“That’s beautiful.”
I jump and spin around.
Daniel is standing behind my desk. I didn’t hear him approach. He’s wearing the same suit from this morning, but the tie is loosened and the sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. He looks exhausted, but somehow even sexier.
“How long have you been standing there?”
“A few minutes. I didn’t want to interrupt.” He moves closer, looking at my screen. “Is this yours?”
“Just something I’m working on. It’s not finished.”
“It’s incredible. The movement is so fluid. And the way you’ve layered the paper textures creates real depth.”
I’m surprised he notices those details.
“I know good work when I see it.” He says before I ask, leaning against my desk, arms crossed. “This is what you should be doing full-time.”
“Maybe someday.”
“Why not now?”
“Because animation doesn’t pay the bills. Graphic design does.”
“That check I offered you could change that equation.”
I close the file and turn to face him. “Is that why you’re here? To tell me to take the money now?”
“I’m here because you’ve been avoiding me all day.”
“I’ve been working.”
“You’ve been hiding.”
“That’s not fair.”
“It’s completely fair. You wouldn’t answer my texts or come to the morning meeting. You’ve been holed up at your desk all day.” His voice is gentle but firm. “That’s hiding, Bailey.”
I stand and start gathering my things. “I needed space to think.”
“About last night.”
“About everything.” I shove my laptop into my bag. “About how complicated this is getting.”
“It was always going to get complicated.”
“You’re supposed to be my fake boyfriend, Daniel. Emphasis on fake.”
“I know what the arrangement was.”
“Then why did you kiss me?”
He’s quiet for a long moment. When he speaks, his voice is low. “Because I’ve wanted to since you walked into my office and realized I was your boss.”
“That’s not helpful.”
“You asked for the truth.”
“I asked for you to stick to the plan.”
