"Morning.”I return to my mushrooms with unnecessary focus."Coffee's ready."
"Is this...awkward?"she asks, reaching for a mug."Because it feels awkward."
"Only if we make it awkward."
“Interesting…coming from the man who fled to another cabin last night."
I set down my knife."I like to think of it as a ‘wise withdrawal.”
"Ah.Of course."She sips her coffee, watching me over the rim."And this morning?Another strategic maneuver?"
"This," I gesture to the cooking ingredients, "is breakfast.No strategy involved."
"Mmm.So we're just two coworkers having a casual breakfast on your yacht after a night of...professional collaboration."
I can't help but smile."Exactly."
"Well, in that case..."She hops onto one of the bar stools across the counter, crossing her legs in a way that makes the shirt ride dangerously higher."What's on today's agenda, boss?"
The word 'boss' hits like a bucket of cold water, reminding me exactly why last night was a terrible idea.
"Actually, I could use your help with something," I say, returning to the stove."Connor's engagement party is in a little less than a month.You and I need to prepare."
She blinks."Prepare what, exactly?Won't you just...show up?In a kilt?Maybe bring champagne?"
"It's not that simple.”I crack eggs into a bowl."The point is, we need a cohesive strategy that transforms this viral nonsense into something that supports the acquisition rather than threatens it."
She studies me for a long moment."So last night was..."
"A momentary lapse in judgment," I supply, though the words taste false."But that doesn't change the fact that we work well together.Professionally."
"Do we, though?"Her tone is light, but her eyes hold a challenge.
"I think so."I turn to focus on the cooking, adding mushrooms to the pan."Unless you disagree?"
“I—No.So, just to be clear: I’m just your…plus-one to Connor's party.Not your ‘date’.”
“Precisely.”
“Understood.”
"Good."I nod, ignoring tightness in my throat.“We should review the guest list.Luke's running background checks on everyone."
"Luke?Your security friend?"Something in her tone makes me look up.
"Yes.Standard procedure for high-profile events."
"How...thorough are these background checks?"
"Luke doesn't do anything halfway," I say, watching her reaction carefully."Is that a problem?"
"No, of course not."She smiles brightly."Why would it be?"
Before I can press further, my phone chimes.
I check the screen and groan."Alana's on her way.Apparently there are 'urgent matters requiring immediate attention.'"
"I should go," Karina says, standing quickly."I need to change and?—"
