His Secret Temptation

Claire’s POV Hi, I’m Claire Reynolds, as I sat quietly at my table, palms gliding over the keyboard as I typed up the minutes from the morning’s board meeting. The consistent hum of interest around me went ignored, as it frequently did. I had perfected the artwork of blending in, keeping my head down and my presence undetectable. Two years as a secretary at Steele Enterprises had taught me that. At 28, I lived a lifestyle that could be described as small. I wasn’t the type to stand out. Unlike the other girls at the company, who wore designer heels and had perfectly styled hair, I preferred a simple and understated style. I liked wearing dark pencil skirts and blouses and kept my hair pulled back in a neat bun. It made me almost invisible, and that’s how I preferred it or at a minimum, how I informed myself I liked it. My smartphone buzzed at the table, breaking me from the regular pattern of my work. I glanced at the screen, my belly knotting when I noticed the text. Sarah: Don’t neglect the agency gala! You promised. I’m picking you up at 7. I sighed as I read the text. I hadn’t sincerely promised, had I? But Sarah, my one real friend at the organization, had been insistent. I glanced at the huge glass doorways leading to the office of Jonathan Steele, CEO of Steele Enterprises and the person who occupied my mind more than he must. The guy who barely knew I existed. Jonathan Steele is tall, impeccably dressed, and good-looking. He commands the room with nothing more than a glance. The moment he entered an area, it was as if everything shifted in his direction. I had spent the last two years gazing at him from the shadows, watching how easily he controlled everything around him. My grip on my pen tightened as I thought about him. Naturally, he wouldn't be attending the gala alone. He never did. He by no means did. I had seen the girls—stunning, assured ladies with whom he spent his nights, none of them lasting more than a few weeks. They had been disposable, I thought bitterly, even though I wasn’t sure if I should become extra jealous in their proximity to him or relieved that I wasn’t one of them. My cell phone buzzed again, and I reluctantly picked it up. Sarah: Don’t you dare opt out! You’ll look top-notch. I shook my head, a small smile forming on my lips. Sarah had a way of pulling me out of my shell. I would be attending the agency gala to support my friend, not to impress others. I didn’t expect anyone to notice me, but I couldn't help feeling a little nervous. A small part of me wondered, "What would happen?” Jonathan’s POV I stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, looking at the city skyline at night time starting to fall even though my thoughts weren't on the view tonight, I thought about the agency gala, an event I saw as an obligation rather than a celebration. Socializing has never been my strong suit. I preferred the straightforward and predictable world of business, where every move was planned and controlled. My lifestyle, however, became a mess from different relationships but that’s how I liked it. Absolute control was my specialty. I had learned to avoid emotional attachments because they made me vulnerable. I built walls around myself to stay strong. This started when I was young, growing up in a family where trust was a luxury I couldn't afford. My father taught me that showing weakness was dangerous, and I took that lesson to heart. A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, my voice crisp. The door opened, and there stood Claire Reynolds, my secretary. I glanced at her briefly, noting the way she hesitated earlier before stepping into the office. Claire became constantly composed and efficient, even though quiet to the point of being almost invisible. I had in no way given her much thought earlier than, beyond her way of working. “Mr. Steele, right here are the documents you asked for at the meeting subsequent week,” she stated, her voice constant but smooth. I nodded, taking the folder from her. Our hands brushed each other briefly, and for a while, I found myself pausing. There’s something about her—something understated, almost sensitive, that made me take a second glance at her. “Thank you, Claire,” I said, my tone more thoughtful than I intended. Claire blinked, her eyes extensive with surprise. It was the first time I had ever addressed her by her name. She recovered from the shock, nodding once and immediately turning on her feet to leave the office fast. As the door closed behind her, I thought to myself. “Why did I notice that? “ Shaking off the thought, I got back to work. There was no point dwelling on it. Claire’s POV 7pm rolled around really fast and I was staring at my reflection in the mirror, nonetheless uncertain about the dress Sarah had insisted I put on. It was a tender, elegant black gown that hugged my body and brought out my shape. The gown was certainly more than most things I usually wear. I looked stunning and I kind of liked it. “You look lovely,” Sarah said, smiling in the back of her head with a grin.” I told you that you would look beautiful in that dress.” I blushed. “It’s just for tonight. I’ll be back to my normal self the next day.” “Maybe. But tonight, you’re going to knock them dead.” Despite my nerves, I found myself smiling. Maybe it wouldn’t be so terrible. Maybe, only for one night, I ought to step out of the shadows and let myself be seen. --- The gala had charged into full swing by the time Sarah and I arrived. I felt out of place among the glamorous dresses and suits, but I followed Sarah's lead, staying close as we navigated through the crowd. And then, as if sensing my presence, I felt someone’s eyes on me. I turned, and there he was—Jonathan Steele, his gaze locked on mine from across the room. For the first time in years, I was not invisible.