Page 49

Two months later

ANYA

The industrial fan whirs above me as I inspect the water filtration system’s maintenance logs. Eight weeks into my internship at PureTech Solutions, I’m already fascinated by every detail of the operation. Most people wouldn’t expect to find me here, covered in safety gear and learning about reverse osmosis systems, and neither would I, because I hate and fear science, but look at me enjoying it for the first time in my life. Not that I have to use it that much. I just watch people do their work, but it is still interesting.

“Hey, Mike,” I call out to our maintenance supervisor. “I noticed the pressure readings from last week were slightly off on unit three. Is that normal?”

Mike looks up from his clipboard, his weathered face breaking into an approving smile. “Good catch, Anya. That’s exactly the kind of detail we need to monitor. Want to learn how to adjust it?”

I nod eagerly, following him to the unit. Every piece of knowledge matters—from the basic operational procedures to the complex technical specifications .

We stop in front of unit three and Mike begins to explain the pressure settings. I listen intently, my eyes darting to the gauges and dials while jotting down notes on a small pad. “Adjusting the pressure within the unit can affect its overall efficiency,” he explains. “You need to find the right balance to ensure optimal performance.”

Frank always says the devil is in the details and he is right. I have become very close to him. After all the drama, I went back with Daniel so we could both apologize for being rude to him and let him know my decision. Apparently, he was very impressed that I just didn’t dive into this world, and I stepped in to learn the ground-level work before setting foot in the owner’s cabin. So, he promised to teach me everything he could, and I am so grateful for it. He truly is a great human, and I can see why Daniel is so kind and caring. Speaking of Daniel, I check my watch. Two more hours until he picks me up.

This has all turned out to be in my favor honestly. Yesterday, I got a call from my father asking if I could help him with custom relations, and I was initially very surprised that I was his first choice. He called me before Arnav, but then I decided to decline. I did give him suggestions, but I told him I did not have enough time, and that’s just the truth. Also because, for the first time, I felt that I was doing okay, and as much as his validation will make me happy, I have to find my path, learn from my own mistakes, and make him and myself proud by my efforts, and I can do that without him. His guidance is welcome, but I will no longer be fighting for his attention. I will earn it now. And right now, I am busy doing exactly that, so I denied it.

The afternoon flies by as I help Mike with routine maintenance checks and update our digital logging system. I hear the familiar sound of Daniel’s car pulling up outside. I rush to the window to spot him getting out of his car. He catches my eye and I wave at him, grinning widely. He waves back, smiling at me, and signals for me to come down. He is still in his training gear from the 76ers’s camp. Even after all this time, seeing him in those colors makes my heart skip a beat. I am so proud of him.

“Hey, superstar!” I say, beaming up at him. He hands me the coffee mug. I take a sip and sigh in relief.

“Hey there, my favorite intern!” He leans down to pull me into a tight embrace, and I breathe in his familiar scent—something that feels like home.

“Today was all about maintenance protocols and quality control. How was training camp?” I ask.

“Intense,” he says, buckling my seat belt. I kiss his cheek, and he grins at me. “Coach has us running new plays. The veterans are helping me adjust to the NBA pace. It’s different from college ball, that’s for sure.”

“That sounds tough, but I know you’ll rise to the occasion,” I say, placing a hand on his thigh reassuringly. “I have no doubt you’ll be a star player in no time.”

He grins, his eyes sparkling with determination. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, Firecracker.” Just as I am invested in my journey at PureTech, I’m invested in his basketball career, too because I want us to grow together. I want us to succeed together.

“Before I forget, your mother called me,” he says, his gaze shifting to me momentarily. “She was asking for my address. I gave it to her, but do you know why that is?” he asks, his hand squeezing my thigh.

I roll my eyes. “I told her not to.” I huff. “She is sending snacks for us, so she said she will send it for you, too.” I fold my arms. “I told her I will share it with you and you don’t like spicy stuff, so she is sending everything sweet she can find and make.”

He chuckles. “That’s sweet. I will call her tonight and thank her.” He smiles. A small smile makes its way to my face. I introduced him to my mother last month, and since then, I often find my mother and my boyfriend gossiping about me. It’s cute, but it’s annoying when they gang up on me, like one of each isn’t enough for me.

“So, what’s on the agenda tonight?” he asks, shifting into gear.

“As of now, I will be studying for a while. But after, can we watch this new thriller movie out on Netflix?”

He chuckles. “You know I’m always up for a movie night, especially if it means getting to cuddle with you.” He smirks.

“Huh.” I scoff. “We are not having sex,” I say firmly.

“Okay, we will see.” He smiles smugly. I know he is going to win, but you can’t blame me. I mean, have you seen him? He’s the most drop-dead gorgeous man I know. I am desperate, but that doesn’t mean I have to show it to him. Not that he would care.

The car comes to a stop outside my apartment. “Captain,” I whisper. He looks at me. “I just want you to know that I met you unexpectedly, and I was very annoyed by you, but I would not be as happy as I am today if I hadn’t met you. So, it’s the best thing to ever happen to me. You really brought my life on track.” I smile gently, meeting his eyes.

“I love you Firecracker,” he says softly. “Even clueless, I would still be madly in love with you, Anya.” His eyes sparkle. “I am irrevocably yours.”

I feel my cheeks flush. “How do you always know exactly what to say?”

“Because I know you.” He winks. “Plus, it’s easy when it’s true.”

“I love you, captain.” I peck his cheek.

“I love you, too, Firecracker,” he says, pulling me into a kiss.

∞∞∞