"Today of all days," she thought exasperatedly. "My first chance to bring in a huge client for the firm, and I'm going to be late to the meeting. Just great."
Emma jumped out of the cab and ran towards the office building, checking her reflection in the window as she passed. She ran her fingers through her shoulder-length, chestnut brown hair in an attempt to smooth the disordered waves.
Emma had started working at the law firm only four months ago, but was already facing immense pressure to bring in new clients. She had been hired alongside two other junior associates, and the rumour was that only one would be kept on. This was Emma's chance to secure her place.
Her heels clacked against the marble floor of the expansive lobby as she sped towards the elevators, jamming her finger against the button with the frantic hope that it would force the elevator to arrive sooner. Finally, a ding! and the doors drifted open.
Emma stepped inside and mashed the close-door button. "Come on... Come on..." she murmured under her breath.
"Hold the elevator!" a smooth, deep voice called out.
Repressing a sigh of frustration, Emma rolled her eyes up to the ceiling. "Just my luck," she thought.
A hand slid between the closing doors and they rebounded open. A tall, dark-haired man stepped inside, impeccably dressed in a sharp suit that hugged his muscular frame. As the doors glided shut again, she caught a whiff of his aftershave. Something fresh and invigorating, but with hint of cedar and ... leather?
Emma glanced up at him and realized he was already looking at her. His eyes were a piercing blue and darkly lashed, with light crinkles at the corners. He was smiling slightly.
That's when Emma realized he had said something.
".. Sorry?" she asked.
"I said, what floor?" He was still smiling.
"Oh. Thirty-nine, please." Emma felt a light blush raise up the sides of her neck.
They stood in silence as the elevator rose. She couldn't help but glance at him again, taking in every inch of his impressive physique. He had a chiseled jawline and full lips. His suit was tailored to perfection, accentuating his broad shoulders and trim waist. Despite herself, Emma imagined running her hands over his strong chest and abs, feeling the power beneath his clothing. Whether her heart was racing from her rushed commute or this fanciful daydream, she wasn't sure.
Neither said a word until they neared the thirty-ninth floor.
"You've missed a button," the stranger said.
"Hmm?"
"On your blouse. You've missed a button." He was struggling to suppress his smile now.
Emma looked down at her chest. Her lacy bralette was clearly visible over the top of her blouse, the buttons of which had been misaligned in her hurry to get out the door. Her nipples were erect and straining against the sheer material. His eyes lingered.
She blushed again, feeling her neck and cheeks flush with heat. Just then, the doors opened to her floor. Emma rushed out of the elevator, clutching her shirt closed, too embarrassed to say a word.
**
A few weeks later, Emma was working late at the office. The big client meeting had been successful (despite her tardiness) and that meant even more late nights than usual. Exhausted, she packed up her laptop, locked her files in the drawer and shut the door to her office.
