Page 77 of The Heart of Winter

But I overthought it so badly that I nearly stalled out, there were just too many ways I could’ve approached our situation.

So by the time the day of the presentation arrived, I still hadn’t made my move.

During the project briefing, Manager Lorens was with me, so there was no opportunity to talk.

It was like everything had reset again. Just like before, Winter avoided looking at me.

Except for one moment, when I caught him glancing at my wrist.

The wrist where I still proudly wore the hair tie I had taken from him.

I stuck strictly to Werner’s guidelines, making sure the project was flawless. I presented everything with full composure and professionalism.

When it was over, Winter nodded and said,

"Excellent job, Sariel. We’ll take this with us. From what I can see, it doesn’t need any further revisions."

He cleared his throat slightly and touched a stack of papers on his desk.

Now my eyes searched for his wrist, trying to spot those two tiny red marks. But his shirt cuffs hid them from view.

"And now for the formalities, you can pick up your plane ticket from HR. We're flying business class. Something that might interest you: your uncle, will be flying with us."

He finally looked up and met my eyes, for the first time since I’d entered the room.

They were calm and neutral.

"Blue? I know he’s consulting on the project, but I’m surprised he’d be on the same flight. He has his own private jet. He didn’t say anything to me."

"Probably because he doesn’t know you’re coming. Your father spoke with him about it, but at that point, we hadn’t yet decided who would accompany me. Initially, we thought it might be Werner."

"I understand. Of course, I’ll be ready."

Winter gave a small nod. He went over a few more details about the departure and the time I was supposed to arrive at the airport.

Manager Lorens was with us the entire time. So, I sat quietly, listening.

Winter’s eyes were mostly fixed on his laptop screen, only occasionally flicking to my face, unreadable.

That part hadn’t changed. How could I break through a deadlock like this?

I’d never been in any kind of relationship before. How did people even start something more intimate?

Should I ask him for a quick conversation now? Or maybe I should invite him to dinner, to talk about all of this in a more romantic setting?

But there was a good chance he’d say no, that was almost guaranteed.

Or maybe… just start with something simple. Like exchanging phone numbers?

"I should probably have your phone number, so we can coordinate at the airport," I managed to get the words out.

Winter nodded slowly, hesitantly.

"Yes, of course. Here it is."

He handed me his business card, or rather, slid one toward me with a single finger.

They were arranged in a neat stack inside a small organizer. Very professional.

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