Chapter 14 Fourteen
Izzy’s heart was still racing when the loud sound of her doorbell furiously cut through the air.
Dominic leaned back slightly, brushing a hand through his hair, his voice calm but firm. “Go freshen up,” he said. “Put on some clothes this time, then check who it is.”
She nodded quickly, her body still weak, her mind spinning. She grabbed her robe, rushed into the bathroom, and splashed cold water on her face before tying her hair up in a messy bun. Her pulse hadn’t even slowed down yet.
The doorbell rang again… this time louder.
“I’m coming!” she called, her voice shaking slightly.
When she opened the door, she froze.
Standing there, smiling from ear to ear, was Maya.
“Maya?” Izzy blinked in disbelief. “What are you doing here?”
Maya pushed the door open with a grin and stepped inside. “I don’t need a reason to visit my best friend, do I?” she teased, tossing her purse on the couch. Then she paused, her eyes narrowing as she gave Izzy a suspicious once-over.
“Wait a minute,” Maya said slowly. “Why do you look like you just…. ”
Before she could finish, a low masculine voice came from behind Izzy.
“Everything alright, pumpkin?”
Izzy froze again.
Maya’s eyes widened as Dominic walked out of the bedroom, shirt half-buttoned, his presence immediately filling the room with quiet authority.
For a few seconds, there was complete silence.
Then Maya’s gaze darted from Dominic to Izzy and back again, a teasing smile curling on her lips.
“Well,” Maya said, crossing her arms. “Who is this hot stuff ….”
Izzy’s face turned red. “Maya, this is my boss, Dominic Steele,” she said quickly, her voice trembling.
Dominic gave a small, polite smile, his tone smooth and confident. “Nice to meet you, Maya.”
Maya raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I know exactly who you are,” she said with a playful smirk. “The one-night stand from the club, right?”
Izzy’s mouth dropped open. “Maya!” she gasped, mortified.
Dominic chuckled softly, clearly amused rather than offended. “Guilty as charged, and you seem like the best friend who gives all the worst.. Sorry best advice...,” he said.
Maya grinned. “Guilty.” She glanced at Izzy, who looked like she wanted to sink into the floor. “Wow, girl. When you told me your boss was ‘complicated,’ you forgot to mention this kind of hot-looking complication.”
Izzy groaned, covering her face with her hands. “Maya, please stop talking.”
But Maya only laughed. “Oh no, I’m not done yet. So, Mr. Steele… should I call you Dominic?—How long have you two been… You know… working overtime?”
Dominic smiled faintly, his voice calm but edged with amusement. “That’s confidential,” he said smoothly.
Maya snorted. “I bet it is.”
Izzy grabbed her friend’s wrist, whispering through gritted teeth, “Maya, I swear, one more word… ”
But Dominic just laughed quietly, clearly entertained by the entire exchange. “You two are quite the pair,” he said, looking between them. “I can see why you’re friends.”
Maya smirked. “Oh, we’re more like sisters. And don’t worry, Mr. Steele, I’m not one to judge.”
She winked at Izzy, who groaned again, wishing she could disappear.
Dominic’s tone softened as he turned to Izzy. “I’ll leave you two to talk,” he said, adjusting his cufflinks. “But next time, please call instead of knocking.. So you don't interrupt.”
Maya burst out laughing while Izzy turned bright red.
Dominic gave one last amused glance before walking to the door. “Miss Hart,” he said smoothly, his voice teasing, “I’ll see you at work on Monday. Try not to open the door in a towel next time.”
And with that, he left…. calm, confident, and completely unfazed.
As soon as the door shut, Maya collapsed onto the couch, laughing uncontrollably.
The sound of the door closing echoed softly through the apartment.
Izzy stood frozen for a moment, still clutching the pillow she’d thrown at Maya, her cheeks burning.
Maya was the first to speak, her grin wide.
“Well,” she said, still half laughing, “that was definitely not how I expected my Saturday night to go.”
Izzy threw a pillow at her. “You’re impossible.”
Maya wiped tears from her eyes, still laughing.
“I can’t believe that just happened. Izzy Hart… you’ve officially crossed into dangerous territory. And honestly?” She grinned. “I love it.”
Izzy groaned again, hiding her face behind her hands. “I’m going to die.”
“Or,” Maya said mischievously, “you’re going to fall in love.”
Izzy’s heart skipped a beat at that. She didn’t answer. Because deep down… Maya might be right.
Izzy groaned and flopped down beside her on the couch. “Maya, please stop talking. I want to forget that just happened.”
“Oh no, you don’t.” Maya nudged her shoulder. “Your boss just walked out of your bedroom looking like sin in a shirt. There’s no way we’re skipping this conversation.”
Izzy covered her face with her hands. “I hate you.”
“You love me,” Maya teased. “Now tell me everything. And don’t you dare leave out the good parts.”
Izzy peeked at her through her fingers. “There are no good parts.”
Maya raised an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. You look like a woman who’s been thoroughly… educated… sexually.”
“Maya!” Izzy gasped, smacking her with the pillow again. They both burst out laughing, the tension finally easing.
Maya kicked off her heels and tucked her legs under her. “Okay, okay. I’ll stop.” She paused, then added with a sly smile, “For now.”
Izzy sighed and shook her head. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Thank you,” Maya said cheerfully. “Now… since your handsome boss ruined my grand entrance, the least we can do is have a proper girls’ night.”
Izzy smiled despite herself. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Nope,” Maya said proudly. “Now.. what movie are we watching?”
Izzy got up, heading toward the TV stand. “Something funny. I need to laugh before I go crazy.”
Maya leaned back on the couch. “How about The Proposal? You know, with Ryan Reynolds? Hot, rich boss, stubborn employee, weird romantic tension. Sound familiar?”
Izzy shot her a look. “Very funny.”
Maya grinned. “Perfect choice then.”
They settled in, Izzy grabbing a blanket while Maya found the movie. The opening credits rolled as the smell of popcorn filled the small apartment.
Halfway through the movie, Maya glanced sideways at Izzy. “You know,” she said casually, “he looked at you like you were the only person in the room.”
Izzy’s chest tightened. “Maya, stop.”
“I’m serious,” Maya said softly. “He might act all cold and bossy, but men like him don’t just show up at a woman’s house for no reason.”
Izzy stared at the TV, but her mind was miles away. “He probably enjoys the sex,” she admitted. “One minute he’s sweet, the next he’s impossible to read. It’s like… he’s always to be in control, and I don’t know what he really wants.”
Maya smiled gently. “Maybe he doesn’t either.”
They fell quiet after that, both watching the movie in silence. The flickering light from the screen danced across the walls, and for the first time that night, Izzy felt calm.
By the time the credits rolled, Maya was half-asleep, curled under the blanket.
Izzy smiled softly, pulling the blanket up to her shoulders. She turned off the TV, sat there for a while, and whispered to herself,
“What are you doing to me, Dominic Steele?”
The only answer was the quiet hum of the night outside.