The Kiss

Susan

The morning sun streamed through the blinds in my new office, but the brightness only added to the headache pulsing behind my eyes. A new office...one I hadn’t asked for, didn’t want, and was now forced to occupy.

I stood by the window, gripping a coffee cup that was still too hot to drink. The view was stunning, I had to admit. The city sprawled out before me, glittering and bustling with life. But no amount of scenic inspiration could drown out the irritation boiling inside me.

Why did Elliot Prescott think he had the right to decide where I worked? A private office was unnecessary. I had been perfectly fine in the shared workspace with the team. I didn’t need a sleek desk, plush chairs, and a coffee machine all to myself.

And worst of all, it was right next to his office.

It wasn’t just the proximity that bothered me...it was what it implied. He wanted to keep an eye on me. Micromanage me. Maybe even unnerve me. Well, it was working.

A knock on the door jolted me from my spiraling thoughts. I turned to see Gerald, clipboard in hand and an apologetic smile plastered on his face.

“Good morning, Ms. Hart,” he said, stepping inside. “How’s the new office treating you?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Was this your idea?”

He laughed nervously. “Oh, no. This was entirely Mr. Prescott’s decision. He was...adamant.”

Of course he was.

“Well,” I said, forcing a tight smile, “it’s fine.”

Gerald nodded, his relief evident. “Great. I’m here to brief you on today’s agenda.”

As he went through the list of tasks, I half-listened, my thoughts drifting back to Elliot. What was his game here? Was this about control? Power? Or was he just trying to throw me off balance?

When Gerald finally left, I sat down at my desk, tapping my fingers against the polished surface. The anger from yesterday’s gala still simmered beneath the surface, mixing with something else...something I didn’t want to name.

I had spent the night replaying every moment in my head: Elliot’s smirks, his biting comments, the way his eyes lingered on me in that dress. And then there was the way he had glowered when I laughed with that stranger.

Why did he even care?

The intercom on my desk buzzed, interrupting my thoughts. I pressed the button.

“Ms. Hart,” Elliot’s deep voice came through, smooth and calculated, “can you step into my office? We need to discuss the marketing strategy for the upcoming campaign.”

I gritted my teeth. Of course he wanted to talk now.

“I’ll be there in five,” I replied curtly, releasing the button before he could say anything else.

I stood, smoothing down my skirt and straightening my blouse. If Elliot wanted a battle of wits today, I’d make sure I was ready.

As I walked to his office, I could feel my pulse quicken...not from fear, but from the anticipation of whatever twisted game we were about to play next.

****

Elliot

I stood at the window of my office, watching the city hum with life below. My morning had been productive, and I was feeling particularly pleased with myself. Susan’s reaction to her new office had been priceless...equal parts annoyance and disbelief. Watching her frown at the setup on the security feed had been the highlight of my day so far.

I didn’t even know why I’d done it, honestly. There was no grand strategy behind relocating her next to me, no long-term plan. But something about having her nearby felt... right. Convenient, maybe. Or entertaining. Definitely entertaining.

The intercom buzzed. “Mr. Prescott, Ms. Hart is on her way to your office,” my assistant informed me.

“Thank you,” I replied, smoothing the lapels of my suit. I glanced at my desk, ensuring everything was in order.

Then the door opened without a knock.

Susan walked in, her eyes immediately locking on me...and freezing in place.

It took me a second to realize what had happened. Or rather, what it looked like.

Leila, a woman I’d briefly dated ages ago, was standing too close. She’d stopped by unannounced, a detail I now regretted. The kiss she’d planted on my cheek moments ago, though entirely one-sided, hadn’t done me any favors.

Susan’s expression was unreadable at first, her eyes darting between me and Leila like she was processing a puzzle that didn’t make sense.

Leila turned, clearly delighted to have an audience. “Oh, you must be Susan,” she said, her voice saccharine and dripping with curiosity.

I stepped back, creating space between Leila and me. “Susan,” I started, “this isn’t...”

“Don’t let me interrupt,” she cut in, her voice sharp enough to draw blood. Her lips curved into a tight, humorless smile. “I didn’t realize you were busy, Mr. Prescott.”

The formal tone in her voice made something in my chest tighten.

Leila, oblivious...or maybe entirely aware of the tension...laughed lightly. “Busy? Oh, Elliot and I go way back. Don’t we, darling?”

“Leila,” I said through clenched teeth, my patience wearing thin, “this isn’t the time.”

Susan crossed her arms, the fire in her eyes now unmistakable. “I can see that. I’ll reschedule.” She turned on her heel and headed for the door.

“Susan, wait,” I called after her, but she was already gone, the door closing behind her with a definitive click.

Leila let out an exaggerated sigh, clearly enjoying the drama. “She seems nice,” she said with a smirk, her tone laced with faux innocence.

“Leila,” I snapped, my frustration bubbling over, “get out.”

Her smile faltered for a moment before she recovered, shrugging dramatically. “Fine, fine. No need to be rude.” She grabbed her bag and strutted out, leaving behind a cloud of expensive perfume and irritation.

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. The situation couldn’t have looked worse if I’d planned it. And the look on Susan’s face…

Why did it matter so much?

I sank into my chair, staring at the door. Susan had been angry, yes...but more than that, she’d looked hurt. And for some reason, that bothered me more than I wanted to admit.