Lyman turned his head, his gaze settling on Effie''s slightly pale face. His brow furrowed with concern.


    He could tell something was off. His voice was low and gentle. "What''s wrong?"


    Effie shook her head. "It''s nothing. I''m just a bit tired."


    He didn''t press further. Instead, he reached out and took her hand, his palm warm against hers, making her flinch ever so slightly.


    "If anything''s bothering you, promise you''ll tell me," he said, his voice steady and reassuring, wrapping her in an unexpected sense of safety.


    She looked at him and nodded. "Yeah. I''m fine. All that mess is behind me now."


    Lyman knew she''d just seen her family-the Bagnolds again. He could guess who she meant by "mess."


    "If it''s behind you, don''t dwell on it. Let''s go get something to eat," he coaxed, steering the conversation away.


    "Alright."


    Suddenly, a car ahead swerved into theirne. The driver mmed on the brakes, tires screeching.


    Effie lurched forward from the momentum, tumbling straight into Lyman''s side.


    She let out a startled gasp, her fear in.


    Without hesitation, Lyman''s long arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her into his solid, warm embrace.


    The interior light cast a soft glow, dim but enough for every awkward detail to be


    seen.


    Effie''s face flushed a furious red, so hot she felt she mightbust.


    They were far, far too close.


    Thump!


    Her heart pounded, wild and unsteady, her cheeks burning.


    Pressed against Lyman''s chest, she could feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat and breathe in his crisp, clean scent.


    He looked down at her, his eyes deep and gentle.


    His hand stayed firm at her waist, the heat of his fingers seeping through her thin blouse, sending a shudder through her.


    "You alright?" His voice was deep, soft, and full of genuine concern.


    Effie finally snapped out of her daze, squirming away from his arms and bowing her head so she wouldn''t have to meet his gaze. "I-I''m fine... thank you," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. Her ears were burning.


    Lyman couldn''t help but smile at her reaction, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Good. That''s all that matters."


    Up front, the driver was clearly shaken, ncing back to apologize. "Sorry, sir, ma''am. That car cut us off and I didn''t have time to react..."


    Lyman waved him off, his tone calm. "It''s alright. Just drive safely."


    "Yes, Mr. Etheridge." The driver breathed out, relieved, and carefully merged back into the stream of traffic.


    The next day, Effie arrived at the office.


    Mitchell came looking for her.


    She expected him to bring the contract, but he appeared empty-handed.


    Her expression cold, she spoke first. "Mitchell, if I don''t see your signature on the agreement today, I''ll sell my shares to someone else."


    She wanted to cut through the mess-no more dragging this out. The sooner she severed ties with him, the better.


    Even being entangled with him for a single second made her skin crawl.


    And she''d already promised Lyman: once this was over, she''d go home to meet his family.


    Mitchell''s expression soured. "I''ll sign. But there''s a dinner tonight, and you need


    toe. The client specifically requested you."


    Effie frowned. "You''d better keep your word."


    "I will." He answered stiffly.


    "Fine. I''ll go. I''ve already wrapped up all my work, so this will be thest event." Her tone left no room for argument.