Chapter 42

Howard's POV

The word hung in the air like static before a storm. I watched Catherine's perfectly shaped eyebrow arch upward, her lips curving into that knowing smile I'd grown to detest. Catching myself, I softened my tone. "What I mean is - Annie hasn't tried Morton's new lunch menu yet. I was just about to suggest it."

Catherine's fingers drummed once against Annie's desk. "What a coincidence. That's exactly where I was planning to take her."

"Perfect timing then," she continued before I could object, turning to Annie with practiced warmth. "We can all go together. The more the merrier,right?"

Annie's fingers went to her pendant - that telltale sign of uncertainty I'd grown familiar with. Her eyes darted between us before settling somewhere in the middle distance. "I suppose that would be nice?"

"Let's take my car," Catherine announced, already gathering her things.

I opened my mouth to suggest separate vehicles, but Catherine had smoothly maneuvered Annie toward the door, their arms linked as if they were old friends. I followed them to the parking lot, watching Catherine guide Annie into the front passenger seat while I was relegated to the back like an afterthought. "The limestone facade is original to the building," she was saying,her arm still linked with Annie's as they walked toward the entrance. I followed behind, my hands flexing unconsciously at my sides as I watched them disappear through the revolving door. The leather seat felt unusually stiff as I settled in. Through the rearview mirror, I caught glimpses of Annie's profile as Catherine launched into what seemed like an endless stream of conversation. I followed them in, my hands flexing at my sides as I watched Catherine's arm still linked with Annie's. "Speaking of design work," Catherine's laugh carried through the car."Annie, you must tell me more about that portfolio you showed me yesterday. The color choices were absolutely inspired."

"Oh, thank you," Annie's response came with a small chuckle that made something in my chest tighten. "I was actually a bit nervous about that particular combination."

"You shouldn't be. I've seen a lot of portfolios in my time, but yours has such a fresh perspective," Catherine's voice was warm with calculated charm. "We really must discuss how we could apply that aesthetic to some of my upcoming projects."

I checked my phone again, the screen a blur of unread messages.The conversation flowed around me, Catherine's voice rising and falling in practiced cadence as she drew Annie into one topic after another. Each traffic light seemed to stretch longer than the last, and I found myself increasingly aware of my position in the backseat, watching this carefully orchestrated performance play out before me.

By the time we reached Morton's, I had counted seventeen stoplights and checked my email folder three times. I quickly moved to open Annie's door,but Catherine was already there, helping her out while pointing out the restaurant's architectural details with exaggerated interest. "Mr. Thompson," the maitre d' greeted me. "Your usual table?"

"Actually," I stepped forward, "we'd like one of the corner booths."The intimate four-person booths would give me a chance to sit beside Annie.

But Catherine was already moving,guiding Annie toward a round table by the window. "The lighting's much better here, don't you think? Perfect for discussing those new designs you were showing me."

I watched Annie slide into her seat, Catherine claiming the chair beside her before I could move. The waiter appeared with menus, and I took the seat across from Annie, trying to catch her eye.

"The duck here is exceptional," I said, leaning forward slightly. "It's prepared with a honey glaze that-"

"Annie, you have to try their seafood," Catherine cut in. "They do this amazing Chilean sea bass. It would pair perfectly with that project we were discussing."

At lunch, I tried bringing up the upcoming company retreat. "I was thinking about the team building activities..."

"Oh Annie," Catherine chimed in with an exaggerated gasp,"speaking of activities, you absolutely have to hear about my weekend in the Hamptons.Picture this - champagne, yacht parties..." Annie laughed, drawn into Catherine's animated storytelling while my own conversation starter died mid-sentence. I pushed the salmon around my plate, waiting for another opening. "Annie, how's the new project coming along?" I tried again, reaching for the salt shaker near her hand. "Oh! Allow me," Catherine swooped in, plucking it up with theatrical flair.She held it just out of my reach while pretending to season her own food first. "Perfect timing - Annie, you simply must tell me more about your vision for the Henderson account..."

My fork clinked against the plate as I set it down perhaps a bit toofirmly.Catherine caught my eye over her wine glass, her lips curving into a playful smirk. She was clearly enjoying this little game of keep-away

As we finished lunch, I watched Annie stirring her iced tea, my mind racing with both desire and frustration. Catherine's presence was suffocating - a constant, immovable obstacle between Annie and me. But more than that, her smug atttude was driving me crazy. Two birds with one stone,perhaps?

"I should head back to the office," I said casually, though my heart was pounding with anticipation of what I planned to do next.

"Oh, I'm off today," Catherine's sickeningly sweet voice cut in. "I can keep Annie company." Her eyes met mine in silent challenge, and something in me snapped.Perfect.

Annie shifted uncomfortably, her fingers nervously playing with her necklace."Well..."

My hand moved toward my glass, adrenaline coursing through my veins.One "accidental" spill would serve Catherine right for her interference, and give me a moment alone with Annie. The perfect crime. But Catherine wasn't as oblivious as I'd hoped. Justas my hand "slipped,"she smoothly sidestepped, a knowing glint in her eye. To my horror, the lemonade splashed across Annie's pristine white blouse instead. "Oh my!" Annie jumped up, her face flushing. "I need to clean this up.Excuse me." She hurried away from the table.

I watched Annie's retreating figure, mortified at how my plan had completely backfired.

"Well played," I growled, glaring at Catherine's satisfied expression.

Catherine took a delicate sip of her drink, her smile holding a hint of amusement that made my stomach turn. "You really thought you could outmaneuver me, didn't you?"

"Come now, Howard," shetook a delicate sip of her drink. "We both know what you were trying to do - get me out of the way to be alone with Annie.

Perhaps with a dash of revenge thrown in?"

I remained silent, my jaw tightening.

"Would you like to know why your little schemes always fail?" Catherine leaned forward,her voice taking on an almost intimate tone.

"Do tell," I replied dryly, trying to mask my discomfort.

"Love," she stated simply, her eyes locked on mine. "Your feelings for Annie are painfully obvious. Every look, every gesture... they give you away. And that,Howard,has become your weakness."

"Speaking of which," she continued, "how are things progressing between you two?" "That's none of your concern," I snapped. "Oh?" Catherine raised an eyebrow. "What if I told you I could help?" My pride screamed at me to tell her to get lost, but Annie's face flashed through my mind - that pained look when she'd rejected me, the way she d avoided my eyes. The memory still stung. And here was Catherine,dangling answers in front of me like bait...

After a moment's hesitation, I sighed. "I... I suggested taking our relationship beyond friendship. She turned me down. I still don't understand why."

"Fascinating," Catherine's eyes gleamed. "I could help you understand why.I'm quite good at reading people, especially women."

"Help?" I scoffed, though part of me was intrigued. "What's the catch?"

Her smile turned triumphant. "Simple enough. I want in on your game development department. I've heard some interesting things about your latest project."