As Ms. Rivera finished gathering her things to leave, she mentioned in passing that the transcripts would be ready the following morning. “We’ll be in touch about next steps,” Daniel said warmly as she headed out.

The moment Rivera was gone, Daniel tilted his head, a lopsided grin spreading across his face, causing Juniper’s heart to race.

“Already blocked off my morning,” he said, his tone playful. “Unless you’d like to review together?”

Juniper, stumbled by his directness, felt her back straighten instinctively. Review together? she thought, her mind racing with possibilities. Is he suggesting what I think he’s suggesting…?