Chapter 4
4
Isla
The universe obviously had a sense of humor. Out of all the jobs I took, it had to put me where he worked. Our past wasn’t exactly clean cut. Now, I was here, standing in his lab, trying to figure out how the hell this was going to work. He didn’t seem that happy to see me, which hurt my heart a little.
“I was brought on to determine where resources should remain. Honestly, I had no idea you worked here.” His eyes ran down my body. I shivered. His shoulders tensed and he ran his fingers through his hair. He wasn’t much of a talker, was he?
“What are you doing in Oregon? I thought you were moving out of state once you graduated?”
Plans changed. Right now probably wasn’t the best time to talk about this, especially in this lab. “Long story. For another time. Right now, I need to focus on what I am being paid to do.”
His eyes drew to the floor. Something was wrong. Even with the years between us, I could still tell when something was bothering me. Was it my presence? Not gonna lie. Being around him again was bringing up old feelings, and it would be easier if he didn’t look almost the same except with a little bit more facial hair than expected. He was a grown man.
Easton started to pace the room. He looked nervous. “What is it?”
“This project is important to me, Isla. I’ve been freaking out ever since I found out someone was coming in to cut projects, and now that I see it’s you. I - I’m not sure if that scares me more or less.”
“I wouldn’t ever let our past affect my professional life. I’m not a twenty-something anymore.”
He stepped closer. “No, I meant — never mind. It doesn’t matter right now.”
Easton rushed out of the lab and I just stayed in place.
What in the hell was that about? I mean I knew we had our differences, especially toward the end, but he acted like being in my presence was a burden. One thing is for sure - Easton and I lived in the same city and would have eventually ran into each other. Had he been here long?