Chapter 5: Crossing the Line

In that moment, the air was thick with a kind of tension. My skin prickled, and I looked out the window, focusing on the skyline. Anything to steady myself. I looked away.

In front of employees, he always dressed impeccably, never giving anyone the wrong idea. Could it be... Aubrey’s teasing opened a new door for him?

I shook off the thought, knowing Nathan kept things strictly professional—at least, that’s what I’d always believed. His voice pulled me back.

"If it’s because of Aubrey, I understand. If you mind..."

He hesitated, searching my face for a reaction. It was rare for him to show even that much vulnerability.

"It’s not that," I quickly explained, "Aubrey is smart—she’s a good fit to replace me."

He straightened his sleeves, stood up, and undid another button. A faint glimpse of lean, taut muscle. My cheeks burned, and I suddenly wished the air conditioning would kick in.

His broad shoulders narrowed sharply at the waist, making me blush. I fanned myself with my hand.

"Spring weather is weird—cold yesterday, hot today." It was a flimsy excuse, but I needed something to break the tension.

"My resignation isn’t urgent. I’ll talk to you in detail later."

I wanted to give him time to process, and honestly, I needed it too.

"Mr. Reed, you should get ready to leave."

I reminded him, slipping back into my professional mask. "I’ve told the driver, if you drink too much tonight, he’ll take you straight back to your place."

He looked at me, voice cool, eyes glinting with a wolfish edge. Nathan was back in control, but there was something playful in his tone that caught me off guard.

"Relax, if I party too hard, Aubrey can play designated driver. Maybe she’ll even make sure I don’t text my ex."

He said it with a casual shrug, like he was testing my reaction. "She’ll take me back to my apartment—where I live alone. Of course, she can stay over too, if I want."

My stomach twisted, but I kept my face neutral, refusing to give him the satisfaction. "After all, I’m also quite grown up—now."

He held my gaze, a challenge in his eyes. For the first time, I wondered—was I really ready to walk away?