TAMING MR BLACKWELL

YOU’RE UNUSUALLY QUIET TODAY

By the time I made it back to my hotel room, I had exactly thirty minutes to get ready.

Thirty minutes to pull myself together after an entire day of running around, organizing meetings, and making sure Adrian’s schedule went flawlessly.

I kicked off my heels the second I stepped inside, groaning as the ache in my feet throbbed with newfound intensity. Why did I ever think stilettos were a good idea?

Dropping my notepad onto the dresser, I took a deep breath and moved toward my suitcase. My usual office attire..... blouses, skirts, and simple dresses... didn't exactly scream formal business dinner.

I pulled out the only appropriate dress I had brought: a sleek black number with a modest neckline and a hem that landed just above my knees. It was professional yet elegant, the kind of outfit that said I belong here without trying too hard.

I changed quickly, brushing my hair into soft waves and swiping on a bit of mascara. My reflection stared back at me in the mirror..... still exhausted, but at least presentable.

With five minutes to spare, I slipped on my heels, grabbed my clutch, and headed downstairs.

Adrian was already waiting in the lobby when I arrived.

He stood near the entrance, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his posture as rigid and controlled as ever. The soft glow of the chandelier overhead cast sharp shadows on his features, making him look even more untouchable.

I swallowed. Why did he have to look like that?

He glanced at his watch before his eyes flicked up to me. There was no visible reaction....no hint of approval or disapproval..... just a simple nod.

“Let’s go.”

Without another word, he turned and walked outside, leaving me to follow.

The restaurant was high-end, the kind of place where the tablecloths were pressed to perfection and the air smelled like money.

A waiter led us to a private dining area, where a few other executives were already seated. Adrian slipped into his role with ease, shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries, making his presence known without effort.

I stayed in the background, like I always did. My job was simple: keep things running smoothly. Make sure he had everything he needed, step in if there were any scheduling conflicts, and most importantly..... don’t embarrass myself.

The conversation at the table drifted between business and polite small talk. Deals were discussed, alliances were formed, and Adrian played the game effortlessly.

At some point, a waiter placed a glass of wine in front of me. I hesitated. Drinking on the job wasn’t exactly professional, but… everyone else was.

Even Adrian had a glass of whiskey in front of him, though he hadn’t touched it much. Deciding one sip wouldn’t kill me, I took a careful drink.

The evening dragged on. My feet ached, my brain buzzed with exhaustion, and my stomach clenched every time someone directed a question at me.

I answered when necessary, nodded when expected, and scribbled mental notes of anything Adrian might need later.

By the time dessert arrived, I was more than ready to leave. But Adrian, ever the workaholic, was still deep in conversation.

I tried to focus, but the exhaustion was catching up to me. My eyelids felt heavier by the second, my back stiff from sitting so long.

Then I felt it. A touch. Light, barely there, but enough to send a jolt up my spine.

I blinked, glancing down.....only to realize Adrian’s fingers had brushed against the side of my hand under the table.

It was brief. Barely a second. A simple accident, most likely.

But it made my breath hitch anyway. I forced myself to stay still, pretending like nothing had happened. Because nothing had.

And Adrian? He didn’t even glance my way. As if he hadn’t felt it at all.

..............

The trip had been exhausting.

From morning meetings to back-to-back conferences, I had barely had a moment to myself. Every day started before the sun rose and ended long after it set, with me running after Adrian, ensuring everything was in place.

But now, with only two days left before we returned to Chicago, things were finally starting to slow down.

The last few days of the conference were mostly about networking....closing deals, strengthening partnerships, and tying up loose ends. That meant fewer scheduled meetings and more spontaneous discussions in hotel lounges, quiet corners of restaurants, and private meetings in executive suites.

For Adrian, it was routine. For me, it was a test of endurance.

I stood outside Adrian’s hotel suite at exactly 6:00 AM, knocking firmly.

No answer.

I knocked again, shifting the tablet in my arms. When the door finally opened, I was met with the sight of Adrian.... his shirt unbuttoned, hair slightly tousled, and his jaw freshly shaven.

For a second, I forgot what I was supposed to say. Then his sharp gaze locked onto mine. “What?"

Right. Work.

I cleared my throat, forcing myself to focus. “Your schedule for today. You have a breakfast meeting at seven, followed by a panel discussion at nine. I’ve already confirmed the reservations and sent reminders to your assistant back in Chicago. I also adjusted the schedule to fit in the investor lunch at....”

“Ivy.” His voice cut through my rushed report, making me freeze.

I looked up. “Yes?”

His eyes flickered over me, unreadable. “Have you even slept?”

The question caught me off guard. Of course I had slept. A little. Maybe four hours? Five?

“That’s not important,” I said quickly, trying to steer the conversation back to work. “You also have a meeting with.....”

“Ivy.” This time, his tone was sharper. “Go back to your room and rest.”

I frowned. “But.....”

“That wasn’t a suggestion.”

I blinked. Did he.....did Adrian Blackwell just tell me to take a break?

He didn’t wait for my response. Instead, he stepped back into his room and shut the door, leaving me standing there, stunned.

Despite his unexpected order, I didn’t rest. There was too much to do as today was the last day.

By the time the afternoon rolled around, I was running on caffeine and sheer determination. The conference was winding down, and most of the important business had already been handled, which meant Adrian was less tense than usual.

I noticed it in the way he carried himself..... his shoulders weren’t as rigid, and his usual clipped tone was slightly more relaxed.

We had a few meetings spread throughout the day, but nothing compared to the chaos of the first few days.

At one point, after a quiet lunch with investors, Adrian turned to me and said, “You’re unusually quiet today.”

I blinked. “I’m always quiet when you’re talking business.”

His lips twitched..... just barely. “Not always.”

I wasn’t sure if that was meant to be a compliment or a reminder of the times I had spoken out of turn. Either way, I let it slide.

The rest of the day passed without major incidents, and for once, I wasn’t completely on edge around him.

By the time we returned to the hotel, the exhaustion was finally catching up with me.

I had just stepped into my room, ready to collapse, when my phone buzzed.

Adrian: Dinner. 7 PM. Don’t be late.

I sighed. Of course.