The morning started like any other at Aurora Group — emails, calls, schedules. Yet for Alina Ross, a subtle tension had settled in her chest.
It wasn't just the trending hashtags or yesterday's interview. It was the anticipation.
Today, she and Adrian Vale were assigned to coordinate a high-profile client visit together — alone.
---
The Clash
Alina arrived first in the conference room, clipboard in hand, reviewing the itinerary. Sophie was beside her, whispering reminders, grinning like a cat that had caught the canary.
"Remember, you're the lead on this," Sophie said, nudging her. "He's… well, he's Adrian Vale. Watch your step."
Alina rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Sophie. I'm not going to lose to him in front of a client."
The door opened sharply, and Adrian entered, as calm and composed as ever. He gave a slight nod, acknowledging her presence without a word.
"Mr. Vale," Alina said curtly. "Shall we review the schedule?"
"Lead, I believe," Adrian replied smoothly, raising an eyebrow.
She blinked. "Excuse me?"
"I said, I believe you're leading today. I'll follow your direction."
Alina stiffened. "I… appreciate that."
A flicker of amusement crossed his face — the kind that made her chest flutter involuntarily. She cursed herself for noticing.
---
The Compromising Situation
Half an hour into the preparations, the client arrived. Adrian and Alina were showing them around the property, discussing amenities, layouts, and services. Everything was professional. Everything was normal.
Until the elevator incident.
A sudden malfunction caused the elevator to halt mid-floor. The client group panicked, and the two of them were pressed close together in the small space.
Alina's clipboard pressed against her chest. She felt the subtle heat of Adrian's presence.
"Stay calm," he said quietly, hand brushing hers as he adjusted the clipboard she was holding.
Her pulse jumped. "I… I'm fine," she said quickly.
He didn't say anything, just offered her a small, almost imperceptible smile.
The silence was thick, charged. Every minor movement — their shoulders brushing, fingers near, even the faint scent of his cologne — felt magnified.
Minutes stretched like hours before the elevator jolted back to life, releasing them into the lobby.
Alina tried to act normal, adjusting her hair and straightening her jacket. Adrian, however, simply smirked, as if enjoying her flustered state.
---
The Teasing Begins
Later, as they sat across from each other to finalize the client's preferences, Sophie and Liam appeared unexpectedly.
"Oh, look!" Sophie said innocently. "You two survived the elevator incident!"
Alina glared. "Sophie!"
Liam grinned at Adrian. "Bet you didn't expect to get stuck with Ms. Ross like that."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Are you implying something, Liam?"
"Nope," Liam replied innocently. "Just observing dynamics."
Alina groaned. "You both are impossible."
Adrian leaned back slightly, voice low, teasing. "Perhaps. Or perhaps some of us just enjoy a little… tension."
Her heart skipped. Tension? She cursed herself for noticing it again.
---
Private Moments
After the client left, the two returned to the office. The elevator ride was quiet this time, but both felt the residual tension.
Alina stared at the floor, pretending to review notes, while Adrian's calm gaze seemed to pierce right through her.
"You handled the client well," he said finally, voice soft.
"Thank you," she murmured. Her chest tightened slightly. "You too."
He leaned slightly closer, just enough that she could feel his presence without it being inappropriate. "You always seem in control," he said.
"I… try," she replied, a hint of uncertainty in her tone.
He gave her a faint smile, almost approving, almost teasing. "It suits you."
Her breath caught. Why does he always say things like that?
---
Sophie's Observation Again
Sophie, at her desk nearby, was watching discreetly. She caught the subtle gestures, the fluster, the tiny blush creeping onto Alina's cheeks.
"Yep," she whispered to Liam. "They're both denying it, but the elevator incident? That's going to be a game-changer."
"Absolutely," Liam replied, grinning. "One more incident like that, and we'll have a full-blown ship."
---
The Aftermath
That evening, Alina returned home, exhausted yet restless. She replayed the elevator moment over and over, heart racing at the memory of his calm composure, the subtle warmth of his hand near hers, the teasing glint in his eyes.
She had spent years keeping him at arm's length — hating him, planning, competing. But now, the line between rivalry and… something else, was blurrier than ever.
Across town, Adrian was similarly restless. He reviewed the day in his mind, remembering the slight flush on her cheeks, the way she'd averted her gaze, the tiny tremor in her voice.
He knew one thing — their professional rivalry was no longer just professional.
And neither of them wanted to admit what that meant.