I stare at her."People are writing fictional stories about us?"
"'The CEO and His Marketing Genius,'" Alana confirms."It's quite popular.The most read story features you two solving corporate mysteries while falling in love."
"That's...flattering.”
"Actually, the writing quality is surprisingly good," Alana continues."The author has a solid grasp of corporate structure and excellent character development."
"Please tell me you haven't read these," Karina says faintly.
"Market research," Alana replies primly."The hashtag is currently trending in fourteen countries."
I sigh out loud."Alana, I need you to kill this hashtag.Immediately."
"I'll try, sir, but the internet tends to resist censorship.Especially when it involves attractive power couples and sexual tension."
"We're not a couple," Karina and I say simultaneously.
Alana's eyes widen but she pushes on."Of course not, sir.Just colleagues sharing breakfast after a business meeting.Perfectly normal."
I clear my throat."Is there anything else?"
"Just one item.Luke Sterling called to confirm he's completed preliminary background checks on Connor's guest list.He says he's found some, quote, 'interesting anomalies' he'd like to discuss with you."
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Karina grow very still.
"Tell him I'll call him this afternoon," I say."And Alana?Try to discourage these fiction writers.They're creating a potential PR complication."
"I'll do my best, sir, but they seem quite...invested."
After Alana departs with promises to handle the cologne people "diplomatically," Karina and I sit in silence for a moment.
"Well," she finally says, "that was..."
"Mortifying?"
"I was going to say 'enlightening.'I had no idea my life had become fodder for amateur writers."
I push away my plate."This is getting out of hand."
"The hashtag or..."she gestures between us.
“All of it.We need to be more careful."
Her expression shutters."Right.Of course."
"It's not that I regret last night," I add quickly."But the optics are problematic."
"Optics.Very CEO of you."
"Karina—"
"No, you're right."She stands, straightening my shirt over her legs."This is complicated enough without adding public scrutiny.I should go home, change, and meet you at the office later to discuss Connor's party, as your…plus-one.”
I watch her gather her things, feeling like I've misstepped but unsure exactly how."I'll have a car brought around."
"Don't bother.I'll call a rideshare."She pauses at the galley door."And Callum?Thank you for breakfast.Your mushrooms were excellent."
"But not the black pudding?"
