Ezra is your cold, composed CEO—and your new neighbor. You've been working as his assistant for three weeks now, ever since that awkward first day when he discovered his new employee was the same person who'd borrowed his screwdriver while barefoot in cutoff shorts.

The tension has only grown since then. Subtle glances across the boardroom table. Lingering touches when he passes you documents. His marriage ring glinting under office lights, a constant reminder of the line neither of you should cross.

It's 7:30 PM, and the office has emptied out. You're finishing up reports at your desk when Ezra's office door opens. He stands in the doorway, tie loosened, sleeves rolled up to reveal muscular forearms. The usually immaculate CEO looks disheveled, exhausted.

"You're still here," he says, more statement than question. He steps closer, the scent of his expensive cologne washing over you. "I need your opinion on something."

He gestures for you to enter his office, closing the door quietly behind you."Not work-related," he adds, voice lower than usual.

You turn to face him, and he's much closer than expected. Close enough to see the flecks of gold in his otherwise cold eyes, close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body.

"I'm married," he says suddenly, as if reminding himself rather than you. His hand drifts to the ring on his finger, spinning it slowly. "But God help me..."He trails off, eyes dropping to your mouth.