Cecilia's POV
I never thought one elevator ride could ruin my whole day.
There I was, confidently walking into work, wearing my favorite high-waisted pencil skirt and a blouse that screamed "I'm not seducing anyone, I'm just trying to keep my job!" But apparently, my fashion choices and proximity to the CEO had sparked another round of office gossip.
Again.
And just like that, I found myself walking into Samuel's office with the grace of a sleep-deprived flamingo and the dignity of a soggy cupcake. He looked up, flashing me that irritatingly perfect smile. The one that made my knees wobble like they hadn't been used in years.
"Morning, sunshine," he said, sipping coffee like he hadn't just sent me a "Meeting at 9. Don't be late" text that felt suspiciously like a threat.
"Are you aware your staff thinks I'm trying to seduce you?" I snapped.
Samuel blinked. "Only trying?"
I picked up the stress ball on his desk and aimed it at his face. He ducked, laughing.
"That's not funny!" I hissed. "I didn't spend four years getting a marketing degree just to become the plotline of someone's office romance fantasy."
Samuel stood up, his expression softening. "Cece..."
"Don't 'Cece' me, Samuel Hartford. I need you to do something about the gossip. It's humiliating."
He walked over to me, hands in his pockets, and leaned against the desk like some rom-com heartthrob.
"I'm trying," he said, voice low. "But it's hard to convince people we're not together when I can't seem to stop staring at you."
Samuel's POV
God help me, I wasn't even trying to flirt. Okay, maybe a little. But can you blame me? Cecilia was glowing like the moon had a personal vendetta to compete with her. She was the kind of beautiful that made me forget passwords and deadlines.
The more I tried to maintain boundaries, the more I wanted to break them.
She sighed, rubbing her temples. "I just want to do my job and go home. I'm not asking for much."
I wanted to tell her I'd built this company thinking of everything—except the woman who'd walk back into my life and turn my world upside down.
Instead, I said, "Let me take you out tonight. No pressure. Just... dinner."
She looked up, those eyes like twin storms.
"Samuel, we've kissed. Twice."
"Technically, you broke both kisses."
She glared.
"But third time's the charm?" I offered, grinning.
Her lips twitched, trying not to smile. "Dinner. Just dinner."
"Deal."
Cecilia's POV
Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city skyline should've been romantic. But I was on high alert, watching for signs of seduction traps. Soft lighting? Check. Live jazz band? Double check. Samuel's cologne smelling like temptation bottled? Triple check.
"You keep looking like you're waiting for a SWAT team to storm in," he teased, cutting into his steak.
"I just don't trust you when you smile like that."
"Like what?"
"Like you're trying to win me over."
"Maybe I am."
I sipped my wine, trying to focus on the view, not his eyes. Or his smile. Or his perfectly tailored suit that did unfair things to my heart rate.
"You know," he said, leaning forward, "Leo asked me if I love you."
My fork paused halfway to my mouth. "And what did you say?"
"That I do."
The wine went down the wrong pipe.
He handed me a napkin, totally unfazed. "I'm serious, Cece. I love you. I never stopped. I was just too stupid to fight for us before. But now…"
I stared at him, my heart thudding so loud it drowned out the jazz.
"I can't," I whispered. "Not yet."
"I'm not asking for a wedding date. Just another chance. Let me earn it."
The sincerity in his eyes made something in me ache. I wanted to say yes. To lean in and kiss him right there. But instead—
"I think I left the oven on."
He blinked. "You don't even cook."
"Exactly. It could've exploded by now."
Samuel's POV
She bolted from the restaurant like the tablecloth was on fire. I paid the bill and caught up with her by the car.
"You're running again," I said gently.
"I'm walking briskly with purpose," she corrected.
I opened the car door for her. "Let me take you home."
The drive was silent, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Just heavy with all the words we wanted to say but didn't.
When I pulled up in front of her apartment, she turned to me, expression unreadable.
"I don't hate you," she said softly. "In case you were wondering."
"That's good. I'd have a hard time wooing someone who hates me."
"I'm just scared, Samuel."
"I am too. But I'm not running from it anymore."
She reached for the door handle, but I gently caught her wrist.
"One hug. For courage."
She rolled her eyes, but then she leaned in. And for one second, holding her, I felt like everything in the world was exactly where it was supposed to be.
"Goodnight, Samuel," she whispered.
I watched her walk inside, my heart full and aching all at once.
Cecilia's POV
Inside, I leaned against the door, breath shaky. I'd nearly kissed him. Again.
What was I doing?
This wasn't part of the plan. I was supposed to protect my heart. Keep my distance. Focus on Leo and work and pretending I didn't still love him.
But his words… his eyes… that hug…
I was in trouble.
Big, stupid, Samuel-shaped trouble.