The compliment sends a spark through me, and I smile.
He parks in front of the coffee shop, and we walk side by side to the counter. When I reach for my wallet, his hand stops me, fingers wrapping lightly around my wrist.
“I’ll pay,” he says, leaving no room for discussion.
Before he can pull away, I cover his hand with mine and smile softly. “Thank you. You’re a perfect gentleman.”
My thumb grazes his fingers before I release him.
We take our drinks to a small table in the back corner. I want to sit beside him, close enough to breathe him in, but I choose the opposite seat.
For a while, neither of us speaks. I find myself watching the hypnotic movement of his throat as he drinks his coffee. Black, no sugar, extra strong.
“So,” I finally ask, “did you always know you wanted to run a mergers and acquisitions company?”
He smirks faintly. “It wasn’t a childhood dream, if that’s what you’re asking.” His voice lowers, as if lost in thought. “I was always good with numbers and reading people. I saw patterns others missed. It just made sense.”
“I think it’s fair to say you’re far more than just good at what you do. The role of president at Montgomery Clifford & Co. doesn’t just fit you,” I say softly. “It defines you.”
Colin smiles at me, amusement flickering in his eyes before he takes another sip of his coffee.
We talk for a while, about risks, early deals, near failures. He tells me about the company’s first acquisition, how it almost fell through, and how he saved it at the last minute. I listen, utterly absorbed.
When he finishes, I take a risk. I reach across the table and place my hand over his.
“Thank you, Colin. You have no idea how important today was for me. I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much in one day.”
He squeezes my hand twice, his eyes holding mine with a softness I’ve never seen from him before. “You have a lot of potential, Maya. I’m sure you’ll make good use of it.”
His touch lingers a heartbeat too long before he lets go.
We finish our coffee and head back to the car. The entire ride, I can’t wipe the smile from my face. I sit quietly, watching the city rush past the window… and every so often, I bring my hand to my nose, as if the scent of him and the warmth he left behind might still be there.
The next day, I almost don’t catch a glimpse of Colin, though I try. As always.
The building is nearly empty by the time I reach his floor. I knock three times before letting myself in. By now, he knows it’s me. I always come at the same time.Always.
I’ve already slipped off my jacket and unbuttoned two more buttons on my blouse, four undone now, just enough to make it seem accidental. Not enough to look desperate.
“How can I help you today?” I ask, setting my tablet on his desk and leaning in slightly, waiting for him to look up before I sit.
His eyes lift, tracing my body, lingering just a second too long at the opening of my blouse. He doesn’t say anything, only hands me a stack of contract drafts. I already know what he needs.
Half an hour later, I glance up and see him looking at something on his phone. For a moment, I wonder… is he talking to her?His wife?
The thought makes my jaw tighten.
Taking it as a sign to push further, I rise and move to his side. “I’m not sure about this clause,” I say lightly, placing the document in front of him. “How would it apply in case of a violation?”
Colin turns just as I lean over. For a moment, he looks startled, then he doesn’t move. Doesn’t ask me to step back. Not once.
He sets the phone aside and begins to explain, voice even, but I can feel his attention slipping. Every time his eyes flick to me,they never quite reach my face. I move closer, slowly, until I can feel him breathing me in.
“Well, now I feel stupid,” I say with a soft laugh. “It makes perfect sense. I don’t know why I didn’t catch it before.”
“With time, you’ll get the hang of it,” he says, not condescending, but with an easy confidence that makes me feel seen.
As I step back, my heel catches on a chair leg. I stumble, and in an instant, he’s on his feet, strong hands on my waist, steadying me. My palms land against his firm chest, the heat there despite the fabric.
