His Protective Instinct

Joanne was impressed with JD's interest. After the stressful past few days, she needed a win—however small. But if Meyer Steels became her client, that wouldn't just be a small win. It would be the biggest victory of the year for her company.

She wanted to share this moment with someone. It was a simple, human instinct—to connect. JD was just a paying guest, a temporary presence in her life. She knew that. And yet, it didn't seem to matter.

Already, she found herself placing him in a space that wasn't meant for just a passing acquaintance.

Maybe it was just because they shared meals, lived under the same roof. But she found herself wanting to talk to him about her struggles, her hopes, her victories.

A companion to push away the loneliness. A friend.

JD listened as she recounted her morning interaction with Jonathan. A simple conversation about business, smooth and easy. And then—before leaving—Jonathan had asked her to dinner.

A date.