Page 190 of Lost in the Dark

PROTECTING KEZIAH

NOVA BLAKE

Alarge sign appeared on the side of the road proclaiming, 'The Nest, turn right ahead.'

Thank fuck I was in the almost there. The sun was already sinking, and I didn't want to be on the road in full dark. Of all the days to lose my damn car keys and make it to the office after everyone else left. Today was my workplace's retreat and a chance to prove that I was a team player at the fancy retreat my employer had chosen; more importantly, it was an escape from my violent ex.

What Karl didn't know about, he couldn't turn up at.

And I desperately needed a break from his appearances.

I followed the sign and drove for ten more minutes before another directed me onto a tree-lined driveway. The tires hit gravel and my car lights caught on brightly painted metal, revealing the hired bus the rest of the team had boarded earlier. An enormous sigh of relief rushed out of me. If the bus was still here, I wasn't that late.

I pulled into one of the free spots and then finally got out of the car.

It felt damn good to be out in the balmy air. The scent of salt hit my nostrils, and when I listened hard, I could hear the faint crash of waves on rocks. They had chosen the Nest for its remote location and its connection to nature—normally I didn't understand our CEO, but this I got. My shoulders relaxed; I was finally here, and even if I was late, no one could say I wasn't trying.

Best of all, Karl had no idea where I was; maybe I'd be able to sleep tonight.

Sleep. I let out a long sigh at that thought, wishing that I could skip dinner and crash into bed. But I was here to put on a good face, and that meant showing up. Global shipping and receiving might not be my passion, but I needed this job.

I glanced in the car window and used my reflection to tidy my hair and straighten my clothes, brushing off the crumbs from the crisps I'd picked up along the way. Finally feeling halfway presentable, I locked the car and walked around the bus. And froze.

This place was stunning.

I'd seen the photos, but lit up in the darkness like this, it was something else. Metal and glass and wood somehow woven together into something modern that still made sense in the forest. Lights guided me up to the main building, which felt like a gleaming UFO that had crash landed in the most elegant way. And much like a UFO, I had no damn idea how to enter it.

"Excuse me," someone called.

I looked for the person, squinting as I moved to the wide path that led to the building. "Hello?"

"Are you with the Greer group?"

"Yes, sorry. I'm a bit late," I explained, then realized I didn't owe this person any explanation. I could save that for my boss, who would probably give me a dressing down first thing tomorrow morning.

"If you come with me," they said, stepping further out into the light to reveal a staff person in a neatly tailored uniform. "I can guide you to dinner." They swept an arm, directing me to one side of the building, then waited until I caught up to them before moving on.

"Thanks for this," I said, rushing to keep up with their long stride. "I don't think I'd find my way without a little help."

"The Nest is vast, but once you get settled in, I'm sure you'll have no problem." Their voice was warm as they led me around the end of the building. It opened up onto a wide deck area, lots of bench seats and long tables, like some kind of huge banquet area.

The food wasn't out yet though, so I scanned the crowd, trying to pick out my office friends in the sparkling fairy light. There, Tamara and Gemma were sitting together. Whew. I'd been with the company for a couple of years and I'd barely made any friends. I couldn't say I was overly tight with either of them, but they were nice and we often ate lunch together.

"Thanks," I said again, then slipped into the crowd and made my way to them. "Excuse me, I just need to—"

The PA system crackled to life, and I realized my boss was making an announcement.

Tamara turned and locked eyes with me, so I frantically gestured for her to move. She and Gemma slid apart, leaving me a spot. I shoved my handbag under the table and huffed out a breath.

"Where were you?" Tamara hissed.

"Late, you know me." I rolled my eyes, then dragged my hair back from my face and tied it up. "I missed the fucking bus because I couldn't find my keys."

Someone from the table behind us shushed me. I let out an exasperated sigh, but Tamara grabbed my hand and squeezed. It was nice to know that at least one person was pleased I was here.

Tamara nudged me with an elbow. "I need to get out of here," she said.

"Where are you going?"