han the last. With James at the helm, every decision was scrutinized, every idea tested to the limit. Yet, despite the pr

in his demeanor. He didn't bark orders at her as much, and when they

d, Sophie stayed behind to put finishing touches on a report. She had barely noticed th

e was almost a surprise, thou

artled. "I... uh, yes

his sharp gaze assessing her. "You

he job. I want to make sure eve

didn't know interns cared

ords, but she didn't let him see

and walked over to her desk. Sophie felt the shift in the air-his presence was as commanding as ever, but

ed over, his fingers brushing hers as he clicked through her

said quietly. "It's clear

f his cologne, a mix of cedarwood and musk, and it made her heart skip a beat. He was close enough now

oice steadier than she felt.

silence stretching between them. Sophie could feel the tension rising, the invisible threa

e not as intimidated as most people,

e didn't let her guard slip completely. "I'm just

like admiration. Then, as if remembering himself, James stepped back, c

between them. As he walked away, she sat frozen at her desk, the hum of the office around her

y between th