Part 3Teetering on the Edge with the CEO

I got to work super early the next day. Couldn't sleep. Last night's events were… a lot.

Ethan didn't look like he'd slept much either. Dark circles under his eyes. Kinda matched the color of that mesh top…

And then, during the damn company-wide morning meeting, I snorted out loud with laughter.

My coworkers tried to hide their smirks, glancing between me and the head of the table, clearly enjoying the drama. I risked a peek at Ethan. He was looking down, fingers tapping rhythmically on the polished wood.

He looked like he hadn't heard, but I recognized that tapping. It was a warning.

Sure enough, after the meeting, "Anna, stay behind."

I immediately went into damage control. "Mr. Sterling, my lips are sealed! Seriously, Fort Knox has nothing on me. I won't say a word."

He just gave me a look, then handed me a garment bag. "Your brother's sweatshirt. Dry cleaned. Thank you."

I took the bag, trying to smile normally. Leave it to him to return a borrowed hoodie like he was closing a million-dollar deal.

Just as I was marveling at his sheer Ethan-ness, he dropped the bomb. "Business trip next week. You're coming with me."

"Why?" I blurted out.

"Because I can't risk you randomly commenting while I'm out of state and teleporting me into a client meeting."

Seriously? Like I have nothing better to do than randomly summon my boss?

I thought it, but no way was I saying that out loud. Ten points from Gryffindor and probably my job.

So, yeah. I ended up on the business trip with him and his EA, Mark. Destination: neighboring state.

I figured it would be boring as hell, but then I ran into someone I knew.

Leo Vance. Long-term company partner, also happens to be Ethan's best friend. Leo's actually a pretty fun guy.

Last time I saw him was months ago. Didn't think he'd remember me, just a random girl from the marketing department. But the moment he saw me, he grinned.

"Anna! Good to see you!"

I was surprised. "Mr. Vance, you remember me?"

His grin widened. "Of course! How could I forget? Besides, I owe you big time. If it wasn't for you, I never would've won that last bet against Ethan."

I froze. Dude. You can't just say stuff like that! What bet?

Mark, the EA, suddenly looked like he'd walked in on a top-secret merger negotiation, eyeing me with a new mix of awe and pity.

I immediately turned to Ethan, practically pledging allegiance. "Mr. Sterling, don't listen to him! My loyalty is 100% to this company! I would never do anything to jeopardize our interests!"

Seriously, I need this job.

Ethan's face was thunderous. Eyebrows knitted together. Looked like he was about to start yelling.

I was terrified. Leo, however, was completely unfazed. He even added fuel to the fire. "What are you scared of him for? He's not as intimidating as he looks. Hey, Anna, I like you. You should ditch this place and come work for me. I'll definitely pay you more than he does."

Okay, I don't know why Leo was trying to get me fired, but he was doing a bang-up job.

Nope. Not dealing with this. Fight or flight? Flight. Definitely flight. "Excuse me, nature calls!" I practically sprinted towards the restrooms, escaping the corporate minefield.

When I got back, they were both acting like nothing happened, back to business as usual. Weirdos.