A few hours later, our boss called for an impromptu meeting. Apparently, a new client was coming in, and I had been assigned to handle the project.
“Jenna, I want you to take the lead on this one,” my boss, Mr. Reyes, said as he scanned the room. “The client’s been very specific about what they need, and I think your design style is exactly what they’re looking for.”
I nodded, trying to push aside my personal distractions and focus on work. “Got it, sir. When’s the meeting?”
“In an hour,” he replied, glancing at his watch. “I’ll send you the details. Make sure you’re ready with your portfolio and a few ideas. We want to impress them from the get-go.”
"Of course," I responded confidently, though inside I was scrambling. I hadn’t prepared for a new client meeting today, but I knew I had to get it together quickly.
As soon as the meeting ended, I headed back to my desk, pulling up my portfolio and brainstorming a few concepts. But every time I tried to concentrate, thoughts of Felix kept creeping back in—the kiss, his cocky grin, the way he stared at me as if daring me to deny what had happened.
Focus, Jenna. This is work, not your personal life, I mentally scolded myself, forcing my attention back to the task at hand. I had one hour to get my head in the game.
Just as I began to feel more centered, a message popped up on my screen from Mara. “Good luck with the client! You got this!”
I smiled, appreciating the encouragement. Yeah, I got this. Work comes first, I reminded myself, pushing everything else aside. For now.
We were already seated in the meeting room, waiting for the client to arrive. I was mentally preparing myself, ready to impress, until the door swung open.
My heart sank, and the confident smile I had been wearing immediately faded when Aiden walked in.
What is he doing here? I thought, my mind racing. My ex-boyfriend, of all people, had to be the client assigned to me? I quickly looked away, hoping he hadn’t noticed my initial reaction. This can’t be happening. Why didn’t anyone tell me it was him?
I could feel the tension building in the room, at least on my end. Aiden’s eyes briefly met mine, and for a moment, something passed between us—unspoken, unresolved.
He approached the table confidently, taking a seat at the head of it. My boss, completely oblivious to the history between us, began the introductions with enthusiasm.
“Jenna, meet Aiden. He’s representing the new brand we’ll be working with. Aiden, this is Jenna, our lead graphic designer on the project.”
I forced a tight smile, pretending like everything was perfectly normal. “It’s...nice to see you again,” I managed to say, my voice neutral.
“Likewise,” Aiden responded, his tone measured but casual. He didn’t seem fazed, which annoyed me even more.
What is he planning? I wondered, feeling the irritation rise in me. Of all the people to be assigned to, why did it have to be him? We had history—a messy one at that—and now, I had to sit here and work with him like nothing ever happened.
But no matter how much I hated it, I needed to stay professional. I couldn’t let my personal feelings get in the way of my job. Even if Aiden was part of some twisted plan, I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of rattling me.
“So,” I said, straightening up in my chair, trying to regain control of the situation, “let’s talk about what you’re looking for with this project.”
He smiled, a smirk that hinted at something more than just professional interest. “Well, I want you to be my graphic designer for my project, if you want, Mr. Reyes,” he said, glancing at my boss as if he were ordering me to be assigned to him.
I couldn’t help but gasp slightly, my annoyance bubbling to the surface. What is he playing at? The nerve of him to put me in this position, knowing full well how I felt about him. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain composed.
“Uh, I’m sure there are other designers who could—” I started, but Aiden cut me off.
“No one knows my vision like you do, Jenna,” he interrupted smoothly, his gaze steady and unyielding. “You’re the best fit for this, and you know it.”
The room fell silent for a moment, my boss looking between us with a confused expression. I felt heat rising in my cheeks, my heart racing. Why is he doing this?
“Jenna is excellent at her job,” my boss finally said, trying to bring the focus back to the meeting. “She’s capable of handling any project.”
I gave him a grateful nod, but Aiden was relentless. “I’d really prefer if she led this project. It would mean a lot to me. Don’t you think?”
His words hung in the air like an uninvited guest. I wanted to scream, to lash out at him for making this personal, but I held my tongue. Instead, I focused on my breathing, reminding myself that I was here to do a job.
“Fine,” I said, my voice firm despite the storm brewing inside me. “I’ll take the project, but let’s keep this strictly professional.”
Aiden’s smirk deepened, as if he found my attempt to establish boundaries amusing. “Of course. Professional, all the way,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Why does he have to make this so complicated? I thought, trying to ignore the way my heart fluttered at his presence.
As we moved into the details of the project, I forced myself to concentrate on the task at hand. Aiden could be charming when he wanted, and I had to resist the urge to get lost in it.
But every glance he shot my way, every slight inflection in his voice, reminded me of everything we’d been through. And it made my blood boil.
This project was supposed to be about the work, but with Aiden around, it felt like I was playing a game I never agreed to.