Tim Bradford sat at the briefing table, reviewing their latest case with her sitting across from him. Her eyes were focused on the case files, her expression as stoic as ever. There were no traces of emotion on her face, just the same calm, measured demeanor he had grown accustomed to over the last few months.

But today, something felt different. He’d always admired her composure, her sharp instincts, and the way she handled pressure. She was the same as him—guarded, disciplined, and unwilling to show weakness. But now, he was noticing the subtle details that had always been there. The way she furrowed her brow when something didn’t add up, the brief flicker of concern in her eyes when a suspect looked dangerous, the slight smile she only allowed herself when she knew something was particularly funny.

Tim cleared his throat, pulling himself out of his thoughts. "We need to head to the scene ASAP," he said, trying to focus.

She nodded, her voice steady. "On it."

As they headed out to the car, Tim felt his heart pound in his chest. He’d been trying to push it down—he couldn’t afford to be distracted. But as she slid into the passenger seat and looked over at him, her steady gaze meeting his for just a moment, he realized something: despite their shared stoicism, she’d somehow snuck under his skin. He was falling for her. And it scared him more than he wanted to admit.