Rekindled Flames: Falling Again

Elliot

The morning light filtered through my office windows as I flipped through the proposal Susan had submitted. My focus was sharp, but not on the document in front of me...it was on her.

She hadn't changed much. The confidence in her stride, the way she held her head high, the fire in her eyes when she spoke...it was all still there. But there was something else, too, something I couldn't quite place.

She seemed... guarded. As if the years had built a wall around her that no one had dared to climb.

I leaned back in my chair, tossing the folder onto my desk. I needed answers. But this wasn't just about the past. I couldn't afford distractions, especially not now.

A knock at the door broke my thoughts.

"Come in."

Gerald stepped inside, his usual calm demeanor in place. "Ms. Hart is here for your meeting."

My pulse quickened, but I forced myself to remain composed. "Send her in."

Moments later, the door opened again, and Susan walked in. She was dressed in a fitted blazer and skirt, her hair pulled back neatly. She looked professional, poised, and completely in control.

"Good morning," she said, her voice smooth but distant.

"Morning," I replied, gesturing for her to take a seat.

She sat down across from me, her expression unreadable. For a moment, neither of us spoke. The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken words.

"I reviewed your proposal," I said finally, breaking the tension.

"And?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's solid. Your strategy is thorough, and the projected outcomes are promising."

She nodded, but there was no hint of satisfaction on her face. "I take it there are changes you want to discuss?"

"There are a few points I'd like to clarify," I said, leaning forward. "Specifically, the timeline for implementation."

She pulled out her notepad, ready to jot down notes. But as I spoke, I couldn't help but notice the way her fingers tapped lightly against the pen, a small sign of her restlessness.

****

Flashback

"Come on, Susan. Just one dance."

We were at a college party, the music thumping loudly in the background. Susan stood by the wall, arms crossed, watching the crowd with a mix of amusement and skepticism.

"I don't dance," she said firmly.

"Everyone dances," I countered, holding out my hand. "It's a universal rule."

She rolled her eyes. "That's not how rules work."

I grinned, stepping closer. "Are you really going to let me make a fool of myself on the dance floor alone?"

"You don't need me for that," she shot back, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips.

Before she could protest, I grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. She stumbled slightly, glaring at me, but I didn't let go.

"Elliot..."

"Relax," I said, spinning her around. "Just follow my lead."

To my surprise, she didn't pull away. Instead, she let me guide her, her movements stiff at first but gradually loosening.

By the end of the song, she was laughing, her eyes shining in a way I hadn't seen before.

"See?" I said, out of breath. "You're a natural."

"Don't get used to it," she replied, but her smile betrayed her.

****

Present Day – Susan

The meeting lasted longer than I'd anticipated. By the time it was over, I was mentally drained.

Elliot had been professional throughout, but there were moments when his questions felt personal, like he was testing me, pushing me to see how far I'd go.

As I walked out of his office, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, frowning at the screen.

It was a text from Meera, my closest friend and confidant.

Meera: "How's it going with Mr. Billionaire Ex? Need backup?"

I stifled a laugh, typing back quickly.

Me: "It's... complicated. Drinks later?"

Her response came almost immediately.

Meera: "You're buying."

Shaking my head, I slipped my phone back into my bag.

The elevator ride down felt endless. As I stared at my reflection in the mirrored walls, I couldn't help but wonder how things had come to this...working alongside the man who had once been my world.

I had spent years rebuilding myself after Elliot left, convincing myself that I was better off without him. But now, with him back in my life, even if only temporarily, all those carefully constructed defenses felt like they were starting to crack.

I couldn't let that happen.

Not again.

***

Elliot

After Susan left, I sat in my office, staring at the spot where she'd been.

The years had changed her, but some things were still the same. She was still determined, still stubborn, still the woman who had once made me believe in something bigger than myself.

But there was something else...something she wasn't saying.

I wanted to know what it was.

And for the first time in years, I wasn't sure if I could keep my distance.