UNTIL DAWN

Chapter Thirteen

Taylor Swift - Enchanted

HAZEL'S  POV

I was desperate for a drink—something ice-cold from the fridge to quench my thirst and cool my racing thoughts!

The elevator shot up swiftly, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I found the staff lounge empty. I grabbed a Sprite from the fridge and downed it in record time, the fizzy burn in my throat jolting me back to reality. I realized I needed to pause and catch my breath if I wanted to keep my head clear.

Taking two deep, steady breaths, I chugged the rest of the can, feeling the refreshing chill wash over me. But thoughts swirled in my mind: What had just happened? How did I end up in that position with Ace, feeling so comfortable and yet so overwhelmed?

Honestly, being held by him was like a drug, and it scared me to think about what I might find hidden deep inside —emotions that would take forever to get over if I was really going to let go after breaking the contract.

And then his brother walked in on us like that? Oh my god, the embarrassment was overwhelming! What did he think of me? Just another pathetic girl for his perfect brother? It felt like Lexus knew everything about the entwined mess between me and Ace.

Did he have any idea about our first night together as well? No, no, no! I was so utterly screwed!

Panic set in as I imagined the worst-case scenarios. What if it hadn't been Lexus who entered? What if it had been his secretary or someone worse? I shook my head vigorously, trying to push those thoughts away. I needed to calm down.

I plopped into the nearest chair and switched on my phone, almost instinctively Googling my boss's family. I discovered he had three siblings—two younger brothers and a little sister.

Wait, Easton was Ace's younger brother? I zoomed in on the picture, and shock washed over me. How had I not realized this sooner? I mean I was never interested in the Donovans, one of the richest families in New York, obviously; because there was no way I could have got to mingle with them but hell, the family has magical genes.

Easton still had those boyish features, his hair tousled in a way that contrasted sharply with Ace's polished look, but those gray eyes? Clearly identical. There was no picture of their sister but the one for Lexus stood proudly in front of me and I nervously zoomed in.

His handsome features mirrored Ace's, yet his eyes had a playful bluish hue, his expression warm and inviting, unlike Ace's more aloof demeanor.

I felt my cheeks heat up at the memory of Lexus's cheeky comment back in the office.

A total player...

How can you survive in the same building with these handsome men? I was frustrated with only their photos, God I was losing my mind.

"Are you okay?"

I jumped up startled, almost dropping my phone on the floor while trying my best to hide that I was sneaking at my boss shamelessly.

"Oops sorry, did I scare you?"

Beckett looked honestly sorry for starling me and I plastered on a tight smile hiding my pounding heart.

He didn't see anything, did he?

"A little. I had a lot on my mind, I guess." Liar.

"How are you, by the way? I didn't realize you'd be here so soon."
Beckett's message of condolences had caught me off guard; he even asked when and where the funeral would take place. I saw it too late to respond, not that I could have shared him the details.

"I'm managing, I guess. Figured I'd prefer some company over sitting at home alone, doing probably nothing."
He stirred his coffee and casually dropped onto the seat opposite mine, his gaze lingering on me as if he had something to say, but didn't know how to start.

"I heard the boss called you. Everything okay?"
News traveled fast. So, everyone knew I'd met Ace, I mean the CEO. I almost snapped that it was none of his business but held back. Beckett seemed genuinely nice, and I didn't want to be rude to the first person who reached out to me on my first horrible day at work.

"It's fine. He just wanted to check in, make sure I was alright coming back unexpectedly."
"That's pretty considerate of him. He's not as bad as people say—just tends to date the wrong women. He genuinely cares about his employees."

I caught myself before I could argue that I was perfectly fine, that I was not among those wrong women. Beckett had no clue I was one of those women, and I could have easily embarrassed myself. I am not sure why i suddenly wanted to defend Ace. Just because Debbie or whoever he dated before happened to be as mean as they describe her, it is their fault not his. I didn't bring myself to argue any of that though.

"Anyway, are you free this evening? We could grab a bite and catch up?"
Wait, was Beckett flirting with me? He was adorable in his glasses, and he seemed close to my age, but office romance wasn't on my radar. Ace's face flashed in my mind, and my heart skipped a beat.

"I'm sorry, but I have plans. Maybe lunch next time?"
"That sounds good. I'd love to learn more about the person behind those pretty hazel eyes."
In an instant, I recalled Ace's earlier whisper of "beautiful," and I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks heat up. Beckett probably thought his compliment was the reason for my blush, smiling proudly at his cheesy line. Poor guy.

Before I could respond, the door swung open, and Emely, the head of our department, walked in.
"Ooh, thank God you're here!"
I sat up straight, giving her my full attention. 

"Did you need something?"

"I'm stealing her, Beck," she said, ushering me out of the staff lounge.
"Seriously! Why do you never take a hint?" he shot back, looking unimpressed. I sent him an apologetic glance, secretly relieved by the interruption.

"Sorry, I didn't realize you didn't like that name anymore." Emely winked at me as she led me to my cubicle.
"You're welcome. Your face was practically screaming for a closer exit."
"Was I that obvious?"
"Oh, trust me, I can spot a girl in need of rescue from a mile away. And don't feel guilty; he's just one of those guys who wants to date all the pretty girls around here."

"He wasn't asking me out, just suggesting we grab a meal together," I insisted, maybe I was the one who was overthinking things. 

She didn't seem convinced but didn't push further.

"If you say so. Just let me know when you've settled everything for the casting the screenwriter requested. This movie has to air by the end of March."

"Okay, I'll get on it."

I dove into the work Emily assigned, calling agents for the actors and actresses we wanted to cast, checking their availability for filming. Many were from Don Corp, so tracking their schedules wasn't too difficult.

A while later, Mike texted me that he was almost there to give me a ride, so I hurried to wrap up and sent the final details to Emily's email.