Meant to Collide

36. Game of Hearts

The morning light spills into the office, the sun rising with a golden glow, casting warmth through the windows. Inside, the room hums with the buzz of conversation as Jules and Ava sit together, discussing their next big content.

"Are you thinking we should switch it up for the next campaign?" Ava asks, tapping her fingers against the table.

Jules nods absentmindedly, her mind not quite in the conversation. She slowly walks toward her desk, her gaze drifting as she touches her lips, a sign of unease. She hugs a file to her chest as she sits, her thoughts far away, replaying the events of the night before. The memory of Sky's confident stance at his place, arms folded, flashes before her eyes.

Sky had looked at her then, their eyes locking, the world seeming to pause for a moment. His smile, subtle but knowing, had made her heart race, especially when he glanced at her lips. She had unconsciously licked them, her focus still on him.

The office chatter fades as the memory intensifies. The soft music in the background swells, heightening the tension, but it's broken by Emily's voice calling out to Sky, snapping him back to reality.

"Sky, don't forget to sign those papers!" Emily calls, reminding him of a task.

Sky and Jules both shake themselves from the trance, rushing off to handle their duties. Jules watches from her desk as Sky leans over to sign a document. She notices him pulling the cap off a pen with his teeth—careless, casual, yet strangely intimate.

Jules can't help but rub her lips again, unaware of the action, her focus still on him. The music intensifies, matching her racing thoughts. Sky looks up at her, and for a moment, their eyes meet again. But just as quickly, she pulls herself together, focusing on her screen, her heart still hammering in her chest.

Ava watches her closely, brow furrowed. "Mon, are your lips chapped? You've been touching them a lot today."

Jules gives a small laugh, trying to deflect. "Oh, thanks, I think I've just been running on fumes."

Aunt Harper, overhearing, chimes in with concern. "Do you have a mouth ulcer? I could bring some medicated cream for you."

Jules smiles, appreciative of the gesture but not wanting to dwell on it. "Oh, it's alright, Aunt Harper. Really, I'm fine."

Ryan, seated nearby, overhears and playfully asks, "Do you have anything for cash flow issues? Maybe some pills for that?"

Aunt Harper shoots him a disapproving look, raising a finger to her lips. "Shush, Ryan."

But then, Sophie barges in, her phone in hand, excitedly showing the group a scene from Bridgerton. "You all have to see this! They're kissing!"

Everyone gathers around her, watching in excitement, but Jules feels a sense of discomfort creeping in. She glances at the screen, but then her face flushes, and she stands up abruptly.

"I need to use the restroom," Jules announces, before anyone can press her on the subject.

As she hurries out, she runs into Sky, who's just emerged from the conference room. Their eyes lock once more, and for a second, the world goes quiet. Sky calls out to Aunt Harper, but his gaze stays fixed on Jules. She freezes, caught in the moment.

"I'm going to the washroom," Jules mumbles, awkwardly slipping past him.

Sky smirks slightly as she rushes away, his eyes never leaving her.

In the restroom, Jules stands in front of the mirror, cheeks flushed, and she smiles at herself, trying to shake off the awkwardness of the moment. As she takes a breath, her phone buzzes, and she checks it to find Sky's latest Facebook post: Wanna bite?

Her stomach flips as she stares at the words. What did he mean by that? The door to the Sky's cabin opens, and Jules walks in, "What's this about?" Jules asks, holding up her phone to show him the post.

Sky shrugs, trying to act nonchalant. "What post?"

"This one," Jules says, tapping the screen. "Wanna bite?"

Sky smirks, his eyes dark with amusement. "Because that's what I want to do."

Jules feels a rush of heat in her cheeks, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest. "Sky, didn't we agree not to let anyone know about... this?"

"Who's gonna know?" Sky retorts, looking unfazed. "I only have one friend on Facebook, and that's you."

Jules stares at him, baffled. "Wait, what? You sent friend requests to Kade, Jim, and Tee and they didn't accept?"

Sky grins, almost teasing. "Yep. So, it's just you and me. I'm not teasing you, Jules—I really wanna do it."

Jules shakes her head, trying to regain some composure. "I'm going back to work then," she says, turning to leave.

But Sky isn't letting her go that easily. He grabs her hand, pulling her back to the sofa near him. Jules, her heart racing, sits down, unable to break free from his hold. Her face turns redder as he leans closer, his breath warm on her ear.

"Can I bite your lips?" he whispers, the question lingering between them.

Jules tries to keep her calm, responding with quiet defiance. "Other people might see us."

Sky strokes her Hair gently, his touch making her pulse quicken. He moves even closer, gently grazing her cheek, then her lips.

"I thought we agreed to do this more often," he says softly, his voice low, filled with meaning.

Jules closes her eyes, the tension thick in the air, when suddenly, her phone buzzes again. She grabs it, the screen lighting up with a message from Jim: Tomorrow's Hon's birthday. How should we surprise him?

Jules pulls away from Sky, not wanting him to see the message. "It's... Dianne. My sister," she lies quickly, avoiding his gaze.

Sky, clearly not convinced, still watching her intently. Jules' heart pounding stands up. "I... I need to go. Excuse me."

As she rushes out of the cabin, Sky stares after her, his gaze still fixed, a hint of frustration and longing in his expression. Jules disappears, trying to escape the whirlwind of emotions Sky has stirred in her.