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Chapter_17
Sadie’s heart skipped a beat as Micah’s voice wrapped around her like a velvet rope. The air between them thickened, charged with a tension she hadn’t expected. She had intended to offer advice, to guide him through his work, but his presence had a way of turning everything upside down.
She held her ground, a smile playing at the corners of her lips, though her pulse quickened. “A simple thank you would suffice,” she said, her voice steady but betraying the heat beneath. “You’re welcome, but don’t get any funny ideas.”
Micah leaned back, his eyes never leaving hers, as if measuring her every word. His grin deepened, and there was something almost predatory in the way he studied her. “Funny ideas?” he repeated softly, taking a slow sip from his glass. “I wouldn’t dream of it… unless, of course, you’re offering.”
Sadie’s breath hitched for a moment. The man was relentless, and something about the way he looked at her—like he could see straight through her defenses—made her want to retreat, yet at the same time, stand her ground even more.
“I’m not offering anything, Micah,” she replied, though the words sounded weak even to her own ears. Her mind raced, trying to reclaim control of the situation, trying to push aside the discomfort that now felt dangerously close to excitement.
Micah placed the glass down, his movements deliberate, his posture now completely predatory. He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low, almost dangerous whisper. “Maybe you’re not. But you’re still here, aren’t you? Giving me advice, spending your time… There’s something more to this, Sadie.”
Sadie swallowed, trying to shake off the sensation that he was slowly drawing her in, making her question everything. She forced a laugh, though it felt hollow. “Don’t flatter yourself. I’m just doing what any businesswoman would do.”
“Right,” Micah murmured, his lips curling into a knowing smile. “And what does the businesswoman want in return for all her… help?”
She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could find the words, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Brenda, a simple check-in about the kids. Sadie took a brief moment to look at the screen, glad for the distraction.
“Well, I’ve got to go,” she said, standing up a little too quickly, hoping to put an end to the heavy atmosphere between them. “Business never stops.”
Micah watched her, still with that unsettling smirk on his lips. “You know where to find me, Sadie. I’ll be waiting.”
Her stomach fluttered, but she turned on her heel, determined to keep her composure. As she made her way out of the room, the weight of his gaze lingered on her back. It was as if Micah had cracked something open, something she wasn’t ready to deal with. And for the first time, Sadie wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to leave.
When she stepped out into the cool night air, her heart was still racing. Maybe it was just the thrill of a good challenge, but something about Micah was different. He wasn’t like the others—he didn’t just make her question her professional choices, he made her question herself.
