Chapter 30

“He’s literally checking his phone for your texts during board meetings,” Mia declared, swirling her martini with practiced elegance. “That’s not professional distance, Em. That’s a man completely gone for you.”

Emma sank deeper into the corner booth of Noir, the discreet cocktail bar where she and Mia had retreated for their monthly catch-up. Three months after the snowstorm kiss and subsequent Jack meltdown, Emma was still navigating the complicated waters of her developing relationship with Alek while maintaining professional boundaries at work.

“We’re being careful,” Emma insisted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “No public dates, minimal private time, absolutely no office... interaction.”

“And how’s that working out for your sanity?” Mia arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

“Terribly.” Emma sighed, dropping the professional façade she maintained everywhere except with her oldest friend. “I think about him constantly. When we’re in meetings, I have