Jason Brooks had no business being in Cynthia's workplace.
He knew that.
Cynthia knew that.
The security desk definitely knew that.
Yet there he was—standing in the sleek, intimidating lobby of Voss Enterprises, dressed far too casually for a building made entirely of glass, power, and unspoken rules.
He adjusted his jacket and muttered to himself, "Okay, Jason. Be cool.
The elevator doors opened.
Jason immediately forgot the last rule.
She stepped out with purpose—heels clicking confidently against the marble floor, tablet in hand, expression focused but not unfriendly. She looked like someone who belonged there.
Jason stared.
Wow.
She almost walked past him before he spoke.
"Excuse me," he said smoothly.
She stopped and turned. "Yes?"
Jason smiled. "Quick question. Is this place always this intimidating, or did I just walk in on a dramatic moment?"
She blinked.
Then smiled slightly. "It's always intimidating."
"Good," Jason said. "I was worried it was just me."
She laughed quietly. "Are you lost?"
"Emotionally?" he asked. "Yes. Physically? Also yes."
That earned him a real laugh.
"I'm Emily," she said. "And you are… definitely not an employee."
"Jason," he replied. "And I'm offended. I could absolutely be an employee."
She glanced at his sneakers. "In this building?"
"Ouch," he said, placing a hand over his heart. "Corporate discrimination."
From across the lobby, Cynthia stepped out of the elevator—and froze.
She spotted Jason instantly.
Why is he talking to someone?
Then she saw who he was talking to.
Why is he flirting with someone?
Then she saw how relaxed he looked.
"Oh no," she whispered.
Emily tilted her head. "So, Jason-who-is-not-an-employee, what brings you here?"
"My sister," he said proudly. "She works here."
Emily raised an eyebrow. "Brave of her."
"She's terrifying," Jason agreed. "But impressive."
Emily smiled. "That narrows it down to half the building."
Jason leaned casually against the desk. "And you?"
"I work in communications," she said. "Which means I fix problems before executives notice them."
Jason nodded solemnly. "A hero."
She laughed again. "You're very confident."
"It's a defense mechanism," he admitted. "If I stop talking, people realize I don't belong here."
"Well," she said, "you're doing fine so far."
Cynthia marched toward them.
"Jason," she said sharply.
He turned, beaming. "Cynthia! There you are. I was just—"
"Why," she interrupted calmly, "are you talking to strangers in my workplace"
Emily's eyes widened slightly. "Oh—you're his sister."
"Yes," Cynthia said, smiling tightly. "Unfortunately."
Jason gasped. "Wow. In front of people?"
Emily bit her lip, clearly trying not to laugh.
"I told you to wait in the lobby," Cynthia continued.
"I am in the lobby," Jason replied. "Socializing."
"This is not a café," Cynthia said.
Emily finally spoke. "It's okay. He hasn't caused trouble."
"Yet," Cynthia muttered.
Jason placed a hand on his chest. "I am deeply wounded by this lack of trust."
Emily glanced between them. "You two are… very different."
"That's because she's responsible," Jason said. "And I'm charming."
Cynthia looked at Emily apologetically. "I'm sorry about him."
Emily smiled. "Don't be. He's entertaining."
Jason grinned. "See? Approved."
Cynthia sighed. "Emily, right?"
"Yes."
"If he asks for your number—"
Jason interrupted, "—which I absolutely will—"
"—just know this is not professional behavior," Cynthia finished.
Emily laughed. "I'll keep that in mind."
Jason leaned closer—respectfully, playfully. "So… coffee sometime? Somewhere less intimidating?"
Emily considered him for a moment.
Cynthia held her breath.
Emily smiled. "Only if you promise not to show up uninvited again."
Jason raised two fingers. "Scout's honor."
"You were never a scout," Cynthia said.
"Details," he replied.
Emily typed something into her phone. "Give me your number."
Jason blinked. "Really?"
"Yes," she said. "For… research purposes."
Jason handed over his phone immediately. "I like a woman who values data."
She saved the contact and handed it back. "I have a meeting."
"Important people stuff," Jason said knowingly.
She smiled. "Try not to get banned from the building."
"I'll do my best."
As Emily walked away, Jason watched her go, impressed.
Cynthia crossed her arms. "You are unbelievable."
Jason turned to her. "Did you see that? She liked me."
"You flirted with someone at my workplace," Cynthia said. "Again."
"I networked," he corrected.
"You embarrassed me."
He softened slightly. "I didn't mean to."
She sighed. "Just… don't make this a habit."
"No promises," he said lightly. Then, more sincerely, "But I'll try."
Cynthia shook her head—but smiled despite herself.
Jason Brooks was chaos.
But somehow, harmless chaos.
And as she walked back toward her office, Cynthia had the strange feeling that Jason's presence like e her own complicated emotions