Reese unlocked the door to her condo, the soft glow of the Christmas tree greeting her as she stepped inside. Collin followed close behind, his tie loosened and his jacket draped over his arm. The faint hum of the city filtered in through the windows, a comforting backdrop to the quiet space. Reese slipped off her heels, wiggling her toes against the cool floor, grateful to be home after the evening's event. Collin, ever composed, placed his jacket over the back of the couch before settling onto the plush cushions with a sigh.

"That went better than I expected," he said, running a hand through his hair and leaning back. He looked at Reese, his lips curving into a small smile. "You didn't look like you hated it either."

Reese chuckled softly as she crossed the room to the kitchen, pulling a glass from the cabinet and filling it with water. "It was... lively," she admitted, taking a sip. "Your colleagues are definitely an interesting bunch."

Collin laughed, the sound warm and easy. "Interesting is one word for it. You survived Sarah's third degree about our 'future' though. I think that alone deserves a medal."

Reese smirked, walking over to the couch and handing him the glass. "Survived might be a strong word. Barely escaped is more accurate."

Collin took the glass and set it on the coffee table, his expression shifting to one of excitement as he turned toward her. "But you know what really made the night? The fact that even though it was informal, Christian Grey showed up."

Reese's breath hitched, but she masked it quickly, lowering herself onto the couch beside him. "Oh?"

Yea, I mean we just got his account and it was a long shot but I told my assistant to invite him. He's got this presence about him, you know," Collin continued. "And then, when he offered me a position on the advisory board? Reese, this could be a huge opportunity for me."

"That's amazing," she said softly, her voice measured. She tucked her legs beneath her, angling her body toward him.

Collin leaned forward, his excitement bubbling over. "He also mentioned your name, you know."

Reese's chest tightened. "Did he?"

"Yeah. He said you handled the Melrose sale for him. Said you were sharp, efficient, and knew how to close a deal. Not that I didn't already know that." Collin smiled, his tone playful. "You made quite the impression."

She let out a soft laugh, though her mind was racing. "That was a while ago," she said lightly. "It was so taxing, i think my days were blurring together at one point. I barely remember everything."

"Well, he seemed impressed," Collin continued. "And I was thinking—if you're interested, I could put in a good word for you. He's planning an expansion, and I'm sure he'll need properties to match his vision. You'd be perfect."

Her stomach churned, but she managed a small shake of her head. "That's sweet of you, but I think I'm good. I've got enough on my plate already."

Collin shrugged, his smile easy. "The offer stands. It might be nice for us to work together indirectly. What was he like to work with, anyway?"

The question made her pause. She kept her expression neutral, her tone steady. "Direct," she said carefully. "He knows what he wants and doesn't waste time getting it."

"Sounds like we have a lot in common," he chuckled, "Well, I think this advisory role is going to be a game-changer for my career."

Reese nodded, managing a small smile. "I'm happy for you, Collin. You deserve this."

He leaned in, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Thanks babe."

They curled up on the couch, the wine forgotten on the coffee table. Collin wrapped an arm around her, and Reese rested her head on his chest. His steady breathing soon gave way to soft snores. The memory of Christian's kiss lingered, the weight of his hands on her waist, the intensity of his gaze. She closed her eyes, willing the thoughts away, and focused instead on the warmth of Collin's embrace.

The first light of morning crept through the curtains as Reese stirred, blinking against the soft glow, as she came to the realization she was in her bedroom. Collin was already up, and moving about, evident of the empty space next to her. She stretched, slipping out of bed and padding barefoot into the living room.

"Morning," she said, her voice still thick with sleep.

Collin turned, offering her a warm smile. "Morning. I didn't want to wake you."

She leaned against the counter, watching as he poured coffee into a travel mug. "Busy day?"

"Not too bad, just a couple of meetings," he said with a chuckle. "But I'll call you later, okay?"

Reese nodded, her smile faint as he kissed her cheek. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving the condo quiet and still. She stood there for a moment, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared at the door. Her phone rested beside her on the counter, a silent weight that felt heavier than it should. She stared at the blank screen, her chest tightening as her mind replayed the kiss she was trying to forget. With a steadying breath, she unlocked her phone, and began typing.

7:32 AM Reese: We need to talk.

The reply came almost instantly.

7:33 AM 3234933687: Good morning to you, too. What's on your mind?

Her jaw clenched, and she exhaled sharply through her nose as her thumbs moved with precision.

7:34 AM Reese: You kissed me.

There was a pause. The three dots danced on the screen before his reply appeared.

7:34 AM 3234933687: And?

Her fingers tightened around the phone as she fought the urge to throw it across the room. She forced herself to remain composed.

7:35 AM Reese: You had no right. That shouldn't have happened.

This time, his response came swiftly, cutting and direct.

7:35 AM 3234933687: You do know you kissed me back.

Her breath hitched, and she stared at the words, her chest tightening as the memory of his lips pressed against hers replayed in vivid detail. Shaking her head, she typed again, each word deliberate.

7:36 AM Reese: It was a mistake.

The dots appeared again, longer this time, his reply measured but firm.

7:37 AM 3234933687: Was it? Because it didn't feel like one.

Her pulse quickened, and her hands trembled slightly as she responded, her resolve faltering under the weight of his confidence.

7:37 AM Reese: It can't happen again.

His reply was immediate, as though he had anticipated her every word.

7:38 AM 3234933687: Relax.

The casual dismissal in his reply sent a wave of heat coursing through her.

Her thumbs flew across the keyboard.

7:39 AM Reese: This isn't a joke, Christian.

For a moment, the screen was still. Then his response came, deliberate and resolute.

7:40 AM 3234933687: I told you I wouldn't play fair.

Reese's grip on her phone tightened as his words echoed in her mind. She set it down on the counter with a shaky hand, her chest heaving as she tried to steady her breathing. The conversation was over, but the tension it left behind was suffocating. She pressed a hand to her forehead, willing herself to push him out of her thoughts.