breathtaking view of the garden through the large windows. Sunlight streamed in , casting a warm glow o

oured himself a glass of water. Seated across from him, Sean looked far too

to avoid getting tangled in whatever dynamic th

ting with

linked

an interjected, barely g

He pulled out a chair beside h

s under the table, clapped her hand

nning like a devil, Rose sighed recen

ean winked, hand

a good choice, but it wa

shed potatoes. For a while, the conversation remained light, mostly revolving around Ella's morning activities

ed his full att

iece of steak with his fork. "How did you en

efly at Christian, but his e

the job," she a

And he hired you

xhaled shar

hristian hadn't spoken. "Like painfully picky. I'm h

ow. "Should i be fla

lattered. He usually sends peop

him a glare.

ed toward Rose. "Be honest, did he ma

tated. "I

t laughing. "

banter, while Christian let out a s

stian was all sharp edges and controlling, while Sean was effortle

ing the conversation more than she expected. But just as she was relaxi

bout Amy s

in the room cha

rning white-knuckled. His previously calm demeanor

enly poking at her fo

omfortable twist

ching Christian carefull

e was clipped. "

e speaking. "She did

rse not. She's a snak

warning look, but S

last year, dating some European billionaire. And now, su

on his fork tight

n. Without thinking, Rose reached under the table and

up at her, then gave

r a brief moment. Then, in a lighter tone, he said, "Don'

gle, though her grip on

ian's best friend. He was also one of the

thing, leaving Rose and Sean to step out onto the patio. Th

rned to her with a look that w

l playful tone gone. "Amy's

"Why would she

hristian keeps his distance from people. If she sees him

ed. "That's

nowing look. "You

ing a shiver down Rose's spine.

r. "But don't worry, Ro

cal look. "Should I b

ned. "Abs

, his playful mask

ed off, Ro

s a pr

was already in