Page 22 of Claws and Controllers

Elena’s eyes lit up with interest. “Well? Are you going to answer it or just stare at it like it might bite?”

Ellie rolled her eyes but hit the accept button. “Hello?”

“Ellie, hi,” Zy’s deep voice came through, tinged with a hint of nervousness that made her heart skip. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”

“No, not at all. I’m just visiting my grandmother at the hospital. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine,” Zy assured her quickly. “I was actually calling to... well, to ask if you’d like to have dinner with me tonight? There’s this amazing Mexican place I know, right on the river. The view is incredible.”

Ellie’s breath caught in her throat. Was he asking her on a date? She glanced at her grandmother, who was watching her with undisguised glee, clearly having guessed the nature of the call.

“I... I’m not sure,” Ellie hedged. “My grandmother?—”

“Go!” Elena interrupted loudly enough for Zy to hear. “Your abuela commands it!”

Ellie clapped a hand over her face, mortified. “Abuela, please?—”

Zy’s warm chuckle came through the phone. “I take it I have your grandmother’s approval?”

“You have no idea,” Ellie groaned. But she couldn’t help the smile tugging on her lips. “You know what? Dinner sounds great.”

“Wonderful,” Zy’s voice was warm with pleasure. “I’ll pick you up at your place around seven?”

After confirming the details and hanging up, Ellie turned to face her grandmother’s triumphant grin.

“Don’t say it,” Ellie warned, but there was no heat in her voice.

“Say what?” Elena asked innocently. “That my granddaughter is finally going on a date with a handsome, successful man who clearly adores her?”

Ellie felt her cheeks heat. “It’s not... we’re just colleagues.”

“Mm-hmm,” Elena hummed skeptically. “Sure you are. And I’m not a woman who’s seen true love her whole life. Now, go! Make yourself beautiful. Not that you need much help in that department.”

Ellie leaned in to press a kiss on her grandmother’s cheek. “What would I do without you, Abuela?”

“Be very bored, I imagine,” Elena quipped. “Now shoo! And I expect a full report tomorrow!”

Hours later, Ellie stood in front of her closet, scrutinizing her options. She’d settled on a flowy gold dress that brought out the warm tones in her skin, paired with strappy sandals. Her dark red hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders.

A knock at her door sent a flutter of butterflies through her stomach. Taking a deep breath, she opened it to find Zy standing there, looking devastatingly handsome in dark jeans and a crisp button-down shirt.

His eyes widened appreciatively as he took her in. “Wow. Ellie, you look... stunning.”

Ellie felt a blush creep up her neck. “Thanks. You clean up real good Mr. Ashford.”

The restaurant was everything Zy had promised and more. They were seated at a table by the window, offering a breathtaking view of the river glittering under the setting sun.

As they perused the menu, Ellie couldn’t help but steal glances at Zy. In this relaxed setting, away from the pressures of work, he seemed... lighter somehow. His smile came easier, his golden eyes twinkling with warmth.

“So,” Ellie said as they waited for their food, “I have to ask. How is it that a successful, charming CEO like yourself is still single? Surely you must have women lining up around the block.”

Zy laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “Hardly. I think you overestimate the appeal of a workaholic who spends most of his time talking about code optimization.”

“Oh please,” Ellie scoffed playfully. “As if that’s not the height of sex appeal.”

Zy’s eyes danced with amusement. “Well, in that case, let me dazzle you with tales of my latest database restructuring project.”

They dissolved into laughter, the tension that had lingered between them finally dissipating completely.

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