Chapter 37
“Where have you been?” the male voice rumbled on with his questions.
Esmie stopped struggling at the familiar smooth tone.
She spun around staring up into dark eyes glaring down at her.
A frown graced Samson’s strong jaw, sporting more stubble than before.
His tall, strong frame wore a suit and purple tie which matched his black mask with a thin, almost indiscernible purple trim.
“Samson! What are you doing here?” Esmie’s cheeks flushed due to their close proximity. She inhaled Samson’s cedarwood and white musk scent, willing herself not to fall into him.
“I asked you first,” he said his gaze unrelenting. She had forgotten his questions as her heart bounced with excitement at seeing him again. Esmie shook her head to clear it from its relentless whispers to kiss him.
“I’m here to get information on what Genetronetics is planning. The other day, I overheard some of the workers talking about this party and the contract awarded to them by Andloor Capitol. They were going to discuss more here, and I knew I needed to come.”
Samson glanced around, then pulled her further under the overhang toward the wall. This time, Esmie went willingly. Once they reached the wall, Samson held her at arm’s length, checking her over, then cradled her face.
“Leo and I have been worried sick. Where have you been? We called your mother as soon as we found the note and she said you never came home. Leo found your stuff outside next to the garage. We thought the worst. Your whole family is looking for you.” Samson paused, clearly at a loss for what else to say.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare anyone.
I intended to go home, but when I was waiting outside the garage like Mamá told me to, Chad showed up in a town car and tried to force me to go with him.
” Esmie paused as Samson swore under his breath.
“I got away and hid in a fabrics shop with a wonderful owner who helped me. I’m hiding in her apartment not far from here.
” She told Samson the whole story, including how she got into Genetronetics using her powers.
“You’re resourceful, we should’ve known better.
” Samson chuckled, shaking his head. His brow furrowed.
“I don’t know how Chad found you. I don’t believe your mother gave you over to him.
She begged me to help Leo find you. Leo checked in with the lab to see if you had been taken there but when there was no record of you or anyone like you, we branched out.
This was our last effort in finding you, although I pictured myself breaking into the offices, instead of finding you along the dance floor having a good time. ”
“I wasn’t having a good time, I was trying to find intel,” Esmie said indignantly.
“Well, you looked gorgeous while doing it. I’d say you blend in perfectly, but you’re the most stunning woman here and you absolutely stand out in that dress.
” Samson stood back to appraise her with his eyes, roving up and down her body.
“The mask suits you. Along with the scarf, which I see you still have, thankfully. It fits the ensemble.”
“You’ll have to thank Deepika for that. She put this together only early today. She’s the reason I’m here and safe to begin with. The scarf just happened to match and keep me warm while I walked.” Esmie turned her face to hide the blush creeping up her neck.
“I know Deepika. I will tell her how amazing of a job she did.”
“How do you know her?”
“I’ve gotten to know the area in downtown Andloor and have frequented her place of business often.
In fact, I visited her the day before to get this suit tailored and the mask made for the party to hopefully find you.
We got to talking, and she asked why I was going to the party.
I told her I was looking for you then asked if maybe she had seen you.
I hoped you had come by because you were familiar with The Bodega.
She denied knowing you, but she did act very coy.
Wanted to make my tie too to go along with my suit. ”
Esmie burst out laughing. “Oh my, I swear that woman knows everything. Your tie pretty much matches my dress.” They both glanced between her dress and his tie.
“I wouldn’t even be surprised if it was made of the same fabric.
” Esmie shook her head at the cleverness of her new friend.
Samson must have visited Deepika the day she arrived at the apartment. They missed each other by mere hours.
“Well, I’m going to have to thank her because we make a good-looking couple.
” Esmie’s breath caught at his words. He cradled her hands in his large ones.
“You never did answer my question. Unless you leaving had something to do with it.” Her mouth worked, but no words would come out.
The lights in the lobby brightened slightly.
“Everyone, can I have your attention!” The DJ blared over the speakers.
Samson huffed something between a sigh and a grunt but focused his attention on the DJ.
Esmie turned away from Samson, but her thoughts lingered on their conversation.
“Our fearless president, Stanley Veroni, would like to give a few words.”
The DJ handed the microphone over to a tall man with spikey mousy hair wearing a shimmering blue suit with matching mask.
“Hey, everyone, I hope you’re enjoying the festivities.
This celebration is not just for me, but to recognize you for all the hard work you’ve done for Genetronetics TMC.
It has not gone unnoticed and the icing on the proverbial cake, is this contract we won with Andloor Capitol, so give yourselves a round of applause. ”
Light applause scattered around the room.
A heaviness hung in the air around the employees as they watched Stanley, their president, with mildly, bored anticipation as if they already knew what was coming but waited for him to finish anyway.
Esmie noted several smirks amongst the employees closest to them even though they were still a good thirty feet from the nearest person.
Stanley put up his hands, then brought the microphone back down.
“I know, I know. Tyler was the brains of this operation. His innovative thinking is what put us on the map. He was my friend and his presence is missed, dearly. R.I.P. pal.” Esmie glanced up at Samson whose frown agreed with how she felt.
Stanley didn’t sound very much like he missed Tyler.
The speech felt impersonal, almost forced.
From the other employees’ reactions, including the awkward silence that followed, they felt the same way.
If the president noticed, he didn’t act like it as he plowed on with his speech.
“But we will move on with his vision. I know there were some questions regarding if we would be able to and the answer is yes, we will. Tyler left detailed instructions on how to carry on in his absence and with those instructions we will be able to win even bigger and better contracts. Because of him and you, the best and brightest employees on the planet, our future looks better than ever, so let’s lift a glass to you.
Cheers as we move forward to a brighter future! ”
The applause that followed was louder than the first time as Stanley grabbed his champagne glass from the table in front of him, lifted it in the air in a salute to the employees, some mimicked him, and drank it in one gulp.
He whooped, then jumped off stage yelling, “Let’s party!
” as he ran onto the dance floor. The DJ took the cue and played a pop song to the excitement of the crowd who joined Stanley on the dance floor.
“That was some speech,” Samson murmured in Esmie’s ear.
“I get the feeling there was a lot more to be said,” Esmie responded. “And I intend to find out what more that is.”
“I don’t know if I like this idea of yours.” Samson leaned in so closely his breath sent a shiver down her spine. She might need to find some champagne to help with her nerves, whether because of her plans or because of Samson.
“Well, we need answers and this is the only way we’ll get them.
” Esmie eyed the crowd, searching for anyone who looked important.
The elevator banks were on the opposite side of the lobby from where they were now.
From her intel she knew at some point, the top execs would go to those elevators up to the tenth floor and meet in the main conference room to discuss how they would move forward.
She planned on being in the vicinity to listen in on those conversations.
“What are you planning?” Samson noticed her demeanor change.
“We need to get close to the elevators and keep an eye out for the top executives. Once they get on the elevators, we’ll follow them without being noticed.”
“Come on, I have an idea.” Samson grabbed her hand, pulling her onto the far side of the dance floor, close to the elevators but not close enough to be conspicuous.
A slow song started once they arrived. Samson placed a hand on her waist, while she placed hers on his shoulder.
He took one of her hands, twirling her around as she laughed.
Once they stopped, he closed the distance between them, bending low so his forehead now touched hers.
“You’re pretty light on your feet there, Mr. Arce,” Esmie teased.
“Well, I’m hoping to impress this young lady I’ve had my eye on, Ms. Morales. I’d like to take her salsa dancing but apparently there isn’t a club here that plays it,” he grinned down at her, his mask hiding the rest of his expression around his eyes.
“It’s actually Ms. Ramos, Karina Ramos right now. I’m undercover,” she whispered conspiratorially. Samson chuckled. “And none of the clubs you know of play salsa, but the underground ones do. I hope you can keep up because I’ve been dancing since I was a kid. I take it very seriously.”
“Clever name.” He leaned in close to her ear.
“Although, I like the name Esmie much better, and you’ll have to show me where those underground clubs are on our next date.
And trust me. I’ve been practicing a while.
You don’t have to worry about me keeping up.
” He pushed away, twirled her, then pulled her close and dipped her for emphasis.
When they righted Esmie’s blush reached her face.
Her eyelids fluttered as Samson’s face lowered, their lips a breath away, Esmie’s blood rushed in her ears.
He was such a flirt. Not that she was complaining.
She enjoyed their banter and only wished she wouldn’t get so flustered.
While dancing salsa with him was enticing, there was something else she wanted to do more.
His nearness made her lose all sense of what she was doing. Was he going to kiss her this time?
Their bodies hardly moved to the music, his full lips were so close, and then he paused. What was the hold up? Samson was the ultimate gentleman. Maybe he wasn’t sure if Esmie wanted him kissing her. Oh, to heck with it.
Before she could talk herself out of it, Esmie closed the distance between them, planting her lips on his.
He stiffened a moment before quickly deepening the kiss, wrapping both arms around her waist pulling her flush against his body.
The motion caused her to rise up on her tiptoes.
She reached both her arms around his neck, running her fingers along the short hairs on the back of his head.
The sound of the music, DJ, and all other noises faded away.
It was just him and her. The kiss was gentle, yet hungry at the same time.
It was as if he was unsure of himself but then as they kissed more his confidence grew, along with hers.
His soft lips matched her movements. Her mouth opened for him.
He answered. It was the most magical kiss she had ever had.
Nothing else came close, even better than she imagined, which was many times especially lately. She never wanted this night to end.