Aviannah had always noticed Ben in the office. He was the CEO, the kind of leader who carried himself with an effortless confidence, his easy smile and sharp suits making him stand out. They had exchanged polite nods in the break room and brief hellos in the elevator, but they’d never really talked—until today.
“Want to grab lunch?” Ben had asked casually that morning, catching her just as she refilled her coffee.
Aviannah hesitated for a second before nodding. “Sure, why not?”
That was how they ended up sitting across from each other in a sleek hotel restaurant not far from their office building. The atmosphere was modern and intimate, the soft hum of conversation and gentle clinking of silverware surrounding them. Aviannah smoothed her hands over her lap, suddenly aware of how close they were sitting.
“So, how long have you been working at the company?” Ben asked, his eyes focused on her with genuine interest.
“A couple of years now. You?”
“Almost five. But I don’t think we’ve ever really talked before.”
She laughed softly. “No, we haven’t. Guess we’ve been too busy.”
They fell into an easy rhythm, talking about everything from their crazy deadlines to their favorite coffee spots in the city. Aviannah found herself relaxing, enjoying the way Ben’s deep voice filled the space between them.
“You know,” he said, leaning in slightly, “I’ve always thought you were pretty interesting.”
Her breath hitched slightly, but she played it cool. “Oh yeah? What gave you that impression?”
Ben grinned, his fingers lightly tapping against the table. “Just a feeling.”
Their conversation lingered over shared interests and subtle flirtation, and soon, their plates were empty, but neither seemed eager to leave.
“Want to check out the rooftop view?” Ben suggested, his voice smooth but laced with something more.
Aviannah considered it for a moment before nodding. “Sure, let’s go.”
The elevator ride up was quiet, filled with a tension that neither of them acknowledged out loud. When the doors opened to the rooftop terrace, the city stretched out before them, a breathtaking mix of glass and concrete shimmering in the afternoon sun.
“Wow,” she murmured, stepping closer to the edge.
“It’s something, huh?” Ben stood beside her, his presence warm and steady.
Aviannah turned to look at him, and suddenly, the energy between them shifted. It was undeniable now, the way his gaze lingered on her lips, the way her heart pounded in response.
“This was a good idea,” she whispered.
Ben smiled, and without another word, he closed the distance between them, his lips brushing against hers in a way that sent shivers down her spine. The city, the workday, everything else faded away in that moment.