Page 23 of Her Billionaire Bossholes

The moment is gone, the spell broken. I lean back in my seat, my fingers curling into fists as I try to steady myself. It was foolish to think that a scar could reveal everything about a person, especially someone as different as Charlie. The silence between us swells with unspoken words and unexplored connections.

Suddenly, the driver's voice cuts through the charged atmosphere, announcing our arrival at our destination. The car comes to a stop, and I quickly gather myself, pushing aside the raw emotions that had been stirring within me. I take a deep breath, my eyes fixated on the scene unfolding outside the car window.

I gesture toward the door and say, "Bodyguards first, right?"

She regards me curiously. "So he can learn," she thoughtfully teases before getting out.

I watch her a little too closely, eying that ass in those pants. "He can if that's what it takes, sweetheart."

20

CALEB

Debbie knocks on my door, a friendly interruption signaling the end of the day. "Anything else I can do for you, sir?"

"Thanks, Debbie, but I'm good. You've been a huge help today. Have a great evening." I appreciate her offer to assist further before she heads home, especially considering the fact that I've kept her here longer than I should've.

Sending her off, I'm left alone with my thoughts. Jackson's failed attempts at closing a deal with the pharmaceutical company float through my mind, adding to the frustration that permeates the office. It's clear that his missteps have put the board in a foul mood, and their expectations are weighing heavily on everyone's shoulders.

"Today's leftovers are tomorrow's breakfast," I mutter, shoving my papers into their designated folders and locking the computer. "Goodnight to you, goodnight to me, goodnight to all."

Dragging my weary body toward my room, I can't help but acknowledge the toll that the day has taken on me. The long hours, the demanding challenges – they've left me feeling worn out and depleted. But, at least I ate something for dinner already. With a deep breath, I let go of the stress and stretch my arms up above my head for a few satisfying seconds.

The weight of responsibilities and the constant pressure to succeed have taken their toll on me. But as I turn a corner, I catch a glimpse of movement in the distance, a solitary figure amidst the sea of darkness.

Curiosity piques within me, drawing me closer. It's Charlie, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the gym lights. Despite having had a full day herself, she is still here, diligently working out. The sight of her unwavering dedication and commitment to her fitness routine fills me with admiration.

Charlie's determination is palpable in every movement she makes. Her muscles ripple beneath her glistening skin as she pushes herself to new limits. Each bead of sweat that rolls down her flushed face speaks volumes about her unwavering drive.

"Damn, that's fucking hot," I groan as I watch her land a kick to the punching bag.

Caught up in the mesmerizing display of Charlie's strength and grace, I find myself unable to tear my gaze away. The rhythmic thuds of her fists meeting the bag create a symphony that resonates through the empty gym, amplifying the intensity of the atmosphere.

I take a step closer, drawn like a moth to a flame. The air is thick with the scent of determination and exertion, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly polished gym equipment. Time seems to suspend, as if the world outside this gymnasium ceases to exist, and all that remains is the ethereal energy pulsating between us.

Charlie pivots, her body fluidly transitioning from one punch to another, executing each movement with precision and power. Her muscles glisten under the fluorescent lights, accentuating her sculpted physique. The contours of her toned arms and defined abdomen are a testament to her unwavering commitment to fitness.

I take a few steps closer, not wanting to disturb her focus but unable to resist the magnetic pull she has on me. The scent of sweat and determination permeates the space around us, leaving an intoxicating trail that only intensifies my desire.

As Charlie finishes her routine, beads of perspiration cascade down her neck, trailing down the curve of her collarbone and disappearing into the depths of her sports bra. She reaches for her water bottle, taking a long, satisfying gulp that quenches not only her physical thirst but also stirs something primal within me.

"Is it too late to take back every shred of doubt I had when I first saw you?" I ask, causing her to glance over at me.

She doesn't seem surprised, probably noticing me the moment I got here. All of my shameless staring...

"Feel free," she pants out before taking another sip.

I can't help but smile at her response, feeling a surge of confidence coursing through my veins. With each breath she takes, Charlie exudes a sense of power and determination that is utterly captivating. It's as if she has tapped into a wellspring of strength that fuels her every move.

"It's admirable, your dedication to your work," I confess, forcing my attention to stay above the neckline.

A flicker of surprise flashes in her eyes before she smiles – a smile that is as radiant as the sun breaking through storm clouds. "Thank you," she replies, her voice laced with genuine gratitude. "It takes as much if I'm trying to keep up with you and the others."

My heart skips a beat at her words, my admiration for Charlie deepening with each passing second. I never imagined that she would see any of us in such a light--to see me that way. Her determination and unyielding drive have always been captivating, but witnessing it firsthand in this moment only solidifies my respect for her.

"I'm flattered," I say with a smile.

She just shrugs and takes another sip. My gaze travels the length of her toned body, hard and soft, strong and vulnerable all in the right places. Damn, what I'd give to be able to grab her right now and...

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