Amara's POV
The stares were less intense now. Maybe because the coffee had dried, or maybe because people realized I wasn't going to break. Whatever it was, I had returned from my apartment, changed into a fresh blouse, and slipped back into work mode like nothing had happened.
At least, that's what I told myself.
In truth, my hands still trembled slightly when I typed, and my focus kept drifting back to the quiet corner office where Damian sat behind glass walls. He hadn't said much after escorting me back to the lobby, just a soft "Take your time" before disappearing again.
But I wasn't hiding.
I wouldn't let Serena-or anyone-intimidate me out of the life I was finally building.
A notification popped up on my screen just as the clock struck one.
Lunch? Come to my office. – Damian
I stared at the message, my heart skipping a beat. Not a meeting. Not a work-related ping. Just lunch-from him.
I stood, smoothing my skirt and taking a deep breath before walking down the hallway. A few heads turned, but I didn't care this time. I knocked once, and he opened the door almost immediately, as if he'd been waiting for me.
Inside, the office was dimly lit with sunlight pouring through the blinds. A small lunch spread sat on the glass coffee table-nothing too fancy, just pasta, grilled chicken, and some fresh juice.
"You made this?" I teased, raising a brow.
He smirked. "Let's say I made a call."
I sat, trying to act casual as he handed me a plate. "Thanks."
We ate quietly for a few moments, the silence surprisingly comfortable. But Damian kept looking at me like he wanted to say something.
And then he finally did.
"I meant what I said earlier," he began, voice low. "Serena isn't a part of my life anymore. And I don't care what she tries-I'm done with the past. I want you."
I met his eyes slowly, my heart thudding harder.
"You already have me," I whispered.
His breath caught. He set down his fork, leaned in just a little, like he was trying to make sure I meant it. "You're saying yes?"
I nodded. "Yes. I'm done running from this."
And that was all it took.
He moved toward me in one swift motion, his hand finding the back of my neck, his lips pressing against mine with urgency and hunger I hadn't expected-but fully welcomed. It wasn't a slow, tentative kiss. It was fierce and consuming, like we were both starving for the other.
I clutched his shirt, pulled him closer, and deepened the kiss. Everything else-the office, the whispers, the drama-faded away.
For that moment, it was just us.
Breathless. Real. Undeniable.
When we finally pulled apart, his forehead rested against mine. "I've waited so long to hear you say yes."
"You'll probably wish I hadn't when I start stealing all your fries," I teased breathlessly.
He grinned, brushing his thumb over my cheek. "You can have everything, Amara."
The office felt quieter than usual. Most of the employees had already left for the day, and the soft hum of the air conditioner filled the silence. I sat at my desk, fingers resting on my keyboard, though I hadn't typed anything in minutes. My thoughts kept drifting-back to the lunch with Damian... back to the moment I had finally said yes.
Yes, I was ready to give him a chance.
Yes, I wanted to see where this could lead.
Yes, I was falling for him-and hard.
A soft smile tugged at my lips as I caught myself blushing again. I tilted my head down, hoping no one would notice, but who was I kidding? The few people who remained in the office probably already suspected something. The way Eric had winked at me earlier was proof enough.
I was still staring absentmindedly at my screen when I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. I didn't look up until I felt a warm hand gently wrap around mine.
"Ready to go?" Damian's deep voice filled my chest with a flutter. He was standing beside me, still in his dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a calm confidence in his eyes-but it was the softness in his tone that made my heart skip.
My mouth parted slightly as I looked at him, then down at our hands. I could still feel the electricity from our earlier kiss, like a hidden current just waiting to jolt back to life.
"I... yeah," I replied softly, my cheeks warming again as I stood up.
He didn't let go of my hand. Instead, he pulled me gently away from my desk, and I followed him like it was the most natural thing in the world. As we passed the few remaining employees, I could feel their eyes trailing us, some whispering, some wide-eyed, and others pretending not to stare. But I didn't care-not anymore.
Not when he made me feel like I mattered. Not when he held me like I was something precious.
As we stepped into the elevator, I glanced up at him. "You didn't have to come up."
"I wanted to," he said simply. "I couldn't stop thinking about you."
The elevator doors closed, and we stood in silence for a moment, still hand in hand. I leaned slightly against his arm, letting myself enjoy the warmth and calm of the moment. I didn't feel nervous around him anymore-just safe. Happy.
When the doors opened at the parking lot, he led me to his car and opened the door for me like a true gentleman. I slid in with a smile.
"I've never seen you smile this much in one day," he teased as he started the car.
"Well, maybe someone is the reason behind it," I said, turning to him with a playful tilt of my head.
His hand found mine again on the gear stick, and he gave it a small squeeze. "I plan to be the reason behind many more."
And just like that, we drove into the evening-two hearts finally on the same page, beginning a chapter neither of us saw coming... but both willing to explore.
Damian's POV
I pulled up in front of her apartment complex, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence between us. But it wasn't an awkward silence-no, it was peaceful. Comfortable. The kind of silence that spoke volumes without needing words.
Amara turned to me with a warm smile, her fingers lightly still resting on mine from the ride.
"Thank you for the ride," she said softly, unbuckling her seatbelt.
"You're welcome," I replied, but I didn't move to open my door yet. I didn't want the evening to end.
She stepped out, and before she could say goodnight, I got out too and rounded the car.
"Let me walk you in," I said casually.
Her brows lifted a little in surprise, but she didn't argue. Instead, she gave a soft laugh and nodded. "Okay."
We walked side by side to her apartment. The evening air was warm, and a quiet breeze danced between the trees lining the walkway. I caught glimpses of her face in the soft glow of the streetlights-tired, maybe, but undeniably happy. And beautiful. God, she was beautiful.
Once inside, she dropped her bag by the door and turned to face me.
"Do you want something to drink?" she offered.
I shook my head. "No... but there's something I want to ask you."
She raised a brow, waiting.
I stepped closer, my voice dropping just enough to be serious. "Don't you think... we should live together?"
Her lips parted slightly, eyes blinking once as if unsure she heard me right. "What?"
I exhaled, gently reaching for her hand. "I mean it, Amara. I know it might sound sudden, but the truth is... I hate being apart from you. I hate watching you walk away every evening knowing you'll be somewhere else, alone. I want to wake up next to you. I want to come home to you."
She didn't say anything right away. I could see the storm of thoughts swirling behind her eyes. I didn't want to pressure her, but I had to be honest. My feelings weren't some casual whim.
"I've never felt this way before," I added, my voice low. "Not even with Serena. With you... I feel like I can breathe. I feel like I'm home."
She looked away for a second, her fingers fidgeting with mine, then glanced back up.
"You want us to live together?" she asked again, softly. "Just like that?"
"I want to be with you. In every way," I said, stepping even closer, our bodies almost touching. "You don't have to say yes right now. Just... think about it."
Amara searched my eyes, and then slowly, a small smile crept onto her lips.
"You really are serious about this, aren't you?"
"I'm serious about you."
She sighed, a dreamy kind of sigh, and leaned her head lightly on my chest. My arms wrapped around her automatically, and I held her there, pressing a kiss into her hair.
"I'll think about it," she whispered.
"Take all the time you need," I murmured. "I'm not going anywhere."
And in that quiet moment, standing in her living room, holding the woman who had completely changed my life... I knew one thing for certain.
I wanted forever with her.