Well now we have to know what was interesting in a research visit to Bridgerton Holding.
Also, how did they end up going on that first date? I’m guessing Anthony was pretty straightforward with asking?
Love these two 🩵
First of all, thank you so much for your excitement and support of this chaotic little world I'm building 🩵.
But let's jump in with some Trust Framework tea. 🍵
The “research visit” was supposed to be routine—data collection, a few interviews, maybe a polite coffee. Kate is mostly there to supervise the students in their research group...and let's be honest, Anthony as well. But when Violet Bridgerton hears that the Dr. Sharma Anthony hasn't shut up about for six weeks is involved, “routine” turns into a formal dinner at Bridgerton House before Kate can even blink.
And yes, somehow that might turn into Anthony stranded on a balcony at 6:00 am the next morning…though whether it was confrontation, confession, or catastrophic timing is strictly under NDA. 👀
As for the date question: you’ve got Anthony pegged exactly right. Once he realizes she might actually reciprocate—even if she disguises it in academic critique—he’s relentless.
"Have dinner with me." "Absolutely not." "Why?" "I have a strict no-dinner-with-co-workers rule." "You have dinner with Professor Baek almost every night." "That's different. I like her."
He tries everything: sneaking it into lecture notes she has to sign off on, showing up with breakfast and claiming it doesn’t count because technically it’s not dinner.
“Bullet Point 4, Anthony.” “Bullet Point 4?” “Ensure institutional compliance, data integrity, and adherence to ethical standards.” “You weren’t worried about ethical standards the other night—” “Anthony!” “All I’m saying is, the ethical thing to do would at least be to let me buy you dinner.”
It’s equal parts banter, battle, and foreplay—which, for these two, might as well be the same thing. And when Kate finally gives in, it changes everything 🩵.
You can get caught up on the other two one-shots in this series here: Against the Wall Better on You