Garcia’s expression didn’t flicker. “It’s after hours, Mr. Evans. This is how I dress in my free time—is there a problem?”
She took a few deliberate steps forward, allowing the subtle scent of her perfume to drift through the air. Garcia was convinced that the fragrance would amplify her appeal, maybe even make Dylan see her in a new light.
But what she didn’t know was that Dylan was allergic to perfume. He had always hated close contact with women, especially those doused in heavy scents. It was one of the reasons he was still single at thirty.
The moment the strong aroma hit him, he felt a wave of suffocation. He recoiled, his voice cold and clipped. “Stay away from me.”
Garcia stopped, confused. Before she could react, Dylan grabbed the remote and pressed a button. The office windows slid open on all four sides, letting in a rush of icy night air. Wind whipped through the room, sending papers flying and making Garcia shiver uncontrollably. She hugged her arms to herself, teeth chattering, as the wind stripped away the fragrance she’d so carefully applied.
Her heart sank; the special scent she’d hoped would work its magic was now nothing more than a faint trace lost in the gale.
Dylan’s face was as cold and severe as ever. “It’s late. What do you want?”
Garcia took a tentative step forward, about to speak, when her eyes fell on the untouched food she’d brought earlier. It was still sitting on his desk, completely ignored.
Why hadn’t he eaten it? Did he think she’d poison him?
Shoving those thoughts aside, Garcia approached and offered him a mug, her voice soft and gentle. “Mr. Evans, you’ve been working so late. You must be exhausted. I brought you some coffee.”
But Dylan’s patience had run out. If he felt any urge at all, it was to throw her out the window. His expression darkened, the storm in his eyes threatening to break free at any moment.
Just then, a bright, clear voice sounded from the doorway, breaking the tension. “Dylan?”
Alone in the office, late at night—a man and a woman, just the two of them…
Crystal’s mind went blank. She stared at the pair, frozen, a wild thought flashing through her mind: Could it be that Rebecca was cheating, and Dylan was doing the same—right here at work?
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