Title: "Behind Closed Doors"

Chapter 3: An Unexpected invitation

Chapter 3: An Unexpected Invitation

Lila James sat at her desk, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she typed up the minutes from the morning meeting. Every now and then, her gaze flickered to the sleek, glass-walled office a few steps away. Inside, Adam Knight sat at his massive oak desk, his dark brows furrowed as he reviewed a contract.

She tried not to linger on him too long, but it was a losing battle. Adam had this magnetic pull-sharp suits, an authoritative air, and eyes so intense they could unravel her with a single glance. She exhaled quietly, willing herself to focus.

"Lila," Adam's deep baritone called out, pulling her from her thoughts.

She turned, smoothing her blouse. "Yes, Mr. Knight?"

"Can you step in here for a moment?"

She grabbed her notepad, though her hands trembled slightly. Stepping into his office, she immediately noticed the faint scent of his cologne-a mix of cedarwood and something undeniably him.

Adam leaned back in his chair, gesturing toward the plush seat across from him. "Sit."

Lila obeyed, her heart thudding. He rarely invited her to sit for informal conversations.

"I wanted to thank you for the prep work on the investor projections," Adam began, his piercing green eyes locking onto hers. "It was thorough, and it saved us a lot of time in the meeting."

"Thank you, Mr. Knight," Lila replied, keeping her tone professional.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "You've been with me for almost two years now, haven't you?"

"Yes," she said softly. It felt longer, given how much space he occupied in her thoughts.

"You've been exceptional. More than I could ask for in a secretary." His voice carried a warmth she wasn't accustomed to, and it sent a spark of hope through her chest.

"Thank you," she repeated, her cheeks flushing under his praise.

There was a pause, a brief moment where his gaze seemed to soften, as though he wanted to say something more. But then he straightened, his professional demeanor snapping back into place.

"Actually, there's another reason I called you in," Adam said, shifting gears. "I'm hosting a networking dinner tomorrow night at the Carlton Hotel. I'd like you to be there."

Her heart skipped a beat. "Me?"

"Yes," he said simply, his tone firm. "You know the details of our upcoming projects better than anyone, and your input could be valuable. Besides, it'll be good for you to make connections."

Lila hesitated. Attending a dinner with Adam, surrounded by powerful executives, felt like stepping into dangerous territory. Not because of the work-it was her feelings for him that made the prospect terrifying.

"I... I'd be honored," she managed, keeping her voice steady.

"Good." Adam smiled faintly, the expression rare and breathtaking. "Wear something formal. We'll leave from the office together."

Her stomach flipped, but she nodded. "Of course, Mr. Knight."

As she left his office, her thoughts were a whirlwind. The idea of spending the evening close to him-talking, laughing, even just being in his presence-was exhilarating and terrifying.

But reality quickly set in. Adam Knight was her boss. He'd never see her as anything more than his efficient, reliable secretary.

Still, as Lila sat back at her desk, she couldn't help but wonder: Did that look in his eyes earlier mean something? Or was her hopeless heart reading too much into it?

Either way, tomorrow night would be the closest she'd ever get to being by his side outside the confines of work. And for Lila, that was both thrilling and heartbreaking.