The office buzzed with quiet tension as Ariana navigated her way through the sleek, glass-paneled halls of Empire Nine — Damien's investment firm. It was her second week as a marketing intern, and so far, she'd managed to avoid any awkward run-ins with Damien.
Until now.
He was coming out of the elevator just as she stepped in.
Their eyes met. Both paused.
"I'll take the stairs," Ariana mumbled, stepping back.
"No, get in." His voice was firm. "It's ten floors. Not worth the stubbornness."
She hesitated but obeyed, folding her arms across her chest as the elevator doors shut with a ding.
Silence.
The kind that made your skin too aware, your breath too shallow.
The elevator jolted slightly. Ariana swayed. Damien instinctively reached out to steady her. His hand landed on her waist.
Too long.
Neither moved.
His thumb brushed against the soft fabric of her blouse. Her breath hitched. The silence wasn't silent anymore — it pulsed.
Her heart betrayed her, hammering in her chest.
He pulled back suddenly, jaw tightening. "Sorry."
Ariana stared at the floor, face flushed. "It's fine."
When the elevator dinged at the top floor, she stepped out first, heels clicking rapidly against the tile.
He let her go.
But the warmth of his touch lingered all day.