Survey Stakes

I scowled at the email on my phone screen. "You're assigning me to work with *him*? On the Henderson property line dispute? Are you serious, Margaret?"

"Tessa, be reasonable," my boss said. "You know how contentious this case is. The Hendersons and the Garcias have been fighting over this boundary for years. We need our best surveyors on it."

"Then why pair me with Daisuke Gallagher? That man is insufferable!"

Margaret sighed. "He's also the most experienced surveyor at his firm. You two will just have to find a way to work together."

I gritted my teeth. "Fine. But if he tries any of his usual bullshit, I'm walking."

The next morning, I arrived at the Henderson property bright and early, determined to get a head start. Of course, Daisuke's truck was already parked by the fence line. He leaned against the hood, sipping coffee from a thermos.

"Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up," he drawled as I approached.

"I'm not late," I snapped. "I'm right on time."

"Sure you are, Rossi." He grinned. "Ready to get started? Or do you need a few more minutes to prepare yourself mentally for the challenge ahead?"

I rolled my eyes. "Let's just get this over with, Gallagher."

We set off along the fence line, our surveying equipment in tow. The morning sun beat down on us, and the air hummed with insects. I caught the scent of wildflowers mixed with the rich earth.

"Nice day for a hike," Daisuke remarked. "Shame we have to spend it with each other."

"Speak for yourself," I shot back. "I find your company quite...tolerable."

He chuckled. "Tolerable, huh? I suppose that's a step up from 'loathsome' or 'infuriating.'"

"Don't push your luck."

As we walked, we fell into a rhythm, our banter flowing back and forth like a well-rehearsed routine. I had to admit, as much as I disliked Daisuke, he was good at his job. His measurements were precise, his notes meticulous.

Still, I couldn't resist needling him a bit. "You know, Gallagher, I'm surprised you even agreed to this. Aren't you worried I'll show you up?"

"Please," he scoffed. "I could do this job in my sleep. The real question is, are *you* worried *I'll* show *you* up?"

"In your dreams."

He grinned. "You have no idea what goes on in my dreams, Rossi."

I felt a blush creep up my neck. "Keep it professional, Gallagher."

"Always do." He winked.

We stopped at a particularly contentious spot along the fence line. "Alright, this is where the Hendersons say the boundary should be," I said, consulting my notes. "But according to the Garcia's survey, it's actually a few feet to the west."

Daisuke squinted at the map. "Hm. Well, let's see what the facts say."

We set up our equipment, taking careful measurements. As we worked, our shoulders brushed, our hands occasionally grazing. I tried to ignore the little jolts that shot through me at each touch.

"Careful, Rossi," Daisuke murmured as I leaned over to adjust the theodolite. "Wouldn't want you to fall and hurt that pretty face."

I glared at him. "My face is none of your concern, Gallagher. And I'm perfectly capable of not falling, thank you very much."

He held up his hands. "Just looking out for you, that's all."

"Sure you are."

We continued working in tense silence, the air crackling between us. I could feel his eyes on me, watching my every move.

Finally, we finished our measurements. "Well?" I asked. "What's the verdict?"

Daisuke consulted his notes. "Looks like the boundary is indeed a few feet to the west of where the Hendersons claim it is."

I nodded. "So the Garcias were right."

"Seems that way."

I felt a small surge of satisfaction. "Guess that means I win this round, Gallagher."

He raised an eyebrow. "Win? This isn't a competition, Rossi."

"Everything's a competition with you," I said. "And I just came out on top."

He stepped closer, his eyes glinting. "Oh, did you now?"

I lifted my chin. "Yes, I did. And don't you forget it."

We stood there for a long moment, the tension mounting. Then Daisuke leaned in, his voice low near my ear. "We'll see about that, Rossi. We'll see."

We'll see about that, Rossi. We'll see." I rolled my eyes at Daisuke's parting shot as we packed up our gear. "Always with the dramatic exits, Gallagher. It's almost like you're overcompensating."

"Oh, I'm not compensating for anything, believe me." He shouldered his equipment bag with a cocky grin. "Just making sure you have something to think about later."

I snorted. "The only thing I'll be thinking about later is how much I dislike you."

"Keep telling yourself that, princess." Daisuke winked and started walking towards the next survey point.

We spent the next several hours traversing the hilly terrain between the Henderson and Garcia properties. The sun climbed higher, baking the earth and making the air shimmer. Sweat trickled down my spine as I followed Daisuke up a steep incline.

"Need a break, Rossi?" Daisuke called over his shoulder. "I know us mere mortals can't keep up with your relentless pace."

"Please," I huffed, swatting at a fly buzzing around my face. "I could out-hike you any day of the week. I'm just admiring the view." My gaze lingered on his broad shoulders before I tore it away. Traitorous eyes.

"If by 'view' you mean my ass, then I'm flattered." Daisuke grinned. "Can't say I blame you."

"In your dreams," I muttered. But I couldn't help smiling a little despite myself. Bantering with Daisuke was almost...fun. Almost.

We reached the top of the hill and took a water break. I leaned against a boulder, catching my breath. The vista spread out before us - rolling green hills, stands of oak trees, a meandering creek glinting in the distance. Daisuke pulled out his water bottle and took a long swig, his throat working as he swallowed. I looked away, suddenly warm.

"Nice view, huh?" Daisuke said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. I dragged my gaze back to the landscape.

"It's alright," I said. "I've seen better."

"Liar. You're impressed. I can tell." He nudged my foot with his boot. "Admit it, Rossi. You're enjoying this."

"Enjoying traipsing through the wilderness in 90 degree heat with my mortal enemy? Sure, Gallagher. It's a real thrill."

He chuckled. "Well, at least the company's not terrible."

I shot him a look. "Speak for yourself."

"Come on, you know you like me." Daisuke's eyes twinkled. "I grow on people. Like a fungus."

"A highly irritating, hard to get rid of fungus," I agreed.

"See? We're making progress." He capped his water bottle and stood up. "Ready to keep going? We have a lot of ground to cover."

I pushed off the boulder with a groan. "Lead on, oh intrepid explorer."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of hiking, measuring, and snarky banter. We stopped for lunch in the shade of a massive oak tree, our legs brushing as we sat side by side. I tried to ignore the little zings of awareness that shot through me every time Daisuke's hand grazed mine reaching for the chips.

As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, we reached a particularly narrow part of the property line that ran along a steep ravine. The only way across was a fallen log that served as a makeshift bridge.

"After you," Daisuke said with a sweep of his arm.

"Don't think so," I said. "You go first. That way, if you fall, I'll have a nice soft landing to break my fall."

"How thoughtful of you." Daisuke stepped onto the log, arms out for balance. "But I think we both know who's more likely to go tumbling to their doom here."

I narrowed my eyes at his back. "Your concern is touching, truly."

Daisuke made it across safely and turned to face me. "Your turn, Rossi. Try not to look down."

"Wouldn't dream of it," I said. I took a deep breath and stepped onto the log. It was narrower than it looked from solid ground. I wobbled precariously, windmilling my arms.

"Easy," Daisuke called. "Just put one foot in front of the other."

"No shit, Sherlock," I gritted out. I took another step, then another. Halfway across, a gust of wind nearly sent me toppling over the edge. I let out an undignified squeak.

"Whoa there, easy!" In a flash, Daisuke was on the log beside me, his hands gripping my waist to steady me. "I've got you."

"I don't need your help," I said automatically. But I didn't pull away.

"Could've fooled me," he murmured. His face was very close to mine. I could see the flecks of gold in his hazel eyes, smell the salty tang of sweat on his skin.

"Let go of me," I murmured.

"Not until you're safe on the other side," he rumbled. His thumbs stroked the curve of my hip almost absently.