Chapter 32: Damien Valento
Evelyn tried to get up, but Zevian’s hand slipped beneath her loose top, gripping her waist tightly and causing her breath to hitch. A storm of feelings surged within her—excitement, anxiety, and desire—all mingling together in a chaotic dance. As Zevian moved closer, just to tease her, she instinctively shut her eyes tight, bracing herself for what seemed inevitable. It wasn’t like she didn’t want to kiss him; in fact, she craved it.
Zevian smiled at her reaction, his eyes locked on her sweet, full lips. His heart pounded harder, screaming for the chance to kiss her now that she was completely sober and clearly eager. Every fiber of his being was electrified with desire, the need to taste her lips overwhelming. Taking a deep breath, he closed the gap between their faces, their lips tantalizingly close.
But before he could capture her lips in a sweet kiss, a sudden shriek startled both of them. "Boss!"
They opened their eyes and turned to see a screen full of gawking faces on Zevian’s laptop, which sat on the coffee table. The meeting he had forgotten about for a split second had started, and his eyes shot daggers at his assistant, Brandon, who had apparently added him to the call.
Brandon looked equally flustered as the international clients on the call and tried to end the meeting, but the damage was done. He was doomed!
Zevian released Evelyn from his hold, his face was etched with frustration, while Evelyn’s cheeks flushed crimson red. She hastily stood up, smoothing her top and avoiding eye contact.
"Sorry about that," Zevian muttered, trying to regain his composure as he reached for the laptop.
Evelyn cleared her throat, her voice still shaky from the lingering heat of the moment. "I’ll, um, go check on breakfast," she said, her voice trembling slightly as she fled upstairs rather than heading to the kitchen. Zevian was left to deal with the awkward situation.
"Achoo!" Zevian sneezed loudly, his eyes shifting from Evelyn’s retreating figure back to his laptop. Taking out his phone, he called his flustered assistant, Brandon, his tone full of exasperation and annoyance.
Evelyn rushed into her room and slammed the door shut. Leaning against it, she let out a heavy sigh, her heart finally slowing back to a normal pace.
"Couldn’t they start a little later?" She grumbled with a pout, clearly disappointed by the interrupted opportunity. Her stomach also grumbled in agreement, reminding her she had walked to her room instead of the kitchen.