As the afternoon passed, Sophia grew more attached to Anya.
"Papa, Anya play with me?" Sophia exclaimed, tugging on Ryder's hand.
Ryder smiled.
"Of course, sweetie. Anya, would you mind?"Anya's eyes lit up.
"I'd love to!"Together, Anya and Sophia built a tower with blocks, laughed at silly stories, and sang nursery rhymes.
Mrs Ryder watched, a warm smile on her face.
"Ryder, look at Sophia. She's taken to Anya already."Ryder's gaze softened.
"Yes, mother. Anya has a way with her."As the evening approached, Sophia's eyelids dropped.
"Night - night, papa," Sophia whispered, hugging Ryder.Then she turned to Anya.
"Night - night, Anya."Anya hugged Sophia back.
"Sweet dreams, Sophia. I'll see you soon."Ryder's eyes met Anya's, a silent thank you passing between them.
As Mrs. Ryder left with Sophia, Ryder turned to Anya.
"Thank you for today. You're wonderful with Sophia."Anya's heart swelled.
"She's adorable. You're a great father."Ryder's expression softened.
"I try. It's not easy, but worth it."The air filled with an unspoken connection.
Ryder checked his watch
"Time to leave for the airport. Our flight's scheduled to depart in two hours."Anya nodded, gathering her belongings.
Ryder's driver. Waiting by the door, took their luggage.
As they drove to the airport, the atmosphere turned professional. Ryder reviewed meeting notes on his phone. Anya went over her presentation, masking last - minute adjustments.
At the airport, they bypassed security checks with Ryder's VIP pass. As they boarded the luxury jet, Anya's eyes widened.
"This is impressive."
Ryder smiled.
"Convenience and efficiency are key in business."The flight attendant greeted them.
"Welcome, Mr. Ryder and Miss Anya. Please make yourselves comfortable."As the jet took off, Ryder turned to Anya. "Let's review our strategy for tomorrow's meeting."
Anya nodded, focusing on the task at hand.
But amidst the business discussions, Anya couldn't shake off the memory of Sophia's bright smile and Ryder's tender moments with his daughter.
The jet soared through the skies. Carrying them toward a crucial meeting and an uncertain future.
As the jet cruised smoothly, Anya's eyelids drooped, exhausted from the long day.
Ryder worked on his laptop, occasionally glancing at Anya's peaceful face.
Despite his best efforts, he couldn't shake off the growing attraction.
"She's just an employee," he reminded himself.
But Ryder couldn't deny the differences he'd observed.
Anya wasn't like other women he'd met.
She spoke her mind, unafraid to challenge him.
No flattery or pretenses.
Ryder's gaze drifted to Anya's features.
Light skin, golden hair, dove like eyes...
His thoughts surprised him.He hadn't noticed how beautiful she was until now.
Just as Ryder tried to refocus on work, Anya shifted in her seat. Her head slipped onto his shoulder, soft hair brushing against his cheek.
Ryder's heart skipped a beat. He froze, unsure how to react. Anya's gentle breathing and trusting posture disarmed him. For a moment, Ryder forgot about boundaries and professionalism. He let himself enjoy the warmth of her presence.As the jet hit turbulence, Ryder instinctively wrapped his arm around Anya, securing her.
Their faces inches apart, Ryder's pulse quickened.
Anya stirred, her eyes fluttering open.Their gazes met, a spark of awareness passing between them.

YOU ARE READING
Crash into love
General Fiction"When feisty Anya joins Ryder's industries, her first day takes an explosive turn. A rear-end collision sparks a heated confrontation with CEO Julian Ryder, notorious for his ruthlessness and secretive personal life. Despite their combustible introd...