Chapter 2: After Hours Access
The elevator doors slid open, and Avery stepped out first, her heels clicking against the polished floor of the executive level. She felt Blake's presence behind her, the air between them still charged from their shared experience.
"That was..." Avery started, then stopped, unsure how to finish the sentence.
"Unexpected," Blake offered, moving to stand beside her. He ran a hand through his hair. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she said quickly, brushing imaginary wrinkles from her skirt.
Blake checked his watch. "It's late. Do you want to freshen up before you go? The executive washroom has everything you might need."
The offer surprised her. The executive washroom was strictly off-limits to anyone below VP level. Patricia from HR had made that clear during Avery's orientation three years ago.
"That's not necessary," she said, though she knew she must look a mess after hours of work and being trapped in a hot elevator.
"I insist," Blake said, swiping his security card at a sleek door nearby. "Take your time. I'm in no rush to get home to an empty apartment."
The admission caught her off guard. Not just the words, but the hint of vulnerability in his voice. Blake Carter, letting his guard down? Twice in one night?
"Thanks," Avery said finally, slipping past him into the washroom.
Inside, she found a space more luxurious than some spas she'd visited. Soft lighting, marble countertops, and every toiletry imaginable lining the shelves. Avery splashed water on her face, then ran her fingers through her hair, trying to tame the waves that had escaped her usual neat style.
In the mirror, her reflection stared back at her, eyes bright, cheeks flushed. She looked different. Alive in a way she hadn't felt in months. All from being stuck in an elevator with her boss?
Get it together, Avery.
Five minutes later, she emerged feeling more composed. Blake waited in the hallway, leaning against the wall, scrolling through emails on his phone. He'd removed his tie completely, and his posture was more relaxed than she'd ever seen at work.
"Better?" he asked, looking up.
"Much. Thank you."
An awkward silence fell between them.
"I should head out," Avery said.
"Actually," Blake said, stopping her. "Would you like a nightcap? To decompress after today?"
Avery hesitated, knowing she should refuse. Having drinks with her boss after hours certainly crossed some invisible line.
"Just one," Blake added, as if sensing her hesitation. "Consider it a thank you for handling that Miller mess so well."
Against her better judgment, Avery nodded. "One drink."
Blake's smile transformed his face, softening the sharp edges she was used to seeing during tense negotiations and board meetings. He led her toward his office, swiping his card again at the heavy oak door.
Avery had been in his office hundreds of times, but never after hours, never when it was just the two of them. The space looked different in the dim evening light. Less intimidating, more personal.
"I never noticed that before," she said, spotting a telescope set up by the window overlooking the Chicago skyline.
Blake followed her gaze. "It's not usually out. Building maintenance thinks I'm crazy lugging it up here, but the view from this height is incredible."
He moved to a cabinet near his desk and retrieved two crystal tumblers and a bottle of expensive-looking wine.
"Stargazing from your office?" Avery asked, moving closer to the telescope. "That's dedication."
"Sometimes I work late," Blake said with a shrug, pouring red liquid into the glasses. "The stars help me think."
He handed her a glass, their fingers brushing slightly.
"To surviving elevator disasters," he said, raising his glass.
"And long Fridays," she added, clinking her glass against his.
The wine was smooth, warming her from the inside.
Avery wandered toward the wall of bookshelves, noticing details she'd missed during daytime meetings. Among the business books and industry reports sat framed vintage tech patents, a small model rocket, and a dog-eared copy of Contact by Carl Sagan.
"That was my mom's favorite," Blake said, following her gaze to the book. "She gave it to me when I was twelve."
"I loved that book," Avery said. "The movie too."
"Same. Though the book is better."
"Books usually are."
Blake gestured toward his office couch, a sleek leather affair that probably cost more than Avery's monthly rent. "Have a seat. You've been on your feet all day."
Avery sank into the soft leather, surprised when Blake chose to sit beside her instead of in his usual spot behind the massive desk. He sat close enough that she could smell that cologne again. Woody and expensive.
"So," he said, swirling the wine in his glass. "Tell me more about this game you're working on. You mentioned it briefly in the elevator."
"It's still in early development," Avery said, taking another sip to steady herself. "Something creative to balance out spreadsheets and scheduling."
"Don't downplay it," Blake said, turning to face her more directly. "What's the story about?"
There was something disarming about his attention, so different from their usual professional interactions. Avery found herself relaxing, explaining her current project in more detail than she'd intended.
"The main character is this bartender named Mara," she said, warming to the subject. "She's got this ability to see people's secrets when they drink at her bar. Just flashes, not the whole story. She uses what she learns to help a detective solve cold cases, but she never reveals how she knows what she knows."
"That's fascinating," Blake said, looking genuinely impressed. "Does she have her own secrets?"
"Of course," Avery smiled. "Everyone does."
Blake's eyes held hers for a moment too long. "Even you, Ms. Davis?"
"Especially me," she replied, surprising herself with the admission.
"Now I'm intrigued." Blake shifted slightly closer. "Care to share one?"
Avery considered the question, feeling emboldened by the wine and the intimacy of the moment. "I've turned down two promotion opportunities in other departments."
Blake's eyebrows rose. "Why would you do that?"
"I like working with you," she admitted. "The challenges, the pace. I learn something new every day."
"Even with my impossible standards?" he asked with a wry smile.
"Especially then." Avery took another sip of her drink, savoring the flavor. "Your turn. A secret for a secret."
Blake hesitated, swirling the remaining wine in his glass. When he spoke, his voice was quieter than before.
"I've turned down offers to sell the company. Three of them, all well above market value."
"Why?" Avery asked, surprised. The business pages regularly speculated about potential buyers for Carter Tech.
"Because this company is mine. I built it." His jaw tightened slightly. "My father lost everything chasing quick profits. I won't make that mistake."
The mention of his father darkened his expression. Avery recalled office rumors about Blake's complicated family history, though he rarely mentioned it publicly.
"Your character reminds me of you," Blake said suddenly, changing the subject.
"Mara? How so?"
"Smart, perceptive, determined." His eyes traced her face. "Though I suspect she's more willing to reveal what she knows than you are."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Avery asked, feeling a flush creep up her neck that had nothing to do with the wine.
"You're observant, Avery. You notice things others miss." Blake set his empty glass on the side table. "I've seen you reading people in meetings, catching tells that even I miss sometimes."
"Part of my job is anticipating needs," she said with a shrug. "Including yours."
"And you're very good at it." His voice dropped slightly. "But I wonder what else you see that you don't mention."
Avery became quiet for a moment, acutely aware of the way his knee nearly touched hers on the couch, and the undone buttons at his collar revealing a glimpse of skin.
"It's getting late," she said, finding her voice. "I should go."
Blake nodded, though he looked reluctant. "Let me walk you out."
They left his office and headed toward the elevator. Blake's hand found the small of her back as they walked, a light touch that sent her pulse racing.
Inside the elevator, they stood closer than necessary. Avery pressed the lobby button, hyperaware of Blake beside her.
"Tonight wasn't what I expected," Avery admitted, looking up at him.
"Me neither," Blake said. "But I'm glad it happened."
The elevator descended smoothly, floor numbers ticking down. With each passing second, Avery felt reality reasserting itself. Tomorrow, they'd be back to CEO and executive assistant. The memory of his hand on the small of her back would need to be forgotten, filed away with other inappropriate thoughts she occasionally had about her boss.
Blake seemed to read her thoughts. "What happens after hours stays after hours?" he asked, a hint of challenge in his voice.
"That would be wise," Avery agreed, though part of her rebelled against the idea.
The elevator slowed as they approached the lobby. In moments, they'd step out into the real world, and whatever had sparked between them would fade.
But instead of letting the elevator complete its journey, Blake reached past her and pressed the emergency stop button.
The elevator came to a stop. Blake stepped forward, one hand cupping Avery's face while the other gripped her waist.
"I've wanted to do this all night," he murmured before claiming her mouth in a deep kiss.
Avery responded immediately, her hands sliding inside his suit jacket, feeling the heat of his body through his shirt. Their lips moved together perfectly, tentative at first, then with growing confidence. His cologne wrapped around her, stronger now as his body warmed. She tasted wine on his tongue as he deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth hungrily.
Blake pressed her against the elevator wall, his large frame surrounding her completely. His hands moved to her hair, tilting her head back to give him better access to her neck. He trailed hot, open-mouthed kisses down her throat, finding the sensitive spot where her neck met her shoulder.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted this," he whispered against her skin.
Avery shivered, her hands clutching at his shoulders, then sliding down his chest. "Tell me," she encouraged.
"Since your interview," he admitted, teeth grazing her earlobe. "You walked in wearing that blue dress, looking like you owned the place."
His confession sent a thrill through her. Avery unbuttoned his shirt with eager fingers, revealing the taut skin underneath. She ran her palms over his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart. Blake watched her exploration, his breath quickening.
"Your turn," he said, fingers working at her shirt buttons with ease.
Button by button, he exposed her skin, his eyes darkening with each new revelation. When he finally pushed the fabric open, revealing her lace bra, he made a sound low in his throat.
"I've thought about this," he confessed, voice husky as his thumb traced the edge of the delicate fabric. "Every meeting, every late night, watching you bend over my desk to point something out."
He lowered his head, pressing his lips to the swell of her breast above the lace. Avery's head fell back against the elevator wall as his mouth traveled along the border where fabric met skin. His tongue traced the edge of her bra, making her shiver with anticipation.
Blake reached behind her, his fingers finding the clasp of her bra. He paused, seeking permission with his eyes.
"Yes," she breathed, and he unhooked it in one smooth motion.
The bra fell away, and Blake's eyes feasted on her exposed breasts. "Fucking perfect," he whispered reverently before taking one nipple into his mouth.
Avery gasped, arching into him, her fingers tangling in his perfectly styled hair. The hot suction of his mouth sent pulses of pleasure straight between her legs. When he grazed her with his teeth, she moaned his name.
His hands weren't idle, exploring the curves of her waist, the flare of her hips. He cupped her other breast, teasing the nipple between his fingers, matching the rhythm of his mouth until Avery was writhing against him.
"Blake," she panted, pressing her hips forward seeking friction.
He switched to her other breast, lavishing it with the same attention while his free hand slid down to cup her ass, pulling her more firmly against his evident arousal.
"Feel what you do to me," he murmured against her skin.
Avery's hand moved down his stomach to the impressive bulge in his pants. She traced the outline with her fingers, smiling at his sharp intake of breath. Growing bolder, she squeezed gently, earning a groan of approval.
Her hands moved to his belt, fumbling slightly in her eagerness. Blake helped her, their fingers tangling. Once undone, she slid her hand inside, finding him hot and hard. She wrapped her fingers around his thick length, stroking him firmly.
"Jesus," she breathed as she explored him. "You're so hard."
Blake's eyes darkened as he watched her hand moving beneath the fabric. "That's what you do to me," he said, voice strained. "Just being near you."
Her thumb swept over the sensitive tip, spreading the moisture gathered there, and Blake's hips jerked involuntarily. He pulled her hand away, bringing her fingers to his mouth. He kissed each one, then captured her lips again in a searing kiss.
His hands moved to her skirt, bunching the fabric as he pushed it up around her waist. "Turn around," he whispered against her lips.
Avery complied, turning to face the elevator wall. Blake smoothed his hands down her back, then over the curve of her ass. He pressed himself against her, his hardness nestling against her through the thin fabric of her panties. His hands roamed freely, caressing her hips, her stomach, sliding up to cup her breasts from behind.
He kissed the back of her neck, then down her spine, making her shiver. One hand slid down to trace the edge of her panties, teasing the sensitive skin of her inner thighs.
"These are in my way," he murmured, hooking his fingers beneath the elastic and slowly drawing them down her legs.
The cool air of the elevator against her heated skin made Avery gasp. Blake's hand returned, tracing circles on her inner thigh, moving higher with each pass but never quite where she needed him.
"Blake," she pleaded, pushing back against him.
"Tell me what you want," he demanded softly, his fingers finally brushing against her center, finding her slick with desire.
"Touch me," she breathed. "Please."
He complied, sliding one finger along her folds, exploring her with teasing strokes. "So wet," he groaned, his free hand splayed across her stomach, holding her against him. "All for me?"
"Yes," she gasped as he circled her sensitive bud, applying just the right pressure.
One long finger slipped inside her, then another, pumping slowly while his thumb continued its maddening circles. Avery rocked her hips, matching his rhythm, chasing the pleasure building within her.
"Blake," she moaned, bracing her hands against the elevator wall. "I need more."
"What do you need?" he asked, his voice rough with restraint.
His fingers moved faster inside her, curling to hit that perfect spot while his thumb applied firm pressure exactly where she needed it. Avery felt the tension building rapidly, her thighs beginning to tremble.
"Don't stop," she gasped, rocking against his hand. "Right there."
"That's it," Blake encouraged, his lips at her ear. "Let me feel you come on my fingers first."
He increased the pressure, the pace, adding a twist to his movements that made Avery see stars. Her body tightened, hovering right at the edge of release.
"I'm going to come," she warned, her voice breaking.
"Yes," Blake growled. "Give it to me."
Her first orgasm hit her hard and fast. Avery cried out, her inner walls clenching rhythmically around his fingers as waves of pleasure washed over her. Blake didn't let up, working her through each pulse of her climax until she slumped forward against the wall, gasping for breath.
Only then did he slowly withdraw his fingers, bringing them to his mouth. Avery turned her head to watch as he sucked them clean, his eyes locked on hers.
"Delicious," he murmured. "But I want more."
Avery heard the rustle of clothing behind her. Blake pressed himself against her back again, his hardness now free from constraint. He guided himself to her entrance, still sensitive from her orgasm. "Tell me you want this," he said, his voice suddenly serious despite the desire evident in his tone.
"I want this," Avery assured him, pushing back eagerly. "I want you."
Blake entered her with one powerful thrust, filling her completely. They both gasped at the sensation, freezing for a moment to savor it. His hands gripped her hips, holding her still as she adjusted to his size.
"You feel amazing," he breathed against her ear. "So tight around me."
Slowly, he began to move, withdrawing almost completely before sliding back in. Each thrust went deeper than the last, angled perfectly to hit the spots that made Avery's knees weak.
She met him move for move, their bodies finding a perfect rhythm. Blake wrapped one arm around her waist, holding her close while his other hand explored her body, cupping her breast, teasing her nipple, then sliding down to where they were joined.
"Faster," Avery demanded, and Blake immediately increased his pace.
The sound of their bodies coming together filled the elevator, punctuated by their gasps and moans. Blake's fingers found her sensitive bud, circling it in time with his thrusts.
"That's it," he encouraged, feeling her begin to tighten around him. "Let go for me."
Pressure built within Avery, seeking release. Blake's movements became more urgent, his breathing ragged against her ear.
"Come for me again," he commanded, his voice rough with desire. "I want to feel you come around my cock."
His words combined with his skilled touch pushed Avery over the edge. She cried out as waves of pleasure crashed through her, her body clenching around him. Blake held her tightly as she shuddered against him, his thrusts never stopping.
As her climax began to subside, his rhythm became erratic, his grip on her hip tightening. "Avery," he groaned, burying himself deep inside her one final time as he found his own release.
They stayed connected for long moments, both catching their breath. Blake's forehead rested against her shoulder, his arms still holding her close. When he finally withdrew, he turned her gently to face him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
As they straightened their clothes, reality slowly returned. The magnitude of what they'd just done settled over them. Blake rebuttoned her shirt carefully, smoothing the fabric over her shoulders when he finished.
"You're mine now," he whispered against her ear.
He wasn't asking. He was stating a fact.