I made a decision before leaving the hotel room.
I wouldn’t waste another breath on Dorian Marshall. I would survive this conference and this city. And then I’d leave, just as I came—in control, untouchable, alone.
Of course, it wasn’t working smoothly yet.
Every now and then, I’d catch myself drifting. A word here, a song snippet there, and suddenly my mind would slip back to that kiss. That touch.
But I’d snap myself out of it. I had to.
I scribbled notes furiously, asked questions I didn’t really care about, anything to stay grounded.
By the time we reached the final networking break, my brain buzzed with industry jargon—but at least it wasn’t buzzing with him.
Adriana nudged me gently, flashing a sly smile.
“You’ve been awfully quiet today,” she whispered, leaning in just enough for her voice to stay between us.
“I’m focused,” I replied, keeping my tone light, eyes fixed ahead.
But she didn’t let it go.
“Oh, sure.” Her grin widened, mischief glinting in her eyes. “Focused on the conference… or still thinking about thedark angelyou were talking to last night?”
I froze for half a second—just long enough for her to notice.
Her laughter was soft, but knowing.
“Relax,” she teased. “I won’t ask for details. Yet.”
Before she could tease me further, Greg appeared—our regional director from the agency’s U.S. headquarters. Sharp suit, charming grin, always a little too enthusiastic for my taste.
He approached our table with his usual effortless confidence.
“Ladies,” he greeted warmly, settling in beside us. “How are my favorite foreign delegates surviving the American marketing storm?”
Adriana laughed softly.
“Let’s just say my brain will need a vacation when I get back.”
Greg chuckled. Then his gaze flicked to me, a little sharper, a little more knowing.
“You’ve been awfully focused today, Della. I have to say, I’m impressed.”
I smiled, polite but distant. “Plenty to take in.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice in a more casual tone meant just for us.
“Make sure you both enjoy the weekend, too. Don’t let all this strategy talk get in the way of a good Chicago memory.”
Adriana grinned.
“Oh, Della’s the expert here. She used to live in Chicago. I’m the rookie.”
Greg’s eyebrows lifted. “Is that so?”
He glanced back at me, something curious flickering in his eyes.
“Well then, you know the drill. A city like this? It demands to be experienced.”
