Page 27 of It Happened Again

“I’m curious, Brooks. You’ve been on the project with me for almost two weeks now. It’s more than a proposal on paper; it’s taking shape. Do you believe in what I’m doing? Do you wonder if it’s even possible to design a world of calm?”

I lifted a brow. “Calm like… your room here and people walk through it and instantly feel less stress?”

“Yes. A place that physiologically lowers your stress—just by passing through it.”

“And you can actually measure the decrease in stress?”

“Heart beats don’t lie, Brooks.”

I peered around, admiring the glow of the lights, and the mood board with the tranquil textures she’d chosen to finish the room. But I could think of only one time, one place, where I felt the overwhelming sense of calm she was after.

“Honestly? What you’re doing reminds me of that spring break. You know—that week we spent together with Rex andChelsea, on the yacht, and on the island. I’ll never forget how you and I skinny dipped in the ocean under the moonlight.” I paused, my voice dipping. “I think about that week all the time, and it definitely does something to my mood.”

Maisy’s breath caught. Her cheeks flushed instantly, and—hell yes—her nipples tightened under the thin fabric of her blouse.

My gaze flicked there, lingered, then returned to her eyes. “Do you ever think about that trip?”

She cleared her throat. Her fingers fidgeted against the clipboard. “Sometimes.”

I stepped a little closer, and when I touched her arm, goosebumps rose like a silent answer, but she didn’t pull away.

Her mouth opened slightly, as if she might say something more, and her hand reached out to my side, her fingertips playing along the soft cotton of the henley —

Then the door creaked.

We both turned as Dr. Julian Thorne stepped inside the room, briefcase in hand and suspicion written across his face.

His eyes flicked to me, then to her flushed cheeks. “I didn’t expect you’d still be here, Maisy. It’s getting late.”

She smoothed her hair and quickly stepped toward her laptop. “Just finishing up the measurements. I lost track of time.”

His gaze cut to me again. “Bellamy.”

“Thorne,” I returned evenly, no love lost between us. But I tried not to think about that one night in Cambridge when we’d all randomly met up. Fate could be cruel sometimes. After Maisy had extended her time on the ship, I accepted the offer to teach at the renowned university. I had to get away and try to forget about her, and London seemed about as far away as I could get from the situation.

Only with my luck, for one night, the ship docked in London for repairs. And these two crashed right into my path. It wasn’t one of my more shining moments, addressing him with her.

“I was just about to see if you wanted to grab a late dinner. But if you’re still working...” Julian’s invitation addressed her directly, bringing me back to the present. I growled my displeasure.

She shook her head quickly. “Actually, I’m heading to Holly Creek early tomorrow. Richard and Vivian had their baby, and I want to see them this weekend. So tonight is not a good time.”

He nodded, though something in his jaw ticked. “Of course. Family is important.”

Maisy crouched to unplug a cord. Julian’s eyes landed on one of the design overlays on her laptop.

“I think you should adjust the acoustic paneling layout,” he said. “You’re giving too much priority to aesthetic flow over function. That might impress donors, but it could impact your research results.”

Before Maisy could respond, he glanced at me. “Then again, I’m sure the Bellamy firm prioritizes looks over science in most projects.”

I scoffed and let that one hang in the air. I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize her job here, but what a douche he was. That she had to work with him was something I couldn’t stand. If things worked out between us, I’d do whatever it took to help her find a better job where she wouldn’t have him around.

Maisy, however, straightened and fixed him with a sharp look. “Actually, Brooks has been nothing but respectful of the science. We’ve been collaborating just fine.”

“Glad to hear it.” Julian gave a tight smile. “Well. I’ll let you get back to it. Have a safe trip tomorrow.”

He left without another word. The silence after he left weighed heavier than his presence.

“What a condescending prick? Was he always like that with you? How could you stand months of that at sea?” I complained.

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