The realization hit harder than they expected. Shane awkwardly looked at Elvira; both knew this wasn’t what should be happening. Her robe was losing its hold.

‘No. Please.’

She willed her robe not to betray her at the exact moment when he pulled his hands back. They were too ashamed to look each other in the eye. How could they not be? He has a freaking kid!

“Umm... I...” Before he could come up with any explanation, her robe loosened, smoothly slipping off her body, revealing her smooth white skin. Her fingers awkwardly covered her chest, stopping the robe from falling further.

Her eyes searched for him, but his were fixed on her body. What could be more uncomfortable than this?

“... Without uttering a single word, he hurriedly left the room, leaving her alone.

Pressing the buttons of the lift, Shane let out ragged breaths. Even shaking his head several times didn’t help him get Elvira’s beauty out of his mind. He just couldn’t seem to wash away the thoughts of her in that robe.

‘What the hell is wrong with me? She’s my employee. I can’t do this with her.’

He was trying to convince himself a little too much, but his heart wasn’t under his control anymore, and he knew it. On the other hand, Elvira’s legs gave out on her. She slid down against the wall, clutching her head in her hands.

How could she kiss someone she barely knew? What was wrong with her?

Is this what people call madness after heartbreak? She surely didn’t want to feel it or do it, but she couldn’t resist it. Her body wanted him to claim it.

‘There’s got to be something seriously wrong with me.’

She repeatedly cursed herself under her breath. Maybe taking a bath and getting a good sleep would let these stupid thoughts fade away. She was so pure and a little slow-witted in matters of love, even after an eight-year relationship with her ex.

Fortunately, she didn’t have a day shift the next morning. Taking into account her cooking abilities and skills, she was set for tonight’s hotel’s fifth-anniversary event.

Some really special guests were going to be there. She needed to be at her best tonight. Hazel’s day was off too. She wasto be the host at the party Shane was holding.

“Do you want to visit the countryside about five miles away?” Hazel asked Elvira. They were enjoying the sunbath at the beach. Elvira’s white skin was shimmering with bright rays, showing that she put on the sunscreen a bit too much.

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“Not today,” Elvira groaned, keeping her head buried in the sand as she lay on her stomach, letting her backside soak up the sun. No wonder many lustful eyes were lingering on their side.

“Obviously. I’m not saying today, but someday when we’re both off the same day? I heard there is this Moon Inn, and it has one of those hot springs to get soaked in.” She explained excitedly, searching for pictures of it.

“Mmh,” Elvira mumbled, relaxing.

“Look. It’s this one. We can even go in naked.” Hazel gave her a sheepish look. Elvira rolled her eyes, looking at the pictures.

“I’m not going anywhere naked with you. Stop dreaming.” Elvira threw a plastic cup at her. Hazel dodged it, and her eyes found a man watching them carefully.

“Is that our CEO?” Hazel squinted to see in the distance.

Elvira’s mind replayed a sudden rush of yesterday’s embarrassing moments. Her eyes met his. His hands were tucked into his pockets. His chest puffed out, making him look more devilish than human. Either way, he was hot.

Hazel noticed Elvira’s eyes locked on him. They were both looking at each other as if they wanted to tear those clothes off and embrace any second now.

“Do you think he is hot?” Hazel whispered to Elvira.

“Totally,” Elvira replied absentmindedly. Then the sudden realization hit her, realizing what she just uttered.

“Oh really?” Hazel was enjoying this. Her evil grin suggested she was up to something. She was now Elvira’s best friend and knew almost everything about her. It wasn’t that hard to read her, so she could easily conclude that Elvira was falling for the CEO.

“No. I didn’t mean it like that!” Elvira shouted, but it was too late. Hazel already knew.

“Spit it, El.” She commanded, folding her arms across her chest.

“It... I...” Elvira sat up, straightening her back. “Okay, fine. He, uh, we may have accidentally kissed yesterday.“Elvira bit her lip in anticipation.

“Wh... What?” Hazel shouted in disbelief. She just couldn’t believe her ears. Did El just say she kissed the CEO?

“It was just a misunderstanding.” Or was it? Elvira tried to brush it off, but could she? Especially when Shane was always glaring at her with that intense look.

“Hey.” A boy caught their attention. Grinning at Elvira, it was hard not to guess what he wanted. He was fine-looking, but the way his eyes roved over her barely covered body made his intentions clear.

“I’m Mike. Actually, my friends over there...” He pointed to a group of boys ogling the girls with lecherous looks. “...gave me this stupid dare to shake hands with you. Would you mind if I?” He asked, noticing Elvira’s nervous attempts to cover herself.

“Uh... Okay.” She whispered, obviously uncomfortable.

Just as they were about to shake hands, someone pushed the guy aside. Shane’s face flared with annoyance. He glanced at Elvira and Hazel.

“Sir.” Hazel and Elvira quickly stood up, bowing their heads.

“Man, what’s your problem?” Mike regained his footing, ready to have a fight with Shane.

“You wanna know?” Shane looked directly at him with a cold stare. Mike backed off immediately.

Shane’s eyes locked with Elvira’s. She was still ashamed of everything—the kiss and this incident. If she could, she would have jumped into the water without wasting a second. Shane removed his jacket and covered Elvira.

‘Is this jealousy I smell?’ Hazel’s thoughts were running wild about them. She really shipped them. With that, Shane took Elvira’s hand and walked back to the hotel.

“Surely, there wouldn’t have been a misunderstanding,” Hazel spoke to herself, smirking, excited for some drama after a long time.