Older || 18+

40. Emma 🌶️

I turn around to see who he's talking to, and my jaw drops. Standing in front of me is none other than Ares. It's like time has stopped. Everything around me fades to black until it's just me and Ares. My heart starts pounding, and my palms are sweaty.

Ares looks absolutely incredible in a tailored suit. His hair is styled, and his beard is trimmed. He is the epitome of power and sexiness.

"Hello, Mr. Bradshaw," Beth says, smiling at him. She goes to shake his hand, but he brings it up to kiss it. I swear Beth's whole body flushes.

"And you must be Emma," Ares says, turning his attention to me. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Oh, uh, yeah," I stammer, my voice catching. I don't know why he's pretending we don't know each other, but I play along.

Ares gives me a crooked smile and offers his hand. I reach out and shake it, but he surprises me by bringing it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on the back.

My cheeks flush, and I have to remind myself to breathe.

"I'm glad to finally meet you," Ares says, his eyes burning into mine.

"Likewise," I manage, my throat dry. I still can't believe Ares is here, and that he's the guest of honor. Does that mean he's buying into the company?

"So, are you enjoying the party?" Beth asks, breaking the tension between us.

"Yes, it's a lovely event," Ares replies.

"Thank you. We try to make it a fun night for everyone," Beth smiles. "I'm sure you'll be a great addition to the team."

"I hope so. I'm very pleased with what I've seen so far," Ares says, his eyes not leaving mine. "I wasn't sure about buying-in before, but now I know I have to."

"That's wonderful. I'm so happy to hear that," Beth says, beaming.

I'm still reeling from the shock of seeing Ares, and I'm having a hard time focusing on the conversation.

"Well, I won't keep you any longer. I'm sure you have plenty of other guests to speak with," Beth says, excusing herself.

Shane follows, leaving me alone with Ares.

"You look stunning," Ares says, his gaze raking over my body.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, my brain finally catching up.

"I think this whole get-together," he starts, gesturing around the room, "was meant for me, the guest of honor."

I resist the urge to smack at him. He knows exactly what I mean and he's purposely avoiding answering. I just stare at him, waiting for the actual answer.

He sighs. "I tried to go back home. I tried to live my life the way I was before you, but it was impossible. There is no going back to my life before you because you've completely changed it. And not just my life, but me. I realized I wasn't happy, not truly, not without you."

I cross my arms, trying to keep my composure and not get swept away by his words. "So, you decided to just show up here? Out of the blue?"

Ares steps closer, his intensity unmistakable. "Not exactly out of the blue. I tried texting you. I'm planning on buying a large share of Clever Corp. I wanted to be closer to you, and this seemed like a logical step." He looks almost sheepish now.

"Logical? That's crazy, Ares!" Despite my words, a part of me is fluttering, touched by the grand gesture.

"Maybe," he admits, "but I've never been known for small gestures. Look, I'm moving here, to the East Coast. For good. If you still want me, if you're willing to give us a chance, I want to be with you. No more distance. No more 'what ifs.'"