You're real, Ethan. Everything in my world is carefully managed and strategically planned. You're just real. You should say something smooth, something romantic. Instead, what came out was, "I really want to kiss you right now. " Viven laughed.
"So, do it. " He did. It was awkward at first. The car was cramped. The gear shift was in the way. And they bumped noses once before getting the angle right.
But then it wasn't awkward at all. It was warm and real and tasted like mango and possibility. When they finally pulled apart, Viven was smiling. Okay, that was worth waiting for. Yeah, definitely.
Yeah. They sat there for a moment, foreheads touching, breathing the same air. Then Vivien's phone rang, shattering the moment. She pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and sighed. I have to take this.
It's Singapore at 8:00 p.m. On a Sunday. International markets don't care about weekends, remember? She answered the call. This is Vivien Hart.
Her expression shifted immediately. All business, sharp and focused. She listened for a moment, then said something in what sounded like Mandarin. Ethan couldn't understand the words, but he could hear the authority in her tone. She hung up a minute later, looking tired.
I'm sorry. The the acquisition I told you about. There's a problem with the contracts. I need to get home and get on a video call. No worries.
I'll grab an Uber back to my truck. Don't be ridiculous. I'll drive you. She slid into the driver's seat and Ethan moved to the passenger side, but I might need to drop you off and run. Totally fine.
Go save your empire. She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. Some empire. Can't even make it through a Sunday without a crisis. They drove in silence.
The easy comfort from earlier replaced by something heavier. When she pulled up next to his truck in the marina parking lot, Vivien kept the engine running. "Thank you for today," she said. "I mean it. I needed this. " "Me, too. " He unbuckled his seat belt, hesitating.
"Can I see you again? " "Like soon. " "How about Wednesday? There's an event I have to go to. Corporate fundraiser thing. It'll be boring and full of people I can't stand, but maybe it'll be better if you're there. Ethan's stomach dropped.
"Is this a black tie thing? " "Unfortunately, but you don't have to wear a tux. A suit is fine. " "Viven, I don't own a suit. " She blinked. "Oh, right. Well, we can. I'm not showing up to your corporate event in khakis and a button-down.
That's not fair to you. I don't care what you wear, but everyone else will. They'll look at me and see exactly what I am. Someone who doesn't belong. Ethan, I should go.
You've got your call. He opened the door, suddenly desperate to be out of the car. Thanks for today. It was great. Wait.