They stood there in comfortable silence, the tension easing between them. Daniel’s recent mention of the new steakhouse still lingered in her mind, bringing back the memory of the last time she had tenderized a steak. The focused effort had been calming, but now it ignited her imagination, leading her to envision something more… extracurricular. The simple conversation had unexpectedly stirred deeper feelings, making her wonder about the possibilities beyond their professional interactions.

“Like the other night…” she started, then caught herself. “Maybe you should go.”

“What if I don’t want to?” The words fell between them like a guillotine slicing down. Her eyes darted to the door… closed behind him… then back to his face, her hand finding the chair back beside her, her spine straightening as if the question had pushed her upright. His eyes had transformed, carrying that dangerous heat that made her pulse beckon beneath her skin.

Juniper’s hip found the edge of the conference table, her body unconsciously seeking stability as the space between them seemed to shrink. The holiday lights caught in his hair, turning each strand into a warning she was choosing to ignore. Her fingers curled against the polished wood, seeking purchase against the gravity of his presence.