The ballroom was as grand as Amara had expected, with chandeliers dripping with crystal and waiters weaving through the crowd with trays of champagne. She smoothed down her emerald green dress, feeling a little out of place among the glittering crowd. She wasn't one for these kinds of events, but she had to admit that the setting was stunning.
As she scanned the room, looking for Mr. Prescott or any familiar faces, her eyes landed on a tall, broad-shouldered man standing near the bar. He was speaking with someone, but his gaze shifted toward her the moment she noticed him.
Their eyes met for a brief moment, and something stirred in her chest—something she hadn't felt in a long time. She quickly looked away, her cheeks warming with embarrassment.
Noah Bennett, she realized. That had to be him. He fit the description—confident, successful, with an air of authority that surrounded him.
She knew she had to introduce herself eventually. After all, she was here to make an impression. But as she approached, her nerves kicked in.
Before she could talk herself out of it, Noah turned and started walking in her direction.
"Amara Collins, right?" he said, his voice smooth and deep.
She blinked, surprised he knew her name. "Yes, and you must be Noah Bennett."
"The one and only," he replied with a charming smile. "I hear you're the rising star at Prescott and Associates."
Amara's heart raced as they shook hands, but she forced herself to stay composed. "I wouldn't say that, but I do my best."
Noah's smile deepened. "Modesty is refreshing. Let's see if we can work together to make something great happen."
As they talked, Amara couldn't help but feel a strange connection with Noah—a pull she hadn't expected. There was something about him, something that made her wonder if, just maybe, there was more to life than just work.
But for now, she reminded herself, it was only business.
Or so she thought.