The office was quiet when Evelyn glanced at the clock—8:45 PM. Another late night, another presentation to prepare. She rubbed her temples, trying to ease the dull ache from her eyes. For a moment, she let herself relax into her chair, eyes closing as she leaned back. But then, of course, she heard the soft knock at the door.
"Ms. Carter?"
It was Leo, his voice smooth and calm, like a cool breeze in a heated room.
Evelyn opened her eyes, instantly irritated. "It's late, Leo. What do you need?"
He stepped into the office, carrying a folder in one hand and a coffee in the other. "Thought you might need a break." He set the coffee on her desk before sitting down across from her. "Also, you've been working non-stop. It's not healthy."
She shot him a look. "You think I need a break? I've got a business to run."
Leo just smiled, completely unfazed. "Everyone needs a break, even the most driven CEOs."
Evelyn stared at him for a moment, wondering if he was genuinely concerned or just trying to get under her skin again. She chose to ignore the thought.
"Fine," she said, taking a sip of the coffee. "But don't think this means I'm softening toward you."
Leo chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "I never thought you were soft, Ms. Carter. You just need someone to remind you to take care of yourself."
There was something in his gaze, a quiet intensity that made Evelyn's stomach flutter uncomfortably. She hated that feeling. She was in control, always in control, but with Leo around, it was like something inside her was constantly being tested.
"I don't need your charity, Leo," she said, trying to steady her nerves.
Leo tilted his head, his eyes never leaving hers. "You don't see it as charity. You see it as an opportunity to prove me wrong. I'm okay with that."
Evelyn opened her mouth to respond but hesitated. There was something undeniably magnetic about him—his confidence, the way he seemed to know exactly how to push her buttons. And for some reason, it was starting to have an effect on her.
Leo leaned forward, his voice dropping just a little lower. "I'm not going anywhere, Ms. Carter. I'm here to help you. You can keep pushing me away, but we both know you'll eventually need me."
The air between them thickened. Evelyn's heart rate picked up, but she fought to keep her composure.
"You're pushing it, Leo," she said softly.
He didn't back off, his smile only widening. "I like to push, Ms. Carter. I think you like it, too."
She felt her pulse quicken. There it was again—the tension, the unspoken words hanging in the air. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to indulge in the thought of what it would be like if she let him closer. But no. She couldn't.
She stood up abruptly. "I've got work to do. You should go home."
Leo didn't budge. He simply watched her, his gaze intense. "You're going to need me, Evelyn."
"Go," she repeated, her voice steady, though her mind was anything but.
With a final lingering glance, Leo stood and walked to the door. Just before leaving, he turned, his voice low and teasing. "I'll be here when you realize I'm right."
The door clicked shut behind him, and Evelyn let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.