Love in Higher Places

o go on strike, spewing grounds into the pot instead of liquid energy. And now, her only clean pair of heels had a wobbling left heel that seemed determined to embarrass her o

ng?" He raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a half-smile. "I hope that wasn't your best outfit." "And I hope that wasn't your best attitude," she shot back, clambering to her feet and dusting herself off. The man opened his mouth to respond, but a sharp whistle from a nearby traffic officer interrupted them. "Move it along, folks!" the officer barked, waving at the gathering crowd. With a sigh, the man turned back to Elena. "Are you hurt?" "Only my pride," she admitted, straightening her jacket and gathering her scattered files. He reached down to help her, and for a moment, their hands brushed. Elena quickly pulled away, muttering a curt "Thanks" as she stuffed the papers back into her bag. "Here," he said, pulling out a business card and handing it to her. "Send me the cleaning bill for your outfit." Elena glanced at the card, barely registering the name and title before shoving it into her pocket. "I'll be fine," she said, her tone brisk as she turned on her wobbly heel and walked away, ignoring the warmth of his gaze lingering on her back. An Ominous Surprise By the time Elena reached her office, she was frazzled but determined to salvage her morning. She hurried to the restroom, scrubbing at the coffee stain on her blouse with little success. When she finally emerged, her coworker Mia was waiting by her desk, a bemused expression on "What happened to you?" Mia asked, gesturing to the damp splotches on Elena's blazer. "Long story," Elena muttered. "What's up?" "Carol's called an emergency meeting," Mia said, lowering her voice. "Apparently, the client's CEO is joining us. Big deal. Boardroom in ten." Elena's stomach sank. She'd been preparing this presentation for weeks, but now, with her coffee-stained clothes and shaky nerves, she felt anything but ready. She gathered her materials and made her way to the boardroom, determined to fake her confidence. As sh