s supposed to be drafting proposals for the Reuters & Co. Harborfront project, but all she could think about was him. The stranger from the ball. The way he'd look

m. For real this time." Megan opened her mouth to argue, but something in Emily's expression made her stop. "Okay," she said softly. "So... What's the rest of the story? I can tell there's more." Emily hesitated again, then sighed. "I... met someone. At the ball. He was... different." Megan's eyes widened. "Define 'met.'" "Not here," Emily hissed, glancing around the office nervously. "And keep your voice down." "Oh my God, you totally-" "Megan!" Emily's whisper was sharp, but she couldn't stop the blush creeping up her neck. Megan stifled a laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Okay, okay. But you're going to tell me everything later. Over wine." Emily rolled her eyes. "We'll see." "Good enough for now," Megan said, standing and grabbing her coffee. "Oh, by the way, big meeting this afternoon with Barrett Organization. Word is their CEO is coming. Better get your game face on." "Right," Emily said absently, turning back to her screen as Megan walked away. But the mention of Barrett Organization barely registered in her mind. Hours later, Emily was power-walking down the hall, a folder clutched tightly to her chest. She'd spent most of the morning avoiding Megan's probing looks and trying to focus on her work. Now, all she had to do was drop off the finalized blueprints for the Harborfront project at the conference room before the meeting started. As she rounded the corner, she glanced down the long corridor, noticing the figure stepping out of her father