Keifer's phone buzzed on the table.
Jay glanced at it absent-mindedly.
Then her eyes caught the name.
Ivy.
Before she could think twice, her hand moved.
She snatched the phone just as it started ringing louder.
"Jay—" Keifer laughed. "Hey, that's mine."
She ignored him and answered.
"Hello?"
Keifer froze.
Jay's voice came out calm, almost too calm.
"Keifer isn't here right now."
She listened for a second, jaw tightening slightly.
"I'll tell him you called once he's back," she added politely.
Then—click.
She ended the call.
Silence followed.
Keifer stared at her, eyebrows raised, lips twitching like he was holding back laughter.
Jay placed the phone back on the table carefully.
"What?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Keifer leaned closer, amusement sparkling in his eyes.
"Wow."
She frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
He grinned. "That was… bold."
"I was just being helpful," she said stiffly.
"Uh-huh," he teased. "Very professional."
She rolled her eyes. "Don't start."
He moved even closer, voice dropping.
"Should I be scared?"
Jay shot him a look. "You should behave."
He laughed, full and warm, shaking his head.
"You're adorable when you're jealous."
"I wasn't jealous," she snapped.
He smirked. "You literally stole my phone."
"That doesn't prove anything."
"It proves everything."
She turned away, cheeks warming.
Keifer reached out, lightly bumping her shoulder with his.
"You know," he said softly, still teasing, "you didn't have to do that."
Jay glanced at him. "Then why does it feel like you liked it?"
His smile slowed.
"Maybe," he admitted, "because I did."
Her heart skipped.
He picked up his phone, waving it slightly.
"Next time," he added with a grin, "warn me before you claim me like that."
Jay scoffed, but her lips curved.
"Next time," she replied, "answer faster."
Keifer laughed again.
And somewhere between the teasing and the warmth in his eyes—
Both of them knew—
That call had crossed a line neither of them wanted to uncross.