Cecilia's POV
Waking up the morning after that date felt like waking up after binge-watching a romantic comedy—equal parts exhilaration and regret.
I couldn't stop replaying that kiss. The way Samuel had leaned in, the way our lips had touched—gently, hungrily, and then... I pulled away like a scared cat.
Ugh. Way to be dramatic, Cecilia.
Leo burst into my room, wearing his cape and holding a pair of socks.
"Mom! I put socks in the toaster! They'll be warm for my shoes!"
"What?!"
I scrambled up. Sure enough, the toaster was smoking slightly and smelled like burnt cotton.
"Leo! No! That's not what toasters are for!"
He looked confused. "But Daddy said warm feet are happy feet."
And just like that, Samuel invaded my thoughts again. I hated that he still had this effect on me.
Samuel's POV
My morning began with muffins, cologne, and anxiety.
I stepped into the elevator of my corporate building carrying a reusable basket. My assistant, who saw me in the lobby, blinked in confusion as I entered the lift.
"Muffins, sir?" she asked.
"Peace offering," I replied with a wink.
As the elevator doors slid open on the 14th floor, I paused before stepping out. I heard voices. And not just any voices—gossipy ones.
"I swear, Cecilia's playing the long game," one voice whispered. "How else do you go from marketing assistant to being alone with the CEO at night?"
"Oh, please," another chimed in. "She's blonde, pretty, and single. That's the oldest office romance play in the book."
I stood frozen, holding my muffin basket like a Victorian aunt about to faint.
Cecilia's POV
I was at my desk proofreading a campaign proposal when I felt it.
That unmistakable sensation of being talked about.
Sure enough, two colleagues walked by, and one of them gave me that sly smile. You know the one. The "we-know-you-seduced-your-way-up-the-ladder" smile.
I rolled my eyes so hard I saw my brain.
Then Samuel walked into the office holding muffins.
"Muffins for the hardworking," he said casually, dropping a blueberry one on my desk. "And by hardworking, I mean those who deal with marketing and drama."
"Thanks," I muttered, not meeting his eyes. "Let me guess. Someone microwaved cornflakes again?"
"Leo's on a mission to make breakfast criminal," he replied, smirking.
Samuel's POV
Her lips curled in a tiny smile, but I saw the tension behind it.
"Rough morning?" I asked.
"Oh, you know. Just being accused of sleeping my way into your heart and my job," she replied, biting into the muffin like it was a stress ball.
"Ah," I said, sitting casually on the edge of her desk. "So the elevator rumor mill is still spinning."
"You heard them?" she asked.
"Oh yeah," I said. "I was the muffin-bearing ghost in the elevator. Invisible and offended."
She laughed. "You should've announced yourself."
"I was hoping to hear someone say I'm handsome or something. But no. Just scandal and slander."
Cecilia's POV
I chuckled, despite myself. He always did that—made me laugh even when I wanted to scream.
"Do I need to give a corporate speech clarifying that you didn't seduce me?" he asked.
"Absolutely not," I replied quickly. "That'll just add fuel to the fire."
He leaned in slightly. "But what if I wanted to be seduced?"
"Samuel!" I whispered, swatting him with a file. "People can see us."
"Oh relax. We're not making out on the copier."
The mental image made me snort. "Okay, that's enough muffins for you."
Samuel's POV
She was glowing—even when flustered. Maybe especially then. I wanted to tell her again how much I loved her. How I wanted a second chance. But I knew timing was everything.
Instead, I picked up a post-it and scribbled, You're amazing. Don't let the gossip get to you.
I slid it across her desk, winked, and walked away.
Cecilia's POV
I stared at the note. Then I smiled.
Maybe muffins weren't his only peace offering. Maybe this time, he was serious.