The CEO’s stand-in girlfriend

So vivid

*Ashley*

The movie plays on, but I find my mind wandering, drifting in and out of the scenes flashing across the screen. Lucas sits beside me, his presence warm and comforting. I sneak glances at him when I think he’s not looking, admiring the way the soft light catches his features, how he bites his lip when he’s focused. It’s funny how a simple afternoon can feel so profound, like we’re caught in a bubble away from the world.

As the credits begin to roll, I feel a stirring of energy between us. The couch is cozy, and I stretch my legs out, my toes just brushing against him. He looks down, and I can’t help but smile at the way his gaze lingers on my feet.

“Your feet look cold,” he says, a playful glint in his eye. Before I can respond, he lifts my bare feet into his lap, a gentle touch that sends a shiver of warmth through me. “Let me help with that.”

I can hardly breathe as he starts to massage my feet, his fingers firm yet tender against my skin. The sensation is electrifying, and I lean back, letting out a soft sigh. “That feels amazing,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s what friends are for,” he laughs lightly, but I sense something deeper in his tone, something more intimate.

He continues to work his magic, moving from my heels to my arches, and I can’t help but feel the tension from the day melt away. My heart races as he suddenly leans down, pressing a soft kiss to my ankle. Surprised, I look down at him, my breath hitching in my throat.

“Lucas, what—”

But he’s already kissing higher up my leg, his lips warm and gentle against my skin. “I want to kiss you all over,” he murmurs, his voice low and sultry. The words send a rush of heat through my body, igniting something deep inside me.

My mind races, torn between wanting to stop him and wanting to give in to this intoxicating moment. I should pull away, tell him that this is crossing a line, but the way he looks at me makes my heart pound harder against my chest. A part of me revels in this attention, in the way he’s making me feel cherished and desired.

“Lucas,” I breathe, my voice shaky with uncertainty. “We shouldn’t—”

But he doesn’t stop. He kisses up my leg, moving higher, and I feel a swirl of excitement and longing. The air between us feels charged, and I’m lost in the sensation, caught between reality and a dreamlike state.

“Please, let me,” he whispers, his breath warm against my skin.

A shiver runs down my spine, and I feel a rush of heat pooling in my stomach. I want to say yes, to let him take me there, to explore this connection that’s been simmering between us for so long.

But just as I’m about to give in, I feel myself slipping away, the warmth and intimacy fading into a hazy blur.

* * *

I wake with a start, blinking in the dim light of the living room. The movie has ended, the credits rolling silently on the screen. I glance over at Lucas, who is slumped against the couch, his head lolled to one side, fast asleep. My heart races as I recall the vividness of the dream, the way he kissed my foot, the electric tension that filled the air.

I sit up, pulling my feet back from his lap, feeling the sudden chill of reality wash over me. It was just a dream. The warmth of his touch, the heat of his lips—they were all just figments of my imagination. But the longing that lingers in my chest feels all too real.

I can’t help but smile to myself, the memory of the dream still fresh and tantalizing. The way he looked at me, the way he touched me… I shake my head, trying to dismiss the thoughts, but they cling to me like a stubborn shadow.

“Lucas,” I whisper, nudging him gently. He stirs, blinking awake, his eyes hazy with sleep.

“Hey,” he mumbles, a sleepy smile spreading across his face. “Did I fall asleep?”

“Yeah,” I reply, my heart fluttering at the sight of him. “You were out cold.”

“I guess the dental anesthesia really knocked me out,” he chuckles, running a hand through his tousled hair. “What time is it?”

I glance at the clock, the numbers glowing softly in the dark. “Late. We should probably get to bed.”

He nods, and I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. I wanted to linger a little longer, to bask in the warmth of his presence, but I know we both need to rest.

“Thanks for the soup,” he says, standing up and stretching. “And for keeping me company. I really appreciate it.”

“Of course,” I reply, my heart feeling a little heavier. “I’m glad I could help.”

As we make our way to our separate bedrooms, I can’t shake the lingering thoughts of my dream. The way he kissed my foot, the intensity of his gaze, the unspoken connection between us—it all plays on repeat in my mind.

I climb into bed, pulling the covers around me, but sleep eludes me. Instead, I’m left with the echoes of my dream, the warmth of his touch, and the unshakeable feeling that maybe, just maybe, there’s something more waiting for us on the other side of this friendship.

And as I close my eyes, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if my dream were real… if Lucas and I could cross that line together.