Chapter Six: Tingling Feeling

Aria was starving.

She'd skipped lunch to finish Zara's edits, and now the Westwood pantry felt like a sacred oasis. Stainless steel machines. Rows of snacks. Coffee pods in every flavor imaginable.

As she reached for the hot chocolate dispenser, she heard footsteps—too familiar to ignore.

Of course.

Adrian Westwood.

Wearing yet another perfect suit. Standing two feet away. Waiting for his espresso like he was hosting a royal tea.

She tried to act normal.

Her cup filled. Then overflowed. Hot chocolate poured down the counter in slow, sticky waves.

"Oh, shoot—" she fumbled for tissues, knocking over a sugar jar.

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Do you usually attack beverages too?"

"Only when they misbehave," she muttered, blotting chocolate off the machine.

He grabbed some paper towels and silently helped. She blinked.

"Wait. Are you... assisting?"

"I'm preventing another catastrophe."

They cleaned in silence. He handed her a fresh cup.

"Try not to scald anyone this time," he said.

"Noted," she mumbled. "Thanks."

She turned to leave—then slipped slightly on a puddle.

Strong hands caught her elbow. For one strange second, they froze.

His touch was firm. Warm. Almost... steadying.

Aria looked up at him. Their eyes locked.

Something flickered.

He let go quickly. "Walk carefully, Miss Langley. I don't run a rescue service either."

She cleared her throat. "I'll add it to the handbook."

Back at her desk, Aria couldn't shake the weird feeling.

Not embarrassment. Not even attraction.

More like...

A tingle.

Right along the spot he touched.

Meanwhile, in Adrian's office…

Darian strolled in, sipping tea. "How's the intern chaos today?"

Adrian was still looking at his palm, absentmindedly.

"She almost faceplanted again."

"And let me guess... you saved her?"

A pause.

"Reflex."

Darian smirked. "You're glowing, boss."

"Shut up."