Chapter 117

• The Friday sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of the city. It was a welcome sight after a week of uncertainty and tension. Gemma Knight sat at her desk, a mixture of excitement and anxiety quickening her heart with each passing hour. Today was the day she and Derek were finally going out for drinks—something they had casually discussed but never executed until now.
• As the clock inched toward five, her thoughts wandered between anticipation and the nervous flutters in her stomach. She had prepared herself all week, carefully picking out an outfit that was both professional and subtly flirty. It was a simple navy dress that hugged her curves just enough to make her feel confident, coupled with a pair of heels she hadn’t worn in months. The anticipation of finally letting her guard down, even a little, added to her excitement.
• Across the office, Derek Hanes was experiencing a similar mix of feelings. He sat in his office, scribbling notes on a project due next week, but his thoughts kept drifting to the evening ahead. The idea of sharing drinks with Gemma, away from the watchful eyes of coworkers, stirred something in him. He wanted to push aside the burdens from work and simply enjoy her company. The thought of getting to know her more, beyond their professional roles, was exhilarating.