faint clink of glasses and the scent of freshly baked bread. Lexi smoothed he

asn't

isted on discussing it in a "neutral space" away from the office, and Lexi had reluctantly agreed. But as she sat at the ca

hed, and Lexi couldn't help but notice the effortless confidence in his step, the sharp cut of his tai

thly, giving her a faint smi

h of a choice," she rep

ing in his storm-gray eyes. "I prefe

he quickly pushed the thought aside. She w

---

r the board. She outlined the marketing strategy in greater detail, emphasizing the importance

erved, his tone thoughtful as he studie

ose numbers represent. A better future, a cleaner planet, a legacy for their kids. If

wineglass. "You've got a point. But the board's not going to be moved by

numbers, you'll lose them before you even get to the heart o

gaze locking onto hers

noring the way her pulse qu

m asked about her agency-how she'd built it from the ground up, the challenges she'd faced, the risks she'

g her wine in her glass. "No connections, no sa

rward slightly. "You've built something th

re she could respond, their waiter arrived with the

assume?" Lexi asked dr

e you to something new,

turous eater, but she wasn't about to back down in front of

admitted, setti

Liam said, his

ion spread across her lips, followed by a tightness in her

t through her growing h

ff, coughing, her hand

ing to her side. "You're having a reaction,"

r breathing shallow. "I don't kn

he next few minutes passed in a blur. Someone called 911. Liam stayed by her side,

hrine, and the tightness in Lexi's throat began to ease. But th

ital," Liam said, his tone l

--

cheeks burning as the doctor explained that it had likely

irst impression," she muttered un

er, and Liam stepped inside

" he asked, his expre

itted, accepting the coffee. "Thanks for stic

er-of-fact. "It's my fault you're here. I s

," Lexi pointed out, though he

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry. This wasn't ex

d hoarse but genuine. "It's d

vy with something unspoken. Liam's gaze lingered on hers,

lly, his voice low. "We've go

cked shut, she couldn't help but wonder if Liam Ryder was