The one night stand

Chapter 3

Emily??

Fallon’s voice cut through my thoughts. I blinked, realizing I’d been staring at the ceiling instead of listening to her rant about the bartender’s terrible music choice.

What are you thinking about? Fallon pressed, narrowing her eyes.

I exhaled. Everything. The job offer. The way he looked at me. The little boy. Fallon, something about all this doesn’t feel real.

Fallon plopped onto the couch beside me, stealing my glass of cheap wine. Emily. It’s a golden ticket. He’s rich, powerful, and whether you like him or not, working close to him could change everything for you and Celine.

I frowned. You’re saying I should just say yes?

I’m saying, Fallon leaned closer, lowering her voice, that you’ve been through hell. You’ve carried everything alone. Maybe it’s time you let someone open a door instead of you breaking through one yourself.

Her words stung because they were true. I didn’t want to owe anyone. But I wanted stability for Celine more.

The next morning, I walked into Jacob Hayes’ office with my stomach twisted in knots.

I’ll take the job, I told him, standing tall even though my hands shook. But I have one condition.

His brow arched. His voice was calm, smooth. Which is?

My daughter stays with me. Wherever I go, she goes. That’s non-negotiable.

There was a pause. His gaze flicked over my face like he was reading every c***k and scar life had carved into me. Then, finally, he nodded once. Agreed.

That evening, his driver pulled up outside my apartment. I half expected Fallon to burst into tears waving goodbye as Celine and I climbed in, but instead she winked at me. Don’t forget me when you’re rich.

Celine was buzzing with excitement, clutching her stuffed bunny as the car drove us to the penthouse. My heart, though, hammered with nerves.

The building itself screamed money — sleek, intimidating, the kind of place that made me feel small before I even walked in. When the elevator doors opened into the apartment, Celine’s jaw dropped.

Mommy, it’s bigger than a castle! she squealed, running across the polished floors.

I forced a smile, though my chest ached. She deserved this joy, this wonder. I only hoped it wouldn’t come with a price I couldn’t pay.

****

Later that night, after settling Celine into the guest room, I stepped into the kitchen for water. He was already there, jacket off, sleeves rolled, pouring himself a drink like he owned the world — which, technically, he did.

Long day? I asked before I could stop myself.

He glanced at me, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Then he nodded. Always.

I leaned against the counter, folding my arms. You don’t strike me as someone who needs an assistant. You strike me as someone who scares assistants away.

That earned me a low chuckle. You don’t scare easily, do you?

I lifted my chin. I don’t have time to be scared.

His eyes lingered, heavy, searching. For a moment, silence pressed between us. Then he said, quietly, You’re different.

I didn’t know what to do with that, so I broke the gaze, muttering, Different isn’t always good.

Before either of us could say more, a sharp cry echoed down the hall. Celine.

I darted away instantly, heart racing, but I could feel his gaze still burning into my back as I disappeared into the bedroom.

Jacob’s POV

I poured another glass I didn’t need. My hand tightened around the rim.

She’s not like the others. No rehearsed smiles. No fake sweetness. She looks me in the eye like she’s daring me to blink first.

I should keep my distance. That would be smart. Safe. But my mind wouldn’t let go of one thing — that mark on her shoulder.

It couldn’t be.

I closed my eyes, dragging in a breath. Three years ago, a night that was supposed to be meaningless had branded itself into my memory. She’d vanished before sunrise, leaving me with nothing but the memory of her laughter and that one small mole I’d traced with my lips.

And tonight, when I’d glimpsed Emily in the kitchen light…

*****

Emily’s POV

I tucked Celine back into bed, smoothing her curls until her tiny fists unclenched. By the time I padded back into the kitchen, Jacob was still there, leaning against the counter like a man who hadn’t moved an inch.

You’re good with her, he said softly.

I shrugged, avoiding his gaze. She’s my whole world.

Something in his expression shifted, softened in a way I hadn’t seen before. And then, as if the silence between us pulled tighter and tighter until it snapped, I found myself standing closer. Too close.

I should have stepped back. Instead, I lifted my chin. His hand brushed my jaw, tentative but firm, tilting my face up.

This is a mistake, I whispered.

Maybe, he murmured back. And then his mouth was on mine.

The kiss was nothing like I expected — not polished or practiced. Raw. Demanding. A question and an answer all at once. My hands gripped his shirt without meaning to, my heart slamming against my ribs.

His fingers tugged at my blouse, unbuttoning, searching. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. Then he stopped, gaze flicking to my shoulder.

A mole. His hand hovered over it. His brows furrowed for a second, as if something tugged at the edges of his memory. But just as quickly, he blinked it away. Coincidence. That’s all.

Before either of us could say another word, Celine’s cry split the silence. I pulled back like I’d been burned, rushing to her room. The spell was broken, replaced by awkwardness hanging thick in the air.

****

The next morning

The next morning, sunlight spilled across the penthouse. I was still reeling from the night before, replaying the kiss, hating that I wanted more. Celine and max(Jacob’s son) was happily munching cereal at the table when the doorbell rang.

I frowned. We weren’t expecting anyone.

I crossed the room, tugging the robe tighter around me, and pulled the door open.

My breath caught. My stomach dropped.

What are you doing here?