ns for the grand opening, her paintings now carefully arranged to create a story that flowed from one canvas to the next. For Manuel, however, the demands of his

was still efficient and driven, but there was a flicke

as she joined him in the lounge of his pe

voice clipped as he stared ou

ed. "Is this

expression unreadable. "W

omething-or someone-is taking up more space in your head

chair. "It's not that simple, Sop

not do something about it? Invite her out, get to k

much as he tried to deny it, he couldn't ignore the pull he felt toward

n her phone buzzed. She wiped her hands on her apron and picked up the

e answered

me the deep, steady vo

d, surprised. "How di

hint of amusement in his to

she said, curio

tomorrow night," Manuel said. "There's a new restaura

rd by the unexpected invita

e said s

and their lives couldn't be more different. But something a

aid finally.

," Manuel replied, sounding almos

rves in overdrive. James sat on her couch, offering unhelp

suggested. "It's bold, confi

ardroom meeting," Mia s

," he countered. "It says, 'I'm

one of her favorites, simple yet elegant. She paired it with

stepped inside. The driver greeted her politely before whiski

izing his commanding presence. He stood as she approached, hi

," he said, pullin

tling in. "You don't lo

histication and intimacy. A soft hum of conversation fill

notice how at ease Manuel seemed, a stark contra

e here?" she asked, b

erious. "Because I wanted to see you again. I wanted to unde

guard by his honesty.

e a way of making me step outside my c

?" she

aze unwavering. "Ope

she sensed the weight of his

dmitted. "But

ctions without taking risks, Manuel. Life isn't just abou

etween them, resonating mor

dissolved into something warmer, more natural. They talked about art, business, and

glow around them, he hesitated. For the first time in years, he

ou again," he said

art fluttering. "I

a rare smile gracing his lips. For once, he allowed himself to bel