Fading Lines | (Line Series, Book 1) ✔️

chapter eleven: flirt in the darkness

— Flirt In The Darkness

➳ Brooklyn Brody

     Chase sighed dramatically. "It's that time of year again."

I grinned and nudged him playfully as we waited at the crosswalk. "I'm so jealous; I can't believe you only get your period once a year."

Chase tilted his head, chuckling as the light turned green. "You've got jokes, Brody." He held the door open to Hall Enterprises, the building as impressive as ever, towering and sleek, even after months of working here. "I meant Christmas. It's coming."

"Okay..." I gave him a skeptical look as we walked past the receptionist, Roxane, who gave us a polished smile. "And?"

He rolled his eyes, visibly exasperated. "It's the worst part of the year. Not only is it so cold I can practically feel my nipples freezing off, but it's also the season of happy couples, all lovey-dovey, buying gifts for each other."

"Guess you'll be alone under the mistletoe again, huh?" I teased, laughing as we stepped into the elevator.

Chase groaned. "Rub it in, why don't you? But hey, there is one good thing about winter," he added with a mischievous grin.

"Oh yeah? What's that?" I asked, glancing up from my phone as we ascended. No new messages. No missed calls. Why hadn't Dylan texted me since I'd been back? My stomach twisted slightly, and I shoved the thought away.

"Winter break. It means non-stop parties," Chase wiggled his eyebrows as the elevator dinged. I laughed, shaking my head.

"See you at lunch," I replied as the doors closed behind me. Heading down the hall to my office, I hesitated. Dylan's office was only steps away. Maybe I should knock, just to check in. But I stopped when I saw the door open.

Dylan stepped out, rubbing his temple, looking exhausted. He wore a crisp white shirt with a few buttons undone, his sleeves rolled up, revealing the sharp lines of his forearms. Just then, a woman emerged from his office. She was stunning—tall, tan, with sleek brown hair pulled into a high ponytail and a megawatt smile that flashed impossibly white teeth.

She caught my eye, her gaze warm and confident. "You must be the assistant," she said, walking toward me and extending a manicured hand.

I nodded, taking her hand. "I am. Brooklyn Brody."

"I'm Daria," she smiled, holding my gaze a beat too long, making me feel like she knew something I didn't.

Dylan's eyes flicked between us, his expression unreadable. "Daria, I think it's time for you to go," he said, his tone clipped.

She gave me a friendly smile. "Nice meeting you, Brooklyn."

"You too." I watched her disappear into the elevator, still feeling slightly thrown off by the whole interaction.

"Ms. Brody," Dylan said curtly, nodding at me before retreating into his office.

So, we were back to "Ms. Brody."

I let out a sigh and went to my own office. Another beautiful woman somehow connected to him. She didn't seem like just a business partner, but I didn't have enough experience with Dylan to know who was who in his life. Brushing it off, I settled in to work.

By lunchtime, I decided to knock on his door to see if he wanted anything to eat. No answer. Taking the hint, I left him alone and met up with Chase at our usual cafe. We ordered sandwiches and juice, settling into a booth by the window.

"Mr. Hall's being strange today," Chase said as the waitress dropped off our food. "He barely even looked at me when I brought in the visuals. Just waved me off like he couldn't be bothered."