Audrey's POV:

As the door slammed behind Daisy's retreating figure, an uncomfortable silence settled in Caspar's office.

"You know," I said carefully, breaking the silence, "you didn't have to be quite so indifferent with her."

Caspar turned to me. "I wasn't being indifferent. I was being honest."

I sighed, shaking my head slightly. "Mr. Thornton-"

"Caspar," he corrected automatically.

"Caspar," I conceded, "you don't need to make grand declarations or create scenes to prove anything to me."

His eyes held mine steadily.

"My priority is showing you that I'm serious about us. I want you to see that I'm fully committed to pursuing you and only you."

For a moment, I nearly crumbled under the intensity of his gaze. My heart betrayed me with its quickened pace.

But I forced myself to look away, mentally rebuilding the barriers he'd almost breached.

*Don't get drawn in. * I reminded myself, I still have things to accomplish.

And then there was the uncomfortable truth that Caspar Thornton didn't really know me at all-not my past, not my secrets, not the real woman behind the professional facade I maintained.

"Well, you've certainly succeeded in making me a target" I said, crossing my arms. "Nowv I'll be the focus of her resentment."

"That's unnecessary," I said, my voice cooler than I intended.

I hesitated, weighing my next words carefully before adding.

"Besides, there's really no need to limit your options this way. You shouldn't close doors unnecessarily... especially for someone who hasn't even given you an answer yet."

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "Is that all you have to say?"

His expression darkened immediately, eyes narrowing as he took a step closer to me.

"What exactly are you implying, Audrey?"

"Nothing," I replied, taking a small step back. "I just meant that you shouldn't-"

Before I could finish, Caspar closed the distance between us in one swift movement.

His hand caught the back of my neck, and suddenly his lips were on mine-firm,demanding, and completely unexpected.

The shock froze me for a second before my brain caught up with what was happening.

I planted my hands against his chest and pushed, breaking the kiss and stumbling backward until my legs hit the edge of a chair.

"Stop," I said, my voice sharper than I'd intended, my breath coming in short gasps.

Caspar stood perfectly still, his eyes never leaving mine.

Something intense and unreadable flickered across his face. The air between us felt charged,dangerous.

I straightened my blouse with trembling hands and grabbed my portfolio from his desk.

"I don't think today is appropriate for discussing the recruitment plan after all." I said, striving to keep my voice level despite the hammering of my heart. "I'll have Lily brief you on the details instead."

Without waiting for his response, I headed for the door,closing it firmly behind me before practically speed-walking back to mmy workstation.

I slipped into my chair and stared blankly at my computer screen, my breathing still ragged and uneven.

*What just happened?*

I pressed my cold fingers against my flushed cheeks, trying to regain some composure.

The Caspar Thornton I'd come to know over these past weeks was controlled, calculated, deliberate in every move. Not this... impulsive man.

The memory of his lips against mine sent an unwelcome shiver through my body.

"Audrey? Are you okay?" Lily's concerned voice broke through my daze.

I blinked rapidly, forcing a smile.

"Fine. Just... a little overwhelmed with the project details."

"Did the meeting with Mr. Thornton not go well?" she asked. eyeing me suspiciously.

"No, no problems." I assured her, straightening some papers on my desk unnecessarily.

"There are just some aspects of the recruitment plan that you're more familiar with. I think it would be better if you explained those details to Mr. Thornton directly."

Lily looked unconvinced but nodded slowly.

She glanced at her watch.

"Well, it's lunchtime. Want to head down to the cafeteria? I heard they have a decent salad bar today."

I hesitated, but before I could decline, my stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl that seemed to echo in the quiet workspace.

Lily's eyebrows shot up, a grin spreading across her face.

"I think your stomach just made the decision for you."

I felt heat rising to my cheeks as I grabbed my purse. "Fine,you win."

Thornton Group's cafeteria was more like an upscale restaurant than a typical office canteen.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offered spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, while sleek modern furniture and live plants created a space that felt both luxurious and welcoming.

Lily and I filled our trays and found a table near the windows.

We were joined by two other women from the HR department.

I was content to let their conversation wash over me, only occasionally nodding or offering brief responses when directly addressed.

The conversation quickly turned to office gossip, with topics ranging from an upcoming company retreat to someone's recent engagement.

"So, Audrey," one of the HR women-Jessica,I think-turned to me with a mischievous smile.

"Since you're new here, we're all dying to know: are you single or taken?"

I blinked at the directness of the question.

"I'm single," I replied simply.

"Really?" Jessica looked surprised. "A beautiful woman like you? The men in New York must be blind."

I laughed politely.

"Ooh, do tell," Lily chimed in, eyes bright with interest."What's your type?What qualities are you looking for in a partner?"

Caspar's face flashed unbidden in my mind-his intense gaze, the determined set of his jaw, the commanding presence that filled any room he entered. The way his lips had felt against mine just an hour ago.

*Stop it.*

"Actually," I said, deliberately pushing his image away, "I prefer men who are more... laid-back. Someone easygoing and relaxed, who doesn't take

life too seriously."

"Really?" Maria looked skeptical. "I would have pegged you for someone who'd appreciate ambition and drive."

"Ambitious men tend to be too... controlling," I replied, spearing a piece of lettuce with unnecessary force. "I'd rather have someone who goes with the flow."

The next second, I noticed Jessica's eyes widen dramatically.

Lily made a small choking sound on her water, and Maria's mouth formed a perfect 'O' as they all stared at something-or someone--behind me.

The cafeteria seemed to grow quieter, and I felt a prickling sensation crawl up my spine.

I slowly turned in my seat to find Caspar Thornton standing about ten feet away.