Something that was supposed to be a moment of weakness—a one-time thing—was gradually turning into a freaking obsession.
The door creaked open, and she quietly walked in. Her head was lowered when she closed it behind her, her dark auburn hair tied up into a neat bun.
This was the first time we’d be working together after the sex, and the tension in the air was palpable. I could feel her unease from across the room, and for some reason, my pulse quickened.
She turned around, pressing some files against her chest. Her black pencil skirt revealed the delicate curve of her waist—a detail I hadn’t noticed before. The scent of her perfume enveloped the air, reminding me of the magic of last night.
She always favored flats over heels, but today, she decided to look a bit different. No wonder she seemed inches taller. I recognized that pair on her feet because I bought them myself.
The diamond bracelet and necklace she wore were also part of the gifts I’d sent to her room. These small details transformed her overall look, making her more sophisticated and elegant.
“Hi,” she greeted me, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Hi.”
She halted before my table, unable to look me in the eyes. “So, um….” She cleared her throat, her head slightly lowered. “Thank you for the gifts. But you really didn’t have to spend so much.”
I reclined in my chair, then glanced at her feet. “I made you look a little taller. You should be grateful,” I teased, suppressing the smirk at the corners of my mouth.
She pursed her lips, her cheeks flushing at my words. “You just had to be a douche, didn’t you?”
“Well, I’m not wrong,” I answered, my expression softer than it’d ever been on a Monday morning. “You usually aren’t this tall.”
A quiet chuckle fell from her lips. “I didn’t realize the gifts came with another package: insults.”
“It isn’t an insult if it’s true.”
“Okay, so what? I’m small. Sue me.” Her eyes lit up with mirth, her smile bright as the rising sun.
She was gorgeous.
I laughed.
I actually laughed.
It felt weird. It felt strange.
But it also felt good.
We stared into each other’s eyes for the next few moments. Her innocence and the softness of her expression melted my stony heart. I couldn’t understand what she was doing to me, and I didn’t have any control over it. None whatsoever.
Although neither of us mentioned what had happened last night, it was obvious that we were both thinking about it.
She broke eye contact when her gaze shifted to the desk a few paces away from mine. “I knew something was different in here; I just didn’t notice it.” She headed over to the table.
I rose from my seat, a hand in my pocket and my gaze unwavering.
Her brows arched in surprise as she turned to me again, grinning. “Wait, is this mine? She tapped the mahogany table. “‘Cause it has my name on it.” She gestured at the nameplate.
“I don’t wanna be responsible for your lower back pain, so…” I replied, my voice trailing off into silence.
She paused, gratitude flickering in her eyes. “You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re starting to grow a heart.”
My lips curved into a faint, mischievous grin. “I guess it’s a good thing that you know better.”
Again, silence.
“Thank you, anyway,” she said, her voice laced with sincerity. “It means a lot.”
