Close Quarters
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Adrian stared at the email on his screen, frowning.
"You've been assigned to the new project team with Isabella Hart. First meeting tomorrow, 9 AM sharp. Be prepared."
He reread it twice, then let out a slow breath. Of course. Of course it would be her. The woman who had haunted his thoughts since their first encounter.
He tried to tell himself it was just business. Professional collaboration. But his pulse betrayed him, picking up speed at the mere thought of being in the same room with her for hours.
The next morning, he arrived at the project room ten minutes early, hoping to gain a small advantage, some kind of control. Instead, he found Bella already there, standing by the whiteboard, laptop open, reviewing charts.
"Morning," she said, eyes lifting briefly, just enough to notice him. No smile. Just a tilt of her head that sent a ripple of electricity straight to his chest.
"Morning," he replied, keeping his voice steady, though every muscle in him tensed.
The meeting began, and as fate would have it, Bella had assigned them to work side by side, literally shoulder to shoulder. Adrian's chest tightened slightly as he slid his laptop closer to hers.
She didn't glance at him. She focused, typing and reviewing slides with efficiency that could intimidate even the most confident colleagues. And yet, every so often, her gaze flicked to him quick, subtle, assessing.
"You know," she said after a few minutes, voice calm but laced with curiosity, "most people freeze when they're uncomfortable. You… don't."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment?"
"It depends on how you take it," she said, smirking faintly. "I like curiosity in people, but I also like people who know their limits."
Her words were a challenge. And Adrian felt it in his bones: he wanted to accept it, wanted to push past it, wanted… to see how far he could go without breaking.
Hours passed in a blur of brainstorming, debates, and quiet competitive energy. Adrian noticed little things, the subtle way she leaned closer to explain a point, the soft laugh she let slip when he made a smart suggestion, the way her eyes lingered for a fraction too long when she disagreed.
Lunch came, and they found themselves alone in the small cafeteria. Bella chose a table in the corner, where the sunlight fell just right across her face. Adrian slid in across from her.
"You're quiet today," she observed, voice low, teasing. "Planning your next clever move?"
"Something like that," he said, matching her tone.
Her lips curved, barely noticeable, but enough to make his pulse race. "You know," she said, leaning forward slightly, "I don't like people who wait for me to lead. I like people who step up."
Adrian held her gaze. "Then maybe I'm exactly the kind of man you'd notice."
Her laugh was soft, musical and filled with challenge. "We'll see."
By the time the meeting ended, Adrian realized two things:
1. Bella Hart was unlike anyone he had ever met.
2. He wanted to be near her, not just in business, but closer, somehow.
And he knew, deep down, that the game between them had only just begun.