Page 32 of Storm Warning
“Most likely. Or spoofed a system input. David’s checking code-level logs now.”
Kate nodded, unsettled. “I thought it might’ve been part of your sabotage. Seems a bit coincidental.”
Nick held her eyes for a beat too long. “Agreed. I don’t believe in coincidence.”
Kate settled back. “So, other than random tsunamis, how was your day?”
Laying back, he couldn’t help but grin. “Great. I’ve had a productive day, and the guys say they have, too. How about you? Did you get any writing done?”
His focus narrowed; his hungry gaze roamed over her frame, safely hidden behind his aviators.
“Yes. I wrote for several hours before I took off for the day. I also have some news for you on the suspect front.”
“Already?” Surprise jolted him.
Kate shifted, tablet in hand, that mischievous smile playing on her lips.
“Get comfy, and I’ll tell you all about it,” she said, waving the tablet like a magician revealing her tricks. “Would you like it alphabetically, chronologically, or by order of importance?”
Amusement bubbled, and he leaned closer. “Chronologically. Tell me everything.” The way her eyes sparkled captivated him.
Oddly, he wanted to learn about her day—the little joys and frustrations that painted her world. He’d never cared about anyone’s day before, other than his family.
“Well, first, let me say I’m loving it here,” Kate began, voice bubbling with excitement. “The suite, the atmosphere—it’s perfect. You might need a crowbar to pry me out at the end of the month.” Her playful grin radiated warmth, igniting something hopeful in him.
He chuckled. “Glad to hear it. How is your stay going? Have you been out yet?”
Mischief danced in her eyes. “I tried the breakfast buffet yesterday morning. The food was incredible. Sally was the hostess on duty, and she was excellent, as was Mai, my server.”
Nick nodded appreciatively. “What else?”
Pink stained her cheeks. “Oh, it’s a funny story. I overheard some gossip about... me.”
Intriguing. He raised a brow. “What sort of gossip?”
Her eyes twinkled. “Let’s just say it revolved around my presence here. Apparently, the staff thinks I’m important, maybe even sleeping with the boss.”
His heart surged, a wave of unexpected possessiveness washing over him. He smirked, locking his eyes on hers. “Not surprising. I mean, who wouldn’t want to?”
Kate swatted at him playfully, laughter ringing like a soft melody. “Okay, fair point.”
Her delighted smile enveloped him in warmth. The way her eyes sparkled sent a pulse of pure desire through him.
“Zach and David are both quite handsome,” she continued.
Nick grinned. “Touché! Tell me about lunch. No, first, what did you do after breakfast?”
“I came back here and wrote for hours. It was fabulous. Some days, writing a single word can be like pulling teeth. On other days, the words flow as fast as I can type. Yesterday and today were very productive.” Kate’s smile lit her golden eyes on fire. “I made substantial progress. At this pace, I’ll be ahead of schedule.”
“That’s wonderful! What are you working on now? And how do you usually write? In smaller blocks, or whole days? I’ve never met a professional author before.”
Nick sprawled back, soaking in the sun’s heat. His heart raced as he locked onto her eyes, desperate to absorb every word.
“My current work is a romantic suspense novel, part of a series—the final book, actually. As for how I write: I try to write on a schedule. It is a job, after all, and having money for food is kind of a priority. I try to do the Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 thing.However, my imagination doesn’t work on a schedule. When the inspiration hits, I run with it.”
Her eyes shimmered with passion as she spoke.
She wrinkled her nose. “You can’t force the words. If you try, you end up deleting it all the next day. I’ve learned if the words don’t flow, to walk away and do something else. When they do, I keep at it as long as I can.”