Page 3

TARAJI

T araji sits across from Nikolai in his spacious office. The tension between them feels electric. She notices his piercing black eyes following her every move.

"I need to address what happened earlier with Jerome." Nikolai leans forward on his desk.

She shifted around in the seat uncomfortably. "It was unprofessional."

"The situation was unprofessional." He stands up and walks around to her side of the desk. "But I'm not concerned about that right now."

"What are you concerned about then?" She looks up at him.

Nikolai sits on the edge of his desk. "You."

The word hangs between them. Her eyes start blinking rapidly.

"Me?"

"Yes." His deep voice seems to vibrate through her body. "I've wanted to have this conversation for a long time."

She frowns. "What conversation?"

"The one where I tell you how I feel about you." He maintains unwavering eye contact.

What. I must be dreaming .

She couldn't help but laugh nervously. "Sir—"

"Nikolai." He corrects her firmly. "When we're alone like this, I'm Nikolai."

Her heart beats faster. "Nikolai." The name feels intimate on her tongue. "This seems inappropriate."

"Maybe." He shrugs. "But I can't pretend anymore."

"Pretend what?"

He takes a deep breath. "That I haven't been attracted to you for years."

Years .

The words make her freeze. "Years?"

"Five years." His expression turns serious. "Since the moment you walked into your interview."

She stares at him in disbelief. "That's impossible."

"Why?" He tilts his head.

"Because men like you don't look at women like me that way."

Nikolai frowns. "What way?"

"With actual interest." She stands up suddenly. "Look at Mary-Anne. That's who men want."

"I don't want Mary-Anne." His voice hardens. "I never have."

Nope. This cant be happening right now.

When you look at Nikolai, who wouldn’t want this man?

He so handsome. Tall, big build with dark locks on his head.

But the most fascinating thing about him is his eyes.

Light blue. Electrifying. Everyone who works with him always find it hard to look him in his eyes.

Its like as if he’s staring into your soul.

"This is crazy." She starts pacing the around the office.

"Is it?" He follows her movement with his eyes. "Tell me you've never felt anything between us."

She stops pacing. "I can't have this conversation right now."

"Why not?"

"Because I just caught my boyfriend cheating." She throws her hands up. "My head is all over the place."

Nikolai nods slowly. "Fair enough. "

"And you're my boss." She points out. "There are power dynamics to consider."

"I'm aware." He stands up straight. "Which is why I've kept my distance all these years."

Taraji couldn’t help but shake her head. "This is too much."

"I understand." He takes a step back. "Take some time."

She moves toward the door. "I should get back to work."

"Taraji." His voice stops her. "Just know that Jerome never deserved you."

She turns to look at him. "And you do?"

A small smile plays at his lips. "I'd like the chance to prove it."

Despite her better judgment, heat floods her body. She studies his tall frame and the intensity in his eyes.

"I need time." She speaks honestly.

"Take all the time you need." He nods. "I've waited five years. I can wait longer."

The air between them feels charged with possibility.

She hesitated at the door. But muster up strength to turn around and ask "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Why now?" She meets his gaze. "After all this time?"

Nikolai's expression darkens. "Because you're finally free of him."

The possessiveness in his tone should alarm her. Instead, it sends a thrill through her body.

"I should go." She reaches for the door handle.

"One more thing." He steps closer. "You're extraordinary. Not despite your curves but because of them."

No man has ever spoken to her like this.

"I don't need validation." She finds her voice.

"It's not validation." He shakes his head. "It's appreciation."

Their eyes lock. For a moment, she imagines closing the distance between them.

"Thank you." She finally says.

"For what? "

"For seeing me." The words come out more vulnerable than intended.

Nikolai takes another step toward her. "I've always seen you. Even when you didn't want to be seen."

Something in his words triggers a memory. Times when she felt small and safe. Times when she played with her stuffed animals even as an adult. She pushes the thoughts away.

"I should really get back to my office." She opens the door.

"We'll talk more soon." His words sound like a promise.

Back at her desk, Taraji tries to focus on work. Her phone buzzes with a text from Keisha.

She glanced toward Nikolai's office.

The phone rings immediately. Taraji answers.

"Bitch!" Keisha's voice comes through loud. "I KNEW IT!"

"What do you mean you knew it?" She lowered her voice down afraid that he might hear her.

"The way he looks at you." Keisha sounds excited. "Like he wants to devour you."

Heat rushes to Taraji’s cheeks as she thinks of his eyes. "That's ridiculous."

"Is it?" Keisha laughs. "What exactly did he say?"

She recounts their conversation. When she finishes, Keisha whistles.

"Girl. He wants you."

"He's my boss."

"He's hot." Keisha counters. "And he appreciates your body."

This woman.

She couldn’t help but sigh. "I just got out of a relationship."

"With a dickhead who cheated." Keisha reminds her. "Nikolai seems different."

"He is different but there's something about him."

"Something sexy?"

"Yes." She confesses. "But also something intense."

"Intense can be good."

Taraji took a deep breathe but then she starts to feel a warm sensation that starts from her hands and that goes to her face. Her lips starts tingling. She glanced up to see Nikolai watching her through his office window. He doesn't look away but just continue to stare at her lips.

"Maybe." She feels a flutter in her stomach. "But I need time."

"Take time." Keisha agrees. "But don't take too long. Men like that don't stay single."

“No worries, I will. I’m going to try and finish this project and then I will meet you later for House of Thai”

“Sweet, that’s a deal. Just take it easy today and don’t think too much about that DICCKKK!” She cuts the phone abruptly.

I can't with this woman, but she's my girl and I love her too much.

Taraji gets back into doing her work, although throughout the day, she feels Nikolai's eyes on her. When she looks up, he's always there. Watching. Waiting.

The attention should feel invasive. Instead, it feels protective. Safe .

By the end of the day, she makes a decision. She'll take things slow. See if this attraction is real or just a reaction to her breakup.

As she packs up to leave, Nikolai appears at her desk.

"Have a good evening." His deep voice makes her skin tingle.

"You too." She meets his gaze.

"Think about what I said." He stands tall beside her desk.

Taraji nods. "I will."

"Good." He smiles. "Because I meant every word."

As she walks to meet Keisha, Taraji realizes something unsettling. Despite the shock of catching Jerome cheating, her mind keeps returning to Nikolai. His words. His intensity. The way he looks at her.

Against her better judgment, a flicker of desire ignites inside her. She tries to extinguish it.

It burns brighter instead.