Chapter 4

FOUR

C at Reeves smoothed down her skirt, her fingers tracing the soft fabric as she took a deep breath. The familiar scents of her mother’s cooking wafted through the air, mingling with the comforting buzz of family conversation. She’d been looking forward to this dinner all week, eager to share her news.

“So, Cat,” her father’s deep voice cut through her thoughts, “any exciting updates in that brilliant mind of yours?”

Cat couldn’t contain her smile. “Actually, yes! I’ve just taken on a new project with Sharpe Drakon Games. It’s... it’s incredible, really. The technology they’re working on is groundbreaking.”

Her mother’s eyes lit up. “Sharpe Drakon? Isn’t that the company run by that handsome young CEO? What’s his name... Keir something?”

“Keir Sharpe,” Cat supplied, feeling a flutter in her stomach at the mention of his name. “And yes, that’s the one.”

“Well, this calls for a celebration,” her mother declared, jumping up from her seat. “I’m bringing out the tiramisu.”

Cat’s father chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. “Must be some company if it’s got your mother pulling out dessert in the middle of dinner.”

Her brother Michael leaned across the table, grinning. “Seriously, though, Cat, that’s fantastic. I know how long you’ve admired their work. You must be over the moon.”

“I really am,” Cat admitted, her cheeks flushing with excitement. “The project I’m working on... I can’t give details, of course, but it’s going to change the gaming industry. Maybe even beyond that.”

As her mother bustled back in with the dessert, Laura, her sister-in-law, caught Cat’s eye. “So,” she said in a low voice, “how did it go with the infamous Mr. Sharpe? Was he as intimidating as you feared?”

Cat shook her head, surprised by her own answer. “Not at all, actually. He was... nice. Really nice. He made me feel so comfortable during the interview. It was almost like we knew each other already, you know?”

Laura raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Do tell. Did those nerves disappear?”

“It’s strange,” Cat mused, accepting a slice of tiramisu from her mother. “I didn’t feel nervous so much as... excited. Keir was handsome, sure, but he was also genuinely interested in chatting about the things I enjoy. It wasn’t just a standard interview.”

“Well,” Laura said, a knowing smile playing on her lips, “there are people out there who share interests. Sounds like you might have met someone you could really connect with. Don’t look at it as strange, Cat. Be happy. You’ll be working with him, after all.”

Cat nodded, mulling over Laura’s words as she savored a bite of the rich dessert. The truth was, she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Keir since the interview. His easy smile, the way his eyes lit up when she talked about her passions... it was more than just professional admiration, and that realization both thrilled and terrified her.

The next morning, Cat stood before the imposing glass facade of Sharpe Drakon Games, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She smoothed down her blazer one last time, took a deep breath, and pushed through the revolving doors.

The lobby was a hive of activity, sleek and modern with touches of whimsy that spoke to the company’s gaming roots. A receptionist with a friendly smile directed her to the elevator, and before she knew it, Cat was stepping onto the floor that would be her new professional home.

“Ah, Cat!” Keir’s voice rang out, and she turned to see him striding toward her, looking impossibly put-together in a tailored suit. “Welcome to the team. Let me introduce you to everyone.”

What followed was a whirlwind of names and faces. Cat shook hands with her new colleagues, trying to commit each one to memory. There was Beck, Keir’s right-hand man, with a firm handshake and piercing gaze. Sarah from UI/UX, whose bright purple hair matched her bubbly personality. Charlie, the senior coder, who barely looked up from his screen but managed a grunt of acknowledgment.

As they moved through the office, Keir’s hand ghosted over the small of her back, guiding her. The casual touch sent a shiver up her spine, and Cat found herself hyper-aware of his proximity.

“And this,” Keir said, gesturing to a sleek workstation, “is where the magic will happen. Your home away from home, so to speak.”

Cat ran her fingers over the smooth surface of the desk, taking in the dual monitors and state-of-the-art equipment. “It’s perfect,” she breathed.

“I’m glad you approve.” Keir smiled, and Cat couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes crinkled at the corners. “Now, let’s get you up to speed on Guardian AI.”

As the morning progressed, Cat found herself falling into an easy rhythm with her new team. She dove into the project files, her mind buzzing with ideas and potential improvements. But she couldn’t help noticing Keir’s frequent presence. He seemed to materialize at her elbow every time she looked up, always with a question or a comment that showed he was paying close attention to her work.

It was flattering, certainly, but also a bit unnerving. Cat had expected to work primarily with the development team, reporting to Keir periodically. His constant involvement was unexpected, and she wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.

Just before lunch, Keir appeared at her desk once more. “Cat, I’d like to discuss how you’re settling in with the team. Join me?”

Cat nodded, assuming they’d head to his office for a quick meeting. Instead, Keir led her out of the building and into a cozy restaurant next door. The hostess greeted him by name, leading them to a quiet booth in the corner.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Keir said as they settled in. “I find these discussions go better over good food. Plus, I’m starving.”

Cat couldn’t help but laugh. “No complaints here. I’ve been eyeing that burger special since we walked in.”

Keir’s eyes lit up. “Excellent choice. I’ll have the same,” he told the waitress with a wink.

As they waited for their food, the conversation flowed easily. Cat found herself relaxing, drawn in by Keir’s charm and genuine interest.

“So,” he said, leaning forward slightly, “tell me about your family. I remember you mentioning a brother?”

Cat nodded, a fond smile spreading across her face. “Michael. He’s two years older, a neurosurgeon. Bit of an overachiever,” she added with a laugh. “He and his wife Laura just had their first child, my nephew Ayers.”

“Ayers?” Keir raised an eyebrow. “That’s an unusual name.”

Cat felt her cheeks heat. “Ah, well... don’t tell Michael, but I might have had a hand in that. His middle name is Satoru, after a character from my favorite anime. I’m not sure my brother’s figured that out yet.”

Keir threw his head back and laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “Oh, that’s brilliant. I’d love to see his face when he realizes.”

Their burgers arrived, and Cat was momentarily distracted by the mouthwatering aroma. She took a bite, unable to suppress a small moan of appreciation. When she looked up, she caught Keir watching her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

“Good?” he asked, his voice low.

Cat nodded, swallowing hard. “Delicious. Though I have to admit, I’m a bit of a junk food addict. Put a bag of chips in front of me when I’m coding, and it’ll disappear before I even realize it.”

Keir grinned. “A woman after my own heart. Though I’m more of a sweet tooth myself. There’s a drawer in my desk that’s basically a candy store.”

As they ate, the conversation shifted to work. Cat found herself eagerly sharing her ideas for Guardian AI, her hands moving animatedly as she described potential improvements to the user interface.

“That’s... actually brilliant,” Keir said, looking impressed. “I hadn’t even considered approaching it from that angle. You’re going to revolutionize this project, Cat.”

The praise warmed her from the inside out, and Cat ducked her head, suddenly shy. “Thanks. I just hope I can live up to expectations.”

“I have no doubt you will,” Keir said softly. Then, clearing his throat, he added, “Though I should warn you, this project might involve some long hours. I hope that won’t be a problem.”

Cat shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Not at all. I’m used to losing track of time when I’m working on something exciting.” She hesitated for a moment, then added, trying to sound casual, “What about you? Does your girlfriend mind all the long hours you put in?”

Keir’s eyes sparkled with amusement, and Cat felt her heart skip a beat. “No girlfriend to speak of,” he replied with a grin. “I’m single, so nobody time manages me but myself. Though lately, I’ve been wondering if perhaps I’ve been missing out on something important.”

His gaze locked with hers, and for a moment, Cat forgot how to breathe. Was he flirting? Or was she reading too much into a simple statement?

“Your eyes,” Keir said suddenly, his voice low and intense. “They’re quite remarkable, you know. Like warm honey in the sunlight.”

Cat felt her cheeks flame. Desperate to regain her composure, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Your lips are nice too.”

The moment the words left her mouth, Cat wanted to crawl under the table and disappear. Keir’s eyebrows shot up, and for a terrifying second, she thought she’d overstepped completely.

But then he grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Why, thank you, Cat. I’m rather fond of them myself.”

Mortified, Cat scrambled to change the subject. “So, um, what do you like to do in your free time? When you’re not revolutionizing the gaming industry, I mean.”

Keir allowed the shift, though his eyes still danced with amusement. “I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, actually. Skydiving, rock climbing – anything that gets the blood pumping. You?”

“Oh, I’m more of a beach bum,” Cat admitted. “Give me a good book and the sound of waves, and I’m in heaven.”

As they continued to chat, Cat found herself torn between growing comfort in Keir’s presence and an undercurrent of nervous energy. There was something about him, a magnetism that drew her in despite her best efforts to maintain professional distance.

When they finally returned to the office, Cat’s mind whirled. She settled back at her desk, trying to focus on the task at hand, but Keir’s words kept echoing in her head. “Like warm honey in the sunlight.” The compliment made her stomach flutter in a way she hadn’t experienced in…ever.

But was it just a compliment? Or was there something more behind those intense hazel eyes? Cat shook her head, forcing herself to concentrate on the lines of code before her. She was here to work, to prove herself. Whatever this thing with Keir was – or wasn’t – she couldn’t let it distract her from the incredible opportunity she’d been given.

As the afternoon wore on, Cat threw herself into her work with renewed vigor. But every so often, her gaze would drift to Keir’s office, and she’d catch him watching her with an expression she couldn’t quite decipher. Each time their eyes met, that same jolt of electricity shot through her, leaving her both exhilarated and terrified.

By the time she packed up to leave, Cat’s emotions were a tangled mess. She was thrilled about the project and excited by the challenges ahead. But underlying it all was a growing awareness of Keir not just as her boss, but as a man – one who stirred feelings in her that she’d long thought nonexistent.

As she stepped into the elevator, Cat took a deep breath, trying to center herself. Whatever was happening, whatever this connection with Keir meant, she’d have to navigate it carefully. Her career, her dreams, were finally within reach. She couldn’t risk throwing it all away for what might be nothing more than a fleeting attraction.

But as the doors closed and she caught one last glimpse of Keir through the glass walls of his office, Cat couldn’t quite silence the small voice in her head that whispered, What if it’s more?

The elevator descended, carrying her away from a day that had changed everything. Cat leaned against the cool metal wall, her mind racing. She had a feeling that her life was about to get a whole lot more complicated.