The air between them hadn't settled.
If anything—
It had gotten worse.
The next day, Isabella tried harder to focus on her work.
Tried harder to avoid him.
Tried harder to forget the way his lips felt against hers.
But it was useless.
Because the moment she stepped into his office—
Everything came rushing back.
"You called for me, sir?" she asked, keeping her tone professional.
Alexander looked up from his desk.
And for a second—
He forgot what he had called her for.
Again.
"Close the door," he said.
Her heart skipped.
But she obeyed.
The soft click of the door shutting echoed louder than it should have.
The room instantly felt smaller.
Warmer.
Dangerous.
"Come here," he said quietly.
She hesitated.
Then walked toward him anyway.
Step by step.
Until she stood right in front of him.
"You've been avoiding me," he said, his voice low.
Isabella swallowed. "I haven't—"
"You have."
Silence.
Because he was right.
"Maybe I'm just trying to act like nothing happened," she admitted softly.
He stood up.
Slowly.
Closing the distance between them.
"And is it working?"
Her breath hitched.
"No…"
That was all it took.
His hand lifted, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
Her eyes fluttered slightly at the touch.
Everything slowed down.
The world outside faded.
His gaze dropped to her lips.
And this time—
He didn't stop himself.
He leaned in.
Closer.
Closer—
A sudden knock on the door.
They both froze.
"Isabella? Are you in there?" a voice called from outside.
Her eyes widened instantly.
"Cara…" she whispered.
Alexander's jaw tightened in irritation.
Of all moments—
Now?
The door opened slightly before either of them could respond.
Cara stepped in, then froze completely.
Her eyes darted between them—
Too close.
Too tense.
Too obvious.
"Oh…" Cara said slowly, a knowing smile creeping onto her face. "Am I interrupting something?"
Isabella jumped back immediately. "No! Nothing—nothing is happening!"
Alexander straightened, his expression returning to its usual cold composure.
"What do you want?" he asked sharply.
Cara raised her hands slightly. "Relax, boss. I just needed Isabella for a quick update."
Her eyes flicked back to Isabella again—
Still smiling.
Still suspicious.
"I'll be right there," Isabella said quickly, avoiding both their gazes.
"Take your time," Cara added teasingly before stepping back out.
Silence fell again.
But this time—
It was awkward.
Interrupted.
Unfinished.
Isabella let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
"I should go…"
Alexander didn't stop her.
But his eyes followed her as she moved.
"We're not done," he said quietly.
She paused at the door.
Her heart raced again.
"I know…" she replied softly.
And then she left.
Back at her desk, Cara was already waiting—
With a wide grin.
"So…" she leaned in. "You and Mr. Scary CEO… what's going on?"
Isabella's face flushed instantly. "Nothing!"
"Mmm," Cara hummed. "Because from what I just saw… that didn't look like nothing."
Isabella buried her face in her hands.
"Oh God…"
Inside his office—
Alexander exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.
Interrupted.
Again.
But one thing was clear now—
They couldn't keep stopping this.
And next time—
He wasn't sure he'd have the patience to hold back.