EVERETT

For the first time in my life, I wanted to kiss a man so much but not fall for him; I liked seeing him blush and become speechless around me. It would be nice if he remembered the moment we met, like a fleeting spell of enchantment.

I left the office at lunchtime to see if he had already departed. I walked to his office, but his desk was vacant. I thought I might have lunch with him if he were there. So, I returned to my office and began researching my new target company. I discovered Parker's company, which was established recently, and its profits were skyrocketing. There were no loopholes.

I sent an email to Parker's company proposing a collaboration. It was time to take a break. I passed by Edwin's office and saw him staring intently at his computer, so focused that he didn't notice me sneaking up behind him to see what was happening. His computer was being hacked, and he was struggling to fight back. His fingers were typing rapidly, but he couldn't control the situation.

I tapped on his shoulder and whispered, "Calm down," in his ear, causing him to shiver slightly.

"Get up from your seat, Mr. Edwin," I commanded, a bit jealous of the time he was spending on this problem.

He turned to protest, looking confused and frustrated, but I cut him off with a firm, steady voice, "I told you to get up."

This time, he obeyed, standing up reluctantly. As I took his seat, our hands brushed briefly, sending a small jolt through me. I began typing quickly, determined to take control of the situation.

"How do you still have this picture?" I asked, seeing my reflection on his screen as I controlled the network through my phone.

Edwin stood beside me, staring. I stepped closer to him until his back was against the wall. We were just inches apart.

"So you do remember me, Mr. Edwin," I said, my voice soft but commanding.

"Yes... Yes, how could I forget such a beautiful woman who made me think all night and lose sleep?" His voice wavered slightly, betraying his nervousness.

I raised an eyebrow, leaning in closer. "Hmm... Is that so?"

He swallowed hard, his eyes locked on mine. "So, you remember me too, Ms. Everett?"

"Of course I do, Mr. Edwin. Forgetting you would be a mistake I do not want to make." I let my gaze linger on his lips before meeting his eyes again.

"Hmmm..." he murmured, his breath hitching.

"I deleted the photos, so how did you get them back?" I asked, my tone a mix of curiosity and challenge.

"I undid the deletion," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

"So, there's a way to undo them," I noted, leaning in so close that our noses almost touched.

"Yes," he breathed, his eyes flickering with a mix of fear and anticipation.

I smirked, pulling back just a bit. "I think I've exceeded my break time. I need to go. See you again, Mr. Edwin," I said, turning to leave the office.

"How can I repay your favor?" he asked, desperation edging his voice.

I paused at the doorway, looking back at him with a sly smile. "Have dinner with me tonight."

Later that night, he leaned against the wall of the elevator, waiting for me. His stance was perfect, exuding a mix of confidence and vulnerability that made my heart race.

He held his suit jacket in one hand, half-rolling up his sleeves to show his veiny forearms. I was so close, caught up in the moment, when he said, "Would you stop staring at me with those dreamy eyes, Ms. Everett?"

"Oh, y-yes," I stammered, coming back to reality.

"Are you interested in me, Ms. Everett?" he asked, with a playful yet serious tone.

"If you're asking if I'm interested in you, then yes," I replied confidently.

"But if you're asking if I like you, then the answer is no," I added with a teasing smile, hoping to keep things light.

He looked a bit disappointed, his expression shifting from playful to unsure. "Oh, really?"

"Yes, really," I said, trying to ease the awkwardness.

Just then, the door opened, interrupting us.

We got in the car and drove to the restaurant, the atmosphere between us now charged with a mix of curiosity and quiet tension.