Amara hadn't meant to stay so late.
One minute she was reviewing mood boards, the next it was almost 8 p.m., and the rest of Cole & Partners had emptied out hours ago. The office felt different now—quieter, more intimate. The city lights outside had taken over the room, turning the glass walls into dark mirrors.
She stood to stretch when she heard footsteps behind her.
"I thought I was the last one here," Jaden said.
She turned, surprised. "I didn't hear you come in."
He walked in holding a takeout bag. "I was upstairs. Team meeting ran long. Figured I'd bring dinner back to my desk."
Amara smiled faintly. "The perks of being the boss?"
"More like the burden." He held up the bag. "Thai?"
Her stomach chose that moment to betray her with a loud growl. She hadn't eaten since noon.
"I take that as a yes," he said, already unpacking the containers onto the large meeting table.
"You didn't have to—"
"I didn't. I wanted to."
She hesitated, then pulled out a chair. "Just a few bites. I still have two slides to finish."
He handed her a container without another word. They ate in companionable silence for a moment—spicy noodles and shrimp curry warming the air between them.
"So," he said, setting down his chopsticks, "what's your story?"
"My story?"
"You know mine. I want to know yours."
Amara studied him for a moment. Most clients didn't ask. Most didn't care.
"I grew up in Silverdale. Tiny town. One traffic light. My dad ran a mechanic shop. My mom worked nights at a diner."
"Sounds… humble."
"It was. I wanted more. Not just money—meaning. Movement. Momentum."
He nodded, genuinely listening.
"I moved here on a scholarship. Built my agency from my bedroom floor. Burned out twice. Almost gave up three times. And here we are."
Jaden's expression softened. "You don't just build brands. You build yourself."
She shrugged, suddenly self-conscious. "I try."
Their eyes met again, longer this time. His gaze wasn't flirtatious, but it held a quiet intensity—like he was seeing something he hadn't expected.
"I like working with you," he said finally.
Amara looked away, swallowing the weight in her throat. "This is still business, Jaden."
He leaned back, giving her space. "Of course."
But the pause that followed said everything.
The elevator ride down later that night was quiet. They stood side by side, the silence not uncomfortable, but charged.
When the doors opened, Jaden spoke first. "Good night, Amara."
She glanced at him. "Good night."
She walked away without looking back—but her heart was racing like she had.