Walker stepped into the Harper Global lobby, adjusting his cufflinks as he walked toward the private elevator. His assistant trailed behind him, listing updates on the acquisition he'd mentioned to Lena that morning. He nodded, offered curt replies, but his mind wasn't on financials or boardroom strategies.
It was still with her.
He could picture Lena at the bakery, her apron dusted with flour, her smile tucked into a focused frown as she perfected her pastries. She wasn't just a warm memory anymore—she was the very thing anchoring him, pulling him back to a version of himself he hadn't realized he missed.
Inside his office, floor-to-ceiling windows stretched behind his desk. The city moved briskly below him, but for the first time in a while, it felt like noise. He stared out at it, silent, hands in his pockets.
"You look distracted," Ava, his executive assistant, said after walking in with files. She arched a brow. "Everything okay?"
Walker offered a tight smile. "Just a long morning."
She studied him for a beat, then set the papers down. "Well, this won't help. Legal's got questions about the Peterson deal, and Marketing wants your sign-off on the new campaign copy."
"Thanks," he said, already reaching for the folder.
But after Ava left, he didn't open it. Instead, he pulled out his phone, staring at Lena's contact. He thought about calling. Thought about hearing her voice, grounding himself in it—but he stopped. It was too soon. Too easy to lean on her when he needed to figure out how to keep his balance.
Back at the bakery, Lena rolled out dough while trying to shake off the lingering weight of the morning. Her heart was still tangled in the way Walker had looked at her—like she was more than just comfort, more than just a place to land. That kind of gaze was dangerous.
She was about to prep the next batch of croissants when the door swung open.
"Tell me you've got chocolate chip cookies left," came a familiar voice.
Lena looked up, surprised. "Ava?"
Walker's assistant, dressed in heels and a sharply tailored blazer, stepped inside, her tone casual but observant. "I was in the area. Thought I'd grab a dozen for the office."
Lena gave her a wary smile. "Sure. Give me a minute."
While Lena packed the box, Ava leaned on the counter, watching her. "You and Walker go way back, huh?"
"Yeah. Since we were kids."
"Funny. He doesn't talk much about the past." Ava paused. "But lately, he's different. Softer, I guess. Happier."
Lena's fingers slowed as she tied the ribbon around the box.
"I guess you're the reason for that," Ava added with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Lena handed her the cookies. "I'm just his friend."
Ava took the box, her voice light. "Sure. But I've worked with him for six years. And I've never seen him leave the office early for anyone."
As the door chimed behind Ava's departure, Lena stood still, heart drumming a little faster. Walker was changing. But so was everything else around them—including how closely the lines of friendship and something more were beginning to blur.