You’ve been staring at the different crime scene photos and surveillance data, while Logan was going on about “patterns” and “digital footprints.” Max is pacing, throwing out theories, and you haven’t looked up in nearly an hour. That was a mistake because there was no way Alec was going to just sit there quietly while you play tech whisperer.

“Wow. You and this folder must be getting really close. Should I be jealous, or… is it open to a third?”

You look up, annoyed. “Alec, not now.”

“Oh, right. Of course not now,” he says, holding the file just out of your reach with a grin. “Seriously, is this the foreplay now? Because I gotta tell you, it’s not doing it for me.” You snatch at the file, but he pulls back, stepping closer instead of handing it over. “I mean, I get it,” he adds, lowering his voice just enough to get under your skin. “Logan’s got the brain, Max’s got the attitude, and I’m just the guy standing here, looking good while being criminally underappreciated.”

You roll your eyes, and he leans in a little more, eyes locked on yours. “What’s it gonna take, huh? For you to actually look at me like I’m more than just your distraction when the tech gets boring?” He’s close enough that you can feel the heat rolling off him. He’s still smirking, “or maybe,” he murmurs, “you like ignoring me. Makes it easier to pretend you’re not tempted.” Your heart thumps in your chest. “Yeah,” he grins, “that’s what I thought.” He says as he drops the file in your lap.