Patricia, Jaz and Hannah found each other in the parking lot, minutes before the appointment time for dinner. They exchanged pleasantries and Patricia gave the younger women an approving nod.

"Adam and Amir will have a heard time taking their eyes off you two tonight," she murmured matter of factly.

Hannah and Jaz exchanged startled glances, heat rising on both their faces.

"What are you talking about?" They exclaimed in unison.

Patricia gave them a point glance and smirked. "You don't think I became Deputy Director by being oblivious to what's right in front of my face, do you?"

She turned to lead the way inside. "I'd say you're both gonna give McG a run for his money, but honestly he doesn't stand a chance with the way Adam and Amir attended to each of you over the last week. You've done a good job keeping it professional, but tonight is yours to relax and enjoy."

The ladies entered the club and scanned the room, looking for the rest of the team. McG, Amir, and Noah stood at the bar, drinks in hand, laughing over some tease between them.

"Gentlemen, good evening." Patricia's characteristically curt voice drew their attention and their laughter instantly stilled as they took in the sight of the women in front of them.

McG let out an unabashed whistle. "Damn, ladies! I didn't know this was a fancy date!"

Jaz slugged him on the arm, just hard enough to make her point. "It's not a date!"

Noah nervously shifted on his feet, his hands awkwardly reaching in and out of his pockets like he didn't really know what to do with them. "Hannah, Jaz. Patricia," he nodded to each of them. "You all look —"

He cleared his throat after his voice broke like a teenager. "You all look beautiful tonight." Turning quickly, he motioned the bartender. "Another drink, please!"

Amir didn't say a word, but his eyes drank in Hannah's beauty, if from his peripheral vision. He'd been trained in the art of subtlety and it sure came in handy in times like this. He could casually observe anyone without giving it away.

McG elbowed Amir with a hoot. "Dude, say something. They're gonna think you're blind or something! Don't they look great?"

Amir pretended to just notice the effort the girls had put into their appearance. "Oh, absolutely! Great color for you, Jaz." He gave her a friendly side hug and whispered in her ear, "Wait till Top sees you in this dress."

She blushed and slugged him playfully in the stomach. How almost everyone on the team had clued into the connection between her and Adam was a mystery. She had tried so hard not to do anything that would jeopardize her standing on the team, and having a thing for her captain definitely fell into that category. Still, a tiny flower of hope bloomed that just maybe Adam returned her feelings.

Jaz leaned close to whisper back, "You better ask Hannah to dance before the night is over."

He looked confidently in her eyes and said softly but firmly, "Oh, I plan to." He adjusted his gaze past Jaz and offered his arm to Hannah, "May I order you a drink?"

Adam stood stoically in the corner of the room, observing his team from the distance. The sight of Jaz in that dress...it took his breath away and he was grateful for the momentary reprieve. He'd spent the last three hours mulling over his apology and thought he'd come up with a good plan, but damn. That was before he saw that red lace and more of Jaz's shoulders than he'd ever seen before. It wasn't like he'd never seen her in a dress before, or even without a shirt - she often trained in just a sports bra and leggings, leaving her toned shoulders, back, and abs exposed. But that dress. Whew. It really set off her dark hair and smooth skin.

Suddenly Jaz looked up, as if she could feel his gaze. Her eyes clicked with his and a flicker of vulnerability passed between them. She raised her glass towards him then looked away, tuning back in to the conversation around her. The warmth of his gaze when she first caught his eye unsettled her, and she was glad for the people and distance between them. He had dressed up to, and it was hard not to notice how his broad shoulders strained under his shirt and jacket. His hair was freshly cut and damn if he didn't look hot as hell. It was going to be a long night.