Callie stepped into the office, the familiar hum of printers and soft chatter surrounding her. If it weren't for the gnawing weight in her stomach, she could have almost convinced herself today was just another normal workday.
But it wasn't.
The fact that her new boss—Attorney Dave Howard—was the same frustratingly cold yet breathtakingly handsome stranger she had met multiple times now wasn't something she could easily ignore.
She slid into her chair, letting out a slow breath as she powered on her computer. Across from her, Ava, her closest colleague, leaned forward, eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"So, what do you think of the new boss?" Ava whispered conspiratorially.
Callie hesitated. "He seems…strict."
"Strict is an understatement," Ava said, rolling her eyes. "The way he talked this morning? I could feel the entire office hold its breath."
Callie hummed noncommittally, pretending to focus on her screen. The last thing she wanted was to dwell on Dave Howard or the fact that he had looked straight through her as if she was just another face in the office.
"Apparently, he's a big deal in corporate law," Ava continued. "Left a major firm in the city to come here. People are speculating about why."
Callie barely responded, choosing instead to lose herself in her tasks for the day. She processed reports, answered emails, attended a dull meeting—all the while pushing aside the nagging irritation that came with Dave Howard's presence in the office.
At one point, she had to pass by his office to deliver some documents. Through the glass, she could see him focused on his work, sleeves rolled up, fingers typing rapidly on his laptop. There was an effortless authority about him, the kind that made people sit up and take notice.
He didn't glance up as she placed the file on his desk.
Just as she turned to leave, his voice stopped her. "Close the door on your way out."
No acknowledgment. No recognition.
Callie clenched her jaw as she pulled the door shut behind her.
Fine. If he wanted to pretend they had never met, then so be it.