17 Chapter 17 – Office Games and Dangerous Territory
Chapter 17 – Office Games and Dangerous Territory”
Hazel’s POV
I clutched my coffee mug with trembling hands, settling into my desk chair as my legs continued to shake from this morning’s encounter. Minutes later, an email from Liam appeared in my inbox with detailed instructions for tomorrow’s board meeting preparation. I dove into the work immediately, and by the time other employees began filtering into the office, I had organized every document and agenda item perfectly.
Evelyn breezed through the entrance with a man’s arm linked through hers, her eyebrows shooting up when she spotted me.
“Hazel, what happened to you? You look like you wrestled with your alarm clock and lost. Good morning, honey.”
“Morning, Evelyn. Liam requested I arrive early to set up for tomorrow’s meeting.”
“That demanding boss of yours better not make this your new normal.”
“He won’t, Evelyn. Actually, it worked out well since I managed to finish everything ahead of schedule.” I forced a smile, hoping she wouldn’t notice the flush still warming my cheeks.
The gentleman beside her was studying me with an appreciative grin that made me self–conscious. He possessed classic good looks with sun–kissed skin, impressive height, warm brown eyes, and slightly tousled black hair that complemented his well–groomed stubble. His tailored suit and designer glasses completed the polished professional image.
“Evelyn, my boss mentioned the new assistant was attractive, but he seriously undersold the situation. She’s absolutely gorgeous.” His voice carried genuine warmth and friendliness that immediately put me at ease. “You’re going to turn this entire office upside down.”
“Owen’s right, she’s stunning, and the chaos has already started,” Evelyn responded with knowing amusement. “Let me handle introductions properly. Owen, meet Hazel. Hazel, this is Owen, Damian’s right–hand man. You two will collaborate frequently, but don’t worry about Owen. He’s completely professional despite appearances.”
“Hazel, the pleasure is entirely mine. Consider me your office guardian angel, especially when it comes to fending off the inevitable parade of admirers. Owen extended his hand with genuine sincerity, and something told me we’d develop a solid friendship.
“Nice meeting you, Owen.”
We dedicated the morning to synchronizing our workflow systems, ensuring seamless
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coordination between our respective departments. Throughout these hours, Liam remained conspicuously absent from his office. By eleven o’clock, we had established foolproof procedures that would function with clockwork precision. Owen suggested lunch together while Evelyn would spend her afternoon managing video conferences with the Boston office. As Owen returned to collect some files, I finally stood to refill my coffee when that familiar whistle echoed through the space, making me look up with involuntary amusement.
“Is this performance scheduled daily, Damian?”
“Hazel, it wasn’t planned this way, but honestly, what did you expect wearing that particular dress? You’re well aware of your effect on people. Your boss is in serious trouble.” His mischievous grin widened as he continued. “Speaking of Liam, is he available in his office?”
Before I could respond, we heard Liam’s office door slam open, followed by his irritated voice cutting through the air.
“Damian, I’ve already warned you about this.”
When his gaze landed on me, I witnessed pure fire blazing in those dark eyes as they traveled over my body with undisguised hunger. I couldn’t resist seizing this perfect opportunity.
“Sir, perhaps some calming chamomile tea would help?”
His eyes narrowed dangerously as a low growl escaped his throat. Damian observed our exchange with growing confusion before addressing his friend.
*Since when do you drink chamomile tea, Liam?”
“Since my assistant decided to test every limit of my self–control,” he replied, never breaking eye contact with me.
I smiled sweetly, placing my palm against my chest in mock innocence.
“I would never deliberately provoke you, Mr. Sterling. Damian, would you prefer coffee?”
“Absolutely, Hazel, thank you.”
I walked deliberately slowly toward the break room, acutely aware of both men watching my every movement. Liam was probably already regretting his decision to challenge me this morning.
1 prepared both beverages carefully, arranging everything on the silver tray. As I prepared to leave, Fiona intercepted me near the doorway, reaching for the tray.
“Hazel, sweetheart, let me handle this. Serving drinks isn’t part of your job description.”
“Fiona, I genuinely don’t mind. Allow me to deliver this to my boss personally this time.” I smiled warmly before continuing past her with the tray.
17 Chapter 17–Office Games and Dangerous Territory
I approached Liam’s office door, knocked softly, and entered with practiced grace. Moving smoothly across the room, I positioned the tray on his desk’s edge, placed Damian’s coffee cup before him with a crisp napkin, then circled around to Liam’s side. In a deliberately provocative move, I leaned forward to place his teacup directly in his hands, ensuring my neckline aligned perfectly with his line of sight. His eyes flashed with recognition and promise, understanding. exactly what game I was playing, and with Damian present, he was completely powerless to
retaliate.
As I reached for the napkin, I allowed it to slip from my fingers onto the floor. Bending slowly to retrieve it, I positioned myself strategically so Liam had an unobstructed view of my backside,
taking considerably longer than necessary to collect the fallen napkin and straighten up. His frustrated growl confirmed I had successfully created another uncomfortable situation for him.
Standing upright, In Damian’s entertained expression as he observed our entire
interaction with obvious amusement. I felt no embarrassment since they were close friends, and I suspected Liam shared everything with him anyway. Before I could speak, Liam rose abruptly, grasped the napkin still clutched in my hand, and spoke in that devastatingly husky voice while positioning his face mere inches from mine.
“The next time you present that beautiful ass to me so blatantly, I’m going to bend you over this desk, forget completely that you work for me, and take you so thoroughly you’ll beg me to stop. Are we clear?”
I glanced downward and spotted the unmistakable bulge straining against his expensive trousers. I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. This man was absolutely dangerous to my sanity. I was completely aroused again, my body responding traitorously to his proximity. He resembled a Greek god, a walking temptation designed to destroy my resolve. I was in serious trouble.
“Did you understand me clearly, Hazel?” he pressed, his voice dropping even lower.
“Y–yes, sir.”
From across the desk, Damian erupted in laughter at our heated exchange. Studying both of us with obvious entertainment, he couldn’t resist commenting.
“You two should just sleep together and end this torture, because the sexual tension radiating between you is absolutely explosive. It’s completely inevitable, so save yourselves the energy and stress of fighting the obvious.”
We both whirled to glare at him simultaneously, which only increased his amusement. He chuckled, collected his coffee cup, and headed toward the door while calling over his shoulder.
“Don’t claim I didn’t warn you both.”
When our eyes met again, Liam closed his eyes tightly and dragged both hands down his face in obvious frustration. I had begun noticing this particular gesture whenever he felt nervous,
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frustrated, or uncertain about how to proceed. It was surprisingly endearing.
Taking advantage of his momentary distraction as he settled back into his chair, I spun quickly on my heels and made my escape.
I utilized the remaining time before lunch break focusing intensely on my assigned tasks. At noon, Owen appeared at my desk with infectious enthusiasm.
“Ready for lunch, Hazel? I’m absolutely starving.”
“Definitely, Owen. Let me just confirm my boss doesn’t require anything first.”
I picked up my phone to call Liam rather than risk entering his office again. He approved my lunch break but still sounded agitated from our earlier encounter.
We visited a charming restaurant near the office known for exceptional cuisine. Owen proved entertaining, conversational, and genuinely pleasant company. He shared that he married his childhood sweetheart but they haven’t started a family yet. When he asked about my background, I explained my situation as a single mother. We spent lunch exchanging life stories and experiences. He would definitely become a valuable friend. He mentioned his wife and I would
onnect wonderfully, and I felt excited about potentially expanding my social circle in this new city. Returning to the office, we stopped at the bakery across the street where I purchased a slice of decadent chocolate cake for later.
By one o’clock, I sat professionally positioned at my desk, though still facing my morning wardrobe malfunction. I had intended t
purchase replacement underwear during lunch, but Owen insisted on waiting at the bakery, and I felt too awkward abandoning him for such a personal errand, leaving me still uncomfortably exposed beneath my dress.
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