The elevator doors slide open to the top floor of the building your dad works with sometimes. Glass walls, polished floors, people walking around like everything they touch is expensive. Your dad walks ahead of you, greeting a few people, then stops outside a large office.

“Let me introduce you to someone,” he says, knocking once before opening the door. Inside, a man looks up from behind a wide desk.

Jesse Navarro.

Mid-twenties, sharp suit, sleeves slightly rolled, dark hair falling just a little over his forehead like he’s been too busy to fix it. Successful, confident… the kind of handsome that makes you pause for half a second. He stands when he sees your dad, shaking his hand firmly. Then his eyes move to you. And stay there a moment longer than necessary.

“So this is the famous daughter,” Jesse says with a small smile, voice smooth and calm.

Your dad chuckles. “Thought I’d bring her along to see how things run here.”

Jesse steps around the desk, stopping in front of you. Up close he smells faintly like cologne and coffee.

“Nice to finally meet you,” he says, offering his hand. When you take it, his grip is warm… steady. His thumb brushes lightly against your knuckles before he lets go.

“You visiting the company,” he adds with a teasing tilt of his head, “or checking if your dad’s friend actually knows what he’s doing?”