CHAPTER 4

AVA

I woke up to the smell of bacon drifting up the stairs. My first day. Actual first day as Ryan Hale's personal assistant. My stomach flipped just thinking of his name. Dad had thanked Ryan a million times after the party, clapping him on the back like he'd saved my life. "You're a good man, Hale. Taking care of my girl." Ryan had just nodded, eyes flicking to me for half a second. That half second was enough to make my thighs clench.

I pulled on a fitted black pencil skirt and a soft white blouse. Professional but cute. Hair down in loose waves. Light makeup. I checked the mirror one last time. Okay. I looked like I belonged in an office. Not like I was secretly fantasizing about my boss every night.

I headed downstairs. Dad was at the stove flipping pancakes, humming some old rock song.

"Morning, baby girl," he called without turning. "First day breakfast special."

I slid onto a stool at the island. "Dad, you didn't have to. This is too much."

He turned, grinning, spatula in hand. "First job out of college? Hell yes I did. Sit. Eat."

He slid a plate in front of me. Eggs, bacon, pancakes stacked high, fresh fruit on the side. Orange juice already poured.

"Are you trying to fatten me up?" I teased, pouring syrup.

"Somebody has to," he shot back. "You're too skinny. All that city stress."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not skinny. And there's no stress. It's just admin stuff."

"Admin stuff for Ryan Hale," he said, sitting across from me with his own plate. "Man's a machine. The firm's huge now. You'll be run off your feet."

I laughed. "I'll survive."

He pointed his fork at me. "You better. And if he works you too hard, you tell me. I'll kick his ass."

"Dad," I groaned. "Ryan's your best friend."

"Exactly," he said, mouth full. "He knows I mean it."

We ate in comfortable silence for a minute. Then I couldn't resist.

"You know," I said casually, "if you ever wanna bring a woman around... like properly introduce her... you should."

He froze mid-bite. The fork stopped halfway to his mouth.

I smirked. "I'm serious. I'm grown. I can handle it."

He put the fork down slowly. "Where's this coming from?"

I shrugged, popping a piece of bacon in my mouth. "Just saying. You looked pretty happy sneaking off with that lady at the party."

His face went red. Actually red.

"Ava-Lynn Marie Carter," he warned.

I burst out laughing. "What? I'm teasing. But for real. Don't hesitate because of me."

He shook his head, muttering. "Kids these days."

I finished my plate, stood, and leaned over to peck his cheek. "Love you, Dad. Thanks for breakfast."

"Love you too," he grumbled. "Drive safe. Text me when you get there."

I grabbed the keys to the little BMW he insisted I take. "Will do. Bye!"

The drive to Hale Architecture was twenty minutes. I blasted music the whole way, trying to calm the butterflies. Every time I thought about seeing Ryan in suit mode, my body reacted. Traitor.

The building was sleek glass and steel downtown. I parked in the visitor spot and walked in, heels clicking on marble.

The reception desk was huge. A pretty woman with dark hair smiled up at me.

"Hi! You must be Ava Carter. Mr. Hale said to expect you."

I smiled back. "That's me. First day."

"Welcome!" she said brightly. "I'm Lisa. You'll love it here. Mostly." She winked. "Go to HR on floor five for your ID badge first. They'll sort parking pass too. Then straight to the top floor, the elevator's there." She pointed.

"Thank you so much," I said.

"No problem, honey. Good luck!"

Floor five was quick. They took my photo, printed the badge, gave me a welcome packet and parking sticker. Everyone was nice. Smiley. It felt good.

I clipped the badge to my blouse and hit the elevator for the top floor. Floor thirty. CEO level.

The doors opened to quiet luxury. Dark wood, modern art on walls, floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views. A few people at desks, typing or on calls. They glanced up curious.

Before I could orient myself, a guy and a girl walked over fast. Both mid-twenties, dressed sharp.

"New hire?" the guy asked. He had messy brown hair and glasses.

"Yeah," I said, smiling. "Ava Carter. Personal assistant to Mr. Hale."

They exchanged a look. Quick but obvious.

The girl bit her lip. Blonde ponytail, red lipstick. "I'm Sarah. This is Mike. We work up here too."

"Nice to meet you," I said. Something felt off. "Is there... a problem?"

Sarah sighed. "Not with you. With the boss."

Mike nodded. "Mr. Hale is... intense."

"Intense how?" I asked.

Sarah leaned in. "He fires people. A lot. Like, no warning. In the last six months? Fifteen people were fired."

My jaw dropped. "Fifteen?"

"Yeah," Mike said lowly. "One girl cried in the elevator after."

Sarah elbowed him. "Don't scare her on day one."

"Sorry," Mike said. "Just warning you. Be perfect. Always."

My stomach twisted. Ryan? Firing people left and right? He was always so calm with me.

"Come on," Sarah said softer. "We'll show you your desk."

They led me down the hall. My desk was right outside huge double doors. Plaque said RYAN HALE, CEO.

"Prime spot," Mike said. "Or danger zone. Depending."

I laughed nervous. "Great."

Sarah smiled. "You'll be fine. Probably. Here." She pulled out her phone. "Numbers."

We exchanged contacts quick.

Mike added me to two group chats. One called "Top Floor Survivors." The other "Hale Arch Employees."

"Top floor one is for venting," Sarah whispered. "Company one is watched."

I nodded. "Got it."

"Good luck," Mike said seriously. "We mean it."

"You too," Sarah added. "Text if you need anything."

They walked off, leaving me alone.

I set my bag down. The desk was big. New computer, phone, supplies already there.

I unpacked quickly.

My heart pounded. Time to face him.

I smoothed my skirt, took a breath, and knocked on the door.

"Come in," his deep voice called.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

And my jaw dropped.

Ryan stood by the window, facing me. White dress shirt unbuttoned halfway. Sleeves rolled up. He was buttoning the last buttons.

Abs. Tattoos swirling across his chest and down one side. Dark ink against tanned skin. Muscles flexing with every move.

Holy fuck.