Page 27 of Tempted By Eden

We settle onto the couch, and I discreetly check him out. He’s undeniably attractive, with sandy blond hair, vibrant green eyes, and a tall, broad-shouldered frame. There’s a similar air of dominance and power around him, just like James.

“What can I do for you, Cora?” There’s a trace of curiosity in his tone, as if he’s still figuring me out.

“I’m putting together a strategy to improve office culture and perception,” I begin in my most professional voice. “I’d like permission to interview staff on their thoughts about the current environment and what they think could be improved.”

Dameon’s eyes flicker with amusement. “I must say, I wasn’t expecting that. You’re quite the conundrum, Cora. I can see why you’ve gotten under his skin.”

The comment catches me off guard. “Who? Mr. Hayes?”

“I know all about Eden, Cora. Let’s just say James and I go way back. I know more about him than most people. We’re not just co-CEOs.”

The pit of my stomach drops, but I keep my composure, nodding slowly. “Oh… um, okay,” I draw out, my mind scrambling to catch up. If the floor could open up and swallow me whole right now, I’d gladly welcome it.

“You’re not here to blackmail him,” he states, his head tilting slightly in thought.

“Look, I’m not exactly sure what he’s told you, but I can assure you I’m not here under false pretenses. I just want to do my job to the best of my ability and prove that I belong here.”

There’s a long pause as Dameon examines my face, searching for any sign of deceit. Finally he nods, as if making a decision. “I believe you. I do. You’re going to keep things interesting, aren’t you?” he says with a chuckle. “Alright, so you want to interview employees. How many?”

Ignoring his first question, though I’m dying to know what he meant, I focus on why I’m here. “About ten or so—someone from every department and level of seniority.”

“Absolutely. Let Nathan know, and he can help set it up.”

“Thank you for being open with me,” I say sincerely. “I really appreciate the opportunity to work here, and I promise I won’t let you down.”

Dameon holds my gaze with a steady confidence. “I know you won’t.”

As I leave his office, a small sense of relief settles in. Dameon truly believes I’m not here to cause harm, at least not to him or his co-CEO. If only I could convince James of the same.

I wait impatiently for the elevator, repeatedly pressing the call button as if it might make it arrive faster. The man himself suddenly emerges from his office, and my breath stills as I instinctively shrink back. He doesn’t notice me as he heads toward Dameon’s office, but I take the opportunity to admire him from afar. His black wavy hair is slicked back again, and the navy shirt he’s wearing clings to his chest in a way that’s both distracting and infuriating. His fitted suit pants only highlight his perfectly sculpted ass, and the way his sleeves are rolled up to reveal muscular forearms makes me weak in the knees.

Why isn’t arm porn a thing?

As he disappears into Dameon’s office, I step into the elevator and return to my floor. I can’t help but think about the similarities between James and Leo. Both have the same dark, wavy hair, and their noses are practically identical—straight and perfectly proportioned. I only hope Leo doesn’t inherit any of James’s more infuriating traits, though the stubbornness might already be showing.

The rest of the day passes in a rush. By some miracle, I managed to squeeze in three employee interviews in the afternoon—far more than I’d expected. But now that the clock has struck five, tiredness sinks into my bones. Recovering from a hangover is definitely not as easy as it used to be.

I slide my headphones into my ears as I pack up my desk, scrolling through the recordings from earlier. I’d kept my composure during the interviews, but now that I’m alone, I can finally indulge in the absurdity of what I heard. The moment the first employee’s voice filters through my ears, a soft laugh escapes me.

“Dameon never remembers my name. I’ve been working in finance for three years, and he calls me Ashley. My name is Ellie! It’s not even close!”

“I was speaking to James on the phone, and I ended the conversation with, ‘Alright babe, love you, see you later.’ That’s what I always say to my husband—it wasn’t meant for James! I panicked and said, ‘Oh my God! I didn’t mean that. I don’t love you, I just like working for you… I mean, I’m married! I’m not hitting on you, I swear!’ He hung up and reported me to HR the next day. But it was an accident, I promise!”

“James spilled his coffee in the boardroom. He held out his hand for the tissues, but I misunderstood and shook his hand instead. The look on his face—God, I was so embarrassed. I had to take stress leave. I still can’t look him in the eye.”

I burst out laughing, clutching my stomach as mortification hits me again. My secondhand embarrassment is almost unbearable. At least they didn’t suggest James spank them. My cheeks flush and I fan myself with my hand, still grinning as I replay the moment in my mind while I wait for the elevator.

I’m taking out my headphones when the elevator doors slide open, so I don’t see who’s inside straight away.

James.

He’s standing at the back of the elevator, as composed and intimidating as ever. Our eyes meet, and for a moment, the air between us crackles. My pulse quickens, a flush creeping up my neck, but I force myself to keep a neutral expression as I step inside. Being this close to him is… distracting. His presence is a storm—intense, suffocating, thrilling.

We ride down in silence, the only sound the soft whirr of the elevator. My mind races, replaying the events of yesterday, but I shove those thoughts aside. I can’t afford to let them rattle me.

When we reach the lobby, I step out first, eager to escape, but before I can make my getaway, James’s voice stops me in my tracks.

“Ms. Rossi.”

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