CHAPTER 8
852 Words
“Come in.”
I stepped into Noah’s office, immediately hit by that familiar, intoxicating scent. The room was controlled as usual, but the atmosphere felt heavy. Noah sat casually behind his desk, sleeves rolled to his elbows and the top two buttons of his shirt undone. The sight of his collarbone and tanned skin made me avert my eyes quickly.
“Here it is, sir,” I said, placing the document on his desk.
He didn’t look up at first, finishing a task on his screen before reaching for the file. His fingers brushed mine as he pulled it closer. “Get me a cup of coffee,” he said, his voice dropping an octave.
I was stunned. I was Daniel’s assistant, not his. But I caught myself. “Yes, sir.”
As I stepped out, the glass door clicking shut, I saw Daniel exiting the elevator. Our eyes met, and I felt a pang of guilt, like a child caught misbehaving. I hurried to the breakroom, the aroma of dark roast filling the space. I was halfway back when Daniel stepped directly into my path. We were right in front of the glass partition—center stage for Noah.
“Stella.”
“Good morning, Daniel,” I said, balancing the hot mug.
“Where are you off to?”
“Noah asked me for coffee.” My voice betrayed me with a tiny tremor.
“Why?” he asked, mostly to himself. His gaze flickered toward the glass office. The reflection obscured Noah, but I knew Noah could see us perfectly.
“I’d better get going,” I murmured, trying to step around him.
“How are you feeling?” Daniel stopped me, genuine concern flashing in his eyes. “Are you alright? After the elevator and… all that?”
“I’m better. Just avoiding the elevator for now,” I said with a shy smile.
“That’s good to hear.” Daniel stepped a fraction closer. He reached out, his fingers gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His thumb lingered, grazing the shell of my ear. The contact sent a jolt through me—it was far too intimate for the middle of the office.
“I’ll let you get to it,” he whispered, his eyes locking onto mine for a beat too long.
I managed a nod and slipped into Noah’s office. When I set the coffee down, Noah didn't say thank you. He was staring at the glass door, his jaw tight and his green eyes darkened like a stormy sea. He had definitely seen Daniel touch me.
“Is there anything else, sir?”
“No,” he snapped. His gaze was icy, his professional mask back in place with a jagged edge. “Thank you.”
The words were simple, but the tone was chilling.
I left immediately, unable to face my desk or Daniel. I needed a reprieve to calm my nerves, so I ducked into the meeting room. The heavy door muffled the office noise, but as I turned, I realized the room wasn't empty.
Oliver was there. “This morning?” I muttered.
He was leaning over the mahogany table, surrounded by campaign boards and a heavy metal prototype. Like Noah, his sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong, tan forearms.
“I’m sorry,” I said, my hand on the door handle. “I had no idea you were in here.”
“No worries,” Oliver said, flashing an easy, lopsided grin. “You can stay. I was just helping Reid unpack displays. Apparently, being a CEO doesn't exempt me from manual labor.”
I let go of the handle, my shoulders dropping as I leaned against the cool wall. “I wanted to thank you,” I added softly. “For the elevator. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you weren’t there.”
His lips curved. “No problem,” he said with an unreadable smile. “But you owe me one.”
“Owe you?” I asked, perplexed. Was he asking for a professional favor?
“You have to make it up to me for helping you,” he said, clicking a metal latch into place with a sharp snap.
“How?”
He lifted his head, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. In three long strides, the space between us vanished. He loomed over me, reaching out with agonizing slowness.
He untucked the very strand Daniel had just fixed, letting it fall back over my cheek. The touch sent a jagged bolt of electricity through my body.
Then he leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin as he whispered, “You'll have to go on a date with me.”
I stood there, stunned, my breath hitching as he straightened up and flashed a wink.
“What?” I stammered, my head spinning.
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