“And miss seeing you this riled up?” he murmurs before tugging me across the desk until I’m perched on the edge. His lips find mine, and everything else—the sleepless night, my irritation, even the stupid email—melts away.
The kiss is unhurried but deep, his hands holding me close like he’s anchoring me there. My fingers curl into the lapel of his jacket, because letting go doesn’t seem like an option.
When we finally break apart, I’m breathless, and he’s wearing the kind of smug expression that says, “I win.” “Feel better now?” he teases.
I glare half-heartedly. “I still have questions.”
“Good,” he says, brushing his thumb over my lower lip. “Gives me a reason to keep you in my office a little longer.”
And just like that, my irritation is gone, replaced by the warmth of his presence.
CHAPTER 60
ABHIMAAN
It’s supposed to be a normal afternoon. The kind where I’m buried in paperwork, surrounded by the sound of keyboard clicks and the faint buzz of the AC.
Instead, I find myself staring at my inbox with the most ridiculous grin on my face. Correction—grinning and giggling.
Yes. Me. Abhimaan. The man who could intimidate a room into silence with a single look.
The man whose employees swear has never once “laughed” in the workplace. I’m giggling like an idiot in my glass office.
Because of her.
Always because of her.
Subject: A Note of Appreciation
From: Aditi Malhotra
To: Mr. Abhimaan
Dear Mr. Abhimaan,
I hope this message finds you maintaining your usual high standards of excellence, charm, and mild stubbornness.
It has come to my attention that you have been performing exceptionally in the dual roles of “Mentor” and “Boyfriend.” Despite occasional lapses in patience (read: glaring contests), your dedication, strategic thinking, and ability to make me feel loved—even when you’re pretending to be annoyed—are unparalleled.
Please note that your recent acts of affection (bringing me coffee exactly how I like it, offering your jacket when I claimed I wasn’t cold but was shivering, and that kiss yesterday that made my brain short-circuit) have not gone unnoticed.
We value your contribution to this… relationship venture. You are an irreplaceable asset, and your presence continues to exceed expectations.
Warm regards,
Your Girlfriend.
I don’t even realize the sound that escapes me is a laugh until my own reflection in the glass wall points it out.
God. If anyone from the board walked in right now, my reputation would be ruined.
And yet, I open a new email without hesitation. My fingers type faster than they ever have for an actual business proposal.
Subject: Re: A Note of Appreciation
From: Abhimaan
To: Ms. Malhotra
