Ava barely made it through the day. Every interaction, every fleeting glance Damon gave her, felt like a test. Her mind was running in circles, trying to act normal while keeping herself from unraveling under the pressure. The weight of her secret pressed against her chest, suffocating her in ways she hadn’t expected.
By the time the workday ended, she exhaled in relief, eager to escape. She gathered her things quickly, but before she could make her way to the door, Damon’s voice stopped her.
“Not so fast.”
She froze, gripping the strap of her bag tightly before slowly turning around. Damon stood by his office door, arms crossed, his sharp eyes locked onto hers.
“Come have a drink with me.”
Ava blinked, caught off guard. “What?”
“A drink.” He gestured toward the elevator. “Unless you
