Undercover Love

Chapter Thirty-Two: Boyfriend Material-What Ace Thinks He Is

Four months later...

As I stroll through the office, I feel lighter than I have in weeks. It's hard to believe that a month has passed since Cassie brought little Andrea into the world. Seeing my sister so radiant as a new mom, even amidst the chaos of sleepless nights and baby cries, fills me with warmth. The fact that Tyler proposed just a few hours after the birth? It still makes my heart swell. I'm beyond happy for them—honored, even. When Cassie told me the name she chose for her daughter, I felt the tears well up. Andrea, really similar to my name, and Cassie's daughter and I shared the same middle name—Zinnia. I couldn't help but cry a little when she told me.

But today, my focus is on work. The peace of a day without interrogation shifts is a rare gift, especially with my birthday just two days away. I'm excited, yet I can't shake the feeling that Cassie is up to something, even if she has a newborn to manage. I mean, how can she plan anything with a baby? But knowing her, I can't underestimate her determination.

Settling into my cubicle, I spread my diagrams across the desk, determined to harness every creative thought that comes to mind. I sketch out my gadget models, each line and curve a reflection of my aspirations. But my mind drifts—it's like trying to catch smoke. Every time I look back at my notes, I'm struck by confusion, wondering what I was thinking. But I keep at it, losing track of time until my stomach growls, reminding me that I haven't eaten yet.

After finishing my diagrams, I jump up, heading to the break room for lunch. The smell of free Chipotle wafts through the air, making my mouth water. I grab a sofritas burrito, load it with guacamole, and pour myself a lemonade. As I turn to leave, I see Ace standing there, and I feel a sense of déjà vu hit me like a wave.

Before I can react, my hand slips, and the lemonade goes flying—splashing all over Ace's suit.

"Ugh! No, no, no!" I gasp, watching in horror as the bright yellow drink seeps into the fabric, just like the coffee incident that still lingers in my mind.

"Seriously?" Ace's eyes widen, a mix of shock and amusement. His suit is now decorated with splotches of lemonade, and I can't help but wince.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—" I stammer, my cheeks heating up as I step closer, desperately trying to dab at the mess with my napkin.

"Don't worry about it," he says, chuckling softly, the tension from before seemingly forgotten. "It's not like I'm headed to a gala or anything."

"It's just... it's like I have a knack for ruining your clothes," I say, trying to lighten the mood, even if my embarrassment is palpable.

He laughs, and for a moment, it feels like the old days. "At this rate, you might owe me a wardrobe."

"I'd be broke before I could pay you back," I reply, finally feeling a bit of ease wash over me.

But just then, a shadow looms behind me—Ava steps in, her eyes darting between us with curiosity. "What's going on here? Are we having a drink party without me?"

Ace shakes his head, grinning. "Adriana here is just testing the limits of my suit's fabric."

"Yeah, and I'm failing miserably," I admit, sighing as I toss the soggy napkin into the trash.

Ava raises an eyebrow, trying to suppress a smile. "You two really are something else. Are we going to pretend this is normal office behavior?"

"Can we?" Ace asks, shrugging. "It makes things a lot more interesting."

"Only if I don't end up in a horror movie because of it," I say, half-serious.

The tension from earlier still lingers, but in this moment, as I stand there with Ace and Ava, I realize how much I miss these casual interactions. Even if my heart is still wary, it feels good to laugh.