Beneath the Surface

CHAPTER TWENTYEdenbrook Hills Resort — Day Two

The morning mist clung to the forested ridges of Edenbrook Hills like a dream reluctant to let go. Shafts of pale sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling glass of the main resort hall, casting gold across polished wooden floors and delicate porcelain dishes. The scent of espresso mingled with mountain pine and buttery croissants, curling through the air like an invitation. Laughter floated from the breakfast bar where groups clustered with coffee and bright eyes, still riding the high of the previous night—gowns swirling, whispered conversations, the pulse of something almost magical in the air.

Arielle stood by the open patio doors, her fingers curled around a warm ceramic mug, the steam curling up past her lips. She wore a soft sweater over casual slacks, but her presence was anything but muted. Her gaze stretched over the valley below—misty and endless, dotted with glass lodges and wildflower fields. It was a view that made people pause. But she wasn’t just looking—she was thinking. Processing. Feeling.

Her phone buzzed softly against the railing. A message from Ezra.

Hope you didn’t dream about someone else.

The cheeky line made her smile without meaning to—just a small curve of her lips, barely there.

Unbeknownst to her, Damien had just walked in through the side entrance. He paused mid-step, catching that faint smile and the way she held her phone a beat longer than necessary. His grip on his coffee cup tightened. That look on her face—it wasn’t for him. He turned away abruptly and moved to the breakfast bar, filling a cup with black coffee, his jaw working slightly.

Moments later, Cole stepped up onto the low riser near the center of the room, clapping his hands. “Alright, people! I hope you’ve rested well because we’ve got a full day ahead.”

The murmur of conversation died down. All heads turned toward him.

“As you all know, this retreat isn’t just about sipping cocktails and wearing your best vacation shirts,” Cole said with a wink, gesturing to his outrageous floral button-down, the colors a wild tribute to the 80s. “We’ve got two main things on the schedule today: some creative sessions this morning—strategy, marketing pitches, inter-team feedback. And then tonight, we meet by the lake for a sunset dinner and some games.”

A ripple of excitement moved through the group.

“Think scavenger hunt, team challenges, and yes—prizes. So bring your A-game. Nina already threatened to fight someone over a bottle of champagne.”

Nina raised her mimosa. “Team Ashe and Locke, baby!”

Laughter echoed as Cole continued outlining the day’s events, eventually directing teams toward the various sessions set up across the property.

Arielle scanned the printed team lists and froze. Damien. And Ezra. Of course.

Beside her, Nina let out a low whistle. “Oh, the gods are stirring the pot today.”

Arielle narrowed her eyes, amused. “Don’t start.”

But the tension began brewing the second the three of them gathered beneath the gazebo where a conference-style setup had been arranged—comfortable seating, laptops open, digital projectors ready.

Damien sat at the head, as always, posture straight, suit crisp even in retreat-casual mode. Arielle was to his right, Ezra to his left. And although polite, the air was thick with unspoken friction.

They were reviewing the ongoing partnership campaign—Ashe and Locke’s newest product launch. Arielle led the pitch confidently, her voice steady and clear. Slides clicked forward, her insight cut cleanly through the expected fluff.

Damien, arms folded, watched her carefully. He didn’t interrupt. He didn’t challenge.

When she finished, there was a brief pause.

“I like it,” he said finally. “It’s strong. Bold without being arrogant.”

Arielle blinked, a bit startled. A compliment from Damien was rare—sincere ones, even more so.

Ezra leaned back, nodding. “I agree. You have a real knack for drawing out the emotional pull. Where do you even get these ideas?”

She shrugged, not deflecting—just honest. “Observation. Listening. People are more predictable than they think.”

Ezra smirked. “Remind me never to lie around you.”

Damien’s jaw ticked, but he said nothing.

When the session ended near noon, the teams began to split off for lunch, the scent of grilled herbs and fresh lemonade filling the air from the outdoor buffet.

Ezra touched Arielle’s arm gently as she packed up her laptop. “If you’re free later, I’d love to walk the trails with you. This place is too beautiful to waste indoors.”

Arielle hesitated. The gesture was small—his hand light against her sleeve—but she felt eyes on her. She glanced sideways. Damien stood a few steps away, pretending to scroll through his phone, though his attention was clearly on her.

“Maybe,” she said carefully, offering Ezra a polite smile. “Let’s see how the day unfolds.”

Ezra smiled back, reading her tone but accepting it. “Looking forward to it either way.” With a graceful nod, he stepped away.

Like clockwork, Nina appeared at Arielle’s side, her sunglasses perched on her head like a crown of mischief.

“You’re aware that tall, dark, and sharp-jawed has been watching you like a hawk, right?”

Arielle blinked. “Damien?”

“Yes, Damien. Our boss. The one who looks like a brooding Calvin Klein model who hasn’t figured out how to process jealousy.”

Arielle let out a soft snort. “He is not jealous.”

“Oh honey,” Nina laughed. “He watched you and Ezra like a bouncer at a VIP lounge. And I know Damien—he doesn’t look at anyone like that.”

“Stop reading into things,” Arielle muttered, though the warmth on her cheeks betrayed her.

“Just don’t pretend you don’t enjoy it,” Nina said, nudging her arm before floating off toward the buffet line.

By the time the sun dipped low, the sky had turned into a painting—brushed in soft tangerine, violet, and rose. The resort lawn was transformed. Cream-colored linens draped long tables beneath strings of fairy lights. Lanterns swayed from wooden poles. The lake beyond glittered like liquid gold.

Arielle stepped onto the lawn in a soft emerald green gown that shimmered with every step. Her hair, twisted into a loose braid, crowned her with effortless grace. She felt the stares. But she also felt calm—grounded in something she hadn’t quite defined.

Ezra approached her first, glass of wine in hand.

“You look breathtaking,” he said, voice smooth but genuine.

“Thank you,” she replied, meaning it.

Not far away, Damien stood like a shadow against the last of the light. His gaze was unreadable—cool on the surface, but churning underneath. He hadn’t said much since their earlier session. Now, watching her in that dress, with Ezra again at her side, laughing like they shared secrets—he felt something shift.

Something dangerous.

“Damien,” Cole said, appearing beside him. “You alright? You look like you’re about to murder someone with that gaze.”

Damien blinked. “Just tired.”

Cole gave him a look that said liar but didn’t press it. He clapped him on the back and wandered off.

Across the lawn, Nina stood with a spritzer in hand, eyes twinkling.

“God, I live for this tension,” she whispered to herself, sipping dramatically.

As laughter rose and music bloomed across the lakefront, Arielle looked up and found Damien’s gaze.

For one breathless moment, neither looked away.

Then, with a flicker of restraint, Damien turned.

But the air between them remained charged—crackling, undeniable.

—