The playfulness caught me, lighting a spark that made my chest feel suddenly too tight. This wasn't the guarded, suspicious woman of our earlier few encounters… but someone with humor - and a willingness to engage in it.
"I see. And what would the tabloid headline be?"
I raised my eyebrow and couldn't stop the smile, even if I had a reason to want to. She tapped her chin in mock deep consideration with a tilt of her head.
"How about 'Empire Falls: Alpha CEO Reduced to Bag Carrier'?"
"Devastating. My board would have me removed by morning."
Warmth expands from that tight spot in my chest, watching as she finally checks on the photo she took. Studying it with critical eyes… her brows that pinch together when she concentrates is cute.
"Not bad. You're photogenic even when ambushed."
She concluded out loud with more praise than for the food, before turning the screen toward me. Acting like I couldn't make it out at all, I took the opportunity to move closer.
"May I see?"
