ONE NIGHT, ONE ROOM, AND A BOSS.

CHAPTER 6: COFFEE SPILL

The next morning, Avery walked into the company in a tailored classic dress. If there was one thing she was exceptionally good at, it was dressing well.

She wore a cream silk blouse tucked into a high-waisted black pencil skirt that traced the curve of her hips before falling just below her knees.

Her hair was pulled into a sleek, low bun.

A gold stud earring glimmered on her ear, and a thin golden wristwatch adorned her wrist.

The office elevator buzzed softly as she stepped in, the doors gliding shut as it ascended.

Two women stood ahead of her, mid-conversation.

Their voices hushed to a whisper the moment they noticed her, but not nearly enough to escape Avery's hearing.

"Honestly," one said, leaning forward as she glanced at her reflection in the metal door. "I don't know how he manages to keep a straight face while still sweeping women off their feet. Nathaniel Hale or not, the man is a walking scandal."

The other woman laughed quietly. " You mean the rumor? I heard he deals with top celebrities in town, using them and dumping them like nothing happened. I pity whoever falls into his trap."

"I would gladly fall into it if it meant spending just one night with Nathaniel Hale. That man could charm the ice off a glacier. Ugh… He's so hot." The first lady grinned, shaking her head in excitement.

Avery's grip tightened around her bag strap.

Her chest heaved, giving a small, uneasy thump at the mention of his name.

When the elevator opened, the women walked out, smiling like they hadn't just dragged their boss in the mud a moment ago.

Avery lingered for a moment, trying to compose herself after hearing something that had shattered her heart a moment ago.

"Maybe it's just gossip." She told herself. "Maybe they're exaggerating."

But deep down, she knew she was just trying to make herself feel better.

By the time she reached her desk, she had already made up her mind: Stay away from Nathaniel, be professional, no glances, no lingering thoughts.

As the morning went by quickly, Avery buried herself in her work as usual.

She had taken on a new project and had been assigned to draft compelling ad copy, captions, and headlines by the team lead, Chloe.

She had spent hours polishing lines and reworking headlines, anything to drown out every unwanted thought.

Just as she was about to send some copies of her work to the team lead, the office door flung wide open.

A tall, striking, slender woman in a deep red wrap dress with a slit that screamed sophistication and sensual confidence walked in as if she owned the place.

Her red heels echoed on the floor as she strode majestically, ignoring the receptionist's attempts to stop her.

With the frustrated expression on the receptionist's face, it was obvious the woman had stormed through several departments already.

"Nathaniel Hale." She called out, her voice filled with anger.

Every head turned.

From across the open space, Nathaniel emerged from his office, jaw tight, expression unreadable.

" Mara," his voice firm and bold. " What are you doing in my office?"

"What am I doing here?" she snapped. "Nath, you think you can use me—and dump me? I've been calling your line for weeks; you refused to pick my calls."

"This is a professional space, and I won't condone your reckless attitude in my office."

"Spare me that lecture." she cut in, her lips curling into a smirk. "Oh, now you know I have a reckless attitude, huh?"

Nathaniel stepped closer, gritting his teeth. "You need to leave."

" I won't take a step until you tell me why you've been ignoring my calls." The lady barked as she stalked towards Avery's desk, flipping all the files on her table.

Nathaniel's voice hardened, letting out a deep breath in frustration. "Mara! Leave while I'm still being lenient with you."

"Oh! You really want to know how far I can go? Then watch me."

Before Avery could move, Mara snatched the coffee cup from her table and emptied the contents on her. Avery's eyes widened in shock, coffee dripping down her face.

Her hair and clothes were completely messed up.

Something flashed in Nathaniel's eyes, a mixture of rage and danger. His gaze darted towards Avery. He closed the distance in three strides, pulling out a napkin from his pocket to wipe her face and then back to Mara.

"You will regret ever harassing my employee," His eyes glinted with anger. "Security! Drag her out of my office. You will hear from my lawyer."

Murmurs rippled through the room.

"Nathaniel! You dare drag me out of your office! Leave me alone! Do you all know who my father is? You bastard! I will never forgive you for embarrassing me in front of your lowly employees!" She bellowed as the security forcefully dragged her out of the office.

Nathaniel's eyes settled back on Avery, his gaze still carrying that hint of danger that she couldn't fathom. Was he really concerned about her, or was he angry because of the embarrassment? That was a question she couldn't provide an answer to.

Avery didn't look up, but she could feel Nathaniel's gaze lingering on her.

"Miss Cole." He said quietly. "Follow me."

She obediently followed him, slamming the door shut behind her as she stepped into his office.

Her eyes met his as Nathaniel paced around in his office before turning to her. " Why did you let her walk over you? Why didn't you retaliate?"

Avery's lips parted, but nothing came out. What did he expect her to do? To rip off her face?

He took a step closer, closing the gap between them.

"Next time, do not let anyone step over you. Treat them exactly how they treat you. Do you understand?"

Avery nodded as their eyes met, his face an inch away from hers. But then, all of a sudden, he took a step back and walked to his seat.

"Clean yourself up," he pointed to his restroom.

" Oh– Okay," Avery stuttered, walking into the restroom and letting out a shaky breath as she slammed the door shut behind her.

Grabbing the tissue, she dabbed at the coffee stain on her blouse, managing to wipe off a bit of it, even though the mark was still glaring.

When she walked out of the restroom, Nathaniel had taken off his suit jacket, holding it out to her. " Put it on."

"Oh! Don't bother yourself. I'll sort myself out." Avery said, putting on an awkward smile.

Without uttering a word, he walked up to her, placing the suit jacket on her shoulder before walking back to his seat.

" Thank you." Avery adjusted the suit jacket, walking out of his office.

Her stiletto heels clicked on the marble floor as she made her way back to her department.

Nathaniel's jacket still wrapped around her delicate body, the faint scent of his cologne clouding her mind.

The moment she stepped inside, the room went silent. Dozens of curious eyes darted towards her, murmurs and whispers filling the air.

"Is she okay?"

"She literally got drenched with coffee.

"Isn't that the boss's jacket?" "Wait—why is she wearing his jacket?"

Avery pretended not to hear them. She sat down quietly and tried to focus on the screen.

The rest of the day dragged on slowly, with her eyes darting towards the clock every few minutes. She tried to focus on her work, but no matter how hard she tried, her mind kept on circling to the same thought. The way he had looked at her. Not like a boss. Not like a stranger. The way he softly wiped her face and the way he had closed the gap between them.