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I rest my forehead against hers while our breathing settles, neither of us saying a word because I don’t trust myself to find one that doesn’t make this more complicated than it already is.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Emma

MAY 2ND

I resolve a scheduling clash between Development and Legal, answer forty-three emails, postpone two meetings, approve revised marketing copy for three regions, and stop a designer from rebuilding an entire interface over a shade of blue before I realize the morning has disappeared.

The product launch may be behind us, but Wolf Shield has only become busier. New contracts keep rolling in, implementation teams are already scattered across the country, and every department believes its latest project deserves everyone’s full attention.

I thrive on it.

Each problem I solve reminds me I’m building a career that’s mine. Here, nobody knows me as Spencer Stone’s girlfriend.

They know me because I get things done.

I’m headed toward my office when Allison calls from reception. “Emma, have you got a minute?”

I change direction and smile as I reach the desk. “What’s up?”

“I think this belongs to you.”

She steps aside, revealing an enormous arrangement of cream roses, white peonies, pale pink orchids, and eucalyptus spilling from a white ceramic vase large enough to dominate the entire counter.

I stop in front of it. “Wow.”

“It arrived about ten minutes ago.”

I move closer until I spot a cream envelope tucked between the flowers. My stomach flutters as I slide out the card.

For making me smile.

Heat rushes into my cheeks. Only one person I know wouldn’t even sign the card.

Allison watches my reaction with obvious amusement. “I’m guessing you know who sent them.”

“I do.” I shake my head, laughing under my breath. “He really shouldn’t have sent these here. They’re gorgeous.” I bend to lift the vase and immediately regret it. “These weigh a ton.”

“Love usually does.”

Walking an arrangement this size across the office guarantees an audience. People smile as I pass. A group from Finance applauds. Someone whistles.

By the time I reach my office, Lena is already leaning against my doorway with a coffee in one hand, watching me approach.

Her gaze travels from the flowers to my face, and amusement lights up her expression before she sets her coffee on the edge of my desk.

“Those didn’t come from the office supply budget.”

I laugh as I ease the heavy vase onto the corner of my desk. “Good thing, because Finance would have a heart attack.”

“They’re beautiful.” She studies the arrangement before looking back at me. “Whoever sent them knows how to make an entrance.”

I glance down at the card again, unable to stop grinning.

Lena catches it immediately. “Oh, that’s interesting.”

“What is?”