wanted by the CEO

Chapter 10- Private Celebration

Naomi’s heels clicked softly against the hardwood floors of her apartment as she stepped inside, grateful for the quiet after the chaos of the evening. The gallery event had gone perfectly, critics were impressed, and the viral press coverage meant more attention for her work than she’d imagined.

Yet the victory felt hollow compared to the heat coiling in her chest every time she thought of Adrian.

He was already there, leaning casually against the kitchen counter, drink in hand, sharp suit replaced with a crisp shirt and slacks that made her heart stutter in a way she hated—and yet couldn’t resist.

“You survived the press junket,” he said, eyes flicking toward her, gold and unreadable. “And you look… phenomenal.”

Naomi smiled tightly, trying to mask the fluttering in her stomach. “It wasn’t easy,” she admitted, moving toward him, aware of every step, every subtle brush of their bodies. “And you… were impossible.”

He smirked, stepping closer, the heat of his body pressing lightly against hers as she reached the counter. “Impossible? Me?” His voice was low, teasing, dangerous, and Naomi felt her resolve quiver. “I thought you liked a challenge.”

“I like… challenges,” she said, letting the words hang between them, her pulse quickening. The distance between them was electric, charged with desire, restraint, and all the unsaid things lingering since the first kiss.

Adrian tilted his head, eyes scanning hers, and for a moment, Naomi felt the world narrow to just them—the apartment quiet, the city lights casting long shadows, the hum of electricity in the air. His gaze lingered on her lips, and her breath hitched.

“You’ve been thinking about that kiss,” he murmured, voice husky. “I can see it in your eyes.”

Naomi’s cheeks flushed. “Maybe,” she admitted softly, heart pounding. She wanted to look away, wanted to ground herself, but the pull of him was irresistible. “It was… unexpected.”

“Unexpected?” he teased, stepping closer, so close she could feel the warmth radiating from him. “I thought it was inevitable.”

Her pulse raced. She wanted to argue, wanted to remind herself of the rules, the one-month pact—but the heat pooling between them was undeniable. Her hands twitched, itching to brush against his chest, to feel his heartbeat beneath her fingertips.

Adrian’s hand rose slowly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, thumb lingering near her temple. “Naomi…” he whispered, the huskiness in his voice setting her nerves alight. “One month… and yet, I can’t stop thinking about what comes after.”

Her breath caught. The words, the nearness, the intensity in his eyes—they melted her defenses. Her hands lifted almost instinctively, resting lightly on his chest, feeling the strength beneath her fingers.

He lowered his head just slightly, eyes flicking to hers, searching, teasing, daring. Naomi’s heart thundered in her chest. She leaned in slightly, closing the gap, and the air between them thickened, charged, electric.

Then he kissed her again.

This time, it wasn’t tentative. It was slow, deliberate, teasing and consuming at once. Naomi melted into him, heart racing, fingers tangling in his shirt as she let herself fall into the moment. The kiss was a perfect storm of longing, restraint broken, desire unleashed—but still charged with an almost painful sensuality that left her breathless when they finally pulled back.

Her forehead rested against his, chest heaving. “Adrian…” she whispered, voice trembling between disbelief and want.

“You,” he murmured, lips brushing her temple, eyes dark and golden. “I want… everything with you.”

Naomi shivered, aware of the fire ignited between them. One month. Rules. Pretend engagement. None of it mattered now. All that mattered was this—Adrian, heat and temptation and danger all wrapped into one irresistible man—standing so close, making her want more than she ever thought she could.

And deep down, Naomi realized she didn’t want to resist anymore.