Friday evening was supposed to be ordinary—close the office, go home, maybe order takeout and collapse into bed. But working for Ethan Carter had a way of twisting the ordinary into something else entirely.
“Selena,” his deep voice called from his office just as she was shutting down her computer.
She stilled, glanced at the clock. Almost 7:30 p.m. Everyone else had gone hours ago.
“Yes, Mr. Carter?” she asked, stepping into the doorway.
He was shrugging into his jacket, smooth and effortless, like even that small motion had been designed to command attention. “There’s a client dinner tonight. My assistant usually attends.”
Her brows lifted. “I wasn’t informed—”
“I’m informing you now.” His tone left no room for argument. “Car’s downstairs in twenty minutes.”
Before she could reply, he brushed past her, cologne trailing in his wake—clean, dark, addictive. She exhaled slowly. Dinner with him? With clients? This wasn’t in her job description.
The restaurant was a vision of sophistication—dim lights, crystal glasses, a grand piano playing softly in the corner. Selena felt every eye turn when she walked in beside Ethan. His tailored suit, her fitted dress—they looked like they belonged together, though the thought made her stomach twist.
He placed a steadying hand at the small of her back as they were led to the private dining room. The gesture was subtle, almost professional… yet it set her skin on fire.
The clients were two older executives, charming but shrewd. Selena stayed quiet at first, taking notes when necessary, but Ethan drew her into the conversation effortlessly.
“Selena,” he said suddenly, turning his gaze on her. “What’s your perspective on integrating design with AI-driven solutions?”
Her throat went dry. She hadn’t expected to speak. But the way he looked at her—calm, confident, as if he knew she could handle it—forced her to find her voice.
“Well…” she began, smoothing her dress under the table. “It’s not just about efficiency. Design connects emotionally. AI can enhance that, but it can’t replace the human instinct behind it.”
There was a pause. Then one of the executives chuckled. “Smart girl. She’ll go far in your company, Carter.”
Selena flushed, ducking her head slightly, but Ethan’s smirk was unmistakable. Pride. Possession. Something in between.
Dinner flowed, wine poured, laughter filled the air. And yet, beneath it all, tension simmered between them like a secret flame.
When the clients finally left, Ethan escorted her outside. The city night stretched before them—bright, alive, dangerous.
“You handled yourself well,” he said, his voice lower now, stripped of the formal edge he used around others.
“Thank you,” she replied softly, hugging her coat tighter. “Though a little warning would’ve helped.”
He stepped closer, eyes gleaming under the streetlight. “But then I wouldn’t have seen how you perform under pressure.”
Her breath caught. The way he said it… it didn’t sound like he was talking about business anymore.
For a moment, the night was silent but for the rush of cars in the distance. His gaze lingered on her lips, almost too long.
Then, like always, he pulled back—cool, controlled, unreadable. “Your car’s waiting. Get some rest. Monday will be… demanding.”
She slipped into the black car, heart racing, mind a storm. She hated how much power he had over her. She hated how much she wanted more.
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