After a long day filled with meetings and deadlines, Elle finally allowed herself a moment to prepare for the evening. She chose a silk emerald green dress that hugged her curves just enough to be elegant, her favorite color that brought out the warmth in her skin. Her hair was styled simply yet perfectly, and light makeup enhanced her features without drawing attention from the natural grace she carried.
A delicate pair of earrings and a slender bracelet were the only jewelry she wore. Subtle, refined, and entirely her. As she caught her reflection one last time, she allowed herself a small, private smile. Tonight, she was more than her schedule, more than her work, she was Elle Hayes, and for a few hours, she could forget the world outside.
The restaurant was quiet when she arrived, sunlight softening into evening through the large windows. The table had been reserved just as Laura promised: private enough to speak freely, but intimate enough that the atmosphere hinted at possibility.
Adrian Blackwell was already there, standing as she approached. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, commanding attention without needing to say a word. When he turned to greet her, the faint warmth in his deep blue eyes caught her off guard for just a second.
Elle felt a flutter of something unfamiliar, an awareness she usually suppressed, but she squared her shoulders and returned his polite, measured smile.
"Good evening, Elle," Adrian said, voice calm, controlled, yet carrying an unspoken invitation to relax.
"Good evening, Mr. Blackwell," she replied, though the formal tone couldn't hide the faint hint of anticipation in her voice.
They walked in together, their steps naturally falling into rhythm. Adrian reached the table first and pulled out her chair before she could react.
"Thank you," Elle said softly, surprised despite herself.
"My pleasure," he replied, already moving to take his seat across from her.
Menus were exchanged, orders placed. The setting was calm, elegant, exactly what Laura would have chosen. For a moment, the conversation stayed safely neutral.
"So," Adrian began, resting his forearms lightly on the table, "Laura speaks highly of your work."
Elle smiled. "She's… selective with her praise. I assume she says the same about you."
A corner of his mouth lifted. "Only when she wants something done properly."
Her laughter was quiet but genuine, and Adrian felt his phone vibrate again against his palm. He glanced down once, then, without hesitation, turned it face-down and set it to silent.
Elle noticed.
Something in her expression shifted, just slightly.
They talked about work first, projects, schedules, industries that demanded everything and gave little back. Then the conversation drifted to easier things. Travel. Food. Small, unexpected preferences that felt oddly personal.
There were pauses too. Not awkward ones. The kind filled with observation.
Adrian noticed the way her smile deepened when she laughed, how faint dimples appeared, softening her otherwise composed expression. Elle noticed the quiet confidence in the way he spoke, the ease with which he carried himself. He could have passed for a model, she thought, if he hadn't looked so undeniably… real.
The food arrived. Wine was poured.
The evening passed faster than either of them expected.
When they finally stood to leave, it felt natural, too natural.
"I can take you home," Adrian offered, his tone casual, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Elle met his gaze for a moment before nodding. "Alright."
The drive was comfortable. When they arrived, Adrian stepped out first and walked her to the door.
"Thank you for tonight," Elle said.
He took her hand gently, lifting it just enough to press a brief kiss to her knuckles. Polite. Controlled. Intimate in a way that lingered far longer than it should have.
"Good night, Elle."
"Good night, Adrian."
⸻
Later, Elle showered and slipped into bed, her heart racing in a way she hadn't felt in years. She replayed the evening, his smile, his attention, the way he listened. Her fingers hovered over her phone.
She stopped herself.
Not yet.
Rules existed for a reason.
Across the city, Adrian loosened his tie and opened his laptop, reviewing files he'd seen a hundred times before. Still, her laughter echoed in his mind. Her smile surfaced uninvited.
Was he attracted to her?
He almost reached for his phone.
Almost.
Instead, he shut the laptop and turned out the light.
This wasn't the agreement, he reminded himself.
But sleep came slowly.