Page 46 of Kentrell

Mars leaned forward, squinting at the screen like she was trying to solve a riddle.

“That’s what you’re sending?” she asked, unimpressed.

“Yes.”

“No.” She sipped, then pointed at the monitor with her glass. “Delete all that.”

“I’m being professional.”

“You’re being predictable,” she shot back. “That’s exactly what he expects from you.”

I frowned. “So what do you suggest I say?”

“Nothing.”

I turned my head. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Let it breathe.” She stood now, walking toward me with slow, deliberate steps. “Lethimsit with the kiss. Let him stew in that email he sent. You reply now, you give him a temperature check. You show him what’s rattling you. Don’t do that.”

My lips parted to argue, but she kept going.

“You can’t show your hand, even when you don’t have any cards to play. You keep your face neutral. You keep your mouth shut. And you lethimwonder how much space he’s taking up in your head.”

She walked around behind me and hitdelete.

Just like that, the draft disappeared.

I didn’t stop her.

“I’m not playing games,” I said softly.

“No, you’re not,” she agreed, circling back to her seat. “But he is. And if you want to sit at the table, you better learn the art of silence.”

I turned back toward my monitor, now blank. The cursor blinked like it was waiting for something I couldn’t give it.

Mars got up to leave, adjusting her purse on her shoulder. “I’m heading back to my office. Let me know if you want to grab dinner or just sit in your car and scream. I’m available for both.”

“Thank you,” I said without looking up.

Once the door closed behind her, I stared at the monitor a moment longer.

Kentrell Caldwell didn’t play by the rules.

And worse—he refused to play by mine.

He watched me, tracked me, kissed me like he already owned the outcome... and then dared me to pretend I didn’t want him to.

I leaned back in my chair, crossing one leg over the other.

Hard nut to crack?

Absolutely.

But something told me I wouldn’t mind the pressure.

Not one bit.

FIVE

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