The next evening, I found myself staying late again. Not entirely because of the deadline. Part of me kept replaying the moment in the restroom — Jax’s voice, his closeness, the way his eyes had darkened when he caught me. I told myself it was just harmless fantasy. Mark had been distant lately, buried in his own work. A little late-night conversation wouldn’t hurt anyone.

Jax appeared on my floor around 8:30 PM, doing his usual rounds. He knocked lightly on the glass wall of the open office area before stepping in.

“Still here, Elena?” His tone was casual, but there was a knowing glint in his eyes.

I looked...