Sometimes It Is Rocket Science Read Free Page A

detailed description of every calorie-laden bite.
    “Got caught up working on a project and lost track of time, didn’t you?”
    She glared up at him through the fringe of side swept bangs obscuring her peripheral vision. “Maybe.”
    Robert chuckled.  He couldn’t count the times his assistant had yanked him away from a computer program and shoved him into the shower.  Everyone believed the “wet and wild” look he’d turned into his trademark had been carefully cultivated to add to his attraction.  Only his bodyguard and his assistant knew that it was a result of his tendency to lose track of time, and he’d sworn them to secrecy.
    “What was it?” He paused, glancing her way, “Finally perfected that time machine you designed in junior high?  I always knew that if anyone could shatter the laws of time it’d be you.”
    Georgiana’s cheeks reddened.  She wished she hadn’t turned down the earlier proffered glass of wine.  Every time Robert smiled at her, something inside fluttered. It wasn’t fair that he knew all her quirks while the man he’d grown in to was so unfamiliar to her.  He was the one on solid footing while she struggled to figure out how to handle his devastating mix of charismatic, seductive business mogul and computer geek.  She forced herself to remember what she’d been working on before she’d remembered about the dinner party.  Science kept her grounded.
    “Earlier this morning, Dan and I were talking about an all carbon-fiber reinforced polymer project, but we got sidetracked when he brought up biodegradable hydraulic oil.  I think I know how to fix Norwood’s problem with the BHO.”
    Robert perked up.  There was a gleam of interest in his eyes that had been missing for most of the evening.  “Is it a fix for the issues we’ve had with the thermal or the oxidative stability?”
    “Neither.  Dan never mentioned problems with those.  I came up with a solution to potentially boost the viscosity index.”  Georgiana rubbed the back of her neck.  She ignored how thrilling it was to have a date who understood terms like ‘viscosity index’ and ‘oxidative stability.’  She was better off remembering he wasn’t with her by choice.
    “I was under the impression that was a lost cause.”
    “Nothing’s a lost cause, Bobby.  You know better than that.”  She laughed half-heartedly.  She hadn’t counted on the problems with thermal and oxidative stability.  It changed her plans for the viscosity drastically.   “Dan was supposed to have the specs sent to me.  I can go over them later and see what I can find.”
    “We have our best chemists working on the issue, Georgiana.  You have enough on your plate.  If it becomes absolutely necessary, I can arrange for you to consult with our research department.”
    “It’s one of your father’s pet projects.  He doesn’t like it when they get stalled, and I was hoping to work it out so he doesn’t stress himself while he’s supposed to be recovering.”
    “I’ve taken steps to reduce his workload, but I hadn’t thought about his personal projects.  I promise I’ll make it a priority.  I’ll keep him in the loop, but monitor his involvement.”
    “Thank you.”  She straightened when she noticed several sets of eyes pinned on them.  “We should circulate before the rumors start.”
    Robert tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow, leaned forward to chuckle in her ear.  “Oh, doll, it’s far too late for that.  The rumors started as soon as we walked through the doors together.”
    She laughed, but didn’t deny his declaration.  “I always come to these things with your father.  Hopefully they’ll simply believe you’re filling in for him.”
    Robert could easily understand why his father would insist on escorting Georgiana to the various galas and dinners they were obligated to attend.  She was a single, attractive, wealthy woman, and there were those who would see the oft-absentminded