The CEO’s Hidden Love Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires

She got to say that Jeffrey had a knack for hitting where it hurt. Dorothy's face fell at his words, her lashes casting a shadow over her grim face.

Karen shot Jeffrey a sharp elbow to the ribs, signaling for him to zip it.

The dinner was a minefield, saved only by Karen's relentless efforts to smooth things over.

After they'd finished eating, Jeffrey offered to drive Dorothy back to her office.

She waved goodbye without a hint of changing her mind regarding his earlier proposition, and yet, Jeffrey couldn't help but press, “Dorothy, about that getaway at the resort—you in? If you say yes, I'll book it right now!” Karen tried to silence him, but it was too late.

Dorothy paused, then turned, "I'll think about it. I'll let Karen know if I decide to go." “Alright, we’ll be waiting for your word.” Watching her head inside, Karen frowned, clearly miffed. “I signaled you to drop it. Why poke the bear? Dorothy doesn't like that!” Jeff started the car with a click and a sigh, “Aren’t you rooting for her to patch things up with Everett? I'm just playing Cupid here!” “Even Cupid has to know his limits. You can’t keep reminding Dorothy of parent stuff; you know her history as a kid.” “Why should something from her childhood still cast a shadow now? I didn’t mean anything by it. I just want us to chill out and have some fun. Could she get all sensitive?” Karen waved it off, “Dorothy has always been like this—sensitive and distant. If a guy wants to get close, be it as a friend or lover, he needs the patience of a saint. With your approach? Good luck getting her to dine out with you again—I'll let you do whatever you want if she agrees!” “Is she really that averse to men?” “More than you can imagine.” Jeffrey frowned, “Well, I've got no ulterior motives with her!” “I told you she’s extremely cautious with men, even just as friends.” Jeff grumbled, finally understanding why Everett couldn’t make a direct move or pressure her into anything. Instead, he could only resort to a slow and steady approach.

to find a bouquet of flowers on her desk. Her

reached for

Ophelia. The card was apologizing for being rash and petty, admitting her narrow

wanted to return the flowers, but that seemed petty, and she could do

down, booted up her computer, found Ophelia on the company messenger, and sent a simple “Thanks for the flowers.” The day’s

West Legal Services today; the case was already on

Dorothy hailed a cab to her apartment

get them in water today, they'd wilt by

the grocery store at the bottom of her building, she