Evelyn arrived at Stone Corp early the next morning, her resolve firm but her nerves frayed. She was anxious about working so closely with Derek. She'd spent a sleepless night dreading the month ahead, knowing one wrong move could ruin everything. She feared not only his discovering Samantha but also falling for him—a possibility she couldn't entirely dismiss. After all, he'd given her the best sex of her life, and for years, she'd fantasized about his touch during self-pleasure, even though she couldn't clearly remember his face.
Today marked the beginning of their project, and she was determined to maintain professionalism despite their complicated past. Approaching his office, she took a deep breath and knocked. Derek had instructed his secretary to always admit her unless he had company. His smooth, confident voice called impatiently, "Come in."
Derek sat behind his desk, frowning slightly over some documents. He looked up, a wide smile spreading across his face when he saw her. "Good morning, Eve. Ready for your first day?" he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. Evelyn scowled at his use of her name. "Obviously, Mr. Stone," she replied tersely. Derek chuckled.
"This side of you amuses me. I never would have imagined it if we hadn't crossed paths again. Back then, you were so innocent yet bold…"
"Can we get started? I'm not here to discuss the past," Evelyn interrupted. Derek grinned, clearly enjoying himself.
"Let's get started, then," he said, gesturing to a seat. "We'll be spending a lot of time together, so let's make this as comfortable as possible," he added, affecting professionalism despite his true intentions.
Evelyn sighed, relieved they were beginning work. "Thanks."
He handed her a folder. "Here. The terms of our arrangement, as discussed." The document outlined her role: accompanying him everywhere, including weekends and trips, and maintaining objective reviews. She frowned at the final clause: she was to be at his beck and call, even outside working hours.
"I can't be at your beck and call like that. Once I'm home, business is suspended until the next day," she said. He shook his head.
"Eve, it's my way or nothing. Besides, how can you object when this arrangement isn't limited to working hours? What if something comes up while you're away?"
Though his argument didn't make sense, she knew she had little choice. "Fine. But I have a few additions."
Derek, though tempted to refuse, decided to listen. "Such as?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I need prior notice for out-of-town travel. And no unannounced visits, like yesterday," she stated firmly. He nodded thoughtfully; these were reasonable.
"I understand, Eve. I'm not unreasonable. If those are your only conditions…"
Emboldened by his agreement, she pushed her luck. "That's not all. You're not allowed to flirt with me…"
"We both know I won't agree to that," he said, shaking his head.
"But Mr. Stone…"
"No buts, Eve," he interrupted gently but firmly. "I agreed to this because I want to spend time with you, get to know you. I'm not changing my mind. I intend to flirt and seduce you if I can," he said, holding her gaze.
Frustration and helplessness washed over Evelyn. He knew she needed this. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Alright. Your way. But I warn you, you'll be wasting your time. I'm not interested, and nothing will change that." Derek grinned, his eyes lingering on her.
"If you say so," he said, handing her a pen.
As she leaned over the desk to sign, Derek circled around and stood behind her. Evelyn tried to ignore his nearness until she felt his breath on her neck.
"Thank you, Eve. By signing this, you've given me your consent to seduce you," he whispered, sending a thrill through her.
Evelyn pushed back from the desk, a shiver running down her spine as their eyes met. Something in his gaze—a mix of challenge and desire—bothered her, despite her better judgment. She looked away from his mischievous grin, her heart racing. "The only agreement I signed was to observe you, on and off the clock, nothing else," she said firmly.
Tension hung in the air before Derek smiled—a slow, confident smile that made her pulse quicken. "I guess we'll have to wait and see, then," he replied, leaning down as he picked up her pen, deliberately brushing her skin.
He chuckled at her sharp intake of breath but said nothing as he returned to his seat. Evelyn tried to ignore the tingling sensation where his hand had touched.
"To save time, perhaps you could move in with me…"
"Don't be ridiculous," she snapped. He chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender.
"I was kidding."
"You better be. What am I supposed to do all day? Hang around your office, stare at you? What's the plan?" she asked irritably.
"For the next month, you'll be my assistant, a mediator between me and my secretary. She'll brief you on my schedule."
"I'm a senior editor, not a secretary," she said with exaggerated patience.
"Don't worry. You'll catch up quickly. Start by preparing my coffee. Ask her how I like it," he said. She eyed him balefully before walking away, her mind racing.
This assignment would be more challenging than anticipated, not just because of the time commitment. Derek Stone was a man who could easily get under her skin, and she needed to stay focused and professional.