Page 101 of Claimed By The Other Brother

I set down my glass and leave before I do something stupid like go over there and pull Scarlett away from Daniel's attention.

DAY 95

It's past ten, and the office is empty except for us. Scarlett is in my office, and we've been going over media strategy for hours.

"We're making real progress," she says, reviewing the coverage analysis.

"Sentiment is shifting. The audit announcement helped."

"You made that happen," I tell her.

She looks up.

"We made it happen. Your interview was perfect."

"Because you prepped me."

We're sitting closer than usual, both leaning over the same report on my desk. I can see the faint freckles on her nose, barely visible under the office lighting.

"Can I ask you something?" I say before I can stop myself.

She straightens slightly. "Okay."

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Act like you're just here to do a job. Like there's nothing else between us."

Her expression shifts, guarded.

"Because that's what this is. A job."

"Is it?"

"Yes." But her voice wavers slightly.

I lean closer.

"You don't have to be perfect all the time, Scarlett."

"With you I feel like I do."

The admission hangs in the air between us. Vulnerable. Real. I reach out, my hand moving toward her face without conscious thought. She pulls back, standing abruptly.

"I should go."

"Scarlett—"

"It's late. We both need sleep." She gathers her things quickly, not looking at me.

"Have a good night."

She's out the door before I can respond. I sit alone in my office, the ghost of what almost happened still heavy in the air.

DAY 99

The following week, I make my way to the kitchen for my routine morning espresso. I'm at the machine when Scarlett walks in.