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I clamp my mouth shut as her gaze darts to the door, which stands slightly ajar.
“We both know it was a mistake.”
I clear my throat. “How so”
Ana chews her lip and swallows hard before meeting my gaze. “I wish it didn't have to be like this,” she whispers. “But I can’t afford to be the girl who bangs her boss.”
She’s pulling back.
My hand unconsciously wanders up to my neck and rubs the sensitive skin. I hate it, but I can't deny the truth.
If word gets out, it could ruin her reputation. Not to mention jeopardize the progress I've made with securing enough shares to dismantle the board.
My stomach ties itself in knots. I don't want to mess this up, but every time she's near, all I can think about is how much I want her.
She needs time.
“Let's just… try to be professional, okay?” Ana takes a deep breath and moves a few steps backward.
Immediately, I miss her proximity.
“For now,” I reply, forcing myself to stop staring at her. “So, what's next on the agenda?”
She’s afraid. I will give her the time she needs.
“A meeting with the design team in thirty minutes.” Her voice is clipped and stern as she glances at her folder, slipping back effortlessly into her assistant role. “And we need to finalize the budget proposal for the foundation.”
“Right.” I nod, forcing my mind to stay on the list of tasks ahead as I mentally check them off one by one. As much as I want to forget about last night, there is not a single part of me that regrets it.
We can take it slow, if that’s what she needs.
“Let's get started then.”
I follow her back to my desk, and it's a conscious effort not to let my gaze linger too long on the way her hips sway.
* * *
The tensionbetween us hangs heavy in the air as we stand outside the meeting room, waiting to present our idea for a non-profit organization that will support under privileged children in the community.
I wish I could say it was just nerves.
Even though there's nearly a foot of space between Ana and me, her presence pulls me inward like a magnet. Every impulse in my body is aching to claim her and never let go.
“Ready?” I glance at her and hold back a gasp. She looks beautiful. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a tight bun and her blue eyes are focused and determined.
“Ready,” she replies, meeting my gaze with a sharp nod. “Let's do this.”
I push open the door, and we step inside, our polished shoes clicking on the marble floor.
Two middle-aged men in crisp suits sit across a long, gleaming conference table. Their faces are neutral but expectant. I swallow hard, then clear my throat and roll my shoulders back as I straighten my tie. I approach one of the men, who promptly stands up as I hold out my hand.
“Good morning, gentlemen. I'm Brando Sanders, CEO of Sanders International, and this is my assistant, Ana Layne.”
“Nice to meet you both.” He clasps my hand in a firm grip.
“I’m Lance, and this is my associate, Ethan.” He nods to the other man, whom I give a tight smile.
Ana's fingers tremble as she reaches out to greet them, but she manages to keep her composure as we all slide into chairs around the table.
