Ava walked into the apartment, exhausted from her long shift at work. She kicked off her heels with a dramatic sigh, stretching her sore muscles. "Emma, I swear, if I don't quit this job soon, I might just run away and start a life in the Bahamas."
But before she could take another step, her eyes landed on a tall, broad-shouldered figure standing near the window, his back turned to her.
The sight made her freeze.
Emma had mentioned that Daniel would be coming over, but nothing could have prepared Ava for this.
The man in her living room was a masterpiece.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, Daniel exuded effortless power. His strong, chiseled jawline, the slight stubble that only made him more attractive, and the way he carried himself, it was almost unfair.
Jesus.
Ava wasn't one to be easily flustered, but this? This was next-level hot.
As if sensing her presence, Daniel turned around, and the moment their eyes met, Ava felt her breath catch.
His gaze was sharp yet calm, assessing her in that polite but unreadable way.
"Hi," he said simply, his voice smooth and commanding.
Ava took a second too long to respond. She flicked her gaze toward Emma, her eyes practically screaming at her best friend. Where have you been hiding this demigod?
Emma, already knowing Ava too well, burst into laughter.
"Don't embarrass yourself, Ava," Emma teased, shaking her head.
Ava placed a hand over her chest dramatically. "You wound me, Emma. I'm just admiring God's work."
Emma rolled her eyes, still laughing.
Daniel smirked. "You must be Ava."
Ava nodded, regaining some of her composure. "That's me. And you must be Daniel Monroe."
Daniel chuckled. "I suppose I am."
Ava raised an eyebrow. "So, you're real. I was starting to think Emma made you up."
Emma playfully smacked Ava's arm. "Can you not?"
Daniel just smiled. "I get that a lot."
Ava exhaled dramatically. "Of course you do."
Daniel stepped forward, hands casually tucked in his pockets. "I wanted to take Emma to the hospital for a proper check-up. Just to make sure everything's fine with the baby."
Emma's stomach flipped.
Daniel was being so responsible, so thoughtful—it almost felt too good to be true.
But Ava? She was practically beaming.
"Oh my God, yes!" Ava clapped her hands together.
Emma pulled Ava aside, shaking her head. "stop being dramatic, she whispered"
Ava grinned. "why shouldn't I? your ridiculously handsome baby daddy just suggested something amazing."
Emma looked between them, feeling slightly overwhelmed. "I—"
"And," Daniel added, his voice calm but firm, "after the check-up, I'd like to take Emma home with me for a the night. I want to make sure she's comfortable. I promise to return her back in safe hands."
Emma's lips parted slightly in shock. He wants me to spend the night with him?
Ava's excitement shot through the roof. "Oh my God, of course! This is the best thing ever."
Emma gave her a look. "Would you relax?"
Ava wiggled her eyebrows. "Nope." Then she turned to Daniel. "You have my blessings. Please, take her."
Daniel chuckled. "That was easy."
Emma groaned, covering her face. "Ava is just being overly dramatic."
Ava leaned in close, whispering in her ear. "Girl, if you don't go, I will personally kick you out."
Emma sighed. "Yeah, I'll go."
Daniel gave a satisfied nod. "Good."
***
The drive to the hospital was smooth, with the scent of Daniel's expensive cologne filling the car.
Emma sat quietly, staring out of the window, while Daniel's hand rested effortlessly on the steering wheel.
After a few moments, he glanced at her. "So, what do you do for a living?"
Emma's stomach tightened.
Her? Jobless at the moment?
She suddenly felt small, insignificant, next to a man like Daniel Monroe.
A billionaire businessman. A man who had more money than she could even wrap her head around.
Emma hesitated, fidgeting with her fingers.
Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Why do you look like you just got caught committing a crime?"
She groaned. "Because… it's embarrassing."
Daniel smirked, clearly amused. "Now I really want to know."
Emma sighed. "I… am job hunting."
Daniel nodded. "Okay. For how long now?"
Emma swallowed. "Since I graduated. About a year ago, second class lower, business administration"
Daniel didn't say anything for a second, just kept driving.
"Would you like to work with Herbert Tech??"
Emma frowned. "What do you mean would I like to? I would love to! It has been my dream job and after that night with you I figured, you're the CEO and I thought I lost my chances. I should have asked for a job than given a blowjob"
Daniel busted out laughing uncontrollably. "You built that up like you were going to confess to robbing a bank."
Emma blinked. "I didn't realize when I actually said that?"
Daniel gave her a quick glance before focusing back on the road. "You know, you could do both. Get a job from the CEO and give the CEO a blowjob"
Emma melted, she was so embarrassed, her cheeks flushed.
"I thought of that night every day, Emma. You were unique. And to confess, I had been looking forward to another night… and more nights"
Emma nodded slowly, "me too"
Daniel exhaled through his nose, shaking his head with a smirk. "So, how do you pay bills?"
Emma bit her lip. "Ava had been of assistance. More reasons she was excited you were taking me away" she burst out laughing.
Daniel smiled, "You don't have to feel small around me, Emma. Ever. You're carrying my child."
Emma felt something warm bloom in her chest.
She turned to him fully, studying his profile. Strong jawline. Sharp cheekbones. Those deep, unreadable blue eyes.
He wasn't just attractive, he was dangerously attractive.
And worse?
She was starting to fall dangerously for him.
***
They eventually got to the hospital, the check-up went smoothly.
The doctor reassured them that the baby was growing fine, that everything looked good. Daniel sat beside her the entire time, asking questions and making sure she was comfortable.
When they left, he placed a hand on her lower back, guiding her toward the car.
Emma's heart was pounding the entire time.
She had never imagined this scenario, having someone actually care about her this way. She knew she had to guard her heart not too fall too recklessly. He's a young and wealthy CEO, why would he choose her?