Chapter 21 - The Morning After
The spring sun rose over Lake Michigan, casting a brilliant, warm golden glow across the quiet penthouse.
Maya woke to the smell of freshly brewed espresso and the soft, steady hum of the city waking up far below. She rolled over in the king-sized bed, finding her side empty, the indentation on the pillow still warm.
She slipped out of bed, pulling a silk robe around her shoulders, and padded softly down the hallway toward the kitchen.
Ethan was standing by the marble island wearing a dark grey cashmere sweater, meticulously pouring steamed milk into a ceramic mug with the focused intensity of a surgeon performing a delicate operation.
“If that cappuccino doesn't have the exact foam-to-espresso ratio, Mr. Moretti, I’m going to have to dock your allowance,” Maya teased softly, leaning against the doorframe with a sleepy smile.
Ethan turned, a warm, genuine grin breaking across his handsome face. He walked over, handing her the ceramic mug before pulling her close for a slow, lingering morning kiss.
“Good morning, Chief Auditor,” he murmured against her lips. “The coffee has been audited, approved, and certified by the managing director himself.”
Maya took a sip, letting out a contented sigh as the rich, smooth flavor warmed her chest. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with quiet amusement.
“So, what’s on the agenda for today? More tax restructuring for the Russian syndicate, or are we auditing the florist who decorated the ballroom last night?”
“Neither,” Ethan said, taking her hand and leading her toward the floor-to-ceiling windows where the entire city stretched out beneath them under a clear blue sky. “Today, we’re taking the day off. No ledgers, no security reports, no corporate boardrooms.”
May you like
Maya raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Just like that? What about the European logistics transfer?”
“It can wait,” Ethan said simply, wrapping his arms around her waist as they watched the city come alive together. “Some balances are more important than numbers, Maya. And right now, the only ledger that matters is this one.”
