From Frost to Flame

Part 66: The Day Begins

The morning sunlight filtered into the office, soft and warm. Pete stepped in, still glowing from last night, heart fluttering with every thought of Vegas. He tried to act casual, walking toward his desk, but each step felt deliberate — he didn't want to rush, didn't want to break the fragile new calm of their relationship.

Vegas was in his cabin, reviewing documents at his desk. His door was slightly ajar, and from where Pete stood, he could see Vegas's profile, calm and composed, yet something in the way he sat made Pete's chest tighten.

Pete settled at his desk, glancing occasionally toward Vegas's cabin. Their eyes met once — a brief, lingering connection that made Pete bite his lip shyly. Vegas gave a subtle nod and a faint smile, eyes returning to his work immediately, leaving Pete both flustered and elated.

The office hummed with activity, phones ringing, keyboards clacking, colleagues moving about, but for Pete, the world narrowed to that small exchange. His hand brushed against the edge of a folder, and he imagined Vegas noticing, imagined him reaching out — just enough to make him smile quietly to himself.

Kinn walked by, glancing at Pete's shy smile.
"Careful, Pete," he said in a low teasing tone. "If you smile any brighter, people will start asking who made your morning so good."

Pete nearly dropped his pen, face instantly warm.
Kinn smirked and kept walking, clearly enjoying himself.

Pete froze, cheeks warming, then looked down at his files. Vegas, from inside his cabin, didn't glance up again, but Pete could feel the subtle attention lingering — a quiet, powerful connection that only they could feel.

Pete was arranging files at his desk when Day walked over, offering a small, polite smile.

"Morning, Pete," Day said quietly, tilting his head slightly. "How are you today?"

Pete looked up, returning the smile with his usual calm warmth.
"I'm good, Mr.Day. Morning."

Day nodded, his expression thoughtful. He hesitated a moment, then asked carefully, voice soft.
"You weren't at the party earlier... I didn't see you there. Everything okay?"

Pete's fingers tightened slightly around a pen, and he offered a small, reassuring smile.
"Yes... I went home a little early. Everything's fine."

Day studied him for a moment, concern clear but quiet.
"I see... I was just worried when I didn't see you back there."

Pete smiled again, polite and gentle.
"Thank you for asking, Mr. Day. I appreciate it."

After a beat, Day reached out and rested a hand lightly on Pete's shoulder — a subtle gesture of care.

Vegas, sitting in his cabin behind the glass wall, had seen the entire exchange. His chest tightened at that simple touch. A quiet pang of jealousy flared, and he leaned back slightly, pretending to focus on his documents, though his eyes never left Pete.

A little while later, Sky walked over with his usual easy smile.

"Morning, Pete," he said, leaning lightly on the edge of the desk. "Settling in?"

Pete returned a small, reassuring smile.
"Yeah, just getting everything in order."

Sky nodded, then his expression softened, shifting from casual to concerned.

"By the way... where did you disappear during the party?"

Pete's eyes widened for a split second — but Sky didn't notice and continued talking casually.