“I’d suggest you watch the way you talk to me, Ms. Jones. I’m a very decent man, but I don’t take kindly to people pushing my buttons.” His gaze sweeps over me, dismissive in a way that makes my spine stiffen. “Especially someone as young as you. You’d do well to remember that, when walking into the lion’s den.”
I narrow my eyes, refusing to shrink. “My age seems to unsettle you more than my qualifications ever could, Mr. Miller. I didn’t put it on my résumé, so tell me… Why are you so fixated on my ‘youth’?”
His jaw flexes.
“You don’t scare me, Mr. Miller. You hired me because I’m good at what I do. Because I bring value. Not because I’m young, or naïve, or easy to intimidate. I know my worth and so do you. Respect works both ways.”
A dark chuckle rumbles from his chest, and he finally backs off. He returns to his desk, the distance between us suddenly cavernous, but there’s a spark of something in his eyes now, almost like admiration.
“Have those draft designs on my desk in an hour, Mya.” His tone is final, as he sinks back into his chair. I ignore the tingle at hearing him call me by my first name again.
“Fine.”
“Fine,” he echoes.
I spin on my heel and storm out, but by the time I reach my desk, my heart is still pounding against my ribs.
What the hell was that?
By the timeI’ve put the finishing touches on the draft drawings, the office is buzzing with life. It’s past eight now, and the illusion of privacy from earlier is gone.
The last thing I want is to step into Worth’s office again, so instead of handing him the designs myself, I slide them onto Dre’s desk.
She smiles warmly, always the calm in the storm. “Got these ready already? You’re quick.”
“Trying to stay on top of things.” I force out a smile.
Her eyes narrow as she looks me over. “You okay? You look a little… flustered.”
I let out a small laugh. “Just stressed about the project. That’s all.” A lie. The real reason still lingers on my skin like static, every nerve reminding me of Worth’s low voice, his proximity, the tug on the bow of my blouse.
Dre seems to accept my answer, though her brows are still furrowed. “Don’t let him get under your skin. He’s… a lot. But he’s fair.”
I nod quickly, not trusting myself to answer, and rush off before she can ask more.
In my haste, I nearly collide head-on with a tall figure rounding the corner. My chest bumps into solid muscle, and I let out a startled gasp as strong hands grip my arms, steadying me.
“Whoa there,” Griffin says, his mouth curving into a half-smile.
“Sorry,” I mumble, heat flooding my cheeks.
“Running somewhere important?”
“Just back to my desk,” I answer lamely.
He studies me for a moment, then tilts his head. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.” Too quick. I scramble for a subject change. “I dropped the draft designs off. Worth asked for them this morning.”
“Huh. Usually, I go through everything first before he gives the final approval. He must be in a hurry.” Griffin shrugs it off, his hand lingering on the small of my back as he guides me towards my desk.
“I actually wanted to circle back to the community housing project,” he says. “We’ve been refining the design to better integrate green space. It’s something I’d love to get your perspective on. Fresh eyes and all that.”
I nod, though my brain is only half registering his words. His presence is comfortable, friendly, the kind of energy that makes me feel appreciated. But as we stop at my desk, a shift in the air prickles my skin.
My gaze drifts unintentionally towards Worth’s office.
And there he is, leaning against his door, eyes locked on me like I’ve committed a crime. His stare is scorching, and I can practically feel the intensity from across the room.