Page 134 of The Silver Fox Brother

I set down my pen. "Yes. I have to go to Naples for the Sterling project. Can you reschedule those meetings for next week?"

Maya's eyebrows raise slightly.

"Naples? That's a new development."

"The Sterling project is extremely demanding this week."

She doesn't push for more details, just makes notes on her tablet.

"I'll reach out to the clients and get everything rearranged. Anything else you need before Thursday?"

"No. That should cover it. Thank you, Maya."

She nods and leaves, closing the door behind her.

I'm alone in my office, staring at the email from Marcus still open on my screen. I take a deep breath. Then another. The thought of traveling with Knox makes my chest tight with anxiety. I keep replaying Monday's team meeting. The way he looked at me across the conference room. The way he pretended nothing happened between us when I brought the files to his office. Professional. Stoic.Detached.

I'm disappointed, which is ridiculous. It was a mistake, I tell myself. One night that shouldn't have happened. We're both professionals. We can move past it.

I close the email and pull up the next project file that needs my attention.

Later that afternoon, I'm reviewing fabric samples when my phone buzzes on my desk.

I glance down and see a text from Jake, the guy Amy introduced me to at The Vault.

Jake: Hey! Want to grab drinks tomorrow after work? There's a great restaurant bar near your studio. Low-key, good atmosphere.

I stare at the message for a moment.

Jake is nice. Successful. Attractive. Exactly the kind of person I should be interested in spending time with.

I type back.

Winter: Sure. What time?

Jake: 6:30? I'll text you the address.

Winter: Sounds good.

I set my phone down and return to work, trying not to think about why saying yes felt more like an obligation than excitement.

Wednesday evening, I meet Jake at a wine bar three blocks from my studio.

The place is intimate, dimly lit, with exposed brick wallsand small tables clustered throughout the space. Jake is already there when I arrive, sitting at a corner table with two glasses of red wine waiting.

"Winter, hi." He stands and gives me a quick hug.

"I ordered us a Malbec. Hope that's okay."

"Perfect. Thank you."

We sit and Jake launches into easy conversation. He asks about my day, tells me about a deal he's closing at work, asks if I've explored this neighborhood much.

I try to be present. Try to focus on what he's saying.

He's charming. Successful. Asks thoughtful questions and listens when I answer.

"So Amy mentioned you run your own design firm," Jake says, leaning forward slightly.