The CEO's Match

The Visit

Nova's pov

The plush carpet of the hotel hallway cushioned my footsteps as I walked to my room, the soft lighting giving the corridor an almost serene ambiance. I slipped my key card into the door and pushed it open, stepping into the luxurious space that awaited me. The room was as grand as expected-modern, elegant, and filled with every comfort one could desire after a long flight.

After placing my bags down on the chaise near the window, I headed straight for the bathroom. The marble floors were cool underfoot, and the large walk-in shower with its rainfall showerhead beckoned like an oasis. Stripping off my travel clothes, I stepped under the warm spray, letting the water wash away the tension of the day. I could feel the stress of the flight and the relentless banter with Alexander melting away with each drop that cascaded over my skin.

I stayed under the water longer than necessary, enjoying the solitude. There was something about the privacy of a hotel room that felt freeing, even if it was temporary. After a while, I reluctantly turned off the shower, wrapping myself in a plush towel. The cool air of the room greeted me as I stepped out of the bathroom, steam trailing behind me.

I made my way to my suitcase and pulled out a silky, short mini pajama dress. The fabric was cool and smooth against my skin as I slipped it on, the hem barely brushing the tops of my thighs. It was a little number I had packed for comfort, though I knew it had an extra effect. The thin straps and low neckline didn't leave much to the imagination, and the soft sheen of the fabric caught the light in just the right way. I pulled my damp hair up into a messy bun, a few stray strands falling free, framing my face.

Satisfied with the casual yet provocative look, I slid my feet into a pair of slippers, the soft soles silent on the carpet as I moved. I took a moment to glance at myself in the mirror, adjusting the dress slightly before grabbing the key card from the nightstand. There was a faint thrill in what I was about to do, a sense of anticipation that made my pulse quicken ever so slightly.

I left my room, the door clicking softly behind me as I headed down the hall to Alexander's suite. The hallway was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the hotel's air conditioning. I couldn't help but smile to myself, thinking about the look on his face when he opened the door.

When I reached his door, I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the interaction ahead. I knew that our dynamic was a precarious one-always teetering on the edge between professional and something far more dangerous. But that was part of what made it so exhilarating.

Without another moment's hesitation, I raised my hand and knocked on the door. The sound echoed in the quiet hallway, and I could hear movement from inside almost immediately. I leaned casually against the doorframe, waiting with a patient smile as I listened to his footsteps approach.

A few seconds later, the door swung open, revealing Alexander. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, and dark slacks, looking every bit as composed as he always did, despite the late hour. His eyes widened slightly as he took in my appearance, his gaze lingering on the pajama dress before meeting my eyes.

"Nova," he said, his voice a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Is there something you need?"

I let my smile widen just a fraction, enjoying the slight shift in his demeanor. "I thought I'd stop by for a quick chat. We never did finish going over those briefing materials, did we?"

His eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to gauge my intentions. "It's late. We can go over everything in the morning."

"True," I replied, tilting my head to the side, "but why wait? We're both awake, and it's not like there's anything else to do tonight. Unless, of course, you're planning on turning in early?"

He hesitated for just a moment, his gaze flicking over me again. I could see the gears turning in his mind, weighing the situation, deciding whether to let me in or send me back to my room. Finally, he stepped aside, a silent invitation.

"Come in," he said, his voice controlled, though there was an edge to it, a tension that belied his outward calm.

I stepped past him into the room, the door closing softly behind me. The suite was as luxurious as mine, with a large bed dominating the space, the crisp white sheets looking untouched. I turned to face him, the playful smile never leaving my lips.

"Thanks," I said, my tone light as I moved to the small sitting area by the window. "I promise I won't keep you long."

He followed me, though he didn't sit down. Instead, he leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching me with that same unreadable expression.

"So," I began, settling into the chair with a casual grace, "shall we review the plan for tomorrow? Or did you have something else in mind?"

Alexander's gaze was steady, but I could see the tension in his posture, the way his jaw tightened ever so slightly. He was a man used to being in control, but I could tell that my presence, my unexpected visit in this particular attire, was throwing him off balance.

"I think," he said slowly, choosing his words carefully, "that we should be clear about boundaries, Nova."

I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be surprised. "Boundaries? Whatever do you mean?"

He pushed off the wall, moving closer, his expression serious. "This is a business trip. And while I appreciate your dedication, I don't want there to be any misunderstandings."

I met his gaze, holding it with my own. "No misunderstandings here, Alexander. I'm just here to do my job. If that makes you uncomfortable, well, that's something you'll have to deal with."

For a moment, we stood there, the air between us thick with unspoken tension. It was a delicate dance, one we'd been performing since the start of this trip. I could see the struggle in his eyes, the part of him that wanted to keep everything strictly professional warring with something deeper, something he didn't want to acknowledge.

Finally, he let out a slow breath, stepping back. "Alright, Nova. Let's review the plan."

I smiled, knowing I'd won this round. "Perfect. Let's get to work."