a's

ling through the curtains, the brightness painting the room in gold. Turning to the ot

one on the nightstand. The screen lit up with five missed ca

to my ear as I rubbed the sleep from my

nd cheerful, the kind of morning ene

gainst the headboard. "I tried calling las

dead battery."

owed by Hannah's giggle and the unmistakable sound of a kiss. My chest tighten

playfully when she came back

f last night flashed through my mind. "Magical

um. "Mmm. You've got a whole lot to

der my breath

e word, a playful lilt i

I said, rubbing my temple. It was to

suspense hang for a second bef

id not see that coming

t in a rush. "He got down on one knee last nigh

My voice lifted, trying to match h

this time. He must have treated her well, o

," I said, and for onc

ver. "The wedding's in just a few wee

t up. That was... fast. To

sharp knock rattled the

" I cut in quickly. "I'll

rped, and the l

ready dressed for the day. The dark, tailored suit hugged his frame in that way it always did, cutting a sharp, co

my eyes locked on his face, hopi

lat, unreadable and distant. Almost

ing. It's 10 a.m. already." His

. after last night. My body had been wrung out from the intimacy, from the

My voice stumbled over itself. W

u're done." He turned without another

e, leaving me in the

like I was no one. For a man who had traced every inch of my skin just hours ago, he now spoke as if we

asy run wild and believing just for a moment that I was more than his secretary. That I mattered

ed into a dull weight. Downstairs, I slid into the car beside him. He was already there, e

till, every inch of me felt his nearness, the heat of his body like a cruel reminder. I told myself not t

sappeared into his room without a word. His silence stun

noon, but the quiet seemed perfect for a nap. I curled up with the novel I'd packed,

age. Fr

t the execu

ded to acknowledge his "unattractive secretary." Of course, he would choose

hind me, and made my way down the quiet ha

raised my hand, knocked ligh

ever been. Soft golden lighting glowed over plush armchairs and sleek leather couches, arranged in cozy clusters that invited quiet,

ing, his eyes fixed on me. I drew

e said anywhere else? My palms grew clammy against my skirt, and I couldn't bring myself to lift my eyes from the polished

ip. The faint clink as he set it back down made me flinch. Then, l

a deal," he said,

fusion flashing across m

stand." My voice came out

ile. "Tell me," he asked, his tone deceptively

this one? My throat tightened. Still, I forced the words out. "I... I just want som

, without warning, he leaned back and droppe

e said smoothly, "