A little Too Close

CHAPTER NINE

Adrian woke up thinking about Alexander Sterling.

It was becoming an irritating habit.

He had spent the previous evening enjoying dinner with the billionaire, holding his hand across the table and discovering more about the man behind the expensive suits and controlled expressions. Nothing particularly dramatic had happened, yet Adrian had returned to his room with a smile he couldn't quite explain.

The problem was that he was beginning to look forward to Alexander's company too much.

And that was dangerous.

He had come to the estate for a professional opportunity. He needed the contract, wanted his business to succeed, and had no intention of allowing an attractive billionaire to distract him from those goals.

Unfortunately, Alexander was making that increasingly difficult.

His phone vibrated on the bedside table.

Alexander: Good morning. I hope you slept well.

Adrian smiled before typing.

Adrian: I did. Are you checking up on me already?

Alexander: Is that a problem?

Adrian: Depends. Are you planning to ask for a daily report?

Alexander: Only if it includes whether you've eaten breakfast.

Adrian laughed.

Adrian: Good morning to you too, Mother.

Alexander: I'll accept that if it means you'll eat.

Adrian shook his head, put the phone down, and got out of bed.

---

By ten, Adrian was back in the main event hall, checking the latest arrangements with his team.

The replacement ornaments had arrived, the lighting company had confirmed its installation schedule, and the entertainment group had sent its final requirements. There were still several details to settle, but the preparations were finally moving in the right direction.

He was discussing the placement of the main Christmas tree when Alexander entered.

"You're here early," Adrian said.

"I have a meeting upstairs."

"And you decided to visit the event hall first?"

"I wanted to see you."

Adrian glanced at the two workers nearby, then looked back at him.

"You're getting comfortable saying things like that."

"Should I stop?"

"No. But you should remember that I'm working."

Alexander nodded.

"I know. I won't distract you."

Adrian gave him a doubtful look.

"That's a promise you'll struggle to keep."

A faint smile touched Alexander's lips.

He moved aside while Adrian continued giving instructions. For the next twenty minutes, he watched as Adrian checked measurements, corrected the placement of a decorative arch, and discussed the lighting with the technicians.

When one of the workers asked whether the main table should be moved closer to the fireplace, Adrian considered the arrangement before giving his decision.

Alexander noticed something he hadn't fully appreciated before.

Adrian wasn't simply creative. He was decisive. He understood what he wanted, listened to suggestions, and wasn't afraid to reject an idea when it didn't serve the overall design.

There was a confidence in him that Alexander found increasingly attractive.

When Adrian finally turned around, he caught Alexander watching.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"You're staring."

"I'm allowed to admire good work."

"Then admire the decorations."

Alexander's eyes remained on him.

"I am."

Adrian laughed and returned to his team.

---

Shortly before lunch, Adrian discovered a problem with the entertainment schedule.

The jazz group had requested additional time for sound checks, which meant the original performance arrangement would no longer work.

He checked the timetable again, trying to find a way to accommodate them without delaying dinner.

Alexander approached.

"Problem?"

"Nothing I can't handle."

"That wasn't my question."

Adrian showed him the revised schedule.

"The musicians need more time. I can move the welcome performance forward, but that affects the speeches and dinner."

Alexander studied the document.

"Would it help if we moved the speeches to the smaller reception room?"

Adrian considered it.

"Possibly, but that room won't accommodate everyone comfortably."

"What if we shorten the welcome reception?"

Adrian shook his head.

"That would make the event feel rushed. Guests need time to arrive, settle in, and enjoy themselves."

Alexander nodded.

"Then what do you suggest?"

Adrian looked at the timetable again.

"I'll speak with the entertainment manager. We may be able to arrange an earlier sound check the previous evening. That would keep the original schedule intact."

"Good idea."

"I know."

Alexander smiled.

Adrian picked up his phone.

"See? This is why you hired me."

"One of the reasons."

Adrian paused.

"What are the other reasons?"

Alexander looked directly at him.

"Would you like the professional answer or the honest one?"

Adrian's lips curved.

"Let's hear the professional answer."

"Your proposal was excellent, and you understand how to turn an ordinary gathering into something memorable."

"And the honest answer?"

Alexander's gaze softened.

"I wanted to keep seeing you."

Adrian's smile became smaller, but more genuine.

"You're very straightforward today."

"I'm trying something different."

"What's that?"

"Being honest before you have to ask."

Adrian shook his head, smiling as he walked away to make the call.

---

That afternoon, Alexander found Adrian in the smaller reception room, reviewing the seating arrangements.

"You're still working?"

"Unfortunately, the chairs won't arrange themselves."

"I could hire someone to do that."

Adrian looked up.

"Don't."

Alexander stopped.

Adrian softened his tone.

"I'm not saying that to be difficult. I just want to finish what I started. It's my responsibility."

"I understand."

"Good."

Alexander moved closer and examined the seating plan.

"How many guests are we expecting?"

"One hundred and eighty, including the additional investors your office confirmed yesterday."

"I thought the final number was one hundred and fifty."

"It was. Your assistant sent me the updated list this morning."

Alexander frowned.

"I'll speak with her."

"Don't worry. I've adjusted the layout."

Adrian turned the laptop towards him.

"I've added another table without compromising the space for dancing."

Alexander studied the plan.

"You managed to fit everyone?"

"Yes."

"You're good at this."

Adrian smiled.

"I've been trying to tell you."

Alexander laughed.

Then his expression changed slightly.

"Can I take you somewhere tonight?"

Adrian looked at him.

"Where?"

"There's a small restaurant about twenty minutes from here. Nothing formal. I thought we could have dinner and spend some time together."

Adrian considered the invitation.

"Are we discussing Christmas arrangements?"

"No."

"Business?"

"No."

"Then what are we discussing?"

Alexander stepped closer.

"Whatever you want. Or nothing at all."

Adrian closed his laptop.

"All right."

Alexander's face brightened.

"I'll pick you up at seven."

"Don't be late."

"I won't."

"And no surprise business meetings."

"I promise."

Adrian smiled.

"Then I'll see you tonight."

---

At seven, Alexander was waiting outside the estate's main entrance.

Adrian came down wearing a black sweater beneath a dark brown jacket, fitted trousers, and polished boots. His curls were neatly arranged, and he looked relaxed in a way Alexander rarely saw during working hours.

Alexander opened the car door for him.

"You look beautiful."

Adrian glanced at him.

"That's becoming your favourite word."

"Because it keeps being accurate."

"Careful. Compliments won't get you everything you want."

Alexander closed the door after him.

"I know. I'm beginning to understand that."

The restaurant was a cosy place overlooking a small frozen lake. It wasn't as extravagant as the restaurants Alexander usually visited, but the atmosphere was warm, with soft music playing and candles on the tables.

Adrian looked around appreciatively.

"I like this place."

"I thought you might."

They were shown to a table near the window.

After ordering, Adrian leaned back in his chair.

"So, tell me something."

"Anything."

"What's the one thing you would do if you didn't have to worry about money or your company?"

Alexander considered the question.

"Travel."

"Where?"

"Somewhere quiet. A place where nobody knows who I am."

Adrian smiled.

"That sounds lonely."

"Not necessarily."

"Would you go alone?"

Alexander looked at him.

"Not if I had someone worth taking."

Adrian lowered his eyes to the menu, hiding a smile.

"You're getting better at this."

"At what?"

"Making me blush."

Alexander smiled.

"Good. I was hoping you'd notice."

Their food arrived, and the conversation continued.

Alexander asked about Adrian's childhood, his first job, and the reason he had chosen event planning.

Adrian told him about the small birthday parties he used to organize for friends and relatives, how he discovered he enjoyed bringing people together, and how he eventually decided to turn that interest into a business.

"It wasn't easy," Adrian admitted. "There were months when I wondered if I had made a terrible decision. But every time an event went well, I remembered why I started."

"And now?"

"Now I want to grow. I want a company that can handle bigger events without me having to supervise every little detail."

"You'll get there."

Adrian smiled.

"I intend to."

Alexander watched him for a moment.

"I like that about you."

"What?"

"You don't wait for someone to tell you what you're capable of."

Adrian looked at him.

"Some people have spent too much time telling me what I can't do. I don't need another person doing that."

Alexander nodded.

"I wouldn't want to be that person."

"Good."

---

After dinner, they walked outside.

The cold air was sharp, and Adrian tucked his hands into his jacket pockets. Alexander walked beside him, keeping a comfortable distance.

They stopped near the edge of the frozen lake.

Adrian looked at the lights reflecting across the snow.

"It's beautiful."

Alexander turned towards him.

"Yes, it is."

Adrian caught his gaze.

"You're not looking at the lake."

"No."

For once, Alexander didn't try to hide what he was thinking.

Adrian's smile faded into something softer.

"You're making it difficult to keep telling myself this is just dinner."

"I don't want it to be just dinner."

"Alexander..."

"I know what you said about taking things slowly. I'm not asking you to change your mind. I just want you to know that I'm interested in you, Adrian. Not because you're working on my Christmas event. Not because I enjoy having you around the estate. I want to know what this could become."

Adrian studied his face.

"And what if I don't know yet?"

"Then I'll give you time."

"What if I change my mind?"

"Then I'll respect that."

Adrian looked away briefly, taking in the lights.

"You're making it very difficult to find a reason to reject you."

Alexander smiled.

"I'll try not to make it harder."

Adrian laughed softly.

They continued walking until they reached the car.

Before getting in, Alexander turned towards him.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You're becoming very fond of asking permission."

"I'd rather ask than assume."

Adrian's expression softened.

"What is it?"

"May I kiss you?"

The question hung between them.

Adrian looked at Alexander's face, then at his lips. He had imagined this moment more than once, though he hadn't intended to admit it so soon.

He stepped closer.

"Yes."

Alexander didn't move immediately.

"Are you sure?"

Adrian smiled.

"Alexander, if you ask me one more time, I might change my mind."

That earned a quiet laugh.

Then Alexander lifted a hand to Adrian's cheek and leaned down.

Their lips met gently.

It was a careful kiss at first, almost hesitant, as though Alexander was afraid of moving too quickly. Adrian placed a hand against his chest, then caught the front of his coat and drew him closer.

The change was immediate.

Alexander's restraint faltered as Adrian kissed him again, more confidently this time. His hand settled at Adrian's waist, while Adrian's fingers moved briefly to the back of his neck.

When they finally separated, Alexander remained close.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Adrian looked at him, his cheeks warm from the cold and something else.

"Well," he murmured. "That was worth the wait."

Alexander smiled.

"Can I do it again?"

Adrian laughed.

"You're already asking for a second one?"

"I've been waiting quite a while."

"Then perhaps you should make the most of your opportunity."

Alexander leaned down and kissed him again.

This time, Adrian didn't feel the need to remind him to be patient.

---

On the drive back, Alexander kept glancing towards him.

Adrian noticed.

"Keep your eyes on the road."

"I am."

"You're looking at me."

"I can do both."

"That's not reassuring."

Alexander laughed.

When they arrived at the estate, he walked Adrian to the entrance.

"I had a good evening," Adrian said.

"So did I."

Adrian hesitated, then reached up and straightened Alexander's collar.

"Goodnight, billionaire."

Alexander caught his hand gently.

"Goodnight, Adrian."

He released him, and Adrian went inside.

Alexander remained by the entrance for a moment, smiling to himself.

For the first time in years, he was looking forward to Christmas for a reason that had nothing to do with business.

And Adrian, upstairs in his room, touched his lips and tried not to smile too much.

He had finally kissed Alexander Sterling.

The trouble was, he already wanted to do it again.