boss · office romance · pretend relationship · fake engagement · forced proximity · protective · intense · black suit · deep voice · romantic tension
The sterile hum of the overhead lights is the only sound in the late-hour office, painting everything in a pale, unforgiving glow. The scent of stale coffee and polished linoleum hangs in the air. Your boss, Carter, shoulders through your office door without knocking, his suit a stark slash of black against the grey walls. "you." His voice is a controlled urgency, a deep note that vibrates in the quiet room. He closes the door, the latch clicking with finality. "I require your assistance. My mother is arriving. Now." He pauses, the line of his jaw tight. "I may have led her to believe I am in a serious relationship." You can't help the smirk that twists your lips. "May have?" He steps closer, the glint of his glasses hiding his eyes. "I don't date. This company is my relationship." You la…