Chapter 8
1282 Words
Before she knew it, Monday arrived.
Emily hadn’t heard from Brody since breakfast, and while she told herself it was expected—he was her CEO, after all—disappointment still crept in. He probably had a thousand things more important than texting one of his employees. That thought didn’t stop her from checking her phone one last time before getting ready for work.
She paid a little extra attention to her outfit that morning. Something professional, she told herself—but still elegant. She slipped into a tailored blouse and a fitted skirt, finishing the look with a pair of pumps that made her legs look longer and gave her posture an extra touch of confidence.
Sleep had been impossible, so she arrived at the office an hour early.
The elevator hummed softly as it carried her to the eighth floor. The building had ten floors total, but her department occupied most of this one. When the doors opened, the floor was quiet—too quiet for a Monday.
Emily walked to her office, opened the door, and stopped short.
A bouquet of red roses sat neatly on her desk.
Her breath caught as a smile spread across her face. She stepped closer, gently lifting the card tucked among the blooms.
Emily,
Hope you like the roses.
From a friend to a friend.
She laughed softly to herself and leaned in to inhale their scent.
A soft knock at the doorway made her freeze.
Slowly, she turned.
Brody stood there.
Her breath caught again—harder this time—as his eyes met hers and his lips curved into a warm smile.
“Hi,” he said. “Didn’t think anyone would be in so early.”
Emily let out a nervous chuckle. “I usually don’t come in this early. I just… couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d busy myself with work.” She cleared her throat. “Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”
Brody didn’t hesitate. “Like you.”
Her eyes dropped immediately, heat rising to her cheeks.
Noticing her discomfort, his expression softened. “Did I do something wrong?”
Emily looked up quickly. “No—no, not at all. I just… I’m worried people might get the wrong impression.”
He nodded, understanding—but unwilling to step too far back.
“Have lunch with me,” he said suddenly.
Before she could respond, he added quickly, “Bring your friends. We’ll make it a company outing.”
Footsteps echoed down the hallway before Emily could answer.
“Emily, you need to talk to me about Mr. s*x—”
Lola stopped mid‑sentence as she stepped into the office and saw Brody.
“Oh—uh—sorry,” she stammered. “I didn’t know anyone was here. Please forgive me.”
Brody raised a hand, smiling calmly. “No need. I was just telling Emily I’d love to take you all out for lunch.”
Lola narrowed her eyes. “Really? Why?”
He chuckled. “Can I be honest?”
She crossed her arms. “Go ahead.”
“I had a great time with all of you the other night,” he said. “I wanted to show my appreciation.”
Lola raised a brow. “Because buying us drinks all night wasn’t enough?”
“Lola,” Emily warned.
Brody sighed, accepting defeat. “She’s right. I really enjoyed Emily’s company. She agreed to be my friend, and I didn’t want things to feel awkward. I thought taking you all out together was the best way.”
Lola’s face lit up triumphantly. “I knew it. The moment I saw the flowers. And yes—we will absolutely take free lunch any day.”
Brody glanced at Emily. “See you later?”
She smiled softly. “I guess so.”
As he left, Lola burst into laughter.
Emily just stared after him, still stunned.
“Well,” Emily said quietly, “if that wasn’t awkward, lunch definitely will be.”
Lola waved it off. “Nah. He likes you.”
The rest of the morning passed in a blur. Emily couldn’t focus, jumping every time her phone buzzed. When Brody finally texted her the restaurant location and time, she copied and pasted the message into the group chat.
They decided to ride together.
When they arrived, Brody was already there. He stood the moment he saw them, pulling out Emily’s chair before she even reached the table. Everyone noticed.
Especially Eric.
Brody took the seat beside Emily, intentionally close. Conversation started slowly, but he eased them in—asking about favorite foods, recommending dishes, making everyone feel included.
He ordered several appetizers and served them onto small plates, offering each to Emily first.
“Now this,” he said at one point, lifting a bite toward her, “you have to try. It’s really good.”
Without thinking, Emily opened her mouth.
The flavor was incredible.
“Mmmh,” she moaned softly. “That is good.”
The table went silent.
Emily realized Brody was staring at her, eyes dark, completely locked onto hers. For a brief moment, no one else existed.
Until—
Eric cleared his throat.
Lola grinned. “Well… that was sexy.”
Emily’s face flushed crimson.
Brody lifted his glass of ice‑cold water and took a long drink, trying very hard to regain control.
And everyone at the table knew—
This lunch was anything but professional.
As the last of the plates were lifted away and the table slowly cleared, Eric glanced at his watch and leaned back in his chair.
“Well,” he said firmly, “lunch is over. We should probably head back now.”
The statement felt less like a suggestion and more like a decision.
Brody turned to Emily almost immediately. “I can take you back,” he offered, hopeful. “It’s no trouble.”
Emily hesitated. For a brief moment, she wanted to say yes—wanted another few minutes alone with him, another quiet conversation. But reality settled in quickly.
“I think it’s better if I go back with them,” she said gently. “Thank you, though.”
The disappointment flickered across Brody’s face before he masked it with a nod. “Of course.”
He stood to take care of the bill. Moments later, the group made their way outside; the afternoon sun warm against their faces.
Brody lingered behind; Emily walked toward the car with her friends. The moment they were out of earshot, the comments started.
“Oh my God,” Lola said dramatically, fanning herself. “That man is so into you.”
Janet laughed. “He didn’t even try to hide it.”
Kimberly leaned forward from the back seat, eyes wide. “And can we talk about the way he fed you like that?” She placed a hand on her chest. “The moan, Emily. The moan.”
Emily groaned, sinking into her seat. “Please don’t ever say that again.”
Lola cackled. “I’m sorry, but that was cinematic.”
Eric stayed quiet, jaw tight, staring out the window.
Emily rested her head back against the seat, heart still racing—not from embarrassment this time, but from something far more dangerous. Excitement. Anticipation. Want.
She thought of the way Brody had looked deep into her eyes, the restraint he’d shown, the care in every small gesture. CEO or not, powerful or not—there was something genuine there.
One thing was certain.
Emily really liked Brody.
And whether she was ready or not, this was becoming more than just friendly.
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