The night at the gala ended with the usual champagne toasts, a round of pleasantries, and the promise of future business. But for Jenna, it felt different this time. The lingering sensation of Liam's gaze, the subtle tension between them — it all left her more aware of him than she wanted to admit.
She found herself alone in her car, staring out the window as the city passed by. Her mind replayed every conversation, every glance, and most of all, his words.
"I think we already know."
It was late when her phone buzzed with a message from Liam.
Liam: You know, I haven't had a chance to really see what you're about. I'll be in the city tomorrow. Dinner?
Jenna didn't hesitate. She responded almost immediately.
Jenna: Dinner sounds good. But I'm not easy to impress.
Liam: We'll see about that.
She smiled to herself, setting the phone down on the seat. This wasn't just another dinner. This was him making his move — but he wasn't the only one playing a game. Jenna was no stranger to the art of attraction, and she wasn't going to give in too easily.
---
The next evening, Jenna arrived at the upscale restaurant where they'd agreed to meet. It was intimate, quiet — the kind of place where meaningful conversations could unfold without distraction. She entered, her heels clicking softly on the polished wood floor, and made her way to their table.
Liam was already seated, his back straight and posture commanding. As usual, he looked effortlessly perfect. But his eyes, those sharp, calculating eyes, softened when they landed on her.
"Late," he said with a smirk.
Jenna raised an eyebrow as she slid into the seat across from him. "I like to keep you waiting."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze never leaving hers. "I think you like keeping me on my toes."
Jenna didn't respond right away. Instead, she let the silence sit between them, her gaze steady as she studied him.
"I'll admit, you've got my attention," she finally said, reaching for her glass of wine. "But I'm curious. What's your angle, Ryder?"
Liam leaned back, a slight chuckle escaping his lips. "I don't play angles. I see things as they are. And right now, I see you. Not just your business. Not just your brand. But you."
The weight of his words hung in the air. Jenna took a slow sip of her wine, her fingers tracing the rim of the glass. "And what exactly do you see?"
Liam didn't answer immediately. Instead, he regarded her for a moment, his gaze almost thoughtful. "I see someone who's used to being in control. But maybe, just maybe, she wants to let go for a change."
Jenna's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't show it. Instead, she smiled, cool and composed. "And you think you're the one who can make me let go?"
Liam's eyes darkened just slightly. "I think I'm the one who can make you consider it."
Jenna set the glass down, her lips curling into a confident smile. "You'll have to try harder than that."
The challenge was clear — and Liam, as always, loved a challenge.
---