Chapter 23 23 Chapter 23 - Undeniable Chemistry Monica's POV (5) The office was winding down when I returned to my desk. I wrapped up my remaining tasks just as Jason strolled in, belting out "Oh! Pretty Woman" with impressive enthusiasm. "You've missed your calling as a performer, I said, smiling as he approached. "Maybe so, but I'm quite content here. Irina filled me in about what happened-I was upstairs making copies. Are you holding up okay?" His eyes reflected genuine concern. "I'm fine, really. Thank you for asking." "Good to hear. I'm heading out now-the wife called. She's home early with some surprise. waiting. God, I love when she does that. Can't wait to see what she's planned." "Aren't you the lucky one. Have a wonderful evening!" "Thanks! I'll give you all the details over lunch tomorrow. Hey, we should plan something this weekend. My wife's eager to meet you after everything I've told her." "I'd love that! Would it be alright if I brought a friend?" "Absolutely! See you tomorrow, pretty woman!" I was still smiling at his nickname when I felt a warm breath against my ear. "Miss Hayes, what am I supposed to do? My friend whistles like a lovesick teenager whenever you're around, his assistant calls you 'pretty woman; I've completely lost my self-control, and now I'm utterly addicted to chocolate cake. Where will this madness end?" Morris's voice poured over me like warm honey, rich and dangerously tempting. *Mr. Lorenzo, you should be careful with those addictions, I replied, maintaining my composure without turning to face him. "Come on, pretty woman. Let's show off that beauty of yours at dinner. After such a tense day. we deserve some pleasant company-though don't think I've forgotten our earlier conversation." He threw me a wink and headed toward the door where Darren and Paula were already waiting by the elevator. Dinner proved to be exactly what we needed-relaxed and entertaining. The food was exquisite, and when dessert time came, Morris ordered a slice of chocolate cake, leaning close to whisper. "Share this with me?" I couldn't refuse-not when he was being so charming, charismatic, and devastatingly handsome. Darren seized the opportunity to tease: C 23 Chapter 23 - Undeniable Chemistry "Paula, have you noticed Morris's new chocolate cake obsession? I keep warning him he'll end up ruining that perfect physique." "That's precisely why I'm sharing it with my assistant," Morris responded smoothly. "Monica," Paula chimed in playfully, "you need to establish boundaries with these two and Jason. Remember what I taught you "Look at that-Paula's already trained the new general, Darren laughed. "The worst part is, this new general already has me wrapped around her finger, Morris admitted, making heat rise to my cheeks. When dinner concluded, Paula offered me a ride home, but Morris insisted on driving me himself to spare her the detour. Pulling up to my building, he killed the engine and turned to me: "Today was... intense." Η "Morris, I need to apologize. My behavior today was unprofessional. I let your provocations get to me and crossed boundaries. I completely understand if you're reconsidering my suitability for this position. I was prepared to submit my resignation before that chaos erupted. I can have it on your desk tomorrow morning. This isn't who I am-I don't act vulgarly or impulsively. But something about you..." I looked at him directly, "You ignite something in me I can't explain, and when you provoke me, I lose all reason. When I finished my confession, he was smiling. "Monica, that's the first time you've called me Morris without formality, I like it-can we keep it that way?" I nodded, confused by his reaction. "Listen, Monica, I know who you really are. While I was in New Fisher, I had Paula send me your resume, and I even called your former employer. I know exactly the kind of professional you are. And honestly, you'd need to be made of stone not to respond to my provocations. I admit I enjoyed today immensely, but during that video conference..." He ran his hands through his hair. "I wanted to smack that gorgeous ass of yours because I couldn't focus on a single word. I'm usually laser-focused during meetings." He dragged both hands over his face in that endearing gesture I'd grown to adore. "Do you have any idea how frustrated I was watching you touch yourself when I couldn't participate?" "I'm sorry! But I was so angry about what you did after lunch. "Don't apologize, woman! Just remember next time that I want to play too," he said with a wicked grin. "I'm not firing you. You're exceptionally competent, and whatever happens between us, I know it won't impact your work. Right? So let's just let things develop naturally-but maybe avoid leaving me speechless during critical meetings?" I nodded, secretly pleased that I'd managed to affect this powerful man. "Now go get some rest. 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