Evelyn plastered on her most charming smile as she approached the man seated behind his desk, head bent over his laptop. "Good morning, Mr. Stone," she greeted pleasantly.

Derek looked up at the familiar female voice, though he couldn't place it. He was stunned when their eyes met. Those green eyes belonged to the woman who had haunted his thoughts for years—the one who had vanished after their passionate night together.

How could he forget those green eyes? He'd been with countless women, most of whom were blurs, but he couldn't forget her. He remembered the sadness and then the passion burning in those green eyes.

He mused, astonished that they'd crossed paths again, and that she was in his office. She looked different. Her auburn hair, once long and curly, was now a chic pixie cut, giving her a sharper, more professional appearance. Evelyn's smile faltered as she noticed his intense stare. Why was he looking at her like that? Unsure whether to approach or remain where she was, she cleared her throat. "My name is Evelyn Quinn, and I'm from Empowered Magazine," she explained, moving closer to his desk.

Evelyn Quinn. He found it ironic that the name he'd longed to know years ago was now casually offered. He'd agreed to meet with Empowered Magazine as a courtesy, but seeing her, he was glad he'd accepted. When he remained silent and didn't offer her a seat, she looked around the office. "You have a nice office," she said, trying to elicit a response. Though he knew his stare made her uncomfortable, Derek didn't care. Not while she pretended not to remember him.

Instinctively, Evelyn extended her hand. "It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Stone," she said, smiling.

Derek looked down at her hand, then rose and took it. "Have we met before?" he asked, studying her face for any sign of recognition.

Evelyn blinked, confused by his prolonged hold on her hand. "I don't think so," she said, shaking her head.

"Playing coy, are you?" Derek asked, causing her to quickly withdraw her hand.

"What do you mean, Mr. Stone?" she asked. Derek raised an eyebrow, wondering if she was truly pretending or genuinely didn't recognize him. How could she not? How could she forget him after everything they'd shared? He'd lived the past six years with her in his head—her tear-streaked face, her bold demands, her cries of pleasure, her touch—all vivid memories.

"You don't recognize me?" he asked. She frowned.

"Am I supposed to? I think you have the wrong person. I've never been here before and was only sent by my company to try to secure an interview for our next issue," she clarified.

Derek narrowed his eyes, searching for any hint of recognition or mischief—anything to prove he wasn't mistaken. He found nothing. Her wide, innocent green eyes stared back, bruising his ego.

"I see you really don't remember me," he remarked, a flicker of hurt in his eyes.

Evelyn's mind raced. She wasn't good with faces, and she worried about a mistaken identity jeopardizing her interview.

Disbelief washed over Derek. He wouldn't let her forget him so easily. Driven by desperate hope, he circled his desk. Evelyn watched, confused, waiting to see what he would do. As he closed the distance, he saw her nervousness, but he didn't care.

"Perhaps I should leave," Evelyn said as he approached with determined steps.

Standing before her, Derek leaned forward to meet her gaze. "Do you remember me now?" he asked. She shook her head. "I'm sorry, I—"

"Are you married?" Derek interrupted, his eyes going to her ring finger.

"No," she said, frowning at the personal question.

"Engaged? Do you have a boyfriend?" he pressed, hoping to jog her memory—the very questions she'd asked him.

Evelyn shook her head, her brows furrowed. "No. Why are you—"

"That's good. Perfect," Derek said, lowering his lips to hers.