PROLOGUE
“Belinda, please take a seat,” Easton Edgewater invited, ushering me to a chair.
“Thanks, Easton. I’m intrigued by your request for a meeting today. What did you want to discuss?” Belinda asked, taking a seat and looking up at the powerful man who headed Edgewater Industries. She crossed her fingers. She wanted that cybersecurity job so much.
“I would like to offer you a promotion. I know you’re interested in the cybersecurity position, but I’ll be honest with you. Edgewater Industries needs you in a different position.”
“If you’re concerned about my knowledge, I can assure you I’m focused and dedicated to filling in any small gaps with research and courses,” Belinda rushed to convince him.
“I have no doubt that you will be an expert in cybersecurity in a brief time. However, you are currently uniquely qualified to head up corporate technology. You know not only technology systems inside and out, you know Edgewater’s network and the key employees. When I asked who the ideal candidate for this position would be, you were every single person’s first choice. Not on their top five list or even top two. You were everyone’s top choice.”
“That’s very flattering, but…”
“Belinda, you’re not ready for the cybersecurity position. You haven’t honed those skills yet. The leading expert in the field applied and has been hired,” Easton said gently.
“The expert? Who, Pedro Morales?” Belinda joked. A picture of the magnetic, handsome man whose cutting-edge knowledge and experience overshadowed everyone popped into her mind. Something about his dark, swarthy looks and deep brown eyes did something to her insides in a totally unprofessional way.
“Yes.”
Did he just say…
Belinda stared at Easton. Her legendary unflappability disappeared. She tried to gather herself and stop her rapidly quickening heart rate. “Did you say yes? Pedro Morales is joining Edgewater Industries as the next chief of cybersecurity?”
“He will arrive next week. Do you know him?” Easton probed.
Rocked by his answer, Belinda sat back in her chair. Pedro Morales was indeed the expert referred to in every cybersecurity article, journal, and class. Her hopes of being selected for her dream position evaporated in a puff of imaginary smoke. “You’re not kidding.”
“No. I’m not. As much as I value your dedication to the company, the opportunity to have Mr. Morales protect Edgewater Industries supersedes all other candidates.”
Belinda nodded slowly. She strove to be at Morales’ level in a few years, but Easton was right. The man would be an extraordinary addition to the company. “I understand.”
“Your skills are perfectly tailored to become Edgewater’s chief technology officer. Would you be interested in discussing my plans and my hope to have you lead that endeavor?” Easton asked, meeting her gaze directly.
Pushing aside her disappointment, Belinda focused on the opportunity he offered her. Before she’d heard of the cyber position, Belinda had worked tirelessly to distinguish herself in the tech department. It was a dream job as well.
“Of course, Easton. Technology is my life. Leading the department that I’ve helped build would be an honor.”