It was a typical Tuesday at Quinn's office when her assistant, Linda, popped her head into her office. "Hey, Quinn, you've got a dinner invitation for tonight. The company's hosting an event."
Quinn raised an eyebrow. "A dinner? Am I supposed to be there?"
"Well," Linda said with a teasing grin, "it's a mandatory 'networking' dinner, and your name's on the list. Plus, I think your mom called. She said she wants you to dress like 'a lady' for once."
Quinn groaned. "I don't do 'lady' very well." She leaned back in her chair and scrolled through the invitation. The list of guests included some of the most influential people in the industry, and, of course, there was one name that stuck out like a sore thumb—Ethan Reed.
"What is this? The 'Look At Me I'm Important' dinner?" she muttered, scrolling down further.
Linda smirked. "Looks like it. You should go. Maybe you'll have some... interesting conversations."
Quinn snorted. "Like with Ethan Reed? I think I'll pass."
---
That evening, Quinn reluctantly arrived at the venue, a swanky restaurant with a view that made her want to roll her eyes. "So much for a simple dinner," she mumbled to herself as she walked in.
It wasn't long before she spotted him—Ethan, standing by the bar, looking as brooding and unapproachable as ever. But this time, he wasn't alone. He was talking to a group of investors who were laughing at something he'd just said, clearly intrigued by whatever he was proposing.
As Quinn approached the table to find a seat, Ethan's eyes flicked toward her. His lips twitched slightly, though he quickly masked it with his usual composed expression.
"Ah, Quinn," he said, his tone smooth, but there was a hint of mischief in his eyes. "You made it. How nice."
Quinn raised an eyebrow. "Didn't have much of a choice," she muttered, pulling out a chair and sitting down next to him.
"Of course," he replied, the ghost of a smile still on his face. "Because who wouldn't want to join a group of incredibly important people for an evening of boring discussions and overpriced appetizers?"
"Sounds thrilling," Quinn quipped, eyeing the little appetizer skewers being passed around. "You'll have to excuse me if I'm not excited about this whole 'mandatory fun' thing."
Ethan chuckled. "I'm sure we'll find a way to make it less painful. You're welcome to join me in my 'escape plan' when you've had enough."
Quinn stared at him for a moment, trying to figure out if he was actually being nice or just being sarcastic—she couldn't decide. "Escape plan? And what, are you going to drag me into a broom closet?"
His grin widened. "Maybe not a broom closet... but I know the best places to hide in plain sight. I'm very resourceful."
Quinn snorted. "I'll bet. But don't worry, I'm fully capable of suffering through this dinner without your help."
Ethan's lips curled, as though he were trying to fight back a smile. "Your funeral."
The rest of the dinner proceeded with polite conversation and a few awkward silences, but Quinn found herself laughing at something Ethan had said when he was describing the corporate world with a sarcastic tone. The group around them didn't seem to get it, but she did. And it felt like... maybe they weren't complete strangers after all.
But just as she was about to let her guard down, Tyler, one of the other men from the office, leaned over from across the table and shot Quinn a look that made her cringe.
"Quinn," Tyler said, his voice a little too smooth. "You know, if you ever get tired of hanging out with Ethan here, I'd be more than happy to show you a good time. I know this great place we could go after—if you're interested."
Quinn blinked, feeling an awkward shiver run down her spine. Tyler had been persistent in trying to get her attention ever since she started her company, but his advances always made her uncomfortable.
Before she could respond, Ethan suddenly turned to Tyler with a sharp, amused look. "She's probably too busy, Tyler. You know, with all the 'important stuff' she has to do. No time for... distractions."
Quinn couldn't help but let out a small laugh, raising her glass to Ethan in silent gratitude. It was probably the first time she'd ever appreciated his smugness.
Tyler, who'd clearly been put in his place, made a small grunt and turned away, focusing on the business at hand. Ethan shot Quinn a quick, almost imperceptible wink, and she couldn't help but laugh again.
"Well played," she muttered, taking another sip of her drink.
Ethan's smile was slow, but there was something warm in his eyes. "I'm always looking out for you."
For a brief moment, Quinn caught herself thinking... Maybe this whole dinner wasn't such a waste after all.