VelvetTemptress
The office was silent, save for the ticking clock and the low hum of Maya's computer. Everyone else had gone home hours ago. Fluorescent lights cast a dull glow across the glass walls, and the city sparkled below.
She stretched in her chair, blouse pulling slightly as she arched her back. Her neck ached, her eyes burned-but she refused to leave without finishing the report.
"Burning the midnight oil?"
She jumped.
Standing in the doorway was Mr. Knight-CEO of the company, her boss, the man who invaded her dreams far too often. He wasn't supposed to be here. Not this late. Not with his tie undone, shirt sleeves rolled up, and that look in his eyes.
"I didn't hear you come in," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
He stepped inside, the door clicking shut behind him. The sound made her pulse quicken.
"You told me the quarterly files were due," she added, gesturing to the screen.
"I didn't mean tonight," he said, walking toward her desk. "But... I'm glad you're here."
Something about the way he said it-low, deliberate-sent heat straight to her cheeks.
She swallowed. "I-I can leave if you need the room."
"No," he said. "Stay."
He leaned against the edge of her desk, close enough for her to smell his cologne-clean, masculine, a little dangerous.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence stretched, thick with something unspoken.
"I've noticed you," he said, eyes locked on hers. "Late nights. Perfect work. Always composed."
Maya's breath caught. "Thank you..."
"I wonder," he murmured, leaning closer, "if you ever let go."
Her body froze-except her heart, which raced like a drum. When he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek, she didn't move away.
She didn't want to.
And when his lips hovered near hers-so close they barely touched-she whispered, "Maybe I just needed the right reason."
He smiled, slow and wicked. "Then let me be your reason.