Steve nodded. "Right." He was quiet for a moment. "I, um." He paused for a moment. "Would you be willing to try a partnership with me?" The back of his neck was red, but he knew, somehow, that she was the best fit in the room by far.

Ciara snorted quietly herself. "That, and I'm difficult." She didn't relax her pose, though she had to admit she was curious about him.