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I pull out my flash drive and insert it into the laptop. I start setting up my presentation, making sure everything looks perfect on the screen. Just as I'm adjusting the focus, the door opens, and Weston walks in with two individuals. "Quinn, this is Linda Jones and Eric Martin, the coordinators for the charity event," he introduces.

I step forward with a confident smile. "Pleasure to meet you both," I say, extending my hand for a handshake. Linda's grip is firm, and Eric offers a friendly nod.

"Likewise," Linda replies.

I gesture towards the seats. "Please, have a seat. I'll walk you through our proposed contribution."

As they take their seat I catch Weston's eyes trailing down my body throwing me off balance.

Focus on your presentation not hot man candy.I remind myself. Ugh, what is happening to me? I swore off men for the rest of my life. I can't keep having these thoughts about my boss.

I launch into the heart of my presentation. "Our proposed contribution for the event is a focus on technology and art education, particularly for supporting artists across the globe," I begin. "This is about giving artists access to digital tools and platforms to enhance their creativity and reach."

Linda leans in. "Interesting. How do you envision integrating this into the event?"

I click on a slide showcasing a virtual art gallery. "We propose setting up a digital exhibition section at the event. It will feature artwork created by artists who have benefited from our tech-art education programs. Each piece will tell a story, not just of the art but also of the technology that made it possible."

Eric nods. "That's a unique approach."

I detail further. "Additionally, we'll set up two interactive kiosks where guests can experience the technology used by theseartists. It’s a hands-on way to understand the functionalities of our tools."

Linda nods, smiling. "That sounds both informative and engaging."

Wrapping up, I focus on the broader impact. "Ultimately, this is about raising awareness and fostering a community of support for artists leveraging technology."

Seeing Linda and Eric's approval is a huge relief as they stand up. "We're looking forward to seeing this come to life at the event," Linda says.

I nod, a wave of satisfaction washing over me. I catch Weston's impressed gaze as he stands and ushers them out.

As I unplug my flash drive, lost in the success of the moment, I don't hear Weston return to the room. I spin around, startled by his proximity and his sandalwood cologne which makes my thighs squeeze together to hold off the flood between them.

"You outdid yourself, Quinn. I think I owe you a dinner for pulling off something so impressive." He flashes that panty-dropping smile. "You free tonight?"

His offer sends my heart into overdrive.

Dinner with him sounds exciting, yet I'm scared of what being alone with him could lead to. I want to say yes, but I'm holding back. "I can't tonight," I reluctantly say, "I'm already busy."

He looks confused. "Busy with what?"

I quickly think of an excuse. "I'm meeting Marissa. We have plans." I lie.

Weston doesn't look entirely convinced, and for a moment, time seems to freeze. We get lost in each other's gaze, both sets of blue eyes reflecting what we want.

He wets his lips and I lean in slightly, drawn by an invisible force. I can feel his every breath and our lips almost touch. My mind screams at me to pull back and suddenly I'm hit with the thought of Leo rolling over in his grave at the sight of this.

I snap out of it. "I... I should get back to work," I stammer, practically running out of the room.

6

WESTON

I grab a beer from the fridge, more than ready to unwind after a busy day. I crack it open, the sound echoing in the quiet kitchen. I take a long sip, the beer's bitterness hitting the spot.

As I walk over to the living room, I feel the weight of the day start to lift. I drop onto the couch and hit the power button on the remote, the game lighting up the screen. But as I try to get into it, my mind’s not on the play. It keeps wandering back to Quinn.

It's crazy how this woman affects me, and no matter how I try to resist, she keeps taking over my thoughts.

It's been two weeks since I first laid eyes on her. Two whole weeks since her smile got under my skin and I've been itching to make her mine. Man, she gives me a run for my money. We were so close to kissing in the boardroom, but she pulled back just in time. I'm still reeling from that. And when she turned down dinner? That's a first for me. Every other woman in this town would jump at the chance, but not Quinn.

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