I sit at my desk for what feels like forever, staring at the screen, trying to force myself back into work mode. There are dozens of emails waiting for replies, and contracts that need reviewing. I open the first email, read the same sentence three times, then give up. My hands won’t stop shaking. Every timeI try to type, my fingers tremble over the keys, and the shame sitting heavy in my chest makes it impossible to focus.
I lean back in my chair and drag both hands down my face. How the hell am I supposed to sit across from Cade at a family dinner now? How am I supposed to look my mother and David in the eye, while the memory of what just happened in this office plays on repeat in my head? And when will Cade’s place be finished with renovations? Is there any possible way I can avoid him until then? No… of course there isn’t. But there’s no way that can ever happen again. But fuck… it feltsogood. I’ve never felt anything like that in my life.
I reach forward and shut my computer down completely. There’s no point pretending I can get any work done right now. I grab the folder David sent up, stand, and straighten my suit jacket, buttoning it with fingers that still refuse to cooperate. I cross the office, open the door, and step out into the quiet hallway, locking it firmly behind me. This office is the only truly private space I have left, and right now it feels like the only safe one too.
My assistant’s desk is still empty. Thank God. I can’t fire her though… not when David personally chose herandshe’s apparently one of his friend’s nieces. That would look terrible. But I also have no idea what Cade will do if he sees her up here again. I’ll have to move her somewhere else in the firm. Jeremy on the third floor just lost his assistant for incompetence; he needs someone efficient. She might even prefer working with the design team.
I walk down the long hallway toward David’s office at the far end. His assistant, Marge, is at her desk. She’s an older womanwith a perpetually warm smile that always makes the top floor feel a little less sterile.
“How are you, Marge?” I ask, managing a small smile as I approach.
“I’m very well, thank you for asking,” she replies kindly, her eyes flicking to the folder in my hands. “Is it all signed?”
“All ready to go,” I say, handing it over. I know it’ll be safe with her.
She taps the folder once and nods. “I’ll get it to him first thing in the morning.”
“Thanks, Marge.”
I turn and head back toward the elevators. When the doors slide open, I step inside and lean against the side wall, pressing the button for the third floor. I pull my phone out, hoping the screen will discourage any polite small talk if someone else joins me. This elevator is rarely empty, but today I can’t handle forced smiles or casual conversation.
The elevator keeps stopping and starting as it descends, people stepping on and off with quiet murmurs. Thankfully, most of them notice I’m staring down at my phone and assume I’m busy, so they leave me alone. I’m not actually doing anything useful, just pretending to scroll through my calendar, checking and re-checking appointments I already know by heart, anything to avoid looking up and making eye contact with anyone.
The lift stops again. I know it isn’t my floor yet, but before I can glance at the panel, I hear that deep, familiar voice cut through the small space. “Jenny, ground floor.”
“Of course, sir,” Jenny replies brightly.
My entire body freezes. Cade and his assistant have just stepped into the elevator.Fuck. My heart immediately starts doing stupid, erratic things, pounding hard against my ribs.
The air feels too quiet now. I keep my eyes glued to my phone, hoping Jenny can’t sense the thick, awkward tension suddenly filling the small metal box.
Cade clears his throat. “Going somewhere, Ro?”
I lift my head slowly. Jenny is standing beside him, completely oblivious, offering me a polite, professional smile. “Hello, sir.”
I manage to return it. “Hi, Jenny.”
I straighten up properly and finally meet Cade’s gaze. “I’ve got business on the third floor.”
Cade frowns, a small crease forming between his brows.
Jenny’s face lights up. “Oh, I love Jeremy! Isn’t he a wonderful man? He keeps all of our products looking so sleek.” She says it with genuine enthusiasm, clearly admiring the head of design.
I nod, forcing a small smirk. “He’s a good man.”
Cade crosses his arms over his chest and raises one brow, his expression darkening slightly. I study him for a second, trying to read what I’m seeing. Is that…jealousy?Annoyance? Whatever it is, it sends an uncomfortable flutter through my stomach.
The elevator finally dings on the third floor and the doors slide open. I step out quickly, relieved to escape the confined space.
Jeremy is nearby, leaning over someone’s desk and pointing at their screen. When he hears the elevator, he looks up and breaks into a wide grin. “Mr. Adley!”
He walks over and pulls me into one of his usual friendly hugs, the kind he gives everyone without hesitation. I laugh softly and pat him on the back, but over his shoulder I catch one last glimpse of Cade’s face just as the elevator doors begin to close.Oh… that isnota pleasant expression.
I shake the thought off and force myself into business mode. There’s no time to dwell on whatever that look meant. Right now, I need to talk to Jeremy about taking on a new assistant.
…
Half an hour later, I step back into the elevator and press the button for the parking garage. I can’t stay in this building any longer. My anxiety is through the roof, and the shame sitting heavy in my chest makes it impossible to focus on anything productive. Every time I close my eyes, I see Cade on his knees or feel the ghost of his mouth on me, and it sends another wave of heat and mortification rolling through my body.
