(Ethan's POV)
The bet was a ridiculous, juvenile thing. But it had ignited a competitive fire within me. I was determined to win, to prove to myself and my friends that I was in control of my feelings, that Claire's return wouldn't derail me.
But even as I made that vow, I knew it would be a challenge. Claire had a way of disrupting my carefully constructed world, of stirring up emotions I thought I'd buried long ago.
The Carter Enterprises headquarters renovation was a massive undertaking. I needed someone with a unique vision, someone who could transform the cold, corporate space into something inspiring. And after seeing Claire's work at the gala, I knew she was the perfect fit.
I instructed Sarah to set up a meeting, to offer Claire the contract. It was a risky move, bringing her into my professional sphere, but I was willing to take the chance. It was part of the game.
When Claire walked into my office, I felt a familiar jolt of electricity. She looked professional, poised, but there was an underlying tension in her eyes, a flicker of vulnerability that tugged at me.
"Thank you for seeing me, Mr. Carter," she said, her voice formal.
"Ethan," I corrected, my voice low. "Please, call me Ethan."
She hesitated, her eyes searching mine. "Ethan," she said, her voice soft.
The sound of my name on her lips sent a shiver down my spine. It was a simple word, but it held a weight of history, a reminder of the intimacy we'd once shared.
"So," I said, breaking the silence, "you're a successful interior designer now."
"Yes," she said, her voice a little more confident. "I've been building my firm in Chicago for the past few years."
"And you're good," I said, my eyes lingering on her. "Very good."
A hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "Thank you. I appreciate the compliment."
"I wouldn't offer it if it wasn't true," I said, my voice firm.
She nodded, her eyes sparkling. "So, you've seen my portfolio?"
"Yes," I said, gesturing to the papers on my desk. "I'm impressed. Your vision is...unique."
"Unique?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"In a good way," I clarified. "You have a way of transforming spaces, of creating an atmosphere that's both modern and inviting."
"That's what I strive for," she said, her voice passionate. "To create spaces that reflect the people who inhabit them."
"And that's why I want you to design our new headquarters," I said, my voice direct.
Her eyes widened in surprise. "You do?"
"Yes," I said. "I believe you have the talent and the vision to create a space that will inspire our employees and impress our clients."
She hesitated, her eyes searching mine. "This is a big project," she said, her voice hesitant. "Are you sure you want to entrust it to me?"
"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't sure," I said, my voice firm. "I have complete faith in your abilities."
She nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Thank you, Ethan. I'm honored."
"Good," I said, a hint of a smile playing on my lips. "Then let's talk about the details."
(Claire's POV)
Ethan Carter wanted me to design his company's new headquarters? It was a massive opportunity, a chance to showcase my talent on a grand scale. But it was also dangerous. Working closely with him meant facing the past, confronting the feelings I'd tried to bury.
When I walked into his office, I tried to maintain a professional distance, to keep our conversation strictly business. But it was impossible. The chemistry between us was undeniable, a force that crackled in the air, even as we tried to ignore it.
He was charming, persuasive, his words a carefully crafted seduction. He praised my work, flattered my talent, and made me feel like I was the only person in the room.
And I, like a fool, fell for it.
When he offered me the contract, I hesitated. It was tempting, a chance to prove myself, but it also meant spending weeks, maybe months, in close proximity to the man who had broken my heart.
"This is a big project," I said, my voice hesitant. "Are you sure you want to entrust it to me?"
"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't sure," he said, his voice firm. "I have complete faith in your abilities."
His words were like a caress, a gentle touch that sent a shiver down my spine. I wanted to believe him, to trust him, but I was afraid.
"Thank you, Ethan," I said, my voice barely audible. "I'm honored."
"Good," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Then let's talk about the details."
We spent the next hour discussing the project, the vision, the budget. He was a shrewd businessman, decisive and demanding, but he also had a creative spark, a passion for design that surprised me.
As we talked, I found myself drawn to him, fascinated by his intelligence, his charisma, his quiet intensity. It was dangerous, I knew, but I couldn't help myself.
When the meeting ended, and I stood to leave, he walked me to the door, his eyes lingering on mine.
"I'm glad you accepted," he said, his voice low. "I think we're going to create something truly special."
"I hope so," I said, my voice barely a whisper.
"We will," he said, his eyes filled with a confidence that made my heart race. "I have complete faith in you, Claire."
His words were like a promise, a challenge, a temptation. And as I walked away from his office, I knew I was in trouble. I had accepted the contract, and in doing so, I had accepted the challenge. The game was on, and I had a feeling I was about to lose.