Page 29 of Executive Privilege

In the elevator, Nicholas' hand briefly touches my lower back as Morrison gestures toward the building directory, the contact sends familiar heat through me.

"The retreat center is about an hour outside the city," Morrison explains as we reach the executive floor. "Team buildingexercises, strategic planning sessions, informal networking. Should give you excellent behind-the-scenes material."

"That sounds perfect," I say, focusing on Morrison instead of the way Nicholas's presence affects my concentration. "What kind of team building activities are planned?"

"Outdoor challenges, mostly. Rock climbing wall, trust exercises, collaborative problem-solving." Morrison grins. "I understand you have some climbing experience, Ms. Reynolds?"

"I do," I admit, glancing at Nicholas. "It's a hobby."

"Excellent. You'll probably find our artificial wall laughably easy compared to real rock, but it should make for good content."

I catch Nicholas watching me with an expression I can't quite read.

"Mr. Blackwood?" Morrison's voice pulls us both back to the conversation. "Any questions about the timeline?"

"Just one," Nicholas says smoothly. "You mentioned that the executive team will be participating in the outdoor activities?"

"All of us. Leading by example, showing team unity." Morrison looks between us. "Is that a problem?"

"Not at all. Just want to make sure we capture the right dynamic."

But I can see something tense in Nicholas's posture that suggests he's not entirely comfortable with the idea of outdoor team building. Which is interesting, considering how composed he is in every other professional situation.

***

The next few hours pass in a blur of meetings, interviews, and carefully choreographed interactions designed to showcaseMorrison Industries as dynamic and forward-thinking. I handle the social media content while Nicholas manages the broader strategic narrative, and we work together with the kind of seamless efficiency that makes Morrison's marketing team take notes.

"You two make an excellent team," Morrison's marketing director, Sarah Choi, observes during a brief break. "Very complementary skill sets."

"Sadie is exceptionally talented," Nicholas replies, his voice professionally appropriate but warm enough to make my chest flutter. "Event Horizons is fortunate to have her."

Hearing Nicholas praise my work in front of clients never gets old. Especially when he uses my first name, when there's genuine pride in his voice.

By late afternoon, we've captured some great executive content for the campaign. I can feel the awareness building between Nicholas and me with every shared glance, every casual touch, every moment of professional collaboration that reminds us both of our non-professional chemistry.

"We should head to the hotel and get checked in before the team dinner," Nicholas says as we're wrapping up the final interview.

The Four Seasons Dallas is exactly what I expected—elegant, expensive, and the kind of place where Nicholas Blackwood fits seamlessly into the marble-and-crystal lobby. What I didn't expect is the way he hesitates when we reach the reception desk.

"Two rooms," he tells the desk clerk. "Reservations under Blackwood."

"Of course, Mr. Blackwood. We have you in adjoining suites on the fortieth floor."

Adjoining suites. With a connecting door between them.

"That wasn't necessary," I say quietly as we wait for the elevator.

"Jennifer's doing," Nicholas replies. "I had nothing to do with it."

The elevator ride to the fortieth floor passes in charged silence. When we reach our floor and Nicholas shows me to my suite, I can see the connecting door on the far wall like a physical reminder of how thin the line between professional and personal has become.

"Dinner's at eight," Nicholas says, setting down my bag. "Morrison made reservations at some place downtown."

"Sounds good." I'm hyperaware of his presence in my hotel room, of the bed visible through the open bedroom door, of the fact that we're alone together for the first time since our new arrangement began.

"Sadie." Nicholas turns to look at me, and the careful professional distance he's been maintaining finally cracks. The hunger in eyes has an immediate affect on me.

"Yes?"