e dressed with precision-her tailored black pencil dress hugged her figure perfectly, projecting strength an

with a group of executives. His charisma was undeniable, his laughter loud enough to draw atte

energy shifted. Heads turned, and

d, flashing her a dazzling s

her eyes. "I wasn't aware this m

aid smoothly. "Jus

replied curtly, sliding into h

scussions. Matt, to her irritation, was sharp and insightful, winning over the room wit

very turn, pointing out flaws in his logic and proposing

like static electricity. As the room emptied, Matt lingered,

ing the spotlight," he remark

for hogging it," she sho

. "You woun

e," she said, finally gla

is eyes softening into something more sincere.

she asked, a

"The constant bickering. We're on the same team

for any hint of manipulatio

lding her gaze. "Just t

elt like playing Russian roulette. Still, the proje

don't think for a second tha

," he replied, a small smile tug

ut his next words stop

said, his tone casu

to him, narrowin

next phase of the project, and I'd rather not s

he thought of hashing out details witho

a date," she

lied, his smirk returni

sighing. "Fine. But if you so much as hin

grin widening. "I'll

y walking out the door, leaving her w

tfit for the third time. She had opted for a sleek navy dress-profession

utch and opened the door to find Matt leaning casually against the

said, his gaze lingeri

over with," she repli

d of place where deals were made over glasses of fine wine. The

att asked as t

en replied, refusing to g

ered a bottle of wine without co

d, smirking. "Y

tion shifted to the project. Matt surprised her with his dep

the line between professiona

asked suddenly, his voi

wh

it, Raven. You're at the top. So why keep

a moment, she considered brushing him off with a sarcas

to take you down," she said finally. "An

his expression unrea

u?" she countered.

eaving hers. "Because it's the o

her, and for a moment, she saw a glimpse

that exchange lingered. By the time the check arrived, Raven

her, his hand brushing hers briefly. The contact sent an

dinner," she

replied, his s

car and drive away, Matt coul

ng to be his great