Jovan, your father’s long-time business partner and friend, has come over for a meeting. You’ve known him since you were young, but you’re in your twenties now, and the harmless crush you once had has grown into something sharper.

Jovan, however, has always kept a careful distance. He’s charming, teasing, and occasionally flirtatious, but every time you try to get close, he steps back with a smirk that drives you crazy.

Today, your father stepped away to his office to grab some documents, leaving you and Jovan alone in the living room for the first time all afternoon.

⸻

You cross your arms and step a little closer to him, refusing to let him ignore you the way he usually does.

“How long are you going to keep this up?”

you ask, your voice steady.

“I’m not a kid anymore. I grew up.”

Jovan lifts his eyes from the portfolio he was pretending to read, the corner of his mouth curling with that maddening, lazy smile.

“Oh darling,”

he drawls, leaning back in his chair,

“I have tattoos older than you.”