A millionaire forbidden romance novel

CHAPTER ONE

The fresh air was more than welcome in Emma's lungs and she took it in like a person who had been under water for too long. "The City isn't that bad honey", her brother teased, bumping her shoulder. Emma tucked her hair behind her ears and grinned, "Ah, but it is Xavier, it is very bad. I live for these visits to the quiet countryside", she replied opening her handbag and ruffling inside it for her phone.

Her brother glanced at his phone as it beeped, "I forgot to tell you, Alex will be joining us tonight. He was supposed to join us this afternoon but, he got held up at work" he said, rapidly typing on his phone. Emma was grateful her face was partially hidden by her hair since she was looking down into her handbag, it wouldn't do for her brother to notice the color creep into her face at the mention of his best friend's proposed arrival. She gripped the handles of her bag firmly before she responded in a steady voice, "Why is he joining us?"

"Hmm? Oh right, you've been away for quite some time. It's kind of an agreement we have, we go to the manor once every three months to relax and get away from the workspace. I've found that it helps clear our heads", Xavier said stuffing his phone into his pocket. Emma nodded slowly, digesting the information and mentally checking her wardrobe if she packed clothes suitable for meeting Alexander after four years. Xavier linked his right arm with hers and gently pulled her forward, "Come on. We can take in more of this fresh air at home" he urged and Emma shook her head and smiled at him as they walked out of the airport.

The meeting had taken longer than he had anticipated and he normally wouldn't have minded but the fact that he was now extremely late grated on his nerves. How long had it been? He asked himself as he took long impatient strides to his car. Four years, he entered his car and ran a hand through his hair. Long dark brown hair cascaded down framing his face as his hand dropped down. She would be twenty-one he mused and stopped himself. It was time to stop thinking about her as anything more than Xavier's sister. Alexander checked his phone and cursed, he really needed an assistant who would have reminded him that he had less than fifteen minutes to get to the airport or he would miss his rescheduled flight. He gauged the possibilities and sped out of the parking lot.

"Is that something you learned down at the University?" Xavier asked curiously, staring at Emma. She wiped the scowl off her face and tapped her glass impatiently. "Is he always this late?" She asked glaring at the door. Xavier studied her face, Emma had never scowled before but he couldn't expect her to remain the same after finishing college. He shrugged it off and took a sip out of his wine, "it's Alex, Emma. He's always late" he replied. Emma finished off the wine in her glass trying to hide her scowl. At this rate, the man would arrive when she was as drunk as a sailor. "You may want to lay off the wine Sis" Xavier admonished with a raised brow. Emma stared at the empty glass in her hand and shot him a sheepish look in response. Just then, the door opened with a slight creek and Alexander stepped into the house.

Emma was grateful for having had a few glasses of wine after all. Xavier could attribute her red face to the amount of wine she had consumed and not the presence of this rugged god standing at her door. He stood at the door partially hidden by the darkness of the night. "The meeting took a bit longer than anticipated," he said by way of explanation for his tardiness and stepped further into the house. The door shut behind him and Emma gripped the bottle of wine and poured into her glass. She took a sip and studied him over the rim of her glass. His hair was tossed around his rough hallowed cheek face carelessly like he had ran his hands through it multiple times. She remembered that he did have a habit of messing up his hair. The long sleeved sweatshirt he wore was held up by broad shoulders and clung to his chest. Emma swallowed and took another sip, he was buffer than she remembered, more muscles. His legs were clad in loose jeans that did nothing to hide his slim waist and Emma silently wished he would turn around so she could see his butt.

"Good thing you showed up now. Emma here has been drinking like a sailor's wife. Just look at how red she is," Xavier said standing up to shake Alexander's hand. Alexander stared at her, yes she was indeed quite red in the face and it put images in his head that had no business being there. Her skin was still rosy and her wild curly blonde hair had been ruthlessly tamed by a hot iron. It now lay in straight lines that graced her porcelain face. Baby blue eyes stared at him over the rim of her wineglass. When she rose to greet him, Alexander felt the air knocked out of his lungs. Gone was the girl with a petite body, in her place stood a woman who had clearly aged well. Round hips filled out the deep green gown she wore, her tiny waist highlighted by the hourglass cut. Her hair was longer when it was straightened, he noticed, as she walked around the table to meet him. It swung evenly at her back almost reaching her hips.

"Hello Alexander", she said in a sultry voice he knew couldn't belong to the little girl he had last seen. Alexander looked down at her feeling a small satisfaction that her height had not changed, he still towered considerably over her. He smiled and bent down so she could peck his cheeks, it was a habit of theirs.

Trying not to sniff him as she pecked his cheeks, Emma allowed herself take in the whiff of his scent. The scent of freshwood and raindrops clouded her senses almost making her lose her balance. She stumbled and gasped when Alexander caught her and held her steady. "Careful Sis, you seem a little drunk", Xavier said chuckling.

Alexander let her go and stepped back, the feel of her body against his had brought him to an uncomfortable truth. His earlier resolve to think of her as anything more than Xavier's sister would prove to be a difficult task. "Let's eat. I'm starving and almost regret waiting for you before eating dinner", Xavier said clapping his hands. "Yes, let's eat" Alexander said softly, glancing at Emma.

The humming from the kitchen drew Alexander in and he detoured from his destination to his bedroom towards it. A boom box played a hip-hop song and Emma was dancing to it while cooking. His body reacted instantly to seeing Emma at the stove wearing a tank top and tight shorts. Her skin glistened with sweat from the heat of the stove and her dancing and he briefly wondered how she would look under a shower. Crossing his legs at the door and counting silently to three, Alexander calmed himself down before he spoke, "I see you're still a morning person" he remarked startling Emma.

"Jeez Xander, do you have to sneak up on me like that?" She snapped turning around to glare at him. Alexander smirked, she only ever called him Xander when he annoyed her and though her glare should have been formidable, it only looked cute to him. "I didn't exactly sneak up on you darling. I've been at the door for a while", he drawled walking into the kitchen. Emma rolled her eyes and pointed the spatula in her hand at him, "You are lucky I'm standing next to a stove" she snarled. Enjoying her annoyance, Alexander stepped closer, "I'm right here darling. What can you do?" He teased staring down at her.

Emma flushed then quickly regained herself and poked Alexander's chest with the spatula. She gasped when he gripped her hand and pulled her against him, "Is that the best you can do? Still as harmless as ever little Emma" he whispered. Emma looked up into his eyes, darkened gray eyes heavy with a sense of dangerous desire stared back at her making her shiver. Suddenly, Alexander stepped away from her. Her brows knit in confusion until a moment later, Xavier walked in yawning. He stared at both of them, shook his head and stalked to the coffee machine grumbling under his breath, "Up before the clock strikes 7. Morning people ah".

Xavier took a sip of coffee and hummed in appreciation then turned to Emma and Alexander with steely blue eyes, "Let me guess. You" he said pointing at Emma, "have been up since 5:30 this morning, done a workout, drank at least a gallon of water and," his eyes narrowed as he sniffed the air, "made us breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast". Emma chuckled, shrugging off the tingles she still felt and turned back to the stove, "Still not a morning person I see" she answered flipping the bacon.

"And you", Xavier turned pointing his accusing finger at Alexander, "you've definitely jogged a few miles this morning" he accused taking in Alexander's gray tracksuit.

Alexander shrugged, taking his eyes off Emma, "it's best I keep fit considering my line of work. Besides", he continued smiling at the toast Xavier had snagged from the pile on the counter and was busy slathering with butter, "it wouldn't kill you to join me some time" he finished.

Xavier glared at him and pointed the butter knife at him, "you're lucky I'm famished" he threatened. The semblance between his action and Emma's earlier, made Alexander frown.

"You guys enjoy yourself. I need to take a shower," Emma said washing her hands and wiping it with a towel. "Okay, but there may not be anything left for you when you get back" Xavier responded with his mouth full. Emma laughed as she walked out of the kitchen. Alexander watched her leave, contemplated following her and finishing what he started but one look at Xavier was enough to change his mind. She was forbidden to him and he had to remind himself about that constantly. He sat down at the table munching on a piece of toast for a minute before he stood up, "I need a shower too" he said. Xavier swallowed the eggs he had stuffed in his mouth and wrinkled his nose, "Yeah you do. You stink dude" he said scooping bacon into his mouth. Alexander punched him in the arm before climbing up the stairs. He had to walk past Emma's room before getting to his and he did so with a speed he didn't think was possible. He needed a cold shower and after that, he had to think about ways to avoid Emma so he didn't do something they would both regret.

The cold water was good for her, Emma thought as she stood underneath the blast of the shower and soaped her hair. She closed her eyes so the lather wouldn't get into her eyes and scrubbed her hair. A vision of Alexander's face flooded her sight and she sighed, those dangerous eyes and kissable lips. She remembered the desire she had seen in his eyes, could she dare to hope? Was he as interested in her as she had been in him for six years now? She had locked away those feelings because she knew he saw her as nothing more than his baby sister. The five year age gap between them served as a constant reminder that he would never see her a woman.

But those eyes, she thought, opening her eyes. She wasn't mistaken and Emma wasn't naive enough to not recognize desire in a man's eyes. It wouldn't be the first she had seen in a man but if Alexander had that look for her, it was time to get serious about making him hers.

CHAPTER TWO

Just a weekend away, he grunted in his head, glaring at Emma walk past him with a skimpy bikini. It had only been a day since he got here and already, his control was threatening to desert him. Alexander adjusted his pants and stalked into the house, was she doing it on purpose? No, the Emma he knew was too innocent and naive to pull off something like seduction. "Does she see what she's wearing?" Xavier growled coming up behind him.

Emma smirked as she watched Alexander stalk into the house like a man being chased, he was definitely interested. The smirk dropped off her face when she saw Xavier storming towards her. She immediately put on her innocent face as she internally rolled her eyes, "I can not believe my eyes" Xavier said as soon as he got to her.

"That bikini is two sizes too small. I know you've grown up in the past four years and that is all the more reason you shouldn't be flaunting your body like this young lady. Look at me when I'm talking to you" Xavier scolded tossing her a big white towel to cover herself.

Emma tore her gaze away from Alexander who had taken off his shirt and was walking towards them. "Get up. We are going shopping for something more modest" Xavier instructed pulling Emma up.

She wrapped the towel around herself, already feeling the chill of the early evening breeze. Emma pulled her arm out of Xavier's grip, "How old am I?" She asked calmly. Xavier raised a brow, still annoyed with her but deciding to oblige her, "Twenty-one" he gritted out reluctantly.

"Good. That means I'm an adult and well capable of wearing what I please without my big brother hounding me like a little girl" she stated staring at him. "Now, if you'll excuse me" she said, turning on her heel and walking away.

"She's crazy", Xavier whispered as he watched her leave. Alexander nodded in agreement and dove into the pool. He didn't think she was crazy, Xavier was a little overprotective but he couldn't fault him either, Emma was an attractive woman bound to cause a stir putting on an outfit like that. Then again, if she was his sister, he would be worse. She was like a sister to him, he reminded himself, taking another lap.

Embarrassment mixed with indignation kept her walking. It carried her up the stairs and into her bedroom then exploded when she picked up a pillow and screamed into it. She didn't need Xavier treating her like a little girl when she was trying to prove to his best friend that she was a grown woman. A gust of wind blew through her window making her shiver. Emma sighed as she stood up and shut the window. It would be time for dinner soon, she wasn't sure if she wasnted to see either Xavier or Alexander.

It was for the best, Alexander thought to himself as the weekend passed by with Emma actively avoiding him and Xavier. Even as he packed his bag, he was trying to convince himself that he hadn't missed her at all. Work awaited him and though this weekend getaway had been somewhat relaxing, if he didn't count the times he had been tempted to kiss Emma senseless, he was more than itching to get back to work.

Emma stared at the back of Alexander's head as he drove them to the airport. It would be better to get him alone without her brother hovering over them, she thought turning to glare at Xavier who sat in the front seat of the car and was discussing animatedly with Alexander. She wished he could turn around so she could give him a proper glare but she had to be content with the back of his head.

"Leave it, I'll help you", Xavier said as Emma struggled with her suitcase. She turned to glare at him and gasped when the suitcase was suddenly taken out of her hands. Alexander gave her a small smile before carrying her suitcase and his bag towards the check-in area. Xavier pouted as Alexander walked past him, "Showoff" he muttered then grabbed Emma by the arm, "Come on Em" he said urging her forward. Emma complied, the wheels in her head spinning, her plan would come into motion soon.

"You can trust me and I don't believe that's something I need to tell you", Emma said tapping her feet with her phone cradled to her left ear while her hands typed furiously. "I'll get everything ready in time. Love you too Mama", she said then sighed as the call ended. She massaged her forehead with two fingers and took off her glasses. The screen time she had used since she got back from her weekend getaway was enough to make her blind. She attempted writing more and groaned in dismay when she noticed her fingers were cramped.

Emma looked around her work studio and chuckled. It was filled with notebooks, papers, sticky notes, highlighters, books and many other items. She was well aware there were multiple applications online she could use to substitute the mess but, she found solace in the chaos. Everything was so organized in her routine life.

She took off the pink headband holding her unruly hair in place and rolled her eyes when it popped everywhere. She looked at her reflection on her computer screen and winced, she was due for a visit to the salon. It wouldn't do for anyone to see her hair this way again. Emma still remembered the jabs and whispers her hair had gotten back in college. Nobody had ever outrightly said anything to her but she had heard the whispers and seen the subtle nudges, such wild hair had no place in their fancy school. Emma spun around on her office chair determined to shut down her negative thoughts.

A quick check on her snacks supply told her she was running low. Groaning, she stood up and stretched herself then picked up her purse, checked her reflection in the computer screen, placed the headband back on her head and walked out of the room.

He shouldn't, he thought and drew his hands back, away from his phone. What was the harm in it? He asked himself, he was just a brotherly figure checking in on her. Alexander nodded and licked his lips, then picked up his phone and dialed her number. She picked up on the third ring, "Hello?" Her voice sounded like he had woken her up. Alexander glanced at his wristwatch, it was just 4pm. "I'm sorry, did I wake you?" He asked adjusting the files on his desk. "Alex?" She said and he could hear the surprise in her voice, "Yeah you did. I was just having a nap. Wait, what time is it?" She asked and he smiled.

He heard her pick something up then gasp loudly, "Oh dear. I'll be terribly late" she said.

"Calm your horses Emma. You aren't even speaking to me at all and I called to speak with you", Alexander said still smiling. A sigh came from the other end of the phone, "Apologies Alex. I'm just a bit over the place", Emma replied.

Alexander tapped his fingers on the table "I can see you are busy so I'll call back later", he said and ended the call before she could respond. He smacked his forehead and groaned, what the hell had he just done? He had made a fool of himself. Checking his watch again, he realized he had scheduled a check in on some of his projects and he was already running late. He really needed that assistant.

"I can see you are busy so I'll call back later" he said and Emma gaped at her wall, "Hold on" she started saying then heard the decisive click of the call ending. She stared at her phone in shock, what the hell was that? Emma stood up on shaky feet from her sumptuous, oversized tufted armchair upholstered in deep, rich velvet and walked towards her bathroom. Her visit to the salon the day before had been worth it, Emma brushed her teeth as she tried to figure out a way to get to the theater on time. She had a meeting with the team in charge of setting up the venue for the show her family was hosting in two months. It was a big task, one she had been entrusted with and one she couldn't afford to mess up. She walked to her bedroom, grateful she had picked up her outfit before taking a nap.

Twenty minutes later, Emma walked into the Astra Theater and wrinkled her nose when the smell of wood, sweat and saw dust hit her. The theater was in its final stages of construction as the previous place had burnt down in a fire. Emma looked down at her feet grateful she had ditched her sandals last minute and changed to heavy duty boots, the workers would have definitely had a lot to say if she had shown up in sandals. The last thing she needed was news traveling to her mother that she didn't even know the right footwear to put on for work.

"Miss Emma", a man holding a clipboard called out strolling towards her. Emma saw him assess her outfit and a hint of disapproval slid into his eyes when he saw her blouse, she knew she had messed up on that one but the clear disapproval still annoyed her.

"Mr Gary. Apologies for my tardiness, I had a bit of work to catch up on" she said extending her hand for a handshake.

Gary gave her the once-over again resisting the urge to leave her hand hanging, she was the boss's daughter and that meant he had to be polite to her even if it killed him. He took her hand noticing the softness of her palm, great, a spoilt princess here to prance around like she knew a thing about theater. Whoever heard of wearing a pure white chiffon blouse that reeked of money to a construction site?

"Let's get you fitted in protective gear Miss Emma", he said signaling someone to bring a set for her. "That's fine Gary. Let's talk in my office. I'll check the construction progress later", she responded. Gary grunted and reluctantly followed her. "With your team if you don't mind", she said turning around before she kept walking. Gary glared at the back of her head and nodded at his team to follow them.

When they had all sat down in her rather spacious office, Emma smiled and took her seat. "I have spoken to a few of you over the phone but this is the first time I'm meeting you all in person. It's a pleasure to meet you. Now, let's get down to business" she said opening the file in her hands.

A young woman raised her hand and Emma answered her with a raised brow, "Aren't you going to ask us to introduce ourselves?" she asked wincing when the person next to her nudged her sharply. Emma smiled and waved her hand, "There will be no need for that" she replied and immediately realized that she had been misunderstood when majority of the people seated in front of her wore disapproving looks similar to Gray's. The smug look of satisfaction Gary shot everyone as if to say, "I told you so" didn't miss her notice.

Emma sighed and dropped her file, "There will be no need for that," she said raising her voice slightly, "because I already know what I need to know about each of you". Feeling the need to demonstrate, she pointed at the woman who had asked the question, "You are Shanice Woodland, assistant sound designer for this particular production. Twenty-three years of age, recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of York. I would provide your address and hobbies but that may come across as overdoing it and I don't want to make you uncomfortable" she finished staring at them.

It gave her a little satisfaction to watch the disapproval leave their eyes and be replaced with a variety of emotions.

The notion that she was just a ditzy blonde mooching off her father to become a director slowly ebbed away from their minds. "Now, shall we begin? I would like reports on how far we've come", Emma said clapping her hands.

CHAPTER THREE

Time was far spent by the time Emma finished the meeting with the team. She heaved a sigh as the last person left her office then stood up and stretched stifling a yawn. "You stretch like a cat" a voice said with a hint of amusement, Emma instinctively stiffened. She would recognize that rich baritone anywhere, "Alex" she said adjusting her top that had rode up while she stretched, "What brings you here?" Emma asked glancing behind him trying to ensure he had come alone. "My company is in charge of the construction for the theater," he supplied by way of explanation and stepped into her office.

Alexander took a moment to survey her office. A polished wooden desk commanded attention at the center of the room, adorned with a clutter-free workspace, a computer, a vibrant bouquet of fresh flowers and an array of scripts neatly organized in folders. He raised a brow when he noticed that the conventional leather chair behind a desk was non-existent in her office. "Why don't you have a chair behind your desk?" He asked moving closer to her.

Emma stopped checking him out and raised her head, "Hmm? Oh, I don't really like sitting behind a huge desk. I work better with smaller desks or tables" she said gesturing to a cozy corner nook with a plush armchair and a small table holding a work laptop and a cup of coffee. "Why the computer on your table then?" He asked, Emma chuckled, "Okay Mr investigator, what's going on here?" She asked jokingly. Alexander shrugged, "nothing, just trying to understand you. Your office is quite fascinating" he said as his eyes were drawn to the bookshelves that lined the wall behind the desk, filled with a diverse collection of plays, books on theater history, and inspirational biographies of renowned playwrights and directors. Emma looked around, "I've only had it for a week now but I'm starting to love it. I wanted an office that reflected who I am" she said in a soft voice. Alexander looked at her and his face softened, she looked exhausted.

"Yo Alex. We have to check out this new place", Xavier's voice said from the door. "Hi Em. How's it going?" He asked on sighting his sister. Emma gripped her table, of course Xavier was here with him. It would be too much to ask that she get Alexander to herself for a moment.

Alexander watched the exhaustion fall away from Emma's face like a mask as she turned to give her brother a smile, "It's going quite well. What's this new place you were speaking of?" She asked.

Xavier beamed, she was speaking to him again, "it's this cute little place not far from here. We should totally check it out" he said clapping his hands.

"Let's go", Emma said picking up her handbag, she had eaten just snacks all day and was dying for a proper meal. "Hold on", Alexander said pulling her back gently.

Emma ignored the butterflies that activated in her stomach from his touch and raised a brow, "We need to get you proper footwear" he said staring pointedly at her heavy duty boots. A small smile tugged at his lips, "I don't think those are appropriate for a dining establishment" he said.

Xavier nodded his head sagely, "I have a pair of sandals in my car" he said and Emma laughed, "Don't tell me you still keep a pair for me?" She asked. Xavier grinned, "Of course I do. I don't know if college life whipped your tendency to lose your footwear at odd places out of you, but I'm not taking any chances", he said.

Emma groaned and threw her head back, "It was one time Xavier. You need to learn to let things go" she grumbled.

Alexander chuckled behind her, "As I recall, it was more than once," he stated and Emma shot him a look that could freeze hell.

"What?" Xavier asked looking at both of them suspiciously. "I need those sandals", Emma said in a strong voice. Xavier gave them one last suspicious glance before he left her office to bring the sandals.

"You were about to expose me," Emma hissed as soon as she was sure Xavier was out of earshot. Alexander raised up his hands in surrender, "it wasn't intentional" he defended.

Emma tapped her feet impatiently, "You're lucky I like your face, I would have given you a punishment befitting a tattle tale" she muttered.

"I'm not a tattle tale", Alexander said indignantly, "wait. You like my face?" He asked losing some of the steam he had gathered.

Before Emma could respond, Xavier walked in holding a pair of white sandals for her. She sat down and switched the heavy duty boots for the sandals while both men waited outside her office discussing. "Done", she announced and stood up. She linked her arm with both men as they walked out of the theater.

A day later, Emma grinned at her screen like a maniac. It had taken her longer than expected especially with trying to shuffle work and writing, but she was finally done with her chapter for the week. Her readers were already getting impatient and it had taken a couple of sleepless nights but, she had done it. She glanced at her digital table clock and sighed, it was 3:56am. She had a meeting at 7 that morning and she had barely gotten any sleep for a while.

Weighing her options, Emma decided to ride out the rest of the morning and sleep after work. She saved the file and stood up to stretch herself, an action that made her remember Alexander's statement the day before. Emma facepalmed herself, she had gotten so immersed in work, she had forgotten her plan to seduce Alexander. Running a hand through her hair, she bit her lips and paced the floor. The main constant in her encounters with Alexander was her brother, Xavier and she needed to take him out of the equation if she ever hoped to have anything with Alexander. Emma looked around her writing space, it was a secret place in her home, the same way her identity as a writer was a secret. She was excellent at keeping secrets, perhaps she could add one more.

The elevator ride was nerve-wracking, Emma patted her chest multiple times. This was irresponsible, she had work to do and yet here she was on a Tuesday morning, on her way to a man's office. She had been curt with him on the phone when he called to check up on her the day before, she was merely coming to profer an apology. Emma snorted catching herself in the lie, she was becoming as delusional as one of her characters. She lifted up the pastry bag she held in her right hand to peek at it. She smiled when the scent of bagels and plain doughnuts hit her nostrils, it would make for a good peace offering. The elevator doors opened and Emma stepped out and immediately felt lost.

Her name had gotten her past the receptionist but she doubted it would get her through this maze. Emma dialed Alexander's number and informed him that she was stuck at the third floor of his company building.

Alexander raised his brows when Emma informed him of her location. He checked the time, it was past nine and she had come without calling first. For Emma, that was unusual because he knew that she didn't like surprises. Alexander ran a hand through his hair, she had changed drastically in the physical department, he had to stop assuming she was the same person she had been before going off to college.

He stood up from his chair and took long strides past the office cubicles, conference rooms, breakrooms and project management offices. Alexander smirked when he saw Emma standing exactly where she said she was, at the entrance of the elevator doors. With the light blue button down long sleeved blouse that matched her eyes, smartly tucked into black corporate trousers she was wearing, she could easily have been one of his architects. He had expected her to look lost but, she was looking at everywhere in awe. She hadn't noticed him yet so he took his time walking to her taking in her appearance in full. Her hair was styled into a ponytail, secured with a discrete, matching light blue hair tie that swung at her back as she moved her head. Her full lips were coated with just gloss allowing their natural pinkness to stand out.

Hoping he would be able to curtail himself, he smiled when Emma noticed his presence and started walking towards him. "I love the structure of this floor. It's an exquisite design", Emma said as soon as she got to him, "Thank you" Alexander said in surprise.

"Oh don't look so surprised Alexander. I studied Architecture in college, I'm allowed to appreciate good structure design when I see one" she said with a laugh.

Alexander stared at her, "I distinctly remember you insisting that you wanted to study theater production. In fact, I remember it caused quite a stir and Mr and Mrs Thompson were distraught" he remarked and noticed Emma wince.

"I was going through a phase and wanted to punish them for not letting me have my say in the choosing what college I could apply to" she replied as she started walking. Alexander took her by the arm gently and guided her past the multiple office spaces to his own office.

"Such a gentleman", Emma teased when Alexander opened his office door and gestured for her to go first. She saw him roll his eyes with a chuckle. Her eyes widened as she took in his office, it was beyond spacious, she thought and every single space had been ruthlessly utilized. Glass walls allowed natural light to flood the space giving her a clear view of everything in the office that was so strictly male. His desk was an imposing, polished wooden surface, made from high-quality mahogany wood. It was an expansive desk, equipped with a computer, a phone, and an array of neatly arranged documents and plans. A high-backed, ergonomic executive chair stood behind the desk and Emma felt like she now understood his surprise at the absence of one at her office. Clearly, he had put a lot of thought into his chair.

A dedicated meeting area positioned close to the doors included a round table with chairs for smaller discussions and negotiations. A presentation screen intended for collaborative planning sessions was placed on the at the end of the seating arrangement.

"You look like you are in love with my office", Alexander joked. Emma tore her eyes away from the office and smiled, she could appreciate the rest of the office later. "I come in peace" she said holding up the pastry bag, Alexander chuckled as he took the bag from her, "Thank you but, you only come with bribes when you have done something wrong" he said.

Emma smiled sheepishly and bit her lips, "I wanted to apologise for my attitude on the phone the other day. I..." She stopped at the look on Alexander's face. "I'm meant to be the one apologizing", he said softly with his eyes still on her lips, "I shouldn't have ended the call so abruptly".

The look was there again, it wasn't as strong as last time but Emma recognized it. She swallowed and stepped closer to him, "there is something I would like to try out. It's a theory", she whispered. She saw his eyes light up with curiosity, "Oh? What sort of theory is that?" He asked. Emma smirked and placed both her hands around his neck, the look of surprise mingled with curiosity on his face gave her courage as she added height to the heels she wore by standing on her toes. She brushed her lips lightly against his and got no reaction, her heart skipped a beat, had she been wrong? Did he not feel the same way about her? Feeling foolish, she removed her hands from his neck and stepped back. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that, I'll go" She stuttered picking up her handbag. Tears gathered in her eyes and she willed them not to fall, she couldn't afford to embarrass herself further.

"Emma?" She heard Alexander say when she had taken two steps towards the door, she stopped but couldn't bring herself to turn around knowing she would cry if she looked at his face. His arm grabbed her by the waist and turned her around, she only had a moment to gasp before Alexander growled, "That's not how you do it". Less than a second later, he bent down and his lips captured hers.