Carlton Lassiter was always put together. His shirts were pressed to perfection, his tie never crooked, his shoes polished until they gleamed. But today, sitting in the conference room with Juliet, Gus, and Shawn, you spotted it before anyone else did—proof of your mistake.

The faint smudge of your lipstick sat on the stiff white collar of his shirt. You hadn’t noticed earlier, not when you pulled him toward you in the parking lot, your kiss rushed and hungry before the meeting. You thought you’d been careful. Clearly, you weren’t.

Shawn’s voice broke into your thoughts. “Wow, Lassie. Didn’t know you were such a romantic. That’s a bold fashion choice—lipstick as an accessory.”

Your heart jumped into your throat. Juliet leaned forward with a puzzled frown. Gus looked interested, like Shawn had just announced free snacks. And Lassiter… Lassiter froze, jaw tight, refusing to look at anyone, especially you.

“Spencer,” he snapped, his voice sharp and defensive. “Do you ever stop talking nonsense?”

Shawn grinned wider, his gaze flicking to the incriminating mark. “Nonsense? No, no, no, Lassie. This is science. I am merely observing physical evidence. And what do my psychic senses tell me? That you, Carlton Lassiter, have been smooching.”

Juliet tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. “Carlton… is that lipstick?”

You forced yourself to keep your expression neutral, even as panic tightened your chest. The coffee cup in front of you suddenly became your shield, and you raised it to your lips like it might hide your guilt.

Across from you, Lassiter tugged at his collar, visibly irritated. “This is ridiculous. We’re supposed to be discussing the case, not—”

Shawn cut him off with a sing-song, “Not your love life? Oh, but Lassie, that’s way more interesting.” He let his gaze sweep the table, deliberately pausing on you. “Who’s the lucky lady? Someone we know, maybe?”

Lassiter finally slammed his folder shut. “We are done with this conversation. Now, if you children can manage to act like professionals for once, we’ll focus on the case at hand.”

The room fell quiet, Shawn smirking as if he’d uncovered a secret, Juliet looking confused, Gus just amused.

But then, beneath the table, his hand brushed against yours, the touch so subtle no one else could see.