“You’re really going to eat that?” Harper asked, leaning back in his chair with a smirk as Kate stabbed her fork into the oversized slice of chocolate cake. The hotel’s dimly lit lounge buzzed with the low hum of colleagues unwinding after a long day of team-building exercises.

Kate rolled her eyes, her dark curls bouncing as she shook her head. “It’s been a *day*, Harper. If I want to drown my sorrows in sugar, I will.” She was dressed casually in a fitted sweater that hugged her curves, her cheeks flushed from the wine they’d been nursing. Harper, in his rumpled button-down and loosened tie, looked like he’d been through the wringer too, but his sharp jawline and easy grin kept him from looking disheveled.

“Fair enough,” he said, raising his glass. “But if you’re going to indulge, you’re sharing.” He reached for her fork, but she swatted his hand away, her lips curling into a playful smile. “Not a chance,” she said, her voice dropping just enough to make him pause. “But maybe I’ll let you buy me another drink.” Harper leaned in, his eyes narrowing as if considering the offer, just as the lounge lights flickered, signaling last call.