic as he holds the car door open for me.
“Maybe you can take me to dinner once we’re done to make up for it.” I wink at him as I slide by him.
“I think I can swing dinner before we leave,” Leo laughs.
The car weaves through Queenstown, the bright blue sky a contrast against the evergreen trees dotting the city.
It’s so different from home.
But the home I’m imagining isn’t Indianapolis.
It’s Sydney.
In the few months I’ve been there, I’ve felt settled. Sure, it was quite an adjustment with having to contend with an unexpected pregnancy, but the streets feel familiar. The faces are friendlier than when I first arrived. I feel comfortable there.
“Reagan. You ready?” Leo’s voice breaks through my thoughts. The modern office building we pull up to doesn’t fit in with the rest around it.
He buttons his blazer as I step out of the car. Ryan is awaiting our arrival, his blonde hair gleaming in the sun.
“Leo. It’s nice to see you again.” He extends his hand to Leo, before turning his eyes on me. “Reagan.”
Ryan gives me a brief nod, before turning back to Leo. My presence is practically ignored by this man. “Let me show you where we’re meeting today.”
We follow him inside. The building is a glass monstrosity. No doubt to boost this man’s ego. He talks to Leo as I trail behind them. Just another man who doesn’t believe in what women can do.
“So what seems to be the problem that brought you over to our little town?” Ryan shrugs out of his blazer, hanging it over the back of his chair. Everything in this room is clear. Glass tables, clear plastic chairs. Windows replacing walls.
“We’ve found a few issues within the program that are causing our filters to not function as required.” I set my bag down, pulling out my laptop, ready to go over everything with him.
“Are you sure it’s not user error?” He gives me a once-over. “There have been no reported problems with our software before.”
He shifts his gaze back to Leo, expecting him to answer.
“Not that you’re aware of. But the patches you put in place did not fix the initial problem,” I reply curtly. This man is showing me no respect. And it’s not my job to boost his ego when we flew out here because of an issue with his program.
“Why don’t you enlighten me then.” His arms cross in defense over his chest.
I open my laptop, pulling up the program. With the press of a few buttons, I’m showing him what the issues are with the program.
“You’re not doing it right. There are certain filters you have to set up in order for it to work,” Ryan states. “I’ve told you and your developers this several times.”
“And as you can see, I have those in place.”
