The woman on the screen was gorgeous. Dark, glossy hair. Expressive blue eyes. Full pink lips that matched the dress she was wearing.
Huh.
That's definitely not the little old widow lady I was expecting.
As Bella moved through the presentation, her confidence grew. The more she talked about the product, the more her passion showed. It was obvious how much thought and care had gone into every detail.
While speaking, she scanned the audience and found herself repeatedly drawn to a man sitting in the second row.
Handsome.
But not intimidatingly handsome.
Each time their eyes met, neither looked away immediately.
When the presentation ended, Bella stepped down to genuine applause.
"That was fantastic," Carrie said.
"You crushed it," Jerome added.
Dr. Campbell approached.
"I'd like to introduce you to the people you'll be working most closely with this week."
He gestured to the group.
"This is the Diana IV crew: Captain Elena Vasquez, our pilot; Specialist Margaret Sadlowski; Lt. Commander Michael Rendit; and mission commander Captain Jack Calloway."
As introductions continued, Bella reached out to shake Jack's hand.
The man from the second row.
Gray-flecked brown hair. Blue eyes. Sun-kissed skin.
Their hands touched.
A tiny spark jumped between them.
The kind caused by static electricity.
Or maybe not.
Oh my, Bella thought, feeling a flutter in her stomach.
Jack looked down into her bright blue eyes.
"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Genovese. I'm looking forward to working with you this week."
Wednesday arrived before Bella knew it.
She started the morning in the hotel gym. Between all the walking NASA required and the long days, she wantedto keep up her normal routine. After a workout and quick breakfast, she returned to her room to get ready.
Today she'd be working directly with the mission crew.
Yesterday had been spent observing scientists run tests on the product.
Bella chose a more casual outfit: a white linen button-down shirt paired with cropped khaki cargo pants. The shoes, however, were pure Bella—white floral Dolce & Gabbana sneakers.
