Evelyn arrived at the office the next day with a sense of determination mixed with caution. Although she had acted bravely during her exchange with Michael the previous day, she worried that Derek might cancel the interview if Michael told him who she was. She wouldn't let him back out of their arrangement, not after spending over a week doing his bidding and following him around like a puppet.

As she rode the elevator, she clung to the hope that Derek hadn't contacted her since the previous day, assuming this meant nothing had changed. Working at Stone Corp was demanding, and she couldn't wait for the month to end so she wouldn't have to worry about seeing Michael or being pursued by Derek. Reaching Derek's office lobby, his secretary gestured for her to enter. She took a deep breath and stepped into his office.

"Good morning, Mr. Stone," she greeted, seeing him focused on his computer. She held her breath, curious to know if Michael had said anything.

Derek glanced up and smiled briefly. "Good morning, Eve. I need a moment to respond to an email," he explained, returning to his work.

Seeing how busy he was, she decided to get him coffee, as usual. "I'll get your coffee," she said, and without waiting for a response, headed to the coffee room, needing the mundane task to calm her nerves.

It seemed Michael hadn't said anything. Or had he? Was Derek ignoring Michael and choosing to honor their agreement? She mused as she entered the coffee room. The machine hummed softly, filling the room with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. She poured a cup, added Derek's preferred amount of sugar and cream, and carefully carried it back to his office.

"Your coffee," she said. Derek looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Thank you, Eve," he said, reaching for the coffee. As he took it, his fingers brushed against hers, lingering a moment too long as he held her gaze.

The contact, though expected, made her flinch. In her haste to pull away, the coffee cup slipped from her grasp, falling onto the desk. Some of the contents splashed onto Derek's lap and soaked some documents before hitting the ground.

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat; a wave of anxiety washed over her. "Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, quickly reaching for her handkerchief. She couldn't believe that, worried about Michael's conversation with Derek, she'd forgotten to maintain her guard around Derek. How could she have momentarily forgotten that, despite his better behavior the previous day, he was unpredictable and could change unexpectedly, just like with the lunch incident? She mused, grabbing tissues to soak up the coffee.

She went around the desk and knelt, dabbing at the stain on his clothes, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry," she repeated.

When Derek remained silent, she looked up, curious about his lack of reaction. Evelyn's brow furrowed when she was met with an infuriating grin. "Why did you stop?" he asked, his voice low and teasing. Her frown deepened.

She glanced at her hands resting on his thigh and quickly snatched them away, realizing how intimate the scene appeared. Evelyn's face turned crimson. She stood abruptly, throwing the tissues in the trash. "I think I've cleaned it all up," she said, stepping back.

Her pulse raced as she tried to regain her composure. Before she could move further, Derek's hand shot out, grasping her wrist. "I don't think so," he said, pulling her closer, his eyes holding hers. "We're in your office. Anyone could walk in, and this wouldn't look good for either of us," Evelyn said, looking away and trying to sound reasonable despite her racing heart. Derek grinned. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, dabbing at a stain on her blouse.

"You also have some coffee stains on your clothes," he pointed out.

"Oh! Thanks," she said, flushing as she withdrew her hand. "I'll take care of it myself. Thanks," she repeated.

"I think my thigh is scalded," he murmured, rubbing his thigh.

Concern filled Evelyn's eyes. "I'm sorry. Maybe you should go to the"

"It's okay. I don't think it's that serious. Just get me another coffee while I change. I have some spare clothes here," Derek said, reverting to his professional demeanor.

Evelyn nodded. "What about the documents and the floor?"

"Don't worry. My secretary will take care of it. Ask her to come in on your way out," Derek said. Evelyn nodded before leaving the office.

She breathed deeply after closing the door and quickly informed Derek's secretary that Derek needed her. By the time Evelyn returned with the coffee, he had changed, and his secretary was gone.

"So, what's on my schedule today?" Derek asked. Evelyn read his schedule.

"By the way, where's your secretary? I didn't see her outside," Evelyn asked.

"She went to get something for my thigh," he said, and Evelyn's eyes widened.

"I'm so sorry"

"If you are, go on a date with me," Derek suggested.

"No."

"Okay," he said with a grin, choosing not to press, already having a plan in mind.