+25 BONUS
Chapter 273
Madison
I shook my head with a smile as I closed the bathroom door behind me. The shower hissed to life, steam quickly filling the small space as I stepped under the hot spray. Water cascaded down my back, and I closed my eyes, letting it wash over me.
Of course, my mind immediately drifted to Alexander.
His words from last night echoed in my head, mixing with the steady drumbeat of water against the tile. What did he mean by “more“? More time? More control? More… us?
I scrubbed shampoo into my hair with unnecessary force. The man was infuriating. One minute, it was all business; the next, looking at me with those intense eyes that made my knees weak. And now he wanted to make our arrangement public? Absolutely not.
“Just a contract,” I reminded myself, rinsing my hair. “Just business.”
But business deals didn’t usually involve meeting mothers or late–night whiskey conversations or the way his hand felt at the small of my back.
I groaned, turning my face directly into the spray. Today was going to be awkward. After our conversation last night, facing Alexander at work would be… complicated. Would he bring it up again? Would he act like nothing happened? Would he be cold and distant or warm and flirtatious?
“Stop overthinking,” I muttered, turning off the water with a decisive twist. “Just do your job.”
I toweled off quickly and wrapped myself in my robe, padding to my bedroom to choose an outfit. Something professional but confident. Something that said “I’m your project manager, not just your fake girlfriend.”
I settled on a navy pencil skirt and cream blouse, adding a structured blazer that made my shoulders look broader and more authoritative. Power dressing 101.
After applying minimal makeup and twisting my hair into a neat bun, I gave myself a once–over in the mirror.
“You’ve got this,” I told my reflection firmly. “It’s just another day at the office.”
My reflection looked unconvinced.
I grabbed my purse and then headed to the kitchen, where Mom was thumbing through another magazine.
“I’m heading out,” I announced, dropping a kiss on the top of her head. “Call me if you need anything. I mean it.
11
“I’ll be fine,” she said, waving me off without looking up. “I have my pills, the TV remote, and enough snacks to last through the apocalypse,”
“Mom, I’m serious.”
She finally looked up, her expression softening. “I know, sweetheart. I’ll call if I need anything, I promise.” She patted my hand. “Now go work hard and impress that handsome boss of yours.”
1/3
Chapter 273
+25 BONUS
“That’s not “I stopped myself. There was no point arguing. “I’ll be back this evening.”
“Bring Alexander for dinner!” she called as I headed for the door.
“Goodbye, Mom!”
Her laughter followed me into the hallway.
The morning commute was its usual chaotic blend of honking cabs and hurried pedestrians.
After three attempts, I managed to flag down a cab, sliding into the backseat with a relieved sigh.
The driver pulled into traffic with a jerk that sent me against the seat. It was a perfect start to what promised to be an awkward day.
I scrolled through my inbox, prioritizing messages that needed immediate attention. Three from the development team, one from the contractor about material delays, and one from Alexander with the subject line “Today’s Schedule.”
My finger hovered over it for a moment before I clicked, scanning the contents quickly. Standard meeting notifications, nothing personal. No mention of last night’s conversation. I wasn’t sure if that was a relief or a disappointment.
The cab lurched to a stop at a red light, and I glanced out the window, watching a man in a business suit chase after a runaway umbrella. The sight made me smile despite my nerves.
“Traffic bad today,” the driver commented, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.
“When isn’t it?” I replied, tucking my phone into my purse.
He laughed. “True, true. You work at Knight Industries?”
“I do.”
“It’s a big, fancy place. My cousin cleans there at night. Says the boss is…” he paused, searching for the right word: “particular.”
I bit back a smile. “That’s one way to put it.”
“You know him? The big boss?”
If only he knew. “We’ve met.”
The driver nodded sagely. “Important man. Very rich.” He glanced at me in the rearview mirror. “Very handsome too, my wife says.”
I nearly choked. “I wouldn’t know.”
“Women always notice these things,” he said with absolute certainty, pulling up to the curb outside the office building. “Here we are.”
I paid the fare, adding a generous tip. “Have a good day.”
2/3
Chapter 273
“You too, miss. Stay dry!”
I glanced up, noticing dark clouds gathering overhead. Great. I’d forgotten my umbrella.
+25 BONUS
The lobby bustled with the usual morning activity: security guards checking IDs, employees clutching coffee cups, and the occasional visitor looking lost. I nodded to the security guard who had been working here since before I started.
The elevator was mercifully empty. I used the brief ride to check my reflection in the mirrored walls, smoothing stray hair back into my bun. Professional. Composed. Not at all affected by last night’s conversation.
My desk was just as I had left it yesterday. I settled into my chair, booting up my computer and organizing my tasks for the day. First, check Alexander’s calendar. Then, review the Manhattan project files. Then-
My desk phone rang, startling me.
“Madison Harper speaking.”
“Ms. Harper.” Alexander’s voice was cool and professional. “My office.”
He hung up before I could respond. Typical.
I grabbed my tablet and a notepad, smoothing my skirt as I stood. What did he want to discuss? The Manhattan Project? Last night’s conversation? The way his eyes had lingered on me as he’d said “And if I want more?”
Stop it, I scolded myself. This is work. He’s your boss. Act like it.
I knocked on his office door, two sharp raps.
“Enter.”
I pushed the door open, stepping into the familiar space. Alexander stood by the window, his back to me, hands clasped behind him. The morning light outlined his broad shoulders, catching in his hair.
“You wanted to see me, Mr. Knight?” I kept my voice steady and professional.
He turned slowly, his expression unreadable. “Close the door, Ms. Harper.”
I did as instructed, my heart racing despite my best efforts to remain calm. Was this about last night? About our arrangement?
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
