"Sleep here tonight," Ryan croaked.

Claire glanced up at him. "Sleep here?" Her eyes awoke with warm curiosity.

"Yeah." Smiling, Ryan kissed her hair. "It's getting late and it's still raining."

But he could still drive her home, couldn't he? Claire blushed.

"Is that the only reason you want me to sleep here?" she asked, resuming her comfort in his arms as they lay naked under the sheets.

How she loved feeling his body so near hers, and his naughty hands toying with her hair smoothly, if not her skin as though she was a full-furred pet.

"Not really. I do have an ulterior motive and it's simply because I don't want you away tonight." Ryan answered her brazenly. "You can go to work from here, can't you?"

Very convincing, Claire thought. It was a tempting offer, and being here in his apartment, on his bed, and in his arms, felt serendipitous.

It was as if everything was going to be fine.

"I don't have clothes for tomorrow," she said softly. Her index finger was childishly trailing the contours of his sculpted chest, from the pecks to the abs, loving every detail. "How will I go to work?" She pursed her lips at him.

"I can care of that," Ryan uttered, his voice serious.

Claire scowled. "Really now? How? Will you lend me your girlfriend's clothes? Wait, does she have her clothes here? Do you fuck her in this very same bed?"

"God. You're so stubborn," Ryan remarked with a big smile. "Alright"—he propped on his elbows, sitting up—"I bought you some clothes. Over there. He pointed at the shopping bags lying on the floor right near the couch.

"Seriously?" Claire's eyes widened, gleaming placidly. Ryan nodded. "When did you get them?" She lurched out of bed and quested for Ryan's polo shirt lying on the rug.

"Soon after the office," he answered coolly, crossing his hands behind his head.

"Oh, wow!" Claire was in awe. Partially dressed, she tiptoed towards the bags and sat on the couch. "Let's see," she muttered, and Ryan's face was filled with mirth at her excitement.

She opened the first bag and revealed a blouse that was almost identical to the torn one. She creased an eyebrow, gazing at Ryan. He only shrugged. Laughing, she proceeded with the second bag and two pairs of expensive, sexy underwear lay inside.

"Really?" She lifted a white cotton lace thong, chuckling. It was tiny and hollow, utterly sexy and provoking. "This is so you." She grinned at him.

"Well, I figured you'd look great in it," Ryan replied, his voice teasing.

Claire flushed. "Did you shop yourself?" She reached for the last bag, which was a black bodycon dress, short and elegant. "Wow, Ryan! This is gorgeous! How did you guess my size?" She stood up quickly to get a proper look.

"Must I go into details?" Ryan's smile was pure joy. He looked happy watching her reacting as though it was something big.

"Yes, please." Claire bobbed her head.

Ryan rolled his eyes. "I've held you in my arms twice so of course I can tell your size."

"Oh, what a talent you have, Mr. Stevens!" Claire smiled. "Okay. At least I'll have something to wear tomorrow."

"Does that mean you're sleeping here?" Ryan's eyes flashed expectantly.

Placing her bags properly, Claire muttered, "I am. Just for tonight."

"Good." Nothing but satisfaction was portrayed in Ryan's voice. "Hungry?"

"Famished." Claire returned to bed.

"There must be something edible in the fridge," Ryan muttered thoughtfully. "Let's go and check unless you want something specific." He gazed at her.

"Um, no. Let's have whatever there is. I don't want to go out," said Claire as they got up.

"I can order for you. It won't take long," Ryan replied while picking up his pants from the floor.

Grilled chicken, fruit salad, and yogurt made their dinner. Claire's evening turned splendid, and so was her night as she slept with Ryan by her side. It was a brand new feeling she wasn't ready to give up, but the reality check was cruel.

The alarm chirped in the morning as a reminder of midnight Cinderella back to the pumpkin that was mistaken for a royal carriage. She had to get real, she thought when her eyes met the dark knight in shining armor staring at her. He was already awake.

"Morning, beautiful," he muttered, smiling softly at her.

"Mhmm, morning." She smiled back, and it suddenly hurt seeing him. Being in his bed this morning felt like the momentary sweetness of chewing gum that was soon coming to an end.

Ryan frowned at the shift in her mood, holding closer.

"What's wrong?" he quizzed.

She was in a place that wasn't rightful hers. She was just a replacement for one night, and probably the next won't be hers. This irked her.

"Come on, Claire, talk to me!" Ryan became desperate, holding her face with an edgy look. "You didn't sleep—" He stopped when her lips met his.

She was kissing him, quite unexpectedly, and he didn't seem to mind as much as he was taken aback. If it was the last time having him to herself, then she wanted to feel him once again.

Just this once.

"Hold me," she breathed, and Ryan's arms gripped her body tightly as she sat on his lap.

"Claire," Ryan uttered, but he had nothing to say. He was stunned, seemingly in a daze by everything she was doing to him, physically and emotionally. "What do you want?" He pulled up the T-shirt she was wearing.

"You. All of you." Claire removed it over her head, staying nude. "Kiss me, Ryan," she begged, panting heavily, her eyes filled with mixed emotions.

This was the only way to release herself from anger and anxiety. It was crazy but it's the only thing she'd learned recently, thanks to him.

"Where?" Ryan murmured, smooching her neck, then down her earlobe, and slowly headed to her chest. Claire moaned, tossing her head aside, welcoming the arousal. "Tell me, baby. Where do you want me to kiss you?" he repeated, imperious.

"Wherever you want," Claire said softly, her voice intoxicated.

"No, I want you to say it. Should I kiss you here?" Ryan pecked her lips, teasing her. "Or here?" He trailed her neckline, the kiss wet.

"Um," Claire breathed heavily, eyes shut at his sweet torture.

"Or here?" Ryan's tongue was on her nipple, circling it gently, and then sucked it. She cried softly. "Oh down here?" He suddenly swooped her off and her back landed on the bed. He was on top of her, staring down at her. "Where should I kiss you, baby? Say it." His voice was deeper and hoarse, demanding.

"Everywhere," Claire murmured.

"Oh yeah?" Ryan's salacious grin appeared as he parted her legs impatiently. He leaned over, seizing her thighs deftly. "Beautiful." He panted soundly, grinning diabolically at her.

Claire could feel the chill, anticipation overwhelming. "Ryan..." she whispered, and his tongue inside her was the immediate response. "Fuck." She bit her lip and clutched the sheets hard while throwing her head back.

It was swift, deep, his tongue unrelenting. Holding her legs still, strongly, Ryan began kissing her thighs, lower to higher, seductively, and she cried with pleasure when he reached her center. Artfully, he devoured her feminine core, parting her legs wider the more he dove deeper.

Her clit pulsed, and her stomach clenched. Her fingers slid into his air and pleasure spoke through her dilated pupils at the feel of his warm tongue burying inside her wetness.

___

Two hours later, Ryan's Mercedes S-Class pulled over at Starlight. "We're having dinner tonight," he said.

"Um, no will do." Claire clutched the door handle.

Ryan frowned. "What does that suppose to mean?"

"Ryan, I have a lot to catch up on in the office after skipping yesterday," Claire said while holding the door open. "And... and I think we should keep our distance. Yesterday was fun, but let's get back to reality now, shall we? Have a nice day." She slammed the door, leaving him glaring at her.

She had to forget him.

But was it going to be easy? Claire sighed heavily, recalling the awesome moment she'd had with him yesterday, and the hot sex about an hour ago. But no, there was another woman for Ryan. She was just a passing fling for him and she shouldn't forget it.

She arrived in the office around the same time Nathan did. He summoned her right away, and it seemed serious. Was she going to be in trouble? She couldn't help but wonder, considering how she left him yesterday and the events during the presentation.

"You'll join the designing team starting tomorrow," Nathan uttered.

"The designing team?" Claire asked, surprised. Was it Ryan again? She hoped not. "Why?" Her eyes were on her boss.

"Because I want you in, Levy," Nathan replied. "It was your idea, so it's only fair that you at least give us your full insight because you've earned your spot."

"Um...wow," Claire whispered.

"Okay, your promotion is against the company protocols and I know I'm breaking the rule here, but I can't let a chance to create something marvelous pass us by just because of a simple formality," Nathan explained. "Unless you're not a badass I think you are, welcome on board."

Claire was surprised, stupefied even. Was it her lucky day? She mentally grinned, screaming at the top of her lungs. It's almost her dream come true.

"Be ready, I'll want to see your ideas at our next meeting tomorrow." Nathan smiled at her.

Claire was at a loss for words. She'd been waiting so eagerly to have this opportunity and here it was, knocking on her door. She should embrace it, right? Her smile widened.

"Thank you so much, Nathan! I swear you won't regret it!" She almost jumped, on the verge to kiss him on the cheek, but decided against it. "I'll go finish the paperwork from my secretarial job."

"Oops!" Nathan grinned, comprehending her remark. "That's not my fault, you know. It's the rule and it wasn't personal."

Claire chuckled. "Just admit it, Nathan. You enjoyed my delicious coffee while it lasted."

Nathan grimaced. "Just between us, Levy. Your coffee tastes terrible!"

They both laughed.

As far as her work was concerned, Claire's day was proceeding splendidly. She couldn't stop trailing her mind off at the memory of Ryan and everything they'd been through up to this point. He was an enigma.

And suddenly a text from him pinged on her phone.

RYAN THE JERK: Dinner at 7. Will pick you up.

"Hah! As if," Claire muttered. She quickly returned his text.

CLAIRE: Dinner? Not happening. It was nice meeting you, sir.

She continued with her work, tapping on the computer keyboard with a smile. Was he ever going to stop being bossy? It was still exciting. Another text chimed and she opened it quickly.

RYAN THE JERK: I'm not a businessman by chance, Claire. I'm persuasive. It was nice meeting me? Yeah, I bet it was, and it's going to stay that way. You can run but you won't hide. I'm still pleading . . . DINNER!!!

A laugh escaped Claire as he read the message. He was a psycho. But why was she mesmerized by all of him? Jeez, maybe she's the crazy one.

CLAIRE: Maybe we should start by reminding you that you're not in control of everything and everyone, Sir. Back to nice meeting you: It won't stay, I promise. As I said, I'm busy with work. And about dinner, my decision still stands. No dinner.

Smiling, Claire placed her cell phone aside and allowed her mind to drift a little by reclining back in her chair. Luckily it was lunch break, and the office was empty right now. However, it didn't take a minute to get the reply.

RYAN THE JERK: I really want to have dinner with you tonight, so please bend your firm decision for once. And remember that I can always transfer your office to SK and have all three meals with you. Everyday. And yes, I'm threatening you right now. AND DON'T CALL ME SIR!

"Crazy guy," Claire muttered, laughing loudly.

And just as she began to get serious with work, there was an incoming call from Ryan. She picked up.

"What now, Ryan? Are you tired of writing threats?" she uttered, smiling faintly.

"Are you still being adamant about dinner?" Ryan asked, her query ignored. "Come on, Claire, we'll just eat and I'll take you home afterward, I promise." He had a calm tone of voice for a change.

So unlike.

"I'm not being adamant or anything, I just can't go out with you tonight," Claire replied.

"Why can't you?" Ryan asked, irritation lacing his voice.

"Because I have other plans," she lied.

"Other plans? With who? Panther?'' His voice started to lose its tranquility.

Panther? Claire rolled her eyes, laughing.

"You don't think I'm a loner or something, do you?" she queried, her eyebrow raised. "I have other people to hang out with, so it doesn't have to be my boss."

"Okay. Who are you planning to meet then? Gena?" Ryan insisted on knowing.

Jeez! So persistent.

"I'm having dinner with my brother. Is that fine of an answer?" she uttered.

"Your stepbrother?"

"Yes, him. Why do you sound so surprised?"

"Nothing. Well, have a nice time with your stepbrother." He sounded sarcastic.

"You bet, I will." Claire grinned. "I'm busy, bye." She hung up.