Chapter 5: A Night Together

Zhang Cheng slowly lifted the covers and lay down, stiff as a board, keeping as far from Su Qing as he could. But the bed was only so wide. He could smell her perfume and feel her warmth.

“Do you like me? Have you had a secret crush on me?” Her expression was teasing but curious.

“You’re so beautiful. What man at the company doesn’t?” he said. People called her a temptress, but if she ever tried to seduce him, he’d be overjoyed.

“That’s a relief. If you like me, you’ll make a convincing boyfriend and fool the boss’s wife. You did very well earlier.” She edged closer, until their noses almost touched and her sweet breath brushed his lips. A strand of hair tickled his cheek.

Perhaps she wanted something to happen too. Why was he hesitating?

He was about to act when doubt stopped him. What if he’d guessed wrong? What if she didn’t want him? He’d make a terrible mistake, and if she complained to Zhou Mingyuan tomorrow, the consequences would be unbearable. He forced down his desire and tried not to let his thoughts wander.

“Zhang Cheng,” Su Qing said softly, “what are you thinking?”

His cheeks burned. “N-nothing.”

“Something naughty?” She laughed and moved a little closer.

His breath caught, and even his toes curled with tension. He stared at the ceiling, afraid that if he turned toward her, he’d lose control. He wanted her badly, especially now, with her guard down and the freshness of her bath still about her. But he couldn’t give in. His reason warned him that it would lead to ruin.

“Secretary Su, it’s late. Let’s sleep.” The words came out hoarse and strained.

After a long while, her breathing grew steady. She seemed to be asleep. Zhang Cheng relaxed a little, though he still barely dared move or breathe deeply. His nails pressed into his palms, keeping him awake.

All he’d ever wanted was a quiet life. Fate had placed this extraordinary woman beside him while fastening a chain around his neck. Zhou might forgive him once, but never twice. His warning had been no empty threat.

Yet Su Qing was so close. When she shifted in her sleep, her hand brushed his. The warmth of her skin broke through his restraint, and he gently took her hand.

Her breathing stopped for an instant. She opened her eyes, the bedside light glimmering in them.

“Silly. I told you I’d be your girlfriend for a day.” She leaned close to his ear. “The day’s not over yet. Do what you want.”

His eyes lit up. Overjoyed, he reached to put an arm around her waist. But she pressed a hand to his chest, her expression growing serious.

“Remember, starting tomorrow, I won’t be your girlfriend. We’ll still pretend for the boss’s wife, but we can’t do this again. And don’t fall in love with me. I could never love you.”

“I understand.” Bitterness washed over him, dimming his joy. He had entertained an impossible hope that being her first might give him a chance to win her heart. Her words brought him back to reality.

He put aside his disappointment and drew her into his arms. The night passed in a blur of tenderness.

At dawn, a thin ribbon of sunlight slipped through the curtains and fell across Su Qing’s face. Zhang Cheng lay awake watching her for a long time, then carefully slipped out of bed. He needed to leave before he gave in to the urge to be intimate with her again.

He dressed quickly, but Su Qing woke. Rubbing her eyes, she looked at him through sleepy lashes. “Leaving?”

“Yes. I have to pick up the boss.” He looked down, his voice still rough. “Secretary Su, could you tell him I slept on the sofa and you slept in the bed? That nothing happened? I’m afraid he’ll get the wrong idea.”

“It’s our secret,” she said sleepily. “But from now on we’re only pretending to be a couple. We can’t cross that line again.”

“I know.” His voice fell.

At the door he looked back. Su Qing sat up and gathered the hair that had fallen over her shoulders. Morning light traced her silhouette. His throat tightened, and he pulled open the door and hurried out.

He knew a woman like her was never someone a poor driver could have. One night with her was already a gift; wanting more would only hurt him.

He had no idea his luck with women had only just begun.