The hospital fundraiser was chaos incarnate. Between silent auctions, catering disasters, and doctors rushing from OR to gala, it was a miracle anything ran smoothly.

And somehow, you were paired with Jackson Avery.

“Great,” you muttered under your breath as he approached, perfectly pressed suit and that infuriatingly charming smirk. “Of all people, it had to be you.”

Jackson tilted his head, grin widening. “Excuse me? Being stuck with me is the best part of this fundraiser. Admit it.”

You rolled your eyes, but secretly, you were curious how the two of you would survive.

The first challenge came almost immediately. A tray of hors d’oeuvres toppled over, sending shrimp cocktails flying across the floor. Without missing a beat, Jackson grabbed your hand and started scooping them up together.

“You know,” he said, brushing shrimp off your sleeve with one finger, “I think we make a pretty good team.”

You laughed, smacking his hand away. “Don’t start flirting now. We’ve got work to do.”

But Jackson didn’t stop. All evening, amidst auctions and awkward small talk with donors, he found ways to make you laugh—sliding witty notes under your clipboard, whispering jokes during speeches, even pretending to “accidentally” brush hands with yours while arranging tables.

By the time the evening hit its peak, the fundraiser had gone from chaos to triumph, and you were standing on the balcony outside the ballroom with Jackson, watching the city lights.

“You know,” he said, leaning slightly closer, “we handled that pretty well. Not bad for a hospital duo.”

You smirked. “We didn’t exactly stick to the rules… but I’ll give it to us.”

Jackson’s eyes softened, the playful grin giving way to something warmer. “Honestly? I think I’ve liked working with you from the start. More than just… the fundraiser.”

Your heart skipped. “Oh really?”

“Yeah,” he admitted. “You’re… smart, funny, and even when things go completely sideways, you keep your cool. I like that. I like you.”

The city hummed below, the chaos of the night fading behind you. And right there, amidst the lights and the lingering energy of a successful fundraiser, Jackson Avery reached out, taking your hand with the confidence of someone who finally knew exactly what he wanted.