light up and flash in some strange code that is matching the one flashing on his.
“What is this?” I ask, studying the device that is now wrapped firmly around my wrist.
“It’s a watch that connects to your phone. It’s an IMG exclusive device, that links with all our products.”
“I don’t want it,” I tell him, tugging free from his hold. I start to pull at the band of the watch to remove it but freeze when he grabs my hand.
“Do not take it off,” he orders, making my spine stiffen as my eyes fly up to meet his.
“You’re freaking me out,” I breathe in distress as my chest begins rising and falling rapidly from the look in his eyes.
“Why?” His brows pull together like he doesn’t understand how I could possibly be freaked out, but everything in me is telling me to get up and run as fast as I can. I don’t even know how to begin to explain to someone like him that they are being overbearing, when it seems to be ingrained in his DNA.
“You just are.” I let my hands fall to my lap with the watch still in place.
“I’d never hurt you,” he says as his eyes soften, and it looks like he wants to say more, but before he can, the door to the room opens and people begin to filter in. They look between him and me with curiosity as they take their seats around the table.
I pull the sleeve of my silk blouse over the watch and catch Kathy’s eye as she takes her seat. Unease fills me when I see the distrust in her gaze, but I just smile, playing stupid.
“Do I need to stay for this?” I ask her quietly, and Braxton grabs my thigh under the table. When she shakes her head, I quickly get up and leave without a backward glance. I take the elevator down to the fourth floor, and as soon as I reach my desk, I touch my finger to the screen of the watch, and it lights up with an image of a digital clock. I press the buttons on the side, and the screen changes to a digital calendar. I press it again, and I see my office e-mail account, and when I press it one more time, my text messages show up.
I let my hand fall to my lap, then try to focus on studying the information I need to know for a new device from IMG that will be airing tomorrow. A device that will allow you to do everything from make appointments, purchase event tickets, order groceries or take out, to maintain your home security. All things most people do today with different apps or devices, but with this, you can do it all in one place. IMG isn’t the first to come out with a home portal, but like a lot of their branded devices it’s built to work with all other IMG products, and I’m guessing the watch on my wrist will be soon added to their list.
I get to work, hoping that the talking points I come up with will appeal to not only younger people but older people as well, showcasing just how easy the device is to set up and use. When the phone on my desk buzzes, I pick it up, putting it to my ear. “Dakota Newton.”
“Dakota, can you please come into my office and bring me a coffee on the way?” Kathy asks, and my chest instantly fills with anxiety.
“Absolutely, I’ll be right there,” I say, trying to sound cheerful even though I might pass out. I stop at the kitchen and use the machine to make a cup of coffee then take it with me to Kathy’s office on the other side of the floor.
I tap on her open door when I reach it, and enter when she calls, “Come in.”
“Did you need something?” I ask, setting the cup on the edge of the desk when she doesn’t speak.
She leans back in her chair, locking her fingers together over her stomach. “I’m curious about something.”
Oh, God, here it is.
“Curious?” I parrot.
“Did you know Braxton before I introduced you?”
“Know him?” I shake my head. “No, I didn’t know him.” I shift on my feet and barely stop myself from wringing my hands together. “I mean, I ran into him in the elevator this morning, but I didn’t really talk to him.” I hope the half-lie will explain my nervousness and what happened