She leans back, content with his concession, and punctuates it by dropping one, two booted feet on her desk, one over the other. That he can't help but look at.

And then can't look away from.



Unruly edges already tugging at his mouth when she commands, makes him meet her eyes and face that grin.

Which he does, straight-faced, nodding. "'Kay."

Absolutely serious.





Until it cracks, just a little, at the corner of his mouth.

Because he can't keep from glancing at her feet, and it is ridiculous. Parker. Huge furry winter boots. Gone native.

He can't feel this smile, but that doesn't mean he doesn't know it's there.