Breaking Hearts

The Message

Savannah was beginning to settle into her new life.

The days were busy, but she liked that.

There was something satisfying about waking up knowing exactly where she was going and what she was working toward.

Her job at Ashford Holdings was turning out to be better than she'd expected.

Felicia had already trusted her with small assignments, and Savannah was slowly becoming more confident about sharing her ideas.

That afternoon, she was sitting at her desk, making a few final changes to a campaign proposal when her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen.

Brian: How's work at Ashford Holdings?

Savannah froze.

She stared at the message.

Ashford Holdings.

He knew the name.

Her eyebrows pulled together.

She hadn't told him.

She had told him she'd found a job in the city.

She'd never mentioned the company.

Savannah typed a reply.

Savannah: How do you know where I work?

The response didn't come immediately.

She watched the screen.

Finally, his message appeared.

Brian: I have my ways.

She rolled her eyes.

Of course he did.

Savannah: That's not an answer.

A few seconds passed.

Brian: How is the job?

She stared at the screen.

He had completely avoided the question.

Again.

Savannah couldn't help smiling.

Savannah: It's good. I'm enjoying it.

Brian: I'm glad.

She put the phone down.

But the question remained.

How did he know?

She tried to convince herself there was a simple explanation.

Maybe he'd heard about the company through someone connected to the development.

Maybe Ashford Holdings was involved with the project in Sunnyvale.

Still, it bothered her.

She had known Brian for such a short time.

And somehow, he always seemed to know just a little more about her than she remembered telling him.

Her phone buzzed again.

Brian: Are you free this evening?

Savannah hesitated.

Then replied.

Savannah: Why?

His answer came quickly.

Brian: I'd like to see you.

She stared at the words.

Her heart gave a small, unexpected flutter.

She didn't know what to make of Brian.

She didn't know what he wanted.

And perhaps more importantly...

She wasn't entirely sure what she wanted either.

Before she could answer, Felicia appeared beside her desk.

"Still working?"

Savannah quickly locked her phone.

"Almost done."

Felicia smiled.

"Good. Don't stay too late."

"I won't."

Felicia walked away.

Savannah looked at her phone again.

After a moment, she typed:

Savannah: Okay. Coffee.

---

By the time Savannah finished work, the office had begun to empty.

She gathered her things and headed downstairs.

The moment she stepped outside, she saw him.

Brian was waiting beside a dark luxury sedan.

He looked exactly as she remembered.

Dark hair.

Sharp green eyes.

Broad shoulders beneath a perfectly fitted jacket.

He looked toward her and smiled.

Savannah walked over.

"You really came."

"I said I would."

She smiled.

Then she noticed what he was holding.

Flowers.

A beautiful bouquet rested in his hand.

Her expression softened.

"Are those for me?"

"They are."

He handed them to her.

Savannah accepted them carefully.

"They're beautiful."

"I thought you'd like them."

"Thank you."

Brian opened the passenger door for her.

She was just about to step inside when a voice stopped them.

"Savannah."

She turned.

Damien stood several feet away.

His gaze moved from her to Brian.

Then to the flowers in her hands.

The atmosphere changed instantly.

Brian slowly turned toward him.

For a moment, neither man spoke.

Then Damien gave a polite nod.

"Brian."

Brian returned the gesture.

"Damien."

Savannah looked between them.

She could feel the tension.

It was subtle.

But unmistakable.

And suddenly, she wondered exactly how well these two men knew each other.