Aria's POV - Three Days Later
I was reviewing acquisition reports when my assistant buzzed through.
"Ms. Monroe? Lucas Hayes is here to see you." Her voice held a knowing edge. "He has flowers."
My fingers stopped on the keyboard. I stared at the screen without seeing the numbers anymore. The last time Lucas had shown up uninvited, I'd had to slap him to make him leave.
"Ms. Monroe?"
I pressed my palms flat against the cool desk surface. "Send him in."
A moment later, Lucas walked into my office carrying a bouquet of white roses—my favorite. The scent hit me before he even reached my desk, sweet and cloying. It made my stomach turn slightly. He wore a charcoal suit that fit him perfectly, but his smile seemed more careful than warm. The easy confidence from before was gone, replaced by something that looked almost like shame.
"Aria." He set the flowers on my desk. The cellophane crackled loud in the quiet office. "Peace offering for the awkwardness last time."
