The sound shattered the fragile moment, making Lara jump. Lucas glanced at his phone, the screen flashing with an incoming call. He motioned for her to keep talking, but the incessant ringing drowned out her resolve.
"Go on," Lucas encouraged softly, flipping the phone face down on the table in an attempt to silence the interruption.
But it was too late. Lara's determination had slipped away, her courage snuffed out like a candle in the wind. She shook her head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips as she gestured for him to take the call. "It's okay," she whispered. "You should answer it."
Lucas hesitated, sensing her retreat, but he nodded and picked up the phone. "Hello?" His voice shifted to a professional tone as he stood and walked toward his desk, leaving Lara to sink back into the couch, her fingers twisting nervously in her hair.
