After the slightly tense meeting between Ethan and Jayden, Quinn thought things would settle down. But the next day at her office, a large bouquet of roses arrived—right as she was heading to a big meeting.
A curious crowd of employees gathered around, whispering. Who would send flowers to the CEO? Quinn rolled her eyes, trying to brush off the growing interest, but inside, she was a little rattled.
Her assistant, Sarah, peeked at the card on the flowers and grinned. "It's from Ethan," she said, wiggling her eyebrows. "Neighborly gesture?"
Quinn flushed, grabbing the card. *"For last night's dinner mishap—Ethan."*
A little flustered, she quickly tucked the note into her pocket and pulled Sarah aside. "It's…nothing," Quinn muttered, hoping to sound casual. "Just neighborly."
Sarah smirked. "Right. Because neighbors definitely send each other roses. Totally normal." She didn't seem convinced, and before Quinn knew it, whispers about her "secret admirer" had made their way around the office.
As she walked out of her meeting later that day, she saw Jayden leaning casually against her office door, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised.
"Nice flowers," he said, his voice light but with a trace of annoyance. "Didn't realize roses were a 'neighborly' gesture these days."
Quinn crossed her arms, smirking. "It's nothing, Jayden. Just a joke after last night."
"Seems like the guy's moving fast," he muttered, half-joking, half-serious. "And here I thought I'd be the only guy sending you flowers."
Quinn rolled her eyes, but before she could reply, Sarah popped her head in, grinning. "Hey, Quinn, did you see the email? The office party tonight—everyone's going!" She gave Jayden a wink and then disappeared.
Jayden's eyes lit up. "Office party? That sounds like fun. Let's go together!"
Quinn hesitated, imagining the chaos of bringing Jayden, Ethan, and her office life together. But Jayden was already pumped. "I'll pick you up at seven!" he said, giving her a quick hug and heading out, leaving her no time to protest.
---
**Later that evening…**
When Quinn arrived at the office party, she spotted Jayden first, chatting with her coworkers like he'd known them forever. He waved her over, offering her a drink with a cheeky grin.
But as they settled in, Quinn felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around—to find Ethan standing there, looking equally surprised and amused.
"Didn't expect to see you here," Ethan said with a slight smirk. He shot Jayden a brief, unreadable glance.
Jayden raised his glass in mock surprise. "Oh, look, it's *Mr. Roses.*"
Ethan's jaw twitched slightly, but he kept his smile polite. "Thought I'd check out the party. You know, show some 'neighborly' support." His voice had a playful edge, and Quinn felt herself flush as both men subtly sized each other up.
Ava, who had been talking to some friends nearby, spotted them and couldn't resist joining the standoff. She shot Quinn an amused look and whispered, "Well, well, look at you, Miss Popular! Got both guys here, huh?"
Quinn rolled her eyes, nudging her. "Please, don't start."
But Ava couldn't resist. With a mischievous grin, she turned to Jayden and Ethan. "So, which one of you is here to sweep Quinn off her feet tonight?"
Ethan chuckled, giving Jayden a sideways glance. "Pretty sure Quinn can decide for herself, right?" he said, looking at her with a glint of challenge in his eyes.
Jayden, unfazed, clinked his glass against Ethan's. "Cheers to the best man winning, then."
Quinn groaned, feeling like she was in the middle of a strange, real-life rom-com. She was about to make an escape when her coworker Mark, who had obviously had a few too many, sidled up to her, offering her an exaggerated bow.
"Miss CEO, may I have this dance?" he slurred, nearly tripping over his feet.
Jayden moved forward immediately. "Alright, buddy, I think you've had enough for tonight." He lightly guided Mark away, shooting a quick glare at Ethan, as if to say *See? I'm looking out for her.*
Ethan rolled his eyes but stepped up to Quinn. "How about we get some fresh air instead?" he suggested, holding his arm out.
Quinn looked between the two, a little overwhelmed but trying not to laugh. She leaned closer to Ava. "Is this a soap opera? Because I feel like I'm watching one."
Ava grinned. "Sweetheart, you're starring in it!"
---
Outside on the terrace, Ethan leaned against the railing, looking out over the city skyline. "Quite the scene back there," he said, smirking.
Quinn sighed, laughing softly. "Tell me about it. This was supposed to be a low-key night."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "With those two around? Not a chance."
Quinn nodded, feeling strangely at ease. She opened her mouth to say something when suddenly, Jayden popped his head through the door.
"Quinn, come on! You're missing the best part of the party," he called, giving Ethan a challenging grin as he pulled Quinn back inside before she could protest.
Ethan followed, watching as Jayden led Quinn onto the dance floor. It was clear Jayden wasn't backing down, and his playful, slightly possessive attitude kept Ethan on edge all night.
---
As the party continued, Quinn was caught between the playful tug-of-war going on around her. Jayden's overprotective, almost territorial attitude, and Ethan's calm, confident demeanor were both endearing and exasperating.
By the end of the night, as she watched Ethan and Jayden exchange competitive but friendly digs at each other, she realized that her life had officially become more complicated than any drama Ava could dream up.
And part of her didn't mind it at all.