The Office Rival: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

I watch him wringing the napkin between his hands. Staring at the floor, he lets out a long breath, then opens his mouth to speak. “She happened to be there at a time when I needed someone. I can’t forget that. Despite what you might think, she’s a really good person.”

I quickly defend his allegation against me. “I never said she wasn’t. I simply don’t understand why you’re rushing into marriage.”

“Well, I just told you. She’s great. My mom loves her, and so it makes sense.”

I don’t pry further because, truth be told, he sounds completely unsure of himself. So, after that revelation, we continue to sit in silence.

“Why did you stop talking to me that morning you woke up?” he questions, this time holding my gaze.

It’s the second time he’s asked me that, and this time I call defeat. Honesty is something I base all of my relationships on whether they be partners or friends.

“The truth? And don’t get a big head. And when I say head, I mean down below because, no chance, buddy.” Looking puzzled, he waits for my explanation. “I had a dream about you. About us.”

With a smug look, he pries further. “What was I doing in the dream?”

“Stop playing dumb. I don’t need to spell it out for you. It’s awkward, and I really don’t want to discuss it further.”

With a wide cocky grin, he licks his lips before asking, “Was I at least good?”

Still in his suit with his shirt partially unbuttoned and flashing me his tanned skin, I realize my strong will can only be pushed so far.

“Have some faith in yourself, Jerk. Yes, you were. Totally sweeping this convo under the rug now,” I mumble.

With a sly smile, he leans in a little further. “I had a similar dream that night.”

I almost spit out my drink and choke on the liquid stuck in my throat. I cough involuntarily until Haden realizes I need assistance and pats me on the back repeatedly. “You okay?”

I nod, embarrassed he thinks I am this affected by his admission.

“I don’t know what to say. This is really awkward.”

“What else is there to say besides the fact we’re clearly attracted to each other?”

I have no idea how to respond to this, mindful my cheeks are flushed and despite my eyes falling towards the floor, he can see there may be some truth to his admission. Panicking, I try to come up with something witty to say but nada.

“Haden, I don’t think—”

“Let me finish. It was bound to happen, and I blame curiosity,” he claims. “We both know it can’t happen.”

My heart slightly sinks as he says the words which add salt to an exposed wound. Of course, it can’t happen—my emotions are running wild as usual. Tired of feeling like this, I lift my gaze as our eyes meet, his lingering stare causing my breath to hitch.

“It can’t happen because you’re getting married.” There, I said it again. “Haden, we’ve got to stop playing these games.”

He seems to acknowledge the truth, and although it hurts more than I thought it would, it has to come out. We have to focus on raising this baby. That will forever be our top priority.

“I’ll stop playing these games on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

His eyes are practically dancing, and I subconsciously look around the room wondering why he is watching me this way. Under his stare, my cheeks flush, and my body temperature rises.

“I want to kiss you. Just one kiss. Nothing more.”

I laugh, thinking it’s a joke until his expression tells me to shut the fuck up because he is dead serious.

“But you’re—”

He doesn’t allow me to finish, moving his body close to mine and cupping my chin in his masculine hands. My uneven breaths are terrified and anticipating his next move. He runs his nose along my chin and moves his face slightly upward until his lips press gently onto mine.