Chapter One: Policy
I memorized the company handbook before my first day.
Dress code. Conduct. Boundaries.
Especially the boundaries.
I didn’t plan on breaking any rules.
I planned on working hard, keeping my head
down, and going home at five.
Then I met him.
He didn’t stare.
Didn’t smile too much.
Didn’t say anything inappropriate.
That was the problem.
His eyes lingered just long enough to make me feel seen—and then he pulled back like he’d already said too much. His voice was calm, measured, professional. But there was something underneath it. Something controlled.
“Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.
I sat.
Too aware of my posture.
Too aware of how quiet the room felt.
He scanned my résumé, nodding slightly. “You come highly recommended.”
“Thank you,” I replied, steady. Even though my pulse betrayed me.
Silence stretched between us—not awkward, just… loaded.
He finally looked up. Our eyes met.
That was it.
No sparks.
No drama.
Just a quiet shift, like something clicking into place that shouldn’t have.
“We’ll be working closely,” he said.
I swallowed. “Of course.”
His jaw tightened—just a little.
That’s when I knew.
Not that he wanted me.
But that he was already trying not to.
And somehow, that felt worse.
