Chapter 2

Nicole had come to be known as one of the most powerful forces in the corporate world, and as an assistant of Harrison Corp.'s CEO, she had proved to be a very valuable asset to the enterprise. That was how Nicole got to be known—reliable, intelligent, industrious—with the highest perception that clients in the industry had of who should work for them as an assistant through such adjectives like "exceptional organizational skills," "excellent attention to detail," "taking initiative," and "ability to think on feet."

It seems that Nicole's boss, who was Edwin Harrison, the CEO at Harrison Cop., was very impressed with Nicole as an assistant. She was very thorough with her tasks, anticipating his needs and making sure everything runs smoothly. However, they have been able to maintain a high degree of communication, and he had shown trust in her all the time, seeking her help in handling sensitive and confidential information.

She had everything about her that one would call accomplishments: vast credentials and a very demanding job. Nicole was a free mind and spirit with respect to her freedom and independence. She spoke her mind and stood up for what she believed in. Her confidence is so admired by her colleagues, and she is known for her out-of-the-box thinking.

Outside of the office, Nicole was just as vibrant and adventurous. She loved trying new restaurants, attending concerts, and exploring new places. She was a bit of a thrill-seeker, always on the lookout for the next exciting experience. Her love of freedom and spontaneity was infectious, and she had a way of making everyone around her feel alive and energized.

Despite her many accomplishments and her love of adventure, Nicole was not one to seek the spotlight. She was content to work behind the scenes, using her skills and talents to support her team and help the company succeed. Her humility and lack of pretension had earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues, and she was widely regarded as one of the most talented and dedicated assistants in the industry.

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Nicole was startled by a knock at the door. She opened it to find her landlord, Mr. Flynn, standing in the hallway with a bright smile on his face.

"Nicole, baby, you are looking so beautiful," Mr. Flynn said, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.

Nicole rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Hello, Mr. Flynn."

Mr. Flynn's grin faltered for a moment before he continued. "Look, baby, someone is going to move into the apartment opposite you, and I'm going on vacation with my boyfriend, so can you keep the house keys when that handsome and hot guy comes over to you? Give it to him, okay?"

Nicole raised an eyebrow but took the key from Mr. Flynn. "Okay, Mr. Flynn."

Mr. Flynn beamed at her. "Okay, I'm off. Oli will be waiting for me."

As Mr. Flynn turned to leave, Nicole called out, "Mr. Flynn, what's the name of your new tenant?"

Mr. Flynn's face lit up with a sly smile. "Oh, his name is too sexy. When you see him, you'll fall in love with him. His muscles, his wide chest, his smile, his face, his eyes, his lips... aww, I wish he were my boyfriend."

Nicole's eyes widened in surprise. "Umm... I didn't ask for the description of his body; I only asked his name."

Mr. Flynn chuckled. "That's why no relationship of yours lasts long, baby. By the way, his name is Gage. Remember that."

Nicole nodded, a hint of amusement on her face. "Thank you, Mr. Flynn."

With a final wave, Mr. Flynn disappeared down the hallway, leaving Nicole to wonder about the mysterious Gage.

***

Nicole was busy cleaning the house, her music blasting in the background, when she heard a knock at the door. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and made her way to the entrance, a lollipop still lodged in her mouth. Without bothering to check the peephole, she swung open the door, expecting it to be perhaps a delivery person or a neighbor with a question.

But instead, she was met with a sight that made her heart skip a beat. A man, tall and broad-shouldered, stood before her, his eyes fixed on some point beyond her shoulder. And in that moment, he reached up and peeled off his T-shirt, revealing a chiseled torso that seemed to have been carved from granite.

Nicole's mouth fell open, the lollipop tumbling from her lips as she gazed in wonder at the sight before her. The man's muscles rippled beneath his skin as he moved, his abs contracting and releasing with each breath. And the sweat—oh, the sweat—that dripped from his brow and trickled down his chest, creating a tantalizing trail that seemed to invite her gaze.

For what felt like an eternity, Nicole simply stood there, frozen in awe, as the man smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. And then, as if suddenly recalling himself, he spoke, his deep voice rumbling through the air.

"Hello, my name is Gage. I'm your new neighbor."

Nicole's gaze snapped back to his face, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she realized she'd been staring. "Oh, yes, hello," she stuttered, trying to compose herself.

Gage's eyes sparkled with amusement as he nodded at her. "Our landlord said you might have something for me?"

Nicole's hand fluttered to her shorts pocket, where she'd stashed the key. "Oh, yes, the key!" She pulled it out and held it out to him, but her fingers seemed to have developed a sudden case of clumsiness, and the key slipped from her grasp, clattering to the floor.

As she bent to pick it up, Nicole forgot that she wasn't wearing a bra, and her loose top exposed her breast; Gage's eyes widened, his gaze fixed on the spot where her top had ridden up.

Gage took it from her, his fingers brushing against hers, sending a spark of electricity through her body. He smiled at her once more, and Nicole felt her heart skip a beat.

He turned to head into his apartment; Nicole couldn't help but watch him go, her eyes fixed on the broad expanse of his back. And when he disappeared from view, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

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