Page 16 of Her Billionaire Bossholes

I clear my throat, attempting to regain some composure. "I couldn't sleep," I admit, my voice hoarse. "And I...heard some noises coming from your room."

Charlie's cheeks flush pink, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh, those noises," she says, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I was working out."

I raise an eyebrow skeptically. "Working out? At this hour?"

She nods, her gaze dropping to the floor momentarily before meeting mine again. "It helps me clear my mind," she confesses.

My gaze lingers on her flushed face and the way droplets of perspiration cling to her collarbone, tracing a path down between her breasts. Her chest is heaving with each breath she takes.

"Did you... need something?" she presses, snapping me back to reality.

"Tea?" I say randomly.

That perfectly sculpted brow arches. "Tea?"

"Right, yeah," I shake the stupidity out of my head. "Do you want some? I was on my way to the kitchen... Gotta stay hydrated, right?"

Charlie's eyes flicker with surprise, her lips struggling to resist a playful smile. "Sure, why not? I could use a break," she murmurs.

I hold the door open for her, gesturing for her to step out into the hallway. As we walk side by side, a comfortable silence settles between us, punctuated only by the soft sound of our footsteps echoing off the walls. There is something undeniably magnetic about her presence, and I find myself drawn to her in ways I've never experienced before.

When we reach the kitchen, Charlie leans against the countertop, crossing her arms over her chest. Her eyes wander lazily around the room as I prepare two mugs of steaming tea. The aromatic scent of chamomile and lavender fills the air, mingling with the lingering anticipation that hangs between us.

"I hope chamomile is all right?" I say, pouring the steaming tea between two mugs.

Her gaze slices into my eyes as she nods. The air crackles with a newfound tension, and I can't help but steal glances at Charlie as I top the cups off with a dash of milk. Her athletic figure, damp hair, and flushed cheeks send waves of desire coursing through my veins.

We drink in silence, passing glances back and forth. The steam from the tea dances around us, creating a misty barrier that heightens the intensity of the moment. I can feel the heat radiating off Charlie's body, her closeness becoming increasingly intoxicating. The air is charged with unspoken desires, and I find myself drowning in the electric current that flows between us.

As the silence stretches on, my hand trembles slightly, causing a few drops of tea to spill onto the counter. Charlie's eyes flicker to the mess before she reaches forward, her slender fingers tracing a path through the spilled liquid. Her touch sends shivers down my spine, igniting a fire deep within me.

Without breaking eye contact, she slowly brings her fingers to her lips, her tongue darting out to taste the sweet warmth of the tea. Time seems to stand still as she savors the flavor, her eyes locked on mine. The raw sensuality of the moment consumes me.

Walking over to the sink, she sets her mug down and shakes her cute little ass over to the doorway. She looks back at me over her shoulder.

"Thanks for the tea, Mr. Carter," she murmurs. "Goodnight."

I open my mouth to tell her goodnight, beg her to stay... something... anything. But nothing comes out. And Charlie walks away, leaving me in the flickering lights of the kitchen.

What the hell just happened?

15

CHARLIE

"You've completely lost your mind," I decide as I stare at myself in the bathroom mirror.

The woman who stares back at me through the steamed glass doesn't deny it. I've lost my mind.

"Yes, they're attractive. That doesn't excuse anything."

And it doesn't. Last night with Caleb and the tea? I stepped way over the line. This is my job! My professional dignity is on the line here, and I'm completely disregarding that by flirting with my boss.

"Crazy," I grumble. "Insane."

Two firm knocks at the door force me to pinch my lips shut. "Yes?"

"Miss Moore?" Debbie calls out. "I apologize if I'm interrupting something."

---