Julian sat across from Ava in the conference room, watching intently as she sketched out ideas for their Anderson  Bourbon Company pitch. Her dark brown hair was pulled back in a practical ponytail and she wore understated jewelry and a pressed blouse. Not flashy, but still flattering for her curvy figure and warm caramel complexion. 


"What if we suggested going for a focus on family legacy?" Ava asked, not noticing Julian's gaze. "Play up the generations of Anderson family distilling bourbon?"


Julian nodded slowly. "That's not bad. We could do a series of ads profiling the different family members and traditions being passed down."


"Exactly," Ava said, eyes lighting up. "Blend the nostalgia of the past with the promise of continuing that legacy."


"I like it," Julian said. They had been working together for a few days now, and much to his surprise, hadn't killed each other yet. He found Ava's insight helpful in grounding his wild ideas with strategy and purpose.


"We make a pretty good team," he mused.


Ava looked taken aback momentarily before giving a small smile. "We do. Who knew?"


They continued bouncing ideas back and forth, their excitement growing as the concept took shape. The family legacy angle felt fresh but also true to Andersons' long history.


After two more grueling hours, they decided it was time for lunch. As they walked out together, Julian felt a newfound appreciation for his colleague. 


"You know, you're not so bad, Parker," he said with a smirk.


"Don't tell anyone, Reed," Ava replied playfully. "I have a reputation to maintain."


Julian laughed as she walked out of the conference room ahead of him. When had he started noticing how her brown eyes sparkled when she was passionate? Or how she bit her lip while deep in thought? 


"Enjoy your lunch. I can handle my part of things until tomorrow, but I'll come by your office if I have any other thoughts. You feel free to do the same."


Ava simply nodded. "I'll do that. See you later." 


Watching her stroll towards the front of the office building, Julian was left with an unsettling feeling. He had grown to respect Ava, but now he realized it was more than that. The way she gestured expressively, spoke with conviction, and lit up when they were creating...could he be seeing her in a new light?


******


After making a few calls from his office, Julian decided to get out of the office for lunch. As he walked down the street lined with boutiques and trendy restaurants, he passed by a popular lunch spot, The Midday Café, and noticed Ava sitting alone. On impulse, he went in to join her. 


"Mind if I join you?" he asked. 


Ava looked surprised but gestured for him to take the empty chair across the table. "Sure. Have a seat," she said.


They chatted casually while they enjoyed their meals, which led to discussing their past hopes and dreams. Ava had wanted to be an artist, while Julian dreamed of becoming an actor even though he wasn't very talented in the field. They shared a laugh at their old ambitions. 


Too soon their lunch hour was ending. As they walked back to the office, Julian debated asking Ava to dinner. But he held back, reminding himself that they were colleagues first.


Back at the office, Julian tried focusing on work but found himself distracted thinking about Ava in a new light. But he pushed any personal thoughts aside. They were co-workers, nothing more he told himself, ignoring the strange tug in his chest.