Jenna Quinn wasn't planning on impressing anyone Tonight. Her heels clicked casually across he marble floor of the Archer Hotel, her dress flowing like liquid bronze and her smile was effortless - the kind that knew its own effects. She was here for the food, not the men, though she knew eyes would follow her anyway.
Th rooftop lounge buzzed with soft jazz and muted conversation, the kind of place where high end deals and subtle flirtations danced under dim lighting. She found her seat by the bar, ordered a citrus-gin fusion and took in the ambiance like a painter studying her next canvas.
And then he walked in...
Tall, composed, with the kind of confidence that didn't need announcing- Liam Ryder moved like the room owed him it's attention. His tailored charcoal suit clung to broad shoulders, and those eyes- sharp and surveying, landed on Jenna for just a second too long before glancing away.
"Someone's important," Jenna murmured to herself, stirring her drink with amused curiosity. Liam wasn't there to socialize. His meeting had been delayed, and he hated delays. Still, something about the woman at the bar tugged his focus. Not her beauty- though that was undeniable - but the way she looked like she owned the place, while barely caring about it. She caught him looking again and smirked.
"Staring is free, but smiling earns you extra points," she said when he finally stepped closer.
Liam raised and eyebrow, lips twitching. " Is that how your brand operates, perhaps?"
Jenna laughed, light and easy, " only when I'm off the clock."
"Good", Liam said, settling beside her. "Because I'm terrible at business small talk, but I'm decent with a drink."
And just like that, something, just something started between them. The weren't sure yet what it was but it felt like it was the beginning of something that was going to last.