Chapter 34. A Gift

Travis’s thumbs hovered over the glowing screen of his phone, the message from Camila illuminating his face in the dimly lit office. The low hum of the air conditioning and the distant rumble of traffic outside created a backdrop of quiet tension. His eyes traced over her words, noting the subtle mix of admiration and playful challenge hidden beneath the surface. She was inviting him to dinner—a simple gesture in theory, but laden with layers of meaning that made his chest tighten.

“Your talent is truly remarkable, Camila,” Travis typed, his fingers moving with practised precision, tapping the screen softly with each letter. “The way you capture light and shadow… it’s nothing short of genius.”

Her reply popped up almost instantly, her voice—if one could hear it through text—full of sass and charm. “Flattery will get you everywhere. But seriously, thank you. It means a lot coming from you… ev