n, her mind replaying every biting exchange she'd had with Matt during the meeting. His smug grin, the way he leaned into her

gh her thoughts. The young assistant stood with

ped, her tone sha

needs your approval for the press release about the

rse, there was more work tied to this accursed partne

s clicking against the polished floors. Employees parted like the Red Sea, nodding respectfully

lass-walled office before H

ore thing," Harper s

a withering l

led your office line while

s tightening around the strap of

something about wanting to clarif

bubbling to the surface. "Of course, he did. Call him back

realize she was holding, leaning against the edge of her desk. Why was Matt so intent on pestering her

he caller ID flashed Hank Industries. She debated ignoring it, b

the phone and pressed it to her ea

voice filled the line. "I was hoping to catch yo

as much as one enjoys dental s

re that about you. But I was calling to suggest a follow-up meeting-just the two of

we were already on the same page. I hate you, you hate me, and we'll tolerat

ch close cousins, don't you t

Don't flatter yourself, Hank. What

this project is bigger than either of us. We both have a lot riding on it, and if we spend the entire year throwing daggers at

right-infighting would only make things harder. But the emotional part of her-the part that still s

ly. "And what does this

other in meetings, and we both make an effort to communicate

ing a lot for someone wh

ck, his voice laced with amusement. "But

ir between them, heavy

" Raven said finally,

tt said. "And Raven? Try

ould respond, leaving her stari

he man was

o the cradle, muttering under

att's words lingered in the back of her mind, like an itch she coul

her penthouse balcony, the city lights twinkl

sorely mistaken. She'd play along with his little truce-for now. But t

ss. It was personal. An