Chapter 3 The Unexpected Reunion

Sophia Carter stood outside the towering glass building, clutching her leather portfolio like it was a shield. Her heels clicked against the marble as she entered the pristine lobby, where the scent of coffee, expensive cologne, and anticipation mingled in the air.

She'd been through hundreds of business meetings. She'd pitched to grizzled executives, walked into boardrooms thick with testosterone and dismissiveness, and come out stronger every time. She didn't flinch. She didn't falter.

But today, her palms were damp.

It's just another client, she told herself. One meeting. One chance to prove her strategy. She didn't get second chances-and she didn't need them.

She stepped into the elevator, her reflection multiplying in the chrome walls. She smoothed a hand over her sleek ponytail and exhaled slowly as the numbers ticked upward. When the doors slid open on the thirty-second floor, she was all business again.

The receptionist gestured for her to enter the conference room. Sophia nodded politely, walking in with practiced poise, heels silent on the carpet. She laid her materials on the long table and turned to face the door, preparing for her pitch.

And then the air shifted.

Footsteps echoed outside the hall, confident and measured. A presence loomed before she saw him.

And then the door opened.

Sophia's heart stopped.

Ethan Blake stepped into the room like he owned it-which, in a very literal sense, he did.

Her one-night stand. Her distraction. The man she had kissed, touched, devoured... and abandoned without a name.

He was in a sharp navy suit, tailored to perfection, his jaw clean-shaven, and that same irritatingly smug confidence lingering around him like a second skin.

Their eyes met.

His gaze sharpened with instant recognition, followed by a slow, knowing smile that made her stomach twist and her pulse betray her.

"Well, well," Ethan said, his voice silk laced with amusement. "I didn't think I'd see you again... Miss Carter."

Sophia's spine stiffened. "Mr. Blake," she said crisply, injecting ice into her tone. "I wasn't aware you were the CEO."

"Funny. Neither was I... until ten minutes ago." He leaned against the back of a chair, his arms crossing, muscles flexing beneath his shirt. "Imagine my surprise."

She fought the urge to glare at him. Instead, she set her shoulders and turned to the presentation screen. "I came to discuss a marketing strategy, not the past."

His smirk widened. "Is that what we're calling it now? 'The past'?"

Sophia shot him a warning glance. "This is a professional setting. Let's keep it that way."

"Of course." He straightened, his expression shifting to something unreadable, yet undeniably intrigued. "Please. Proceed."

It took every ounce of her composure to keep her voice steady as she launched into her pitch. Her slides were sharp, her data airtight. She spoke clearly, confidently, even as Ethan watched her like he was trying to read between every word, see beneath every layer of armor she had so carefully constructed.

She didn't look at him again-refused to. But she felt him. Every time he shifted, every time he leaned forward, every time his fingers tapped the table with irritating focus.

When she concluded, the room fell into silence.

He didn't speak right away. Just stared at her with a curiosity that unnerved her far more than any dismissive executive ever had.

Finally, he said, "Impressive. Bold. You've clearly done your research."

"Thank you," she replied tightly.

He walked to the screen, then back to her, his gaze more serious now. "You're clearly the best person for this campaign."

Sophia blinked. "So... we have a deal?"

He nodded. "Pending final paperwork, yes."

Relief washed over her-too soon.

"But," he added, his eyes locking on hers, "there's one condition."

Her body tensed. "What kind of condition?"

He leaned in just slightly, his voice dropping low enough that only she could hear. "That you don't disappear on me again."

Sophia's breath caught. "That night meant nothing."

His smile was maddening. "If it meant nothing, why are you blushing?"

"I'm not."

"You are."

She gritted her teeth. "This is inappropriate."

He stepped back, his hands raised in mock surrender. "Fine. We'll keep it professional. But just know, Sophia, I don't believe in coincidences. You showing up here? This isn't over."

She gathered her things quickly, unwilling to let him see the chaos brewing inside her. "I'll have the final proposal sent over by end of day."

"I'll be waiting."

She moved toward the door, but his voice stopped her again.

"Oh, and Sophia?"

She paused.

"I do remember your voice," he said. "The way you said my name. Even though I never told it to you."

Her breath hitched.

"You can call me Ethan now."

She didn't respond. Couldn't. She walked out, pulse pounding, throat tight, heart flipping in ways that made her want to scream.

---

Back in the safety of her car, Sophia sat in stunned silence.

Of all the men in New York, he had to be her newest client?

It was supposed to be one night. A firework-bright, fleeting, and gone.

Now, it was a spark igniting a fuse she didn't know how to put out.

And worse?

A part of her didn't want to.