The evening stars

Business meeting

Most of the employees have already left, and the office has sunk into a quiet, almost intimate atmosphere. Sophie sat at her desk, trying to gather her thoughts. A multitude of questions swirled in her head: how is Alex doing in New York, what to expect from the meeting with Mr. Rossi. Internally anxious, she took a deep breath and headed towards Stephen's office.

Approaching the door, she gently knocked and, hearing a soft "Come in," carefully stepped inside. The lighting in the office was dim, filled only by the soft glow of the desk lamp, creating a warm and calm atmosphere. Against the backdrop of panoramic windows with the evening city, the office seemed like an oasis of tranquility.

Stephen was sitting at his desk, intently reviewing some documents. His hair was slightly tousled, the top buttons of his shirt were undone, giving him a casual appearance. He seemed engrossed in his work, and Sophie stood frozen at the door, hesitant to interrupt him. However, her gaze involuntarily lingered on his figure, and she froze, simply observing him.

Noticing her presence, Stephen lifted his head, his lips curling into a slight smile, and he quietly asked, with a barely perceptible hint of mockery in his voice:

— Are you looking me over?

Sophie widened her eyes in confusion, noticeably blushing.

— No, — she hurried to justify herself, — I just didn't want to distract you. You looked deeply engaged in something important.

Stephen smiled wider, leaning back in his chair. He looked relaxed, but his gaze was still sharp and penetrating.

— How do you like the office? Is everything alright? — he asked, closely watching her reaction.

— Yes, — Sophie nodded, trying to speak confidently. — It's very beautiful here, I'm very satisfied with everything.

— This evening I have a meeting with a representative of a Korean cosmetics brand. They want to sign an advertising contract with us. This is a very important deal, and I need your help. You will be recording all the important moments. Can you go with me? — he asked, studying her face.

Sophie bit her lip, deep in thought. She was flattered that Steven already trusted her with such a responsible task, but she had doubts about her appearance.

— Where will the meeting be? — she inquired.

— At the restaurant, — replied Stephen.

Sophie nervously looked at herself and, feeling a bit embarrassed, smiled:

— I'm afraid my appearance isn't quite suitable for the restaurant.

Stephen cast a quick glance at her and smiled again.

— Didn't Nigel show you our costume room? There are many evening dresses and accessories for photo shoots there. You can choose something from there.

— No, he didn't show it, — Sophie admitted.

— Then let's go, I'll show you, — said Steven, getting up from the chair.

They headed together towards the studios. Behind one of the doors was a spacious room filled with luxurious designer outfits. The rows of dresses sparkled in the light of the studio lamps.

— Wow, this is every girl's dream, — Sophie exclaimed in admiration, looking around. — Which one should I choose?

Stephen glanced over the collection and stopped at the rack with a delicate cream silk dress. He took it off and, approaching her, handed her the hanger.

— Will you try it on? — he suggested with a slight smile.

Sophie took the dress and headed to the changing chair. Steven, as a true gentleman, turned his back to her, but his gaze involuntarily slipped to the mirror that reflected her movements. Sophie took off her dress, then her bra, and began putting on a new outfit. The dress perfectly accentuated her figure, the soft silk caressed her skin, but the zipper on the back refused to close.

She stopped, realizing that she needed help. Turning to Steven, Sophie saw his gaze reflected in the mirror. He saw her almost completely naked, and that realization made her freeze. Their gazes met in the mirror, and that moment seemed to last an eternity. She felt her heart race.

Sophie, trying to hide her embarrassment, said almost in a whisper:

— Can you help me with the clasp?

Stephen slowly approached her, his footsteps seemed quieter in this silence. He stood behind her, and Sophie turned her back, revealing the zipper of her dress to him. Stephen carefully took her hair and moved it to her shoulder so it wouldn't get in the way. When his fingers touched her skin, a shiver ran down Sophie's spine.

— Are you cold, Sophie? — he asked softly.

— No, — Sophie replied barely audibly. Her voice was filled with tension and excitement.

— You're just covered in goosebumps, — Steven remarked, his voice low and calm.

He carefully zipped it up, but his hands lingered on her back a little longer than necessary. Then he took her hair and gently tossed it back, brushing against her shoulder and décolletage.

— Let's go, they're already waiting for us, — said Steven, stepping back a pace.

Sophie took a deep breath, trying to regain her calm. She nodded and followed him. Together, they left the room and headed to the car that was waiting for them at the office entrance.