I choose the chair I want her in. The one with the best sightline of me. The one slightly lower, so she has to look up when we talk.
Powerful, but not intimidating. Inviting, but not careless.
Then I stand at the window and wait.
And think.
She’ll be nervous. She’ll try not to show it. She’ll fail. Adorably.
And I’ll take my time.
I’ll let the silence do the work.
She’s not ready for more.
Yet.
But she will be.
And I will never rush her.
But I will lead.
RUBY
I stand outside his office door.
Fifty-three stories above the world. Heart in my throat. Sweating in places I shouldn’t be sweating.
My hand shakes as I knock.
“Come in,” he calls, voice rich and warm.
I open the door slowly.
He’s standing at the window.
White shirt, sleeves rolled. Tie off. Top button undone.
The view behind him looks like a movie.
And then he turns.
His eyes run over me.
From head to toe.
Slow. Lingering. Like he’s taking inventory.
Like he’s… pleased.
“Ruby,” he says softly. “You look good.”
I nearly short-circuit.
He gestures to the chair beside him. Not across from him.
“Sit.”
