We're practically toe-to-toe now, both breathing hard, neither willing to back down. The air between us is crackling with something that isn't just anger.
"You're being unreasonable," he says, his voice low.
"And you're being arrogant."
"I'm trying to do my job."
"So am I!" My hands clench at my sides. "A job I was doing perfectly well before you showed up."
His eyes drop to my lips for a fraction of a second, so quickly I almost think I imagined it. "Look, Charlie—"
"Don't 'Charlie' me like we're friends."
"Fine." His jaw tightens. "Look,Charlotte, I'm sorry if you felt undermined. That wasn't my intention."
"If Ifeltundermined?" I repeat incredulously. "You literally cut me off mid-sentence!"
"To add relevant information!"
"Information I was about to provide!"
"How was I supposed to know that?"
"By trusting that I know what I'm doing!"
His eyes are blazing, intense in a way that sends a treacherous current down my spine. For one wild, insane moment, I'm not sure if I want to slap him or grab his shirt and pull him closer.
Before either of us can speak again, a knock interrupts the tension.
"Charlie?" Zoe's voice filters through the door. "Amelia needs the follow-up files for Adrenaline ASAP. And your 1:30 is waiting in the conference room."
I step back, reality crashing back into the heated bubble we'd created. "Be right there."
Sebastian runs a hand through his hair, creating that tousled look that's both irritating and unfairly attractive. "We should finish this conversation later."
"There's nothing to finish," I say, heading for my desk and start straightening papers that don't need straightening. "Just don't undermine me again, please."
"I wasn't—" He stops himself, exhales slowly. "Fine. I'll be more mindful next time."
"Great." I grab my tablet and move toward the door, desperate to escape the confines of this space and the confusion stirring in my chest.
His hand catches my wrist as I reach for the handle, his touch gentle. "For what it's worth, you were brilliant in there. The way you handled their questions about ROI metrics was impressive."
The compliment catches me off guard, deflating some of my anger. "Thanks," I mutter, pulling my arm free.
"Charlotte." His voice drops, almost reluctant. "About the other night—"
"No." I shake my head firmly. "We are not discussing that here." My anger flaring again.
"You can't just pretend it didn't happen."
"Watch me."
I slip out the door before he can respond, the ghost of his touch still burning on my skin. Zoe gives me a curious look as I stride past her desk.
"Everything okay?" she asks.
"Peachy," I reply, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Just a small difference of professional opinion."
