The next day began with a sense of urgency for Avery as her phone started ranging. It was the company's receptionist, his voice tight with worry. "Mr. Knight requests your presence at his penthouse immediately. It's an emergency," he said.
Avery's heart raced as she hastily gathered her thoughts and headed towards the towering glass skyscraper that housed Ethan's luxurious penthouse.
Upon entering, her eyes were immediately drawn to the luxurious view of the penthouse. But soon a presence overpowered the awe of the scene before her.
Ethan stood near the expansive windows, his dark hair catching the morning light. Despite the urgency of the situation, her heart flattered seeing him. Avery couldn't help but admire his striking features and commanding presence.
Ethan turned, his piercing gaze meeting Avery's dark brown eyes. She felt her heart flutter but she quickly hid those emotions as always.
"Avery, I'm glad you're here," he said with a small smile that he rarely shows to others. It was born from the years of working together in the tough war-like business world etc Avery explained to her stupid heart which was always out of control over a smallest movement of his.
"Yes, sir." She said stiffly, wearing her thick professional mask.
Ethan nodded and guided her to the inner room instead of the usual study room.
Avery's eyes flickered everywhere in nervousness. Just then she heard a light chuckle behind her shoulder.
"Don't worry I won't eat you."
Avery blushed from her neck to head. How could he know to detect her small thoughts and useless nervousness? Obviously he wouldn't do anything to her, he had far more beautiful and rich girls line up to do that.
Ethan led her into a small warm living room probably used to entertain family members.
They sat down on the comfortable couch.
Avery took out her small electric notebook and concentrated on Ethan to not miss any of his words. While waiting, her loyalty and dedication to Ethan's company flooded her mind.
She had worked tirelessly for years, believing in his vision, ensuring his success.But today she hoped she could deal with the emergency task as soon as possible because she had a personal plea of her own. She needed his help to save her father's farm.
The gravity of her father's farm being on the brink of collapse weighed heavily on her. She knew she had to gather her courage and make her plea, even if it meant disrupting the business-focused atmosphere.
"Sir?" she called out, hesitated, her voice shaking slightly. She noticed something abnormal.
Ethan hasn't said a single word ever since they entered the room. He was looking at her in daze with his eyebrows slightly frowned. She would have noticed it sooner but she was also lost in her own thoughts.
He looked like he was making a big decision at this moment. Avery never saw him this serious even in the annual meetings of the board.
"Avery" Ethan called out in a husky voice. His voice contained nervousness and a strange emotion that she could recognize.
He got up from his seat and took long slides with his sexy legs and before Avery could process her brain he was sitting beside her, their shoulders touching.
She froze in spot and held her breath.
"Avery." he called her out with the same husky voice and emotions. She hoped he would stop whatever tease he was doing because her heart was about blust out of her cage.
But sadly the attack of this handsome man was yet to finish.
Ethan looked at the stiff Avery with helpless eyes. She didn't know how her frustrated movements provoked him.
He wanted to kiss this sweet girl hard, lay her on the sofa and cherish her but he should leave those in the imagination for now and calm down. He didn't want to scare this innocent girl at the very beginning.
He stretched out his hand and made her face turn to him. Her beautiful eyes met his, they were widened to its limit. Her eyes told him this girl would very much run away if he made one wrong move.
Ethan hesitated for a bit before taking her hand in his, he couldn't let her escape, at least not before he tells her what he has to say.
"Avery, I've known you for two years now. You've been loyal and hardworking, not just to the company, but to me."
Avery's heart skipped a beat. She swallowed hard, wondering if this was a dream. Yet, she just nodded stiffly to let him know she was listening.
"Avery, I am being honest with you. I've always admired you, your dedication, your spirit, your kindness, everything. When you are by my side everything is perfect. And I've come to realize that I want you by my side, not just as an employee, but as something more." He said softening his a lot.
It took her a while to process the words she heard. And soon tears threatened to well up in her eyes as her heart raced. Could he possibly mean what she thought he meant?
Ethan took a step closer, his hand reaching out to brush against hers. "Avery, I love you. I want to marry you."
Her breath caught in her throat. Emotions surged within her, a tidal wave of disbelief.
The difference between them was so vast that she didn't even dare to dream about him. Hopes and affections that she had been holding back were crashing over her.
".. Sir.. sir.. I don't believe it." She somehow managed to say that between her sobs.
Ethan couldn't help but to give her a tight hug. He held her close to his heart, his embrace protective and reassuring. "Believe it, Avery. I mean every word.
Overwhelmed, Avery pulled back, her eyes glistening with tears. "I... I love you too, sir. More than you can know." Those words left her mouth even before she could process. Her eyes widened when she realized what a stupid move that was!
Now it was Ethan's turn to be surprised. He released Avery from his arm and brought her chin up and met her eyes. Her wet eyes contained nothing but him. She looked at him with passionate love.
"Call me Ethan. Not sir." Ethan said before lowering his head and covering her sweet red lips with his.
Avery let out a gasp in the searing kiss before fingers tangled in his hair as the world around them faded, and in that moment, it felt like this was the happiest moment of her life.
As their lips finally parted, Ethan's gaze held hers, intense and full of longing. "Avery, I've waited for this moment for so long."
Ethan's fingers traced a gentle path down her cheek, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "Avery, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."
Her voice was barely a whisper, raw with emotion. "Ethan..."
His lips met hers again, a hunger and urgency in the kiss that left no room for doubt, after he carried her to his bed. Their connection deepened, their bodies drawn together as if pulled by an irresistible force.
As the afternoon sun painted the penthouse in a warm glow, two souls united, unknown and unbothered of the future.