4| Awkward Moment.

KATHERINE POV

I struggled to focus on my work as I sat at my desk, my colleagues discussed him, and I tried to keep my composure and appear unaffected.

My heart skipped whenever the phone rang, but fortunately, he didn't call me, and as soon as it was closing, I hurriedly left to go home.

Katherine wasn't home and I hoped she would get back by dinnertime, I called Angela and Lucy on Facetime and waited for them to connect.

“What's up, Kat! Thought you'd forgotten about your best friends.” Lucy's voice was spirited, too spirited.

I let out a frustrated sigh. “You guys know who the CEO of my workplace is? The guy you set me up with at the club two years ago.”

They both gasped in surprise before replacing it with a mischievous glint in their eyes. “That's so hot, Kat.” Angela cooed.

“You two are unbelievable! The guy is my boss! My boss. The CEO for fuck sake.”

Lucy laughed, “Come on, it wasn't as if you didn't enjoy it. Besides, what's the harm in some office romance? You said he hit all the right places, remember?”

My cheeks almost exploded from blushing so hard. “Office romance? He's my employer and it's inappropriate. I don't think I can face him again. I need to resign immediately.”

“Sorry, what?” They asked in unison. “You are going to throw away such an amazing opportunity because of a one-night stand?” Lucy asked with her brow creasing into a deep frown.

“You guys don't get it, it's embarrassing,” I said, pouting.

Angela chimed in, “Have you thought of Charlotte’s college fees? You can't just walk away from this job. Who knows? Maybe something great could come out of it.”

I sighed. “What do I do guys? It is embarrassing enough that I slept with a younger guy and more embarrassing that the younger guy is my boss.”

Lucy's voice grew serious. “That's life, it throws unexpected challenges to one. You need to think about Charlotte’s future.”

I ruffled my hair. “You're right. I need to focus on my work and on Charlotte’s future, I will pretend it never happened.”

Their faces lit up again. “That's the spirit!” Angela said, “Besides, think about it, both of you are alone in the same office…” She drawled.

Lucy giggled. “Time for some hot sexy steamy romance.

I blushed, the thought making me squirm. “Stop it, both of you! You're making this worse.”

We chatted a bit and ended the call. I stared at my phone. I have to do this for Charlotte.

The next day as I sat on my desk sorting papers, the landline rang and I picked it up. “Katherine Turner from the Financial Analyst Department.”

“Adrian. I’d like you to come to my office at your earliest convenience,”

My heart raced as I heard his voice, I wondered what he wanted. “Mr. Sterling?” I said, my heart racing.

“Of course, I’ll be there shortly.” I said as I tried to steady my uneven breath.

“Thank you,” Adrian said before ending the call.

I took a deep breath and smoothed down my clothes, I pushed back my chair and made my way to Adrian’s office.

When I reached the door, I knocked lightly and listened for Adrian’s voice to invite me in.

The room’s sleek design mirrored Adrian’s success and modern taste. He gestured for me to take a seat in front of his desk, and I did, keeping her stance straight.

Adrian regarded me with curiosity. “Ms. Turner, I'm glad you could join me,” he began. “I wanted to discuss your role at Sterling Corporation. How are you finding it so far?”

I struggled to maintain my professional facade. “Everything is going smoothly, Mr. Sterling. Thank you for asking.”

Adrian leaned forward and locked his eyes on mine. “Good to hear. It's important to me that my employees are settling in well.”

He paused before he continued. “Your move from the UK to the USA was quite sudden. What prompted the change?”

Oh, shoot! My expression shifted for a while but I quickly regained it and swallowed hard. “It was for personal reasons,” I replied briefly.

Adrian nodded as his gaze turned intense. “I see. Well, we have a number of projects coming up that may require your expertise.”

He leaned back in his chair and I saw him go through some files on his desk. “Have you had a chance to review the financial reports from last quarter?”

“I have,” I answered. “There were a few areas I noted for improvement with the rest of the team, which I've included in my report.”

Adrian nodded in agreement. “I appreciate your ambition, Ms. Turner. Perhaps we can go over your findings later this week.” She met his gaze and quickly averted his gaze. “With your teammates of course.”

He paused again. “You know, it's quite a coincidence seeing you here after all this time,” he mused. “I remembered our encounter in the UK two years ago quite vividly.”

I shifted uncomfortably in her chair, why was he bringing this up now? “That was a long time, Mr. Sterling,” I responded and diverted the conversation back to work. “I'm focused on my responsibilities here.”

Adrian smiled, “Of course, of course, I'm just wondering if you've forgotten about that night.”

I squirted uncomfortably, trying so hard to be professional, this was embarrassing enough. “I will suggest we forget the past and focus on the fact that we are an employee and employer.”

Adrian smirked. “That works for me.” It seemed as if he was teasing me.

“Thank you, Sir.” I stood up and prepared to leave.

“Katherine,” Adrian’s voice stopped me as I reached the door. I could swear I almost turned into jellyfish, the way my name rolled out of his tongue. Damn!

I turned, and he was walking closer to me, a little bit closer, and my breath ceased. There was a serious look in his eyes.

“Are we going to pretend that night didn't happen? I've been yearning to see you again and fate just brought you to my company.” his breath fanned me.

“Mr…Mr Sterling.” the words struggled to come out of my mouth.

His gaze locked onto mine. “I haven't been able to stop thinking about that night.”

“You…you should, it is in the past.” I struggled to say.

He smirked as his eyes darkened with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. “I don't want to.”

Just as I was about to respond, his phone blared, interrupting the charger moment, and seeing it as an opportunity, I dashed out of the office.