ATTRACTED

y prepared to launch a major new project. Mia found herself spending long hours alongside

dication shining through. She reveled in the opportunity to work so closely with Alexander, relishing the chance

subtle shifts in Alexander's demeanor. Gone was the aloof, commanding presence she had grown ac

rum rhythmically against the desk as he pondered a problem. And when he would turn his gaze to her, hi

k neared midnight, Mia stood to stretch he

?" Alexander's deep voice cut throug

sheepish smile. "Just a bit stiff

ned back in his chair. "You've been working tireless

of her first name on his lips. "Thank you, Mr

ffice, sinking gratefully into one of the plush armchairs.

ok like you c

g her hands around the warm ceramic. Sh

f the clock on the mantel. Mia found herself mesmerized by the play of shadows ac

w and contemplative, "you've been an absol

her neck. "I'm just doin

tention to detail, your tireless work ethic - it's been invaluable." He p

is words. "I'm... honored that you feel that way, sir." She h

"Mia, then." He held her gaze for a long, ch

ly spilling her coffee. Alexander let out a rueful chuckle as he rose to answer the call,

ection she felt with Alexander. Their interactions, while still professional, carri

eriencing the same pull, the same overwhelming desire to bridge the gap between them. The thought both thrilled an

limmer of something more in Alexander's eyes. A softness, a vulnerability that he so caref

Alexander's hand brush against hers as they both reached for the same document. The cont

h unspoken tension. Then, slowly, deliberately, Alexander's fingers

n that moment, that the carefully constructed walls between them were beginning to crumble

an apologetic smile. "I, um, I think that's everything f

utable. "Excellent work, Mia. You shou

Blackwood. I'm grateful for the opportunity

a doubt, that the delicate balance they had so carefully maintained was shifting, and the future was suddenly fraught with un

.. and I don't know" his a damn good a