She stole a glance at him, noticing how his sandy blond hair was artfully tousled, and how his deep blue eyes… reminiscent of the ocean before a storm… stared straight ahead. But there was also a tension in his posture, a subtle clenching of his jaw. That tension in his jaw again. The same wall. Why can’t I just leave it alone?

Daniel’s thoughts were similarly preoccupied. He was acutely aware of Juniper’s presence beside him, the faint scent of her perfume… a delicate blend of jasmine and vanilla… teasing his senses. He admired her passion for the case, her unwavering dedication. But he couldn’t allow himself to get too close. Professionalism was paramount, and he had his own demons to battle.