Sophia Sullivan looked up at the sign.
Women's restroom.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
It was lunch break.
The restroom stood empty.
But that didn't justify his presence here.
Ethan Sullivan stood before the sinks.
His gaze was heavy.
"Ms. Sullivan, you're avoiding me."
A statement, not a question.
Sophia paused mid-motion.
"You're overthinking it, Mr. Sullivan."
The air carried citrus notes.
A fresh blend of lemon and sweet orange.
Ethan braced his hands against the counter.
"There's nothing between us."
"She moved abroad at five."
"Only visits once or twice yearly."
Sophia met his eyes.
"That's your private matter."
"No need to explain to me."
Her tone remained even.
Veins stood out on Ethan's hands.
"I won't tolerate misunderstandings."
He watched her reflection.
Sophia's fingers tightened slightly.
Everything had been said that night.
No future existed between them.
Her departure for M-Country loomed near.
Better a clean break than prolonged pain.
"Mr. Sullivan, I don't compete for attention."
"We both have options."
"Clarity serves us best."
She spoke plainly.
"We're business partners."
"Now and always."
She enjoyed pleasure.
But never at selfhood's expense.
Ethan stared at the mirror.
"Business partners."
This marked the second rejection.
Footsteps approached outside.
Sophia's frown deepened.
She seized Ethan's wrist.
Both retreated into a stall.
"Quiet."
Her whisper was urgent.
The cramped space forced proximity.
Their bodies pressed close.
Sophia wanted no spectacle.
Tomorrow's headlines couldn't scream "CEO affair."
Ethan leaned forward.
His chest met her back.
The pressure coiled her nerves tight.
"Ms. Sullivan, is this partnership?"
His voice dropped low.
Breath grazed her ear.
Triggering shivers.
"Do partners feel this?"
Ethan shut his eyes.
Desire roared within him.
To be near.
To inhale her.
From the beginning.
It wasn't perfume he craved.
But her essence.
Now it bordered on sickness.
Sophia's pulse quickened.
Thuds echoed in confinement.
A treacherous longing surfaced.
This was wrong.
Her elbow struck backward.
"Ethan, you planned this."
The hit landed hard.
Ethan grunted through pain.
Agony fed his hunger.
A voice called outside.
"Anyone there?"
"Just me, Sophia Sullivan."
Her reply stayed calm.
Yet his grip anchored her waist.
Female colleagues chattered nearby.
"Mr. Sullivan's fiancée brought lunch today."
"Rumor says they'll wed soon."
"Half the office will mourn."
"She's no match for Ms. Sullivan."
Sophia forced a response.
"Focus on your work."
Ethan remained restless.
Warm breath traced her neck.
Cool lips found bare shoulder.
A kiss burned against skin.