Falling For My Ex's Dad by Oma Green

Gabriel’s POV

Chapter 9: Caught Between Business And Desire

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* I pushed open my office door, feeling the tightness in my chest grow as I began pacing. I knew I was about to stir things up, and there was no going back. The team’s presentations had been impressive, making the decision tough, but I’d already made up my mind. There was no need for a shortlist or further debate–I had chosen my winner.

Clairessa Hartwood.

Her presentation stood out, easily outshining Nicole’s–the friend Adrian had introduced me to, asking me to consider her app since she worked at the company.

I hadn’t yet placed Nicole on the team, wanting her to go head–to–head with whoever I chose as a final candidate. It was meant to be a favor to Adrian. Her idea for a global financial payment platform was solid bor posed too many challenges for Storm Innovations at this point. We needed something revolutionary but manageable, Clairessa’s app, on the other hand, had the potential to reshape the business landscape.

It was clear I had to drop Nicole.

Adrian wouldn’t be pleased, but this was business, not a playground for personal favors. Clairessa’s app was a game changer, and I was ready to back it, even though a part of me resisted the idea of working so closely with her. I had been avoiding her for the past three months. She wasn’t just a pretty face–she was a first–class software engineering graduate, the complete package of beauty and brains. Every time I saw her, something primal stirred inside me, tempting me to break the rules I had set for myself.

But nothing could happen between us. I didn’t get involved with younger women, especially not those who worked for me. My rules were clear, and no matter how much I wanted her, I had to stay in control. Part of me considered taking the safer route with Nicole, but I couldn’t deny the truth–Clairessa’s app was exceptional.

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Chapter 9: Caught Between Business And Desire

I had been in this business long enough to recognize real potential when I saw it. This project could take months, maybe even a year to complete, and resisting her during that time was going to be difficult. But I was determined to stay professional, no matter how much my body desired her.

I paged Sandy.

“Hi, Sandy, there’s no need for a shortlist of candidates. I’ve made my decision.”

asked, eagerness in

email. I need to meet with her

sir… And if I may,

sinking into my chair. As I sat there, I wondered if I’d made the best decision for the company–or if I’d just opened a door

were finished. I checked my schedule–it was time for my noon meeting

Miss Hartwood is here for her meeting.

I heard the door open and her footsteps approach my desk, but I kept my back turned, letting the silence stretch between us. My office was

see me?” Her voice was soft, but there was a

Between Business And

clung to her slim frame, her brown hair falling in soft curls around her shoulders. Her makeup was subtle, far different from the woman

face.

tell. Little movements, barely noticeable, betrayed her. Was it me making her anxiqus, or was it the news of her app? I decided to

Miss Hartwood,” I said, my tone stern, clasping my hands on the desk. “I’ll

nodded, her eyes

move forward with, but nothing is certain yet.” I kept my voice even, withholding the fact that she was the only candidate I’d chosen. I didn’t want her thinking she was picked because of that

sir,” she replied, her smile fading almost as soon as

she realize the opportunity I was offering her? Anger flared up inside me at her lack

her off, dismissing her, but something in her attitude caught my attention. She walked halfway to the door before turning back and marching toward

and act like you don’t remember me?” Her voice was louder now, accusatory.

expression hardened. How dare she speak to me like this? I fought for control, remaining silent as I watched

3

Caught Between

as day. I know very well you’re

didn’t. Instead, she glared at me, her eyes blazing. “Didn’t that night mean nothing to you?”

careful how you speak to me,” I warned. It was clear that night had affected her as it did me, but I couldn’t let her know how much I had thought about her and that night. In all honesty, I wanted a redo. I wanted her sober to feel what I was going to do to her body as I drove into her. Her outburst was igniting something primal within me. I

dropped to her breasts pushing against the fabric of