I stared at Alexander, wide-eyed, as only one thought flashed through my mind:
What was he doing here?
"Can I come in?" His deep, rich voice filled the air, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I blinked, my legs stiffening in place, as a swarm of thoughts flooded my mind.
"Didn't you hear what I said?" he asked again, his tone calm but commanding.
"Mr. Blackwood," I managed to say, my voice coming out weaker than I intended. "What are you doing here?"
My hand tightened around the handle, and my legs threatened to buckle as our eyes met.
My boss was here—standing in front of my door.
"I am here to see you." He answered. I stared at him with slightly parted lips.
And before I could think of what to say, he brushed past me like he owned the place.
His clean, sharp, and expensive cologne filled the air instantly, drowning out the faint scent of vanilla from my candles. I froze by the door, fingers still gripping the handle.
"Did Alexander Blackwood just walk into my apartment?" I asked no one in particular.
Alexander Blackwood didn't glance around like a visitor. He walked in, commanding the space as though he owned it. His tall frame moved with ease, and it somehow made my throat tighten.
His gaze swept across my small living room — and landed on Maya.
Just like me, Maya wasn't expecting our boss to be at the door. She shot up to her feet, her eyes darted between Alexander and me. I could see the suspicion and curiosity in her eyes, and I took a deep breath.
"Boss," she greeted cheerfully as though she wasn't the one who previously had questions in her eyes.
Alexander's brows furrowed as he turned to me with a questioning look.
"This is Maya, my best friend — an employee at the office as well." I introduced Maya to him.
"Nice to meet you," Alexander smiled and stretched forth his hands.
Maya smiled sheepishly. "Boss, there's no need for all of these. You know what, I was just leaving. I'll leave you both."
I could feel the heat crawl up my neck as Maya's knowing gaze lingered on me. She hastily picked up her bag before dashing out.
I turned to look at her fleeing figure, and I cursed under my breath. My best friend just threw me under the bus. She left me with Alexander.
"Traitor," I mumbled under my breath. I'd settle the score with her later.
"Serena," Alexander's voice snapped me out of my internal wailing.
I turned to him with a practiced and poised smile. "Boss, you still haven't told me why you are here." My voice was calm, clear and steady. But... every second he lingered made my heart race and my pulse climb higher.
I didn't know why he was here. I thought we both made it clear this morning that we wouldn't have anything to do with each other, then why was he here?
I stared straight into his eyes, hoping those eyes would give me an answer.
"You look like you weren't expecting me. Don't tell me you don't want me here." His expression didn't change, but I could hear the faint teasing in his voice.
My breath caught in my throat. His tone was light, teasing even, but there was something underneath his voice. It was something that didn't belong in a conversation between a boss and his employee.
"It's not that," I said quickly, forcing my voice to sound calm. "I just wasn't expecting a visit from my boss. Especially after we agreed to keep things… professional."
His lips twitched, almost into a smile. "Professional. Right." He took a slow step closer, his gaze never leaving mine as he brushed a stray strand of my hair. "You said that this morning, didn't you?"
I swallowed hard, my fingers twisting. "And I meant it."
"Good," he said softly. "So did I."
Then why was he here?
I wanted to ask, but the words refused to come out. The air between us felt heavier by the second.
Finally, he turned his attention toward the small table by my couch. "You left this at the office." He held out a thin folder.
I blinked, startled. My ID badge peeked out from under the papers. I hadn't even realized it was missing.
"You came all the way here just to return that?" I asked, trying to ignore the way his cologne wrapped around my senses.
His gaze flicked back to mine. "That, and maybe… to make sure you were okay."
My heart fluttered. For a split second, the walls I'd been trying to build all day wavered. I didn't want to give in. Not after I was brutally dumped by Ethan. But something in Alexander's tone... No! I couldn't think of it.
"I'm fine," I said quickly, even though I knew I wasn't.
He studied me quietly, and I could feel the weight of his stare pressing against me. Then, unexpectedly, he leaned just a little closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Serena… are you really going to pretend that last night didn't happen?"
My eyes widened. Feeling startled, I opened my mouth slightly, but no words came out.
My fingers itched to reach for him, my pulse a chaotic rhythm. That boundary… it felt thinner than ever.