OBSESSION

FOUR.

The week flew by in a blur, the anticipation of Friday night simmering in Bethany's mind as she and her team developed concepts for Logan's twenty-four-unit renovation project. She led the team, but often deferred to David, whose expertise felt like an anchor. He'd become an unexpected mentor, his years of experience invaluable as they worked to create designs that honored the neighborhood's historic character.

Sierra, on the other hand, had grown increasingly cold, her clipped tones and subtle digs hinting at something more than professional rivalry. Still, Bethany kept her focus, determined not to let petty jealousy get in the way of her work—or her evening plans.

On Friday, as she prepared to leave, Sierra intercepted her by the elevator, flashing a grin as sharp as a knife. "I just wanted to apologize," she said, her tone insincere but carefully masked. "I've been stressed, and I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I'd love to make it up to you."

Bethany raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Yeah. I'd be more than happy to meet Mr. Chase at the property in your place. I even have a high-end camera to capture the best angles."

Don't roll your eyes, Bethany told herself. She took a folder from the pile in her hands and passed it to Sierra.

"Thanks, Sierra, but I'll be fine. But since you're offering, you can help by ordering these materials. I was planning to take care of it over the weekend, but your help would speed things up."

Sierra's smile faltered, and she took the folder with a barely-concealed eye roll, retreating as Bethany stepped into the elevator.

By the time Bethany arrived at the property, the sun was setting, casting a warm haze over the city.

Her GPS led her away from the bustling streets and into a quiet suburb of 19th-century Tudor homes, each radiating a charm that tugged at Bethany's heart. The apartment building itself was a brick structure shaped like a wide "U" with a sprawling garden in the center.

The garden was unfinished, its bare soil a testament to the early stages of construction.

Logan's car—a surprisingly rugged Jeep Wrangler—was parked nearby, its lights shutting off as she stepped out of her own car. He climbed out, striding toward her with a confident smile, a gleaming yellow helmet in hand.

Bethany squinted, eyeing the helmet as he approached. "What's that?"

"A little gift." He slipped the hard hat onto her head with a smirk, adjusting it with deliberate slowness. "You're looking at an active construction site. Can't have you getting hurt."

Bethany laughed, adjusting the helmet. "Why am I getting the feeling this wasn't strictly a business meeting?"

Logan's eyes glinted in the evening light. "You wanted business. I wanted a date. So I compromised."

They walked toward the building, and he pushed open the heavy doors for her. Inside, the skeletal frame of the foyer was visible beneath a web of tarps and scaffolding. Bethany looked around, letting out a small chuckle.

"Is this what you wanted to show me?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Not quite." Logan grinned, extending a hand. "Follow me."

Bethany placed her hand in his, feeling the roughness of his skin against hers as he led her up a dark stairwell, his phone's flashlight illuminating the way. His grip was firm, steadying her with each step. By the time they reached the rooftop, Bethany's curiosity had grown to a nearly unbearable level.

When he opened the door to the rooftop, Bethany's breath caught. The view was nothing short of breathtaking.

The fading light painted the sky in shades of red and gold, the distant Seattle skyline glowing in the valley below. But what captivated her even more was the setup on the rooftop: a small table draped with a deep red tablecloth, two covered plates, candles casting a soft glow, and an ice bucket with bottles of wine chilling beside it.