Chapter 2

After quickly arranging his platter on the laden table, Hayden turned, intending to slip back into the crowd. If the professors didn’t see him engaging in conversation with the guests he’d never hear the end of it. They claimed it was good training for the time when he’d have to deliver presentations. However, there was a huge difference between chatting with people who didn’t understand his work and giving an exposition to those who did.

Swallowing his shyness, Hayden straightened his jacket, pushed his glasses into place, and stepped out from behind the table. He focused on a group of three elderly people wearing pleasant enough expressions.

“Them. I’ll try them. They look easy to talk to.” At least he wasn’t as likely to make a fool of himself, since he could pretend he was gabbing with his grandmother and her friends.

Hayden got closer, trying to figure out the best way to break the ice and start a conversation. He grabbed another martini on the way, figuring liquid courage was just what he needed.

“Are you enjoying yourselves?” Hayden asked a lady with pearls, bluish hair, and a wrist full of gold bangles.

“Oh yes.” The woman laid her hand on Hayden’s forearm. “This is all so interesting!” She glanced over Hayden’s shoulder and waved at someone across the room. “What’s your name, dear?”

“Hayden Owens.” He peered at one of his professors, who was standing off to the side with other guests. She wouldn’t be able to hear their conversation, so Hayden was safe for now. “Would you like to hear more about the projects here?”

“I appreciate the aesthetics, but I know someone who’d love to know more.” The woman beckoned to someone behind Hayden. “Neal, I’m so glad to see you here. You don’t get out enough. I think you’d love speaking with this young man. He’s just now joined us, and I’m afraid I have to chat with Stephen’s instructors. Talk to this young man, Hayden Owens. He seems to be here all alone.”

Hayden turned around, fully expecting to see another man roughly the age of his grandparents. Instead he was gazing into Mr. Silver GQ’s—Neal’s—face. “H-hi. Hello.”

Neal smiled broadly, and Hayden’s heart skipped a beat. Hayden took in Neal’s thick, stylish hair, dark with luscious silver strands sprinkled liberally throughout. He could run his hands through that luxurious mane all day—and night—long. Neal had pleasant light brown skin, indicating some Asian Indian heritage perhaps. His dark, smoldering eyes appraised Hayden calmly.

“Mr. Owens.” Neal held out one hand. “I’m Neal Kirchner.”

“H-Hayden. I’d be happy to show you the projects, Mr. Kirchner.” Hayden’s heart hammered wildly. Why of all the people here did that woman have to know this man and call him over?

“First of all, my name is Neal.” He bowed his head toward the elderly lady. “And Mirabel, you let me know when you’re ready to leave.” Neal leaned closer to Hayden and whispered, “I’m afraid I was coerced into coming here tonight.” He winked at Mirabel.

Hayden snorted. “I know the feeling.”

She waved one hand at him. “Pish posh, it’s the only way to get you out.” Mirabel took Hayden’s arm again and gave it a squeeze. “All Neal ever does is work.” She smiled and then hurried away, presumably in search of the unknown Stephen’s professors.

“Let’s look around, shall we?”

“Sure.” Hayden let himself be steered away from the crowd.

Neal smiled and seemed to relax as they walked. “One of the experts the university snags for these things, eh?”

Hayden nodded distractedly. He was about to suggest they look around one of the project labs when he realized Neal was guiding them in that direction already. “I see you know where the interesting displays are.” Hayden glanced down and realized he wasn’t wearing the name tag that indicated he was a student.

“Mirabel is a family friend,” Neal explained. “She thinks I won’t go to any event that interests me without her arranging it. I’m sorry, I should have asked. Are you really here alone? Mirabel jumps to conclusions.”

Hayden chuckled softly. “She was right this time. Just me.”

“Well, how do you like it? These things are interesting, but I can’t really say they’re a lot of fun.” Neal shrugged. “I suppose the university feels it’s necessary to show off to the alumni.”

“True. If they don’t exhibit what they do, how can they ask for money from donors?”

They moved around the lab and stopped to view a few of the presentations and the items used to demonstrate a complicated design concept. Hayden felt as if he should at least tryto explain some details of the projects. He talked about the process of developing high-end engines and vehicles from the drawing board to completion. Here with plans and design concepts, Hayden was in his element. He felt more relaxed, and it was easy to let his enthusiasm take over.