ATTRACTED

early for this*, she thought, stifling a yawn. As she approached the gate, she spotted a familiar figure – Alexander, impeccabl

f. "Good morning, Mr. Blackwood," she sa

thought she saw a flicker of something – surprise? pleasure? – before his

upgrade her to first class with him, but of course, that would be inappropriate. She settled into her

was her first big trip for Blackwood Industries. She was determined to prove herself, to sho

ght next to Alexander's. As the bellhop helped with their luggage, Alexander turned to her. "

chest at his proximity in the narrow h

sed door, exhaling slowly. She could do this

herself constantly aware of Alexander's presence, even when he was across the room. She noticed ho

n the hotel's rooftop terrace. The Chicago skyline glittered

view, i

s voice behind her. She

ul," she managed,

he'd seen it in weeks. "You did well tonight, Mia. I'v

wn her spine. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwood. I

I think, given the circumstances, you

"I... I'm not sure

eyes held her

e right words. "Because it makes this

h his hair – a rare gesture of frustrat

ew she should walk away, maintain the professional boundary they'd

itted softly. "But I kn

l his cologne – a scent that brought back vivid memories o

ed him to. But then someone else came onto the terrace, breaking the spel

ve a busy day tomorrow," he said, h

ight, replaying the roo

f into her work, taking detailed notes and making valuable connections. S

a sleek black dress, professional yet elegant. She couldn't help but feel a t

veral invitations, content to watch from the sidelines. B

hompson?" he asked, his voice

herself nodding, taking his hand and all

lt like everyone was watching them. Alexander's hand on

t," he murmured, low enoug

"Thank you. You look v

for a moment, the tensi

softly, "I can't sto

ped. "Alexand

being here with you, seeing you shine in your element.

But right now, I don't care

moved apart. Mia looked up into Alexander's eyes, se

s," she whispered, before slipping ou

to do this? Throw away all her hard work for a man? But

sened his tie, and his hair was slightly mussed

r a moment, the city lig

exander b

s. The kiss was electric, all the pent-up tension of the past months pouring o

t, both breathing heavily, r

en as she leaned into Alexander'

t deny how I feel about you, Mia. These past months, working so closely

caution. "I have feelings for you too," she admitted. "But

, his thumb caressing her cheek. "If w

At least, not now. There's too much at

vident in his eyes. "You're rig

ment, the weight of what could

his leave us?" M

eagues. But Mia," he paused, meeting her eyes, "this isn't over. When the time is right, w

throat tight wit