Unexpected Encounter

Chris’s lips curled into a soft, knowing smile. But his eyes searched hers carefully, as if giving her the space to change her mind.

“Are sure about that?” he asked and Emma nodded.

“Sure. So, should we leave now?” she asked and he smiled.

“Yeah,” he murmured. “Let's go.”

They arrived at the suite in a comfortable silence, the soft click of the door closing behind them louder than it should have been.

He stood a few feet away, watching her like she was something fragile, his usual confidence tempered with a quiet patience.

“You sure you’re okay?” he asked, voice softer now.

Emma nodded, her heart thudding too loudly in her chest. “Yeah. I just… I don’t want to think tonight. I just want to feel something else.”

“Something like what?” he asked, his gaze held hers for a moment, searching.

Emma looked at him and without a second thought, she closed the distance between then, stood on tiptoes and kissed him.

Though he didn't usually kiss or make out with girls he just met, Chris drew her closer and kissed her back with equal passion.

The kiss was tentative at first, soft, searching—until the tension that had been building all night shattered.

Her hands fisted gently in his shirt as he deepened the kiss, one hand sliding up to cradle her face, the other pressing against the small of her back to keep her close. And in that moment, the ache she’d been carrying, the loneliness, the heartbreak—it all melted away.

All she could think about was just him. Just this.

Hours passed in a blur of whispered words and lingering touches. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Emma let herself get lost in the feeling.

The next day, the city was still dark when Emma woke.

Chris’s arm was draped loosely over her waist, his breathing slow and steady as he slept, the golden light of dawn just beginning to creep through the curtains.

But the peace she’d felt the night before was already unraveling.

What had she done?

Slipping carefully from the bed, she dressed in silence, her heart tightening with every step she took toward the door. She paused only for a moment, glancing back at him—so calm, so unguarded in sleep.

This wasn’t me, she reminded herself, the ache returning full force.

Deciding to clear the air and not make it seem like she had used him to satisfy her sexual urge, she turned back and picked up a pen from her purse.

She looked around searching for a piece of paper or anything she could use to apologize and when she finally saw a note lying on the night stand, she picked it up, scrambling some words.

Words that were simple yet heartfelt.

“Thank you for last night and I’m sorry I have to leave this way.”

Once she was done, she walked out. As Emma flagged down a taxi and headed home, all she could pray for was that her sister wasn't back so she wouldn't have to answer questions.

Thankfully, when she arrived home, Evelyn wasn't back so she took off her clothes and climbed the bed, pretending to have been asleep.

On Monday morning, Emma stood outside the building of JB Enterprise, her heart beating really fast.

Though she had just gotten off the phone with Ivy a while ago where Ivy had assured her everything would be fine, Emma couldn't help feeling nervous.

What if nothing goes as planned and she's caught?

Maybe she should just go back? She mused and then sighed. She wouldn't waste Ivy's effort and generosity. She told herself as she braced herself and walked into the elevator.

Because of her anxiety, the elevator ride felt short.

Emma adjusted the hem of her blouse for the third time, her pulse racing as the numbers climbed closer to the top floor. First day. New job. New life.

You can do this. She told herself for what seemed like the hundredth time that morning.

But when the receptionist at the front desk directed her to the CEO's office, the words felt like static in her ears.

Directly to the CEO? What would he be like? Would he interview her or was she to just start the job?

Steeling herself for the worse, she knocked softly, her stomach twisting into knots.

“Come in,” she heard from the other side of the office.

She took a deep breath before swinging the door open.

Emma's breath caught in her throat when she saw the man in the CEO'S office.

It was Chris. Or maybe she was mistaken? Maybe she was thinking too much about how great the sex was that she was beginning to see Chris everywhere. She told herself as she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply before opening them again.

Seated behind the massive desk, sleek suit perfectly tailored, eyes lifting from his laptop—and freezing when they locked with hers.

Shock flickered across his face and then recognition. It was the girl from the bar. The one that had left after giving him the best sex of his life.

What was she doing here when he was supposed to be interviewing his new secretary?

Or was she.... it can't be. Was this the job she was talking about? The same one her friend passed over to her?

It had to be because her name was Emma but his secretary's name is Ivy Anderson.

Wow!