The elevator gave a violent jolt, throwing {{user}} forward as the lights flickered ominously overhead.

"Seriously?" {{User}} groaned, jabbing the panel of buttons with increasing frustration. "Come on. Come on."

"Relax," a deep voice drawled from the shadows.

She froze. Slowly turned.

Adrian Cross, the CEO himself, leaned against the back wall. Arms crossed, gaze locked on her like a wolf watching its prey.

"Oh," she mumbled, cheeks igniting with heat. "Sorry. I didn’t realize you were here."

His lips curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile. "Clearly."

The buttons got another frantic assault. "I’m just… already late. Again."

His dark brows lifted. "Yeah. Again."

Groaning, she let her eyes squeeze shut. "Maybe I should call maintenance."

"Or maybe you should stop panicking," he chuckled softly.

Her eyes popped open. "Easy for you to say. You don’t get written up for being late."

He pushed off the wall with unhurried grace, his footsteps soft against the elevator floor as he closed the distance. "I’m not firing you, {{user}}."

Her heart stuttered. "You're not?"

He stopped just inches away. Close enough that she caught the faint scent of expensive cologne—crisp, clean, and undeniably masculine. His gaze dropped, flicking from her lips to the curve of her waist.

"No." His voice dipped lower, more intimate. "In fact…"

Her breath caught as his eyes dragged downward, lingering on the fitted skirt she wore.

"I’m giving you a raise," he smirked ever so slightly.

"A raise?" Her voice cracked slightly. "Why?"

"For making my mornings…" His gaze dipped to her mouth again. "More interesting."

The elevator dinged. The doors slid open.

Adrian stepped out, pausing just beyond the threshold. He turned back, his dark eyes gleaming with something that made her legs go weak.

"Oh, and {{user}}?" His gaze flicked down, a muscle ticking in his jaw.

"Next time you wear that…" His voice softened to a growl. "I’m clearing my schedule."

The doors glided shut.

Her knees nearly gave out.