The conference room buzzed with chatter. Amara clucked her notebook, heart pounding as she prepared for the meeting . The CEO's assistant had warned her – Ethan Harrington would be attending, and he was notorious for being tough on presentations.
Ethan notices Amara again, initiates small talk.
Ethan walked in, eyes scanning the room before landing on Amara . "You're the assistant, right? Amara?" he asked, with a faint smile. Amara nodded, trying to hide her nerves .
"Yes… that's me," she replied, trying to sound confident. Ethan's gaze lingered, making her feel like he saw right through her .
Lola whispered: "He seems interested… don't mess it up, Amara" . Tobi gave her a thumbs-up from across the room .
Internal thought: "I hope he never finds out about my student loans" . Amara pushed the thought aside, focusing on the meeting.
Ethan sat near her, occasionally glancing over . Amara felt her cheeks heat up – was he checking her out?
As the meeting ended, Ethan caught her eye. "Amara, can I have a word?" he said, voice low .
The meeting wrapped up, and colleagues began filing out. Amara lingered, notebook clucked tight . Ethan approached, expression thoughtful . "Great presentation. I'd like to discuss some ideas with you."
Amara nodded, trying to sound professional. "Of course, Mr. Harrington."
"Ethan," he corrected, smiling . "Let's grab coffee."
As they walked out, Lola raised an eyebrow . "Good luck," she whispered.
They ended up at a quiet café nearby. Ethan leaned in, eyes sparkling . "I wanted to apologize again for the shoe."
Amara laughed. "It's fine, really."
Ethan's gaze locked onto hers. "I'm glad it happened. I wouldn't have met you otherwise."
The air thickened. Amara felt her heart flutter …
Their coffee arrived. Ethan reached out, brushing a crumb off her lip . "You had…"
The touch sent shivers down her spine . "Thanks," she mumbled.
Ethan leaned back, eyes never leaving hers. "So, Amara… what do you like to do outside work?"
As they talked, Amara found herself laughing more – Ethan was witty, charming, and actually listened . They discovered shared loves: books, hiking, old movies.
Time flew by. "I didn't realize it's so late," Amara said, checking her phone .
Ethan smiled softly. "I don't either. Want to grab dinner with me?"
Amara hesitated for a split second… then nodded .
Dinner was at a rooftop restaurant with city views . They talked more, their legs brushing under the table. Amara didn't pull away .
As dessert arrived, Ethan leaned in. "You're amazing, Amara."
Her heart skipped. "You're pretty great too," she whispered back
Ethan's phone buzzed. He glanced at it, expression darkening . "Sorry, I have to—"
Amara's phone buzzed too. A message from an unknown number: "He's not who you think he is."
Amara's eyes widened. Ethan followed her gaze, frowning. "What's wrong?"
Amara forced a smile. "Nothing. Just… got a weird message."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Who's it from?"
Amara hesitated… then her phone buzzed again: "Ask him about Sara."