N'S

ized chaos-the Meridian Industries folder spread open beside my computer, sticky notes marking important sections, and my leather-bound notebook filled with

s he rolled his chair closer to my desk. His tie was slightly askew, and his hair looked like he'd been

idian's quarterly earnings over the past three years. "The more I learn about their business

rk ethic." He paused, studying my expression with the kind of casual perception that made him a good colleague. "Speak

ith a brightness that seemed forced. "Good morning, Ryan. I hope you

. She was wearing a soft pink blouse that complemented her complexion, and her hair was styled in loose waves that framed

continued, setting the bag on my desk with a gentle smile. "Blu

berry muffins, but Laura had a remarkable ability to remember small details about our casual conv

ed it meant something to her. "I just thought you might appreciate a proper br

here actually cares about your nutritional well-being, Ryan. You should proba

eagues. "I just believe in taking care of the people I work with," she said,

e me acutely aware of the subtext beneath her words. This wasn't simply about workplace c

ike a balance between gratitude and professional boundaries.

ying just enough casual tone to maintain plausible deniability if I needed to deflect. "I mean

how I would respond. Laura's expression remained friendly and open, but I could detect the subtle

ng to be pretty consumed with this Meridian analysis for the next few days. Miss Sterlin

f course. Work comes first. I understand completely." She paused, then added with forced l

she was trying to hide. Laura deserved better than half-hearted responses and polite deflection

hing her skirt as she prepared to return to her own desk. "Don't fo

ed his voice. "You know she likes you, right? I

d with plump blueberries. "I know," I admitted quietly. "And she's wonderf

d, reading the hesi

pastry was delicious, warm and sweet with just the right balance of fruit and cake, b

. "Your call, man. Just don't string her along i

rmly, and I meant it. Laura's feelings were real

entire body tense with anticipation. She was walking toward our section, her platinum bl

read of documents and research materials. "I can see you'

ified several key strategic advantages that a partnership could provide for bot

ession suggested genuine pleasure at my progress. "I'm impressed by your th

dynamics are just as important as the numbers, Ma'Am. Meridian's position in renewabl

ith the depth of my analysis. "That's precisely the kind of strategic thinkin

e weren't alone, but Victoria seemed comfortable co

to discuss your findings in more detail," she

my preliminary report organi

hing our interaction with an expression I couldn't quite read. "It's good to see everyon

another one-on-one meeting with her, another opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities and earn her a

your work," Jake observed, retu

a small smile, but something in her demeanor had shifted. Perhaps she was beginning to understand what Jake had alr

der of the kind of uncomplicated affection I was un