Chapter 23 Chocolate Cake and Confessions
Chapter 23 Chocolate Cake and Confessions
Hazel’s POV
I settled back at my desk as the workday wound down. The afternoon tasks kept my hands busy while my mind processed everything that had happened earlier. Owen’s cheerful voice drifted. through the office as he belted out “Oh! Pretty Woman” with surprising vocal talent.
“Owen, you should audition for one of those singing competitions,” I called out with genuine admiration.
“Maybe someday, but honestly, I love the energy here too much to leave.” His expression shifted to concern as he approached my desk. “Bianca filled me in on the drama while I was upstairs at the copy machine. You holding up alright?”
“I’m fine, really. Thanks for asking.”
“Good to hear. Well, I’m heading out early tonight. My wife got home and texted that she has something special planned. Her surprises are always incredible, so I’m practically racing home.”
“Look at you, the devoted husband. Enjoy your evening.
“I will definitely share the details tomorrow over lunch. Hey, we should do something this weekend. I mentioned you to my wife and she’s dying to meet you.”
“That sounds wonderful. Would it be okay if I brought someone?”
“Absolutely. See you tomorrow, pretty woman.”
His playful nickname made me smile, but before I could respond, a familiar voice spoke directly behind me, so close I could feel his breath against my car.
“Well, Miss Vance, you’re becoming quite the problem for me. My business partner whistles like a lovesick teenager whenever you walk by, my assistant has nicknamed you pretty woman, Lean barely concentrate on anything, and now I have an unhealthy obsession with chocolate desserts. Where exactly is this all leading?”
Liam’s voice carried that dangerously smooth quality that reminded me of warm caramel sliding over ice cream.
“Mr. Sterling, you might want to be more careful about developing addictions,” I replied, keeping my tone light while refusing to turn around.
“Come on, pretty woman, let’s take that beauty of yours somewhere it can be properly appreciated. Dinner sounds perfect after the tension we dealt with today. But don’t think I’m
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dropping our earlier conversation just because we’re being social. He flashed that knowing wink before heading toward the door where Damian and Evelyn were already waiting by the elevator.
Dinner exceeded my expectations in every way. The restaurant buzzed with sophisticated conversation, the food was exceptional, and the company kept me laughing throughout the meal. When dessert arrived, my boss ordered his now–signature chocolate cake and leaned in close enough that his words tickled my car.
“Want to help me with this?”
I nodded without hesitation. Resisting him felt impossible when he radiated this combination of charm, confidence, and raw magnetism. Damian seized the moment to tease his friend.
“Evelyn, you should see how obsessed Liam’s become with chocolate cake. I keep warning him he’s going to need new suits if he keeps this up.”
That’s exactly why I’m sharing with my very capable assistant:
“Hazel, you need to establish some ground rules with these three and Owen. Remember what I taught you about maintaining control, Evelyn interjected with mock seriousness.
“Too late for that advice, Evelyn. Our new boss has already got me completely under her spell, Liam replied, causing heat to rush to my checks.
When we prepared to leave, Evelyn offered to drive me home, but my boss immediately intervened, insisting he would handle it so she wouldn’t have to
o out of her way. Outside: apartment building, he turned off the engine and faced me directly.
“Today was pretty intense:
“Liam, I owe you an apology. My behavior today was completely unprofessional. I let someone provoke me and crossed lines I shouldn’t have crossed. If you want to reconsider my position, I completely understand. I actually had my resignation ready to submit at the end of the day, but then everything exploded with that whole situation. I can turn it in tomorrow morning. This isn’t who I am normally. I don’t act inappropriately or lose control like that, but something about you triggers reactions I can’t explain, and when you push my buttons, I just lose it completely.” When I finally looked at him, he was smiling with obvious amusement.
arc
“Hazel, that’s the first time you’ve used my name without the formal title. I like it. Can we keep it that way?” I nodded, confused by his reaction, and he continued. “Listen, Hazel, I know this isn’t your normal behavior. Before I left Fresh Foster, I had Evelyn send me your complete file, and I personally called your previous supervisor. I know exactly who you professionally. And anyone with a pulse would react to the way I was deliberately provoking you today. I’ll admit I enjoyed myself immensely, but during that video conference, I wanted to bend you over my desk and spank that gorgeous ass of yours because I couldn’t focus on a single word being said, and I’m normally laser–focused during business meetings.”
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He ran both hands through his hair in that gesture I was beginning to find irresistibly endearing.
“Do you have any idea how frustrated you left me, watching you pleasure yourself when I couldn’t join in?”
“I’m sorry about that, but I was furious with you after what happened during lunch.”
“Don’t you dare apologize for that. Just remember next time that I want to participate too,” he said with a wickedly seductive smile. “I’m not firing you. You’re incredibly competent, and whatever develops between us personally, I know it won’t interfere with our professional relationship. Right? So can we just see where this goes naturally? And maybe avoid leaving me speechless during important client meetings?”
I nodded, secretly thrilled to know I had rattled this powerful, controlled man so completely. “Now go get some rest. You must be exhausted. We’ll have a proper conversation tomorrow.” He lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to my knuckles. As I stepped out of the car and headed toward my building entrance, he called out with laughter in his voice. “Hazel, I’m definitely going to keep provoking you.”
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