A Spark of Interest

*Ethan Blackwood and his childhood/best friend Ryder Jackson at an exclusive night bar*

-----------------------------------------

Ryder leaned against the bar,his eyes scanning the crowded room as he handed Ethan a whiskey on the rocks. "Come on,man,lighten up",he said, nodding towards the dance floor.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of his drink. His gaze swept the room, his eyes lingering on the beautiful women and wealthy patrons. He was a man who commanded respect, and he knew it.

Ryder chuckled,his eyes glittening with amusement. "You're as tense as a wire, Ethan. What's eating at you?"

Ethan's expression turned thoughtful,his eyes narrowing as he considered Ryder's question. "I hired a new assistant,"he said finally. "She's quite.... something."

Ryder's eyes lit up,his interest piqued. "Oh, yeah? What's so special about her?.

Ethan's voice was dry,his tone measured. "She's got a bit of an attitude. Thinks she can take me on".

Ryder snorted,his laughter echoing through the room. "And I'm sure you're eating it up, aren't you? You always did have a thing for feisty women ".

Ethan's expression remained neutral but Ryder could see the faintest glimmer of amusement in his eyes. It was a small crack in his amor, but Ryder knew that Ethan's interest was piqued.

"She's just a novelty, Ryder", Ethan said,his voice firm. "Nothing more ".

Ryder raised an eyebrow,his eyes glittening with skepticism. "Save it, Ethan. I know you too well. You're intrigued by her, even if you won't admit it."

Ethan's gaze locked onto Ryder's,his eyes cold and hard. "I'm not intrigued by anyone, Ryder. I'm simply amused by her audacity."

Ryder chuckled,his eyes never leaving Ethan's face. "Whatever you say,Mr. CEO".

Ethan's expression didn't change, but Ryder could sense a spark of interest behind his eyes. It was a small spark, but Ryder knew that it could ignite into something much bigger.

Ryder then leaned in,his eyes glittening with curiosity. "So, how old is this feisty little assistant of yours?"

Ethan's expression remained neutral but he answered Ryder's question. "She's 18".

Ryder's eyebrows shot up. "18?, Damn, that's even younger than I thought. What's her story, Ethan?"

Ethan answered sternly,"I don't know and I don't care. She's my assistant, not my friend".

Ryder chuckled,"Oh, come on, Ethan. You're not going to tell me that you're not even a little bit curious about her?"

"I'm not curious about anyone, Ryder,"Ethan said firmly. "I'm only interested in one thing: getting the job done".

Ryder grinned,his eyes glittening with amusement. "Sure, Ethan. Keep telling yourself that".