BRIANNA

“You’ll be moving to my office today.” Adrian’s words caught me by surprise, my eyes widening. Why would he want me to move into his office all of a sudden?

“What? Why do you want me to move into your office?” I asked, still reeling from his unexpected statement.

“There’s no particular reason. I just want to see your beautiful self more often and watch you while you work.” Adrian shrugged nonchalantly, and my insides melted. I couldn’t control the way a blush crept up my neck, my face turning beet red. How could he say that so easily, while I was here struggling to keep my own reaction in check?

I quickly took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Adrian had changed a lot over the past few days. Maybe not towards everyone, but definitely towards me.

“Who is this new Adrian? Has he been possessed, or did a new version of him come from another universe?” I joked, hoping to lighten the mood. But his expression turned serious.

“There’s no old or new Adrian. And I sure as hell haven’t been possessed,” he said, his tone slightly sharper. “I just realized how poorly I’ve been treating you and decided to change—for you. Am I doing something wrong?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.

“No, no, not at all! It’s actually a good change. You’re doing great, and I like the improvement,” I replied, offering him a smile.

“Thanks for the kind words,” he responded, a genuine smile forming on his lips. And for the first time in a long while, I saw him smile like that—his pearly whites shining, brightening up his whole face.

Realizing I was staring at him a bit too long, I quickly tried to steer the conversation in a different direction.

“Since I’ll be moving to your office, what about my desk and chair? Which one will I be using?” I asked, wanting to divert the topic from the effect his smile was having on me.

“You don’t have to worry about that,” he said, continuing, “Forget about the one in your old office. New ones will be brought in for you today. We’ll set up a space for you—this place is big enough for both of us. Someone else will be moving into your old office.” Adrian’s explanation was clear, and I nodded in understanding.

“I’m okay with that, as long as none of us end up hurt,” I grinned, trying to keep things light.

Honestly, I was okay with anything he decided, as long as it meant I’d get to see his handsome face almost every hour of the day. At this point, I’d follow whatever he said—just as long as it wasn’t harmful.

I couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly our relationship had shifted. Just a few weeks ago, we’d been arguing constantly, and now... now we were kissing! Who could’ve predicted something like this between us? I was still shocked by how everything had changed, but I was enjoying it more than I cared to admit.

“Brianna! What are you thinking about?” Adrian’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“Nothing really. I was just wondering how we went from fighting like cats and dogs to... talking like normal, civilized people. It’s pretty shocking, don’t you think?” I chuckled softly at the end of my sentence.

“It surprises me too,” he admitted with a shrug, “but hey, people say to enjoy things while they last and go with the flow.” He flashed me one of those charming smiles that always made my heart race. Oh my gosh, since when did I start finding smiles so charming? Lord, help me!

“Enough thinking,” Adrian said, patting his lap. “Come sit here until the new desk and chair arrive.”

I froze for a moment. Did he seriously want me to sit on his lap? Like... actually sit on his lap?

“Are you for real?” I whispered, unsure if I’d heard him correctly.

“Yes, I’m for real. Stop asking so many questions. Come sit.” He grinned at me, and despite my nerves, my legs moved of their own accord. I walked slowly toward his chair, wishing the short distance would take longer.

When I finally reached him, I told myself I’d only be sitting on his lap for a few minutes, and nothing more. Nothing else would happen.

“Brianna? What are you waiting for? Don’t you want to sit?” Adrian’s voice broke through my resolve, and just before he could do anything, I quickly stopped him.

“No, no. I want to sit,” I said, and before I could change my mind, I perched myself on his lap. I could feel his strong thigh muscles beneath me.

“Sit and make yourself comfortable,” Adrian whispered hotly against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

“I’m afraid I might break your legs with my weight. I’m not exactly skinny, you know,” I muttered, embarrassed.

“You don’t have to worry about breaking my legs,” he replied with a chuckle, “I’m not weak, you know. Just sit comfortably.”

I adjusted myself slightly, trying to settle in.

“Do you mind if I kiss you?” His voice was low, almost a whisper, and though I had promised myself that I would only sit, the way he asked made me shiver in anticipation.

“Err… I don’t mind,” I managed to mumble.

“Good.” He smiled, and with that, he turned his head toward me, locking his lips with mine. The kiss quickly deepened, an exchange of passion and longing. It was *intense*, and oh, was it enjoyable. (Sorry to anyone who’s never felt that way about a kiss.)

Just as our kiss intensified, our hands roaming around each other’s bodies, the door to the office suddenly burst open. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. Oh my gosh, have we been caught in a compromising situation by one of the workers? No one would dare enter Adrian’s office without knocking, so who could it be?

As my thoughts raced, Adrian didn’t break the kiss. He seemed completely unconcerned that someone had barged in. Panicked, I broke off the kiss to see who it was.