Probably thinks this will smooth things over.

Juniper’s shoulders drew inward slightly, tension coiling between her shoulder blades despite - or perhaps because of - how the midnight blue silk of her dress caught the warm lighting. Her hips shifted unconsciously as she walked, each step measured and precise as if she was trying to maintain control through sheer force of will. Keep your distance. Remember what happened last time you let your guard down.

More than a few appreciative glances followed as she and Sophia made their way across the restaurant, making her neck flush with unwanted awareness. Focus on the case, she reminded herself firmly. Those looks don’t matter.

The host recognized them immediately, moving with practiced grace to escort them toward their table. As they approached, Daniel rose from his seat near the bar, and Juniper’s pulse stuttered traitorously at the sight of him. Stop that, she commanded herself, her teeth catching her bottom lip before she could stop herself. She would not capitulate to his serpentine. Not tonight. Not anymore.

The memory of his recent absences strengthened her resolve. She’d keep him at the end of her jab. That’s all this is.