The jacket still radiated Anthony's warmth, his distinctive scent wrapping around Clara as her entire body thawed. Her heart raced as she flashed him a grateful grin. "Thank you, Anthony."
He gently tucked a stray lock behind her ear. "The temperature plummets after dark—you should bundle up."
Clara's cheeks flushed pink as she nodded.
Lori's silvery laugh danced through the air. "Anthony! Who knew you had this tender side? I always thought you were cold as marble." She raised her wineglass with a knowing smirk. "To the happy couple—may I see that wedding invitation soon!"
The awkward declaration hung thick in the air. Clara was scrambling for a polite deflection when Anthony's velvet voice intervened: "That toast is premature—Clara remains my secretary for now."
The unspoken promise
