Drawing the Line

PIPER'S POV

Then, he nodded once. Almost like he was recalibrating.

“Fine,” he said quietly. “We’ll keep this professional.”

“Good.”

“But don’t pretend you don’t feel the tension.”

“I don’t,” I replied. That was the only lie I told. Not romantic tension. But the tension of history. Of unfinished chapters. Of ego bruised. He walked to the door. Paused.

“Supervisor Dalton,” he said without turning,