The Alpha's Imported Luna

Chapter 9: First Dance

Stephanie's POV

I was shocked when the CEO himself walked across the dance floor and asked me for a dance.

Even more shocking was the immediate attraction I felt the moment we touched.

I only hoped he hadn't noticed.

When he suggested we have a drink at the bar, I agreed almost instantly. Sitting across from him seemed far safer than remaining wrapped in his arms while that strange electricity continued racing through my body.

Not that sitting beside him helped much.

Christopher Clarke was intimidating in the most attractive way possible.

He carried himself with effortless confidence and power.

Every movement, every expression, every word projected authority.

He wasn't loud or arrogant.

He simply possessed the kind of presence that naturally commanded attention whenever he entered a room.

Up close, he was even more attractive than I'd realized.

His strong jawline, neatly groomed hair, and relaxed smile only added to his appeal. The tailored light-gray suit fit him perfectly, while the open collar of his white shirt softened the professional image just enough to make him seem approachable.

I glanced around and spotted Vanessa chatting at a nearby table.

Good.

At least there were familiar people around.

I lifted my drink to my lips.

When I looked back at Chris, I found him watching me with an amused smile.

"Don't get shy on me now," he said.

I laughed nervously.

"You seemed to be having a great time on the dance floor."

"I was."

"Good."

He leaned back slightly.

"By the way, I'm Chris."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Nice to officially meet you, Chris. But considering you're the CEO, shouldn't it be Mr. Clarke?"

His smile widened.

"No?"

"No. Just Chris."

Something about the way he said it made me smile.

"Okay. Chris."

I could have sworn he enjoyed hearing me say his name.

"I never got your name."

"I'm Stephanie."

"Stephanie," he repeated slowly.

The way he said my name sent butterflies through my stomach.

“How long have you worked here, Stephanie?”

"Actually," I added, "I just completed my first week as an intern in the Finance Department."

His eyes lit up.

"An intern?"

"That's right."

"Well, it's nice to finally meet you."

He paused.

"Do you mind if I call you Stef?"

I smiled.

"Sure. That's what my friends call me."

"Great."

The conversation flowed surprisingly easily after that.

There were no awkward pauses or forced topics.

It felt natural.

Comfortable.

Dangerously comfortable.

At some point, I rested my hand on the tabletop.

Without hesitation, Chris covered it with his own.

Instantly, a rush of warmth shot up my arm.

I sucked in a breath.

His eyes darkened slightly.

He felt it too.

Neither of us looked away.

Slowly, he leaned closer.

My heartbeat quickened.

"Ahem."

The interruption felt like a bucket of cold water.

We both looked up.

Vanessa stood beside us with an expression that suggested she knew she was interrupting something important.

"I'm heading out now," she said.

Then she looked at me.

"Do you still want a ride home?"

Before I could answer, she turned to Chris.

"Hi, Mr. Clarke. I'm Vanessa Murray. It's nice to officially meet you."

Chris stood and shook her hand.

"It's nice to meet you too, Vanessa."

Then he added casually,

"I'll be heading out shortly. If Stephanie is comfortable with it, Cameron and I can drop her home.”

Vanessa immediately smiled.

"That's perfectly fine."

Of course it was.

Traitor.

"See you Monday, Stef," she said before walking away.

Leaving me alone with him.

Again.

Chris turned toward me.

"Ready to go?"

"Sure."

"I'm meeting my friend at the entrance."

"I just need to grab my purse first."

Instead of waiting at the door, he followed me back to my table to retrieve my purse and walked beside me all the way to the lobby entrance.

Outside, another man was waiting.

"Cameron," Chris introduced. "One of my most trustworthy friends and colleagues."

Cameron greeted me warmly before climbing into the driver's seat.

Chris opened the rear passenger door for me.

I slid inside.

Then he climbed in beside me.

Far too close.

To create some breathing room, I shifted toward the opposite side of the seat.

His amused smile suggested he noticed.

"What's your address?" Cameron asked.

I provided it, and he entered it into the navigation system.

A moment later he pressed a button, and a privacy partition slowly rose separating the front and rear compartments.

“I'll give you two some time to talk,” he said as the partition rose and sealed shut.

I stared at it.

Then at Chris.

Then back at it.

My mind was officially struggling to keep up with how the evening had progressed.

Chris chuckled softly.