We follow Max down the corridor, my eyes glued to how good his arse looks in those tailored suit trousers.
As we approach Chadwick’s office, his door swings open to reveal a very sullen, very disappointed-looking Louise and Theo. We step aside to let them by, and as Louise passes, she mutters a quiet “Fuck you” under her breath. I roll my lips to avoid smiling. I can taste the victory already, and it’s sweet. My shoulders deflate, releasing all the tension I’ve been holding since stepping foot in the building this morning.
“Henry, Gemma.” Chadwick’s deep voice booms from where he sits in the center of the room. “Take a seat.”
There are three chairs arranged in front of Chadwick’s desk, one isolated on the left and two positioned on the right. Max claims the lone seat while we occupy the others.
“Max, I appreciate you stepping out so I could talk to Louise and Theo.” His tone is neutral but obvious. He just delivered bad news.
“I’m sure you both know why you’re here,” Chadwick says, leaning back in his chair.
Henry and I nod in unison. I cross my legs, fidgeting with my fingers.
“Max, share the exciting news.” Chadwick gestures toward us.Exciting news?Bleedin’ hell. I woke up this morning thinking there was a decent chance we were getting the ax, but now I’m practically vibrating in my seat. Max turns his body to address us, and a wide smile spreads across his gorgeous face. There’s something almost predatory in his eyes when they hold mine.
“After careful consideration, I couldn’t go past your incredible pitch. Your ideas for the campaign were exceptional—innovative but practical, bold without carrying too much risk.” He leans forward slightly. “The way you captured the essence of what we want Gray Hotel to be…”
He stares directly at me for the next part.
“You are exactly what I am looking for.”
Henry turns to me with aWhat was that?expression.
Were those words supposed to have a deeper meaning? My base desires want them to.
Max continues. “You both know London intimately, and more importantly, you understand our target demographic very well. That’s ultimately what won you the project. Gray Hotel would be honored to work with you to bring this vision to life.” Max’s eyes linger on mine for a beat longer than necessary when he says the next part. “I, personally, am looking forward to our collaboration.”
The breath is sucked out of me. The way he sayscollaborationmakes my insides tingle in a way that has nothing to do with professional pride and everything to do with my libido.
Henry and Chadwick begin to discuss timelines and other tidbits, but their voices fade into the background as I notice Max watching me. The way we stare at each other feels like the room has emptied, leaving the two of us locked in this moment.
He knows what this means for me. For Henry. For our careers. This isn’t just another project; it’s validation for everything we’ve worked hard to achieve.
It tells me that he trusts us.
It’s going to be okay. We haven’t lost anything.
I try to convey everything I’m feeling without words, without the physical intimacy which I’m used to—gratitude and relief pool in my eyes as tears subtly gather along my lash line. I inhale deeply, keeping the tears at bay. Momentarily, I allow my professional facade to slip just enough to reveal how thankful I am underneath.
I allow him to see my unfiltered appreciation.
Time slows as he holds my focus. His expression shifts slightly. The hardness in his eyes softens and surprise flashes across his face, like he’s seeing me—really seeing me—for the first time. He looks at me with what I can only describe as understanding. It’s a look that feels intimate. Right now, he isn’t arrogant. He isn’t whispering sweet temptations in my ear. He isn’t Anna’s brother. He’s just Max, seeing Gemma. The Gemma I allow a very select few to see. Not the creative director. Not Anna’s friend, not the woman from Ruby Lounge—just me.
Eventually, Henry clears his throat, and I dart my gaze around the room, seeing he and Chadwick have finished their conversation.
Henry stands at the same time Chadwick does, reaching over to shake his hand. “Well done, you two,” Chadwick says.
“Thank you, sir,” Henry replies before turning to Max. “We look forward to working with you.”
Max frowns slightly, as if he’s confused about what just passed between us. “Yeah,” he says. “You too.”
I stand, smoothing the fabric of my skirt before extending my own hand to shake Chadwick’s. When I look back at Max, I can see his mask has slid back into place. But it’s too late—I’ve seen him without it now.
I extend my hand to shake his.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
“You earned it, Gemma,” he says.
