After breakfast, Derek gave Evelyn a tour of the resort. As they strolled along the cobblestone paths lined with beautiful flowers, he pointed out various amenities.

"That's the spa, and over there is the fitness center. The public pools are on the other side of the resort, each with its unique style," Derek said. Evelyn nodded, admiring the resort's beauty.

It was paradise, and despite her reservations about Derek, she found herself enchanted and enjoying herself.

As they passed a lush garden, Derek's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and smiled, seeing that it was Michael.

"Excuse me," Derek said to Evelyn before answering.

"Hey, what's up?" Derek asked.

"Where are you! Did you forget we had plans? I went to the hotel to work out together, but you weren't there. Did you go home?"

"No. I forgot. I'm sorry. Something came up; I'm on a business trip in Varis," Derek replied casually.

Michael frowned, intrigued. "Varis? What happened? Is everything okay?"

Before Derek could answer, Evelyn's phone rang. She glanced at the screen, saw it was Maya, quickly looked at Derek, and said, "I need to take this. I'll be right back."

She stepped away, giving Derek space to speak with Samantha (Maya had been asked to call when they were leaving for the amusement park).

"Is that the empowered lady you clearly said was away, just now?" Michael asked, frowning. He was confused to hear Evelyn's voice when Derek claimed to be on a business trip.

Derek hesitated, then nodded (though Michael couldn't see him). "Yes, Mike, I brought her with me." Michael's anger flared; he knew Evelyn was with Derek.

Though furious, he controlled himself. Taking a deep breath, he said, "You brought her? Why? She's not your secretary."

"It's part of letting her get to know me before the interview…"

"Still, aren't you trusting her too much? Taking her on business trips?" Michael asked. Derek sighed.

"I understand your concerns, Mike, but don't worry. I know what I'm doing," Derek said. Michael rolled his eyes.

"Alright. You're in Varis. What about the party tomorrow? Don't tell me you'll miss it," Michael said. Derek chuckled. "I've been waiting for you to ask that."

"Is that your way of saying you'll miss it?" Michael asked, worried Derek would ruin their plan.

"Don't worry. I won't miss it. I said I'd go, so I will be back in time," Derek assured him. Michael smiled, relieved.

"Okay then. I'll leave you to your work," Michael said, hanging up.

Once Evelyn finished her call with Samantha, she saw Derek was done. "Is everything okay?" he asked. She nodded.

"Sure," she said, and they resumed their tour.

After the tour, Evelyn successfully kept Derek outside with her. Evening arrived, and as they returned to their suite after dinner, she felt anxious.

"I'll shower quickly," Derek said, before Evelyn could. She wondered why he always showered first.

"Why don't I shower first?" she asked. He smiled.

"Because then you'd go to bed before I get out, and I don't want that," he said. She sighed.

"It makes no difference," she said, deciding to shower after him and avoid his advances, like the previous day.

"Oh, it does. You'll see," Derek winked, entering the bathroom.

While waiting, Evelyn couldn't stop thinking about the half-naked Derek from that morning. To distract herself, she went to the balcony and called Maya to check on Samantha, who was exhausted from the amusement park and already in bed. Evelyn told Samantha a bedtime story. Derek emerged from the shower and, not finding her, reached for his phone to call. He saw the balcony door open, set down his phone, and went to her instead.

By the time Derek joined her, Samantha had fallen asleep, and Evelyn was talking to Maya. He snuck up, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her neck, making her freeze. Her heart raced; the warmth of his breath sent shivers down her spine. Conflicting emotions surged; part of her wanted to pull away, while another part was tempted to give in.

"Stop," she said, her voice trembling as she tried to maintain composure on the phone.

Maya's voice crackled, "Are you still there?"

"Yes, sorry," Evelyn replied, steadier now. "I'll call you tomorrow."

She hung up, turning to face Derek. She realized her mistake; she should have run. His intense gaze stole her breath. They stood there, the tension palpable.

"Why are you doing this?" she whispered.

"Because I can't stop thinking about you," Derek admitted, his voice low and sincere. He leaned closer, his lips near hers.

"You're driving me crazy, Eve. I've never wanted anything as much as I want you. I long for you. I long to feel your skin against mine. I want to hear you moan my name. I crave the taste of your lips," he whispered huskily, cupping her cheek.

Her resolve wavered. He slowly closed the distance, capturing her lips in a soft, lingering kiss.

The passage ends abruptly here.