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Elijah’s kiss in the hallway afterward burns bright in my memory. The way he crowded me against the wall, hands roaming like he couldn’t get enough. This man has crawled under my skin in a way I can’t explain. His intensity, his pain, his passion, it all calls to some part of me.

I drizzle more olive oil into the pan, heating on the stove, the sizzle of veggies hitting the bottom. My fingers curl around the silicone spoon, stirring them and adding tomato sauce. The savory aroma wafts up, and my mouth is already watering.

I’m in deep with this one. Deeper than I should allow, considering his engagement to Esther, hangs over us like a guillotine blade. But something about Elijah tells me he’s as consumed by this.

And having met Charles, having seen that desperate light in his eyes for his son’s happiness...

I finish my lunch in silence. We should take things slow and see how things progress.

When my phone buzzes, I jump.

Elijah: Still on for this later? Can’t wait to see you.

Gemma: I’m on my way.

After getting ready, I head to his office.

Stepping inside the building, I’m struck by its grandeur. It’s big. Elijah’s office is on the top floor, and an assistant is positioned in the front.

“Ms. Barron, please step inside.” Elijah’s assistant holds the door open for me to go through. It clicks shut behind me.

Elijah looks up from his desk, a smile spreading across his face at the sight of me.

“Gem.” He leans back in his chair, his eyes traveling over my blue dress with a v-neckline. “You look beautiful.”

Heat rises in my cheeks. “Thank you.”

“Let’s discuss your fashion line. Please, have a seat.” Elijah stands and gestures to the couch.

“Of course.” I force myself to focus on our conversation and not on his broad shoulders or the fact that the sleeves of his shirt are folded up, showing off his veiny muscular arms.

We spent the next hour discussing the details of how my lingerie line will be exclusively launched in Elijah’s fashion stores, both offline and online. It’s a detailed plan with timelines, budgets, and marketing activities.

He really was serious.

In a few months, the company will host a fashion show and launch party to showcase the line.

Eventually, the conversation winds down, and Elijah leans back with a satisfied look on his face. “So it sounds like we’ve got everything set for you. I think this could be a great success.”

“Thank you. It means a lot to me.”

Elijah’s gaze lingers on my mouth. Is he thinking about kissing me as much as I am about kissing him?

I shift on the couch, squeezing my thighs together to ease the ache there.

“In the end, it’s also my business that profits from it.” His hand brushes my knee.

“So, our meeting is over?”

“Hmm… if there’s nothing else you want to discuss?”

Yes. There is.

“No, I think that covers everything for now.” My voice turns shrill. “Thank you again for agreeing to see me on such short notice.” I rise from my chair, needing to put some distance between us.

He nods, following my movement. “Of course. I’m always happy to make time for my gem.”

This damn nickname. It’s so cliché, and yet it makes me weak.

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