At dawn's first light, he resisted the temptation to sleep in and marched straight to the office.
Ryan's face registered surprise when their eyes met. "I told you to take the day off, didn't I?"
"Justin, I—"
The words died in Justin's throat. The frosty standoff between them had lasted too long—melting that ice would take more than one attempt. Even if Justin extended this olive branch, Ryan might refuse to take it.
Ryan's forehead creased in a frown. Hearing "Justin" after so long didn't bring comfort—only unease. He drew a sharp breath. "Just say it. My meeting starts soon."
Justin had charged in acting on impulse, but Ryan's chilly reception made him reconsider. He needed a proper strategy to regain trust, not this unprepared approach.
"Nothing urgent. I finished reviewing the fil
