Three

Madelyn’s Pov

I didn't think this day could get any worse, but apparently it could.

I swallowed down the nerves and lifted my chin.

"It's Ms. McCall to you, Mr. Torrence, and take a seat. You're late."

I held his gaze for a second longer than necessary before looking away and without a single objection, he took his seat.

Good.

Because if he started arguing with me in front of everyone, I wasn't entirely sure I wouldn't lose my mind.

"As I was saying, I believe some of you already know we need to raise the company stock by thirty percent in two months. While it sounds impossible, I believe it's something we can do. The team has four games within this three months, and I expect to win every game. Mr. Torrence..."

Before I could continue, another voice cut in.

"Don't you mean hope? You're setting unreasonable standards." I looked over at Mr. Lockwood.

"Mr. Lockwood, I don't hope. I make things happen, and I believe you've organized every folder on each player like I asked. Also, our arena design details need to change since some sponsorship deals have ended."

I said, sounding so calm even though I was sure everyone could hear how loudly my heart was beating, I gripped my phone tighter to at least anchor me.

For some reason, my eyes drifted to Damon which was a big mistake

He was leaning back in his chair, completely relaxed, his expression blank, just pure utter indifference, one that I was very familiar with and that annoyed me even more.

"That will be all." I finished before heading for the door , but turned around at the last second because these men were going to bully me at every turn but I’ll prove I can do this with or without their help.. I cleared my throat.

"Let me make something very clear. I am the highest-ranking officer of this organization, and you will respect me. If you have a problem with that... resign."

I left before anyone could respond.

The second the door closed behind me, I knew they were laughing, but there was no way I was walking back in there to find out because I would definitely cry, My nerves were stretched thin enough as it was, so I kept walking. Left to me, I would've broken into a run, but I was the boss here, and bosses did not run away from boardrooms.

The minute I stepped into the elevator the relief lasted a second as a hand stopped the closing doors only to reveal Damon…My heart started racing again.

"You seem lost in thought... you always know when I'm next to you or close by." He said taking a step into the elevator, and I found myself taking a step back.

Then another.

And another.

Until my back hit the wall.

I thought he would stop, but he crowded my space until there was barely a hair's breadth between us.

"Maybe you're just not as important as you think you are."

That was supposed to come out a lot firmer than it did.

I hated that all I could smell was him. Hated that my body remembered him before my brain had the chance to catch up.

His hand came up, and before I could stop him, his fingers brushed the side of my neck. My eyes fluttered shut for half a second, and that tiny betrayal was enough to make me want to scream.

"Damon..." I whispered

His thumb moved slowly against my skin, and my grip tightened around my phone as I fought the urge to lean into the touch and melt into him

"Damon, someone could literally walk in here."

"Fine." The corner of his mouth lifted. "I just need your phone number, and I'll walk away. For now."

"How about you get it from your coworkers like every normal person would?"

"When did you start believing I was normal?" he asked, and before I could hide it, my phone was already in his hand.

A few taps later, he handed it back.

"Why are you here anyway? Aren't you supposed to be a basketball player?" I asked.

He raised a brow at me like I was missing something. "You really did cut me off... either way, I got bored, so I left that."

Even though he tried to hide it, there was a hint of sadness in his voice, and I found myself staring at him a second longer than necessary because Damon loved basketball. He clearly didn't get bored, so why wasn't he playing anymore?

I shook my head trying to clear my head because his personal life wasn't my business and I refuse to be sucked in

"Don't you have a rich dad whose company you're supposed to be taking over? And to the best of my knowledge, you're making double what I pay you yearly before the year even runs out over there, so why the hell are you here? You don't need the money….”

"I want to be worth your time."

The words cut me off so fast my mouth actually fell open as he leaned in

"Last we spoke, you said I wasn't. I used to be..." He held my gaze. "I want to be worth your time… again.”

"It's too late for that, and stop trying, we broke up and we’re done.” I said, and I meant it even though the word came out smaller than I intended as our breaths mixed.

Before he could say anything else, the elevator bell dinged.

I placed a hand against his chest, and for an endless second neither of us moved. His eyes dropped to where my hand rested over his heart before he slowly stepped back, giving me enough space to leave.

I was halfway out when his voice stopped me.

"I let you walk out of my life once and I'd be damned if I let that happen again "

My vision blurred out,I bit my lower lip to stop it from trembling.

"And I'm sorry I shut you up that night." He sucked in a breath. "I should've heard you out”

For a second it felt like I was back there, seven years ago begging him to hear me out… I quickly wiped the stray tears and forced out a chuckle as I stepped fully out of the elevator.

"It's too late for that, Mr. Torrence. And do know I will fire you the first chance I get, so never try this again."