Fantasia

--- She knew he was here. She could feel his presence behind her, his eyes following her, always watching her. Goosebumps scattered across her skin. It had been a week since he had come in this early. She hadn't even realized she was worried—until that small wave of relief washed through her. He was okay. He was here. She knew, and he knew that she knew. But neither of them had said anything. And she didn’t know what to do about it. She continued wiping the desks and chairs, determined not to turn toward him or acknowledge his presence. But then she heard it—his footsteps. Coming straight toward her. Her heartbeat quickened with every step he took. She stopped mid-wipe, frozen in place. He was right behind her now. She could feel the heat of his body… smell that familiar cologne. He was so close, yet so far away. She wondered what it would feel like if he closed the gap between them. If she leaned back—would his arms wrap around her waist? God, what was wrong with her? He was her boss. And a decade older. She was just a cleaner. Why was she even thinking about him like this? "Sarah..." His voice was a whisper, but it shook her to her core. "Mr. Kent," she breathed, barely audible. "Turn around." The words came softly, but they didn’t feel optional. She obeyed. She turned, slowly. He towered over her, tall and commanding. She stared at his chest, too nervous to meet his eyes. "Look at me," he said again, gentler this time. She bit her lip and shook her head, trembling. His hand lifted her chin, urging her gaze to meet his. But her eyes clamped shut, refusing. She knew if she looked at him… it would all be over. "Please," he whispered, thumb brushing her cheek. She whimpered. But she looked. The moment their eyes locked, something inside her gave way. His eyes—dark, full of longing—called to her. And she answered. "Please..." she begged. She didn’t know what she was begging for. But he did. One moment, he was looking into her soul. The next, his lips were on hers—hard and soft all at once. She gasped into the kiss, grabbing his suit jacket, clinging to him as if she’d fall apart otherwise. His hands moved from her face to her waist, drawing her closer. Her body melted into his. He kissed her deeper, his hands sliding down her back, resting firmly on her hips. When he squeezed, she moaned softly and wrapped her arms around his neck, losing herself in him. “Sarah…” he breathed over her lips. “Mr. Kent…” she whispered again, breathless. Then— The sound of footsteps echoed sharply down the hallway. He pulled away. She froze. Reality came crashing back like a cold wave. His hands dropped from her body. She took a step back, chest still rising and falling with the aftershock of what had just happened. They were still alone… for now. But the moment was broken. Her mind raced. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She was just a cleaner. He was her boss. She had no idea what came next. Her lips still tingled. Her heart still raced. And yet, her thoughts spiraled. Was it a mistake? Would he regret it? Would she? She didn't know. But one thing was certain— Nothing would ever be the same again.