As the courses progressed, their conversation flowed effortlessly.

  “As your mentor, I’ll be working closely with you on your first assignment with Prime,” Kian said, taking a bite of his antipasti. “It involves amalgamating eight land parcels. The buyer paid all cash, so all the legal paperwork has been completed.”

  Harper’s eyes widened. “That’s dope! Is it a commercial or residential development?”

  Kian leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “It’s residential, but there’s a twist. The parcels will be transformed to create a seamless, unified estate, similar to The Cliffs. The goal is a visually cohesive property with a distinctive style.”

  Harper, processing the complexity, probed further. “What’s the scope, and what’s our timeline?”

  “There’s no budget cap, so we’ll use a concurrent development approach,” Kian explained. “Multiple teams will work in parallel, requiring precise coordination, but it will significantly reduce the completion schedule.”

  Harper arched a brow. “That sounds intense, but efficient.”

  “There will be two major properties on the estate,” Kian continued, “so we need to factor that into the overall design. The owner wants to keep the project under wraps until Christmas.”

  Harper’s features brightened. “I can’t wait to dive in! This sounds like an incredible challenge.”

  Kian inclined his head. “It certainly is. The final reveal will be something special, and it’ll be exciting to see it all come together.”

  As their dessert arrived—a delicate raspberry sorbet paired with rich chocolate torte—the warmth of their conversation deepened.

  Though Harper’s mind spun with ideas about the project, her thoughts drifted uncomfortably to Jyn. “Kian, about Director Lennin—”

  Kian cut her off, his jaw firm. “Harper, don’t worry about her. I’m the President. I’d like to see who would dare question my decisions. Besides, once we break ground, you’ll barely have time to come into the office.”

  As they finished their meal, Kian drew in a deep breath and held her gaze. “Harper, I’ve been thinking about us.” Then, he reached across the table to take her hand. “Reconnecting with you has felt so natural. I’d like to see you outside of work. What do you think?”

  Harper’s heart fluttered as his words settled. She hesitated, glancing down at their entwined fingers. “Kian, I...” She searched his eyes for clarity. “What exactly are you saying?”

  Kian squeezed her hand gently, his voice steady. “I want to get to know you better, as your boyfriend. But I need to be honest. My experience with Director Lennin has made me cautious. I never reciprocated her feelings, but her persistence made me wary of romantic relationships.”

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  Harper exhaled. “I appreciate your honesty, Kian. In my case, my parents have been pressuring me to settle. Sana even joked about hiring a fake boyfriend to get them off my back. But I’m just starting my career, and to make matters worse, you’re my boss.”

  Kian chuckled softly. “It’s not as complicated as you think. The real question is, do you feel the same way about me?”

  Harper’s pulse quickened. “Kian, I do like you,” she admitted in a whisper. “But I’m scared. What if it doesn’t work out? What if it affects our working relationship? And on top of that, you’re my bestie’s brother.”

  Kian nodded in understanding. “We can take things slow. If it helps, I can even be your pretend boyfriend,” he teased before adding, “or we can see where this leads for real. The choice is yours.”

  Harper studied his earnest expression, emotions warring inside her. She liked Kian, but the risks loomed large. “I just don’t want to ruin what we have.”

  Kian tilted her chin upward, meeting her directly. “Neither do I. That’s why we’ll be careful. We’ll be upfront with each other. Harper, we owe it to ourselves to give this a try.”

  She bit her lip, still unsure, but his sincerity spoke to her. “Okay,” she relented. “Let’s see where this goes.”

  Relief washed over Kian, a slow grin breaking across his face. “I’m glad you’re willing to give us a shot.” He signaled for the check, then stood, helping Harper into her coat.

  Outside, as they waited for the valet, Kian turned to her. “Let me take you home. What’s your address?”

  “It’s not on your way back to The Cliffs. I’ll Uber,” Harper offered.

  Kian shook his head, touching her arm lightly. “But I want to spend more time with you. Let me be your Uber?” he persuaded.

  Harper swallowed hard. “It’s 4788 Tapestry Drive, Fairfax.”

  Kian beamed. “Fairfax, it is.”

  ……

  The drive was filled with easy chatter, a budding intimacy settling between them. Harper looked out the window, her thoughts spinning yet oddly at peace. She had admired Kian from afar, but now, sitting beside him, it all felt more real.

  When they arrived at a colonial-style house, Kian killed the engine and turned to her. “It’s a big house. You live alone?”

  Harper laughed. “No, the rents refuse to let their ‘adorable third-wheel’ move out unless it’s into a matrimonial home.”

  Kian chuckled at the kawaii girl he’d fallen for.

  “Oh, I almost forgot. Don’t go to the office tomorrow. Come to The Cliffs. I’ll take you to the job site for an initial survey,” he murmured.

  “Super!” Harper chirped, her smile bright. “Thanks for dinner, Kian. I had a great time.”

  As she reached for the door handle, Kian caught her wrist. “Harper, one more thing.”

  She turned back, curious. “What is it?”

  Kian hesitated, then leaned in slightly. “Can I have a goodnight kiss?”

  Harper’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected that, but the thought sent a thrill through her. Shyly, she nodded.

  His gaze softened as he closed the distance. He cupped her face gently, brushing his thumb across her cheek as he leaned in. Their first brush was soft, tentative, an innocent peck. Harper’s lashes fluttered open, only to see Kian leaning in again. This time, the kiss deepened, lingering with unspoken emotions. Her heart pounded with intensity.

  Oh! My first kiss!

  When they finally pulled apart, Kian searched her face, his eyes dark with something restrained. It wasn’t the right time for more. He let out a slow breath, then whispered, “G’night, Harper.”

  She gulped. “G’night, Kian,” she said softly, laced with something new.

  Kian waited until she was safely inside before driving away. His mind replayed the night’s events, a satisfied smirk curling his lips. He was more certain than ever. Pursuing Harper was the right decision. There was something between them worth exploring, and he was determined to see where it led.

  Baby steps, Kian, baby steps.