Chapter 41 Chapter 41
Adele
What was Rafe doing in Mr. Blackthorn’s seat? I thought he was just a mechanic, someone who fixed cars and got his hands dirty for a living. My feet refused to move as I stood frozen in the doorway, my mind scrambling to make sense of what I was seeing.
I stood frozen in the doorway until the secretary cleared her throat politely. “Ma’am, are you coming in?”
That snapped me back to reality. “Yes,” I said quickly, stepping forward. I straightened my shoulders, lifted my chin, and walked into the office like we were strangers and I hadn’t met him before.
He sat confidently behind the desk, relaxed and completely at ease. And annoyingly enough, he looked unbelievably good. My chest tightened before I could stop myself.
How could one person be this attractive? No wonder he thought he could charm women so easily and disappear from their lives like they never mattered.
I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the moment.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Blackthorn,” I said, extending my hand. “I am Adele Carter, lead marketing strategist with Northline.”
Rafe’s brow lifted slightly, a slow smile tugging at his lips as he rose to his feet. His handshake was firm and far too familiar.
“Adele Carter,” he repeated, like he was tasting the name. “Please, have a seat."
The secretary excused herself, closing the door softly behind her, and the room immediately felt smaller. Rafe returned to his chair, leaning back and studying me casually without shame. ““It’s nice to have you here,” he said, flashing that charming smile I knew too well. “I never thought I’d run into you today—especially in my office. What are the odds?”
I forced a tight, polite smile and took my seat, setting my tablet on the desk. “I wasn’t expecting to meet you,” I replied evenly. “I was expecting a sixty-something Mr. Blackthorn.”
He chuckled softly. “That would be my father. He retired last month, and not many people know about it.”
“Let’s get to business.” I said, slipping fully into my professional mode. Something unreadable flickered in his eyes, amusement, maybe admiration before he nodded in agreement.
We dived into business and he gave me all his attention as I talked him through our plans, I walked him through market segmentation, Gen Z trust metrics, digital-first financial storytelling, influencer credibility, and long-term brand loyalty. He asked sharp questions, interrupting only to challenge assumptions or push for clarity. No flirting or personal remarks.
Still, his gaze lingered, when I finished, silence settled between us. Rafe stood and walked toward the window, hands in his pockets.
“Impressive,” he said finally. “Your strategy is bold and calculated Exactly what my brand needs.”
Relief flickered through me. “So…?” I prompted
He turned, eyes locking onto mine. “I would like to discuss with my team and get their thoughts, then we can talk about the outcome later.”
My stomach tightened. “How long would that take, sir?” I asked, keeping my tone professional. “I actually thought I’d be getting your response today.”
I knew he could give me an answer right away.
This felt like one of his games, one of his familiar ploys and I wasn’t falling for it anymore.
Not after the night at the club, after he had asked me out to dinner the next evening, promised to pick me up at seven, and then disappeared. I had dressed up, waited, and checked my phone all night. I called him three times. He never picked up, never called back or texted. By morning, I had blocked his number and I hadn’t heard from him since. Until now.
“Dinner,” he said simply. “Tomorrow night at eight o’clock. I will give you my answer then.”
I frowned, “I would prefer to keep it professional, I will come to your office for your feedback sir.” I said vaguely
A slow smile curved his lips. “I am also trying to keep it professional, I just prefer discussing it over good food.” I tried to argue but he was already reaching for his phone. “I will have my assistant send you the details.” He said leaving no room for argument.
I gathered my things, forcing composure. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Blackthorn.” I said.
“You look really beautiful,” he said quietly.
I froze for half a second but didn’t respond. He stepped closer and stopped in front of me, extending his hand as if to help me up. I ignored it completely. If this weren’t an official setting, I would have bitten his hard and kicked him in his balls.
“Mr. Blackthorn,” I said firmly as I stood on my own, “you promised to keep things professional, and I would appreciate it if you did. And for the record, I don’t mix business with pleasure.”
He smiled, but instead of moving aside, he stayed right where he was. “You have every right to be angry with me,” he said softly. “I just want a chance to explain myself.”
I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral. “That chapter is closed for good,” I replied. “Please, let’s stick to business only.”
I gestured for him to step aside so I could pass. I needed to leave before his handsome face and that familiar, addictive cologne weakened my resolve.
My phone beeped in my hand. A message from Amelia popped up, saying her husband had shown up and I would have to find my way home myself. I frowned at the screen.
“Nice,” I muttered under my breath. That meant I would have to book a ride back to the office. I slipped my phone into my bag, already feeling the exhaustion settle in.
“You okay?” Rafe asked. “If you need a ride back to your office, my driver can drop you off.”
I stiffened. “How did you—” I stopped myself and shook my head. “You know what? I am out of here.”
I pushed past him and headed for the door. “Don’t forget,” his voice called after me, stopping me in my tracks. “Eight o’clock tomorrow night.”
I turned around, my pulse betraying me for just a second, but I kept my expression cool and unreadable. “I am not the one known for standing ladies up,” I replied evenly.
Then I walked out without looking back.