The next morning, Maya discovered a coffee cup on her desk - her exact order from the cafe downstairs. Attached was a sticky note in messy handwriting: "Apology coffee for the chronically punctual -J"
She tried to suppress her smile as Jake appeared around the corner, looking sheepish. "Peace offering?" he asked, gesturing to the cup. "Bribery," Maya corrected, but took a sip anyway. Perfect temperature, extra shot of espresso, "How did you know my order?"
"I'm observant." Jake perched on the edge of her desk, ignoring her pointed look. "Plus I may have asked sandra at the reception".
"You are still there weeks behind on expenses."
"What if I told you I have a good reason?"
Maya raised an eyebrow "Try me."
Jake hesitated, running his hand through his hair. "I've been....busy with a project. Something important. "
"More important than your job?"
"May be."
The way he said it made something flutter on maya's chest- A dangerous combination of curiosity and attraction she'd been trying to ignore for months.
[Interactive element : what do you think Jake's secret project is? Share your theories]