Skye
I stepped out of the shower, staring at my reflection in the mirror, the faint traces of red lipstick still lingering on my lips. Taking a deep breath, I leaned against the sink and shook my head. Having a day off from work on Wednesday was a welcomed relief, offering the chance to catch up on some much-needed rest. We had wisely scheduled our experienced barista, Gabby, for the day, knowing that it would be a busy one and she could expertly handle the bustling crowd. After the intense evening I had just experienced, I embraced the opportunity to sleep in and ease into the day.
Everything with Derek had been an exquisite dance of perfection. We had exchanged jokes, shared stories, and gradually realized that there was something special brewing between us that demanded further exploration. The close call with my father had caught us off guard; it had the potential to spiral into a di

Derek
Standing confidently at the head of the table, I spoke up, highlighting the importance of the potential investor. "This investor is a big deal for us. They have the resources to invest in the areas that matter most: developing new technologies and hiring talented people. These are the areas where our competitors could surpass us, and we can't let that happen. We need to expand our talent pool beyond the United States, recruiting from all over the world where the best minds are. And we need to stay on top of the latest technology advancements. With these two things, we can quickly climb up the corporate ladder."
"I totally agree," George, one of the board members, chimed in, placing the latest Forbes magazine on the table. "There shouldn't be anything holding us back from moving forward at full speed. Let me tell you, according to the most recent Fortune 500 list, we're already in t

Derek 
I walked across the expansive parking lot of the Lovehouse, my hands nestled in my pockets. Located at the heart of Central Park, next to the serene lake, this restaurant was one of the most sought-after dining spots in all of New York City. Securing a table here was never a challenge for me; being the owner of one of the world's largest corporations had its perks. But tonight was different. I was here for a date, trying to keep it low-key, and I wondered if it would be as effortless as usual.
Fortunately, once inside, the staff discreetly escorted me to a more secluded area. As I settled into my seat, my fingers traced the edge of the tablecloth, my mind occupied with Skye's explanation to her father about our meeting. Amidst the buzz of conversation and the clatter of dishes, I looked up as the entrance door swung open. Skye stood there, a vision of elegance in a shimmering red dress, her shoes and hair perfectly complementing the ensemble. I raised my hand, standing up to greet her with a polite kiss on the cheek and helping her settle into her chair. Returning to my seat, I glanced at the waitress, who promptly poured us each a glass of wine.
"You look absolutely stunning," I complimented Skye, a warm smile on my face. "What did you tell your father?"
"He was locked in his office when I left," she replied. "He didn't even notice I was slipping away."
"I'm sorry that we have to resort to sneaking around like this," I said, shaking my head. "I don't want to end our time together, but there are complexities surrounding our situation that could pose risks for both of us. Unfortunately, it's not a straightforward matter."
"I understand," she sighed. "But I share your desire to continue seeing each other. I want to explore where this could lead, and I think it's worth taking the risk."
"I agree," I replied, reaching out to hold her hand. "If only we could find a young and attractive distraction for your father, he might not even notice."
She scoffed, "Yeah, right. My father is too traditional for that."
"You never know," I said, raising an eyebrow. "I personally wouldn't mind having a charming companion by my side, and your personality is quite impressive as well."
"Well, thank you," she laughed. "You look incredibly handsome, by the way."
"Why, thank you," I responded, leaning in closer. "I think you make me look even better. Perhaps we can both look even better out of these clothes later."
"Mr. Riggs, are you making a scandalous proposition?" she teased, pretending to be shocked before bursting into laughter.
As I gazed at her across the table, any doubts I had about wanting her in my life disappeared. She had the most enchanting smile I had ever seen, and her intelligence, wit, and charm were irresistible. Her face lit up with joy as we conversed, and the soft restaurant lighting caught the sparkle in her captivating blue eyes. We ordered a selection of small plates and settled in to discuss my business, our day, and everything in between.
Despite our significant age difference of twenty-one years, we effortlessly connected during our dinner conversation. While I couldn't help but occasionally think about the physical aspect of our relationship, I was pleasantly surprised to find that our discussions went beyond that. I couldn't help but imagine being in a more intimate setting with her, experiencing the softness of her lips, painted in a vibrant shade of red.
As she shared stories from her college days and talked about her close friend Mandy, I leaned in closer, my eyes filled with affection. She then opened up about her dreams and the different paths she was considering for her future. Her boundless imagination and youthful perspective on life were truly inspiring, making me feel a sense of youthfulness myself.
"And what about you?" she asked. "What are your goals for your company's future?"
"Well," I began, thinking about the global reach of my company, "I believe we have already expanded extensively worldwide. Now, my main focus is to stay ahead in the world of technology. I want to be one step ahead of cyber threats by hiring the best talent and embracing the latest technological advancements. I truly believe that this approach will take our company to new heights."
My smile instantly disappeared as my eyes darted towards the entrance where Spencer had just walked in, his back turned to the hostess. A sudden shock froze me in place, and I slowly rose from my seat. Skye looked bewildered, her gaze following mine to the front of the restaurant. Acting swiftly, I grabbed the nearest waiter and pulled out two hundred dollars from my pocket.
"Take this," I instructed, handing him the money. "Lead this lady out through the back exit. She must not be seen. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," the waiter replied, stealing a quick glance at Skye.
Turning to face her, I kissed her cheek. "Skye, go. We can continue our conversation later, alright? I'll call you after dinner. I'll find a way to divert your father's attention so you can leave safely."
Guided by the server, she made her way towards the kitchen, nodding to show that she understood. Anxiety was evident on her face as she stole a last glance at me. Taking a deep breath, I turned towards the front, raising my arms in the air as soon as she disappeared from my view.
"Spencer," I greeted cheerfully.
"Derek," he responded, briefly glancing back at my table. "I had no idea you would be here."
"Join me," I invited him.
"Sure," he accepted with a smile. "If I'm not intruding."
"Not at all," I assured him, leading him back to my table.
I settled back into my seat, taking a moment to compose myself and clear my throat. My heart raced at an alarming pace, but I knew I had ensured Skye's safety by getting her out quickly. Spencer's unexpected arrival on the same evening as Skye and I left me in disbelief. It dawned on me that keeping our situation hidden might not be as simple as I had initially thought. I would need to be more vigilant about my surroundings. Furthermore, it became clear that choosing the Lovehouse, a place frequented by people I knew, had been a poor decision. In the future, I resolved to either cook at home or find a discreet venue across town where Spencer was unlikely to unexpectedly appear.
I took my seat and motioned for the waitress to proceed. She approached Spencer's table, clearing the plates and glasses. As she separated them, he glanced at the wine bottle and the glass with lipstick stains.
"I didn't interrupt a steamy date, did I? You always seem to have some attractive woman orbiting around you," he chuckled.
"No," I replied. "Unfortunately, she didn't quite appreciate my sense of humor and left. Maybe it's for the best; she was a bit too uptight anyway."
"I can see that happening," he commented. "Actually, I'm surprised it doesn't happen to you more often."
Despite the laughter we shared, a pang of remorse struck me for what I had said. She wasn't just some random woman; she was Skye, with her captivating smile and sparkling eyes. Being aware that Spencer was her father and that we had embarked on something that had to remain concealed, I tried to suppress my frustration at the interruption. Hoping that Skye wasn't too shaken by the recent events, I knew I had to make the most of dinner with Spencer. She possessed strength, but she also had a compassionate heart, and I didn't want this incident to put our connection at risk.
Spencer and I both ordered whiskeys, savoring our meal and drinks as the night unfolded. In a brief moment when he excused himself to use the restroom, I seized the opportunity to send Skye a text, checking on her well-being. Her prompt response, accompanied by a cheerful emoji, painted a vivid picture of her sending the message from the comfort of her bed.
Tonight had been a narrow escape, almost too close for my liking. I yearned for this situation to progress smoothly, without any further close calls. It was crucial for us to have a serious discussion and take precautions to ensure that such a perilous encounter wouldn't repeat itself. I wasn't entirely certain if I could handle another ordeal like the one we had just faced.

Skye
I stepped out of the shower, staring at my reflection in the mirror, the faint traces of red lipstick still lingering on my lips. Taking a deep breath, I leaned against the sink and shook my head. Having a day off from work on Wednesday was a welcomed relief, offering the chance to catch up on some much-needed rest. We had wisely scheduled our experienced barista, Gabby, for the day, knowing that it would be a busy one and she could expertly handle the bustling crowd. After the intense evening I had just experienced, I embraced the opportunity to sleep in and ease into the day.
Everything with Derek had been an exquisite dance of perfection. We had exchanged jokes, shared stories, and gradually realized that there was something special brewing between us that demanded further exploration. The close call with my father had caught us off guard; it had the potential to spiral into a disastrous situation for both of us. In my mind, it played out like a dreaded scene from a movie.
If I

SIX - SKYE