ter

xan

something was different,

normally have me energized, sharp, laser focused. Instead, I caught myself staring at the

written. God, even her

dropping a folder on my des

ed. "Of

're staring at flowe

a glare.

view mood boards for the corporate retreat Sophia's team was plan

of gesturing with her hands like she was painting pictures in the air. And I foun

ed, the less it f

I wanted to hear about h

ng, I got

e two of us packing up files. She reached for her coat, but her

No, I'm not overworking... Etha

r lips curving into the faintest smil

I said, "Your mom

otten I was still there. "

you're worth

ine. For a heartbeat,

her coat and said, "

r gaze haunted me the

gn came at a

iced bef

her plate with roasted vegetables. "And don't t

m f

eyebrow. "Yo

"Don't be r

ng your phone every five

n realized I

nowingly. "S

under m

sign hit m

in her usual work armor no heels, no sleek ponytail. Just j

she gave in meetings. A real, unguarded lau

eaned down and said something protective in that big brother

lou

Jeal

twice about competition. But watching Ethan sling an arm casually around her

hen. Our eyes me

she said when

smoothly. "Out of

my brothe

his jaw tight. "So you're

ut Sophia jumped in.

ook convinced.

had no clever comeback. I just no

sy stayed with

admitted it, i

ophia Carter to pr

he tulips, the late night meetings, and the s

in my life, I wasn't su