Page 51 of Snow

“Because we are not fully operational and have a light crew, everyone is responsible for their own meals. We do have a fully stocked pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Help yourself to whatever you see fit. All we ask is that you just clean up after yourselves,” Clint said as they walked through the dining area, which was empty. “There are also snacks and drinks available to everyone.”

“Is that an ice cream machine?” Nova asked, pointing to the far side of the room.

Clint laughed. “Yup.”

“Nice,” she said, smiling.

She noticed Snow shaking his head and looking amused. She shot him a playful glare. “What? I happen to have priorities, and soft serve ranks very high on that list.”

Clint looked at Nova and gestured toward a hallway leading toward a door marked “stairs.” “Those stairs can also get you up to the main office area. Our corporate office sent over a list of files that your client requested for review. We went ahead and pulled those to make it more efficient for you. As for the personnel files, you’ll find those in the grey filing cabinets. And if there is something you are looking for but can’t find it, just let me know.”

“Perfect,” Nova said.

Clint turned toward Snow. “Tomorrow, someone can walk you through most of the systems and equipment areas personally,” he offered. “Might help save you some time with all the inspections and checks you need to conduct.”

Snow gave him a nod, but internally Nova couldn’t help wondering if Clint was offering out of hospitality, or because they wanted her and Snow in and out of there as quickly as possible.

“Sounds good. I appreciate that,” Snow said.

Clint glanced down at his watch before looking back at them. “If you two don’t have any other questions right now, I need to head over to Platform Two for a bit.”

“I think we’re good for now,” Snow replied, waving Clint off. “Please don’t let us hold you up.”

Nova offered a small smile. “I think I’m going to grab my laptop from the room and then head up to the office for a few hours. I mean, this place is cooler than I expected, but I’d still rather be somewhere that can’t sink.”

Clint smirked. “Yeah, life out here isn’t for everyone.”

Nova forced a polite smile, but it faltered the moment Clint’s gaze drifted from her face to her chest, then slowly traveled the rest of the way down her body. It made her skin crawl.

She had dealt with men like him before, men who believed lingering eye contact and a charming smile somehow disguised what they were really thinking. As a corporate attorney, she had learned to ignore it, to keep conversations professional, but that didn’t make it any less disgusting.

“You two enjoy the rest of your evening,” Clint said, flashing another easy smile.

“Yeah, you too,” Snow replied.

Nova waited until Clint disappeared around the corner before letting out a quiet breath.

“Please tell me I wasn’t imagining that.”

Snow’s expression hardened. “Are you talking about the way he looked at you?”

She nodded. “He wasn’t exactly subtle.”

Snow’s jaw flexed. “Unfortunately, you’ve got guys out here who haven’t seen a woman in weeks.” His blue eyes settled on hers. “And then you show up looking like...” He paused before giving a slight shake of his head. “Well, you’re you.”

She raised an eyebrow and tried not to laugh.

“Is that your incredibly smooth way of calling me attractive?”

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“I’m saying you’re a beautiful woman in an environment mostly made up of men. That changes the way some people look at you, whether it should or not.”

Heat crept into her cheeks. “I understand that. But it doesn’t make it okay.”

“No, it doesn’t.” His voice turned serious again. He stepped a little closer. “If anyone makes you uncomfortable, promise me that you tell me.”

Something in the firmness of his tone settled the lingering unease in her stomach.