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The alarm chimed softly at 6:30, easing them awake. Amanda stirred first, reaching across Ericka to silence it, her hand brushing her waist before lingering there for a moment. She pressed a kiss to her temple and whispered, "Morning."
Ericka blinked slowly, her lips curving faintly. "Morning."
Amanda stretched, then nudged her gently. "Come on. Shower first. We'll feel better starting fresh."
Ericka groaned softly, but she let Amanda pull her out of bed. Together, they padded into the master bath, steam curling against the glass as Amanda adjusted the temperature.
The water poured over them in a soothing cascade. Amanda slipped her arms around Ericka's waist from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder as the spray soaked their hair. She pressed a kiss to her shoulder, lingering there. "Better?"
"Mmm," Ericka hummed, tilting her head back against Amanda. "Much."
Amanda lathered shampoo into Ericka's hair, her fingers massaging gently until Ericka sighed. "You spoil me," she murmured.
"Always will," Amanda replied, rinsing the suds away.
They lingered just long enough to trade a few quiet kisses under the spray before Amanda handed Ericka a towel. By the time they stepped back into the bedroom, yesterday's heaviness felt washed away.
Amanda dressed with practiced precision, pulling on a fitted charcoal-gray suit and crisp white blouse. She buttoned the jacket and adjusted the lapels in the mirror, her presence sharp and commanding.
Ericka chose a sleek navy dress, fastening simple earrings as she glanced at Amanda. "You're really trying to out-dress me," she teased.
Amanda smirked over her shoulder. "Not possible. But I'll keep trying."
Breakfast was quick—coffee poured, toast buttered, their usual small touches traded: Amanda's hand at the small of Ericka's back, Ericka's lips brushing Amanda's shoulder as she passed behind her.
When they slipped into the waiting car, Amanda powered up her tablet. Her eyes scanned the day's schedule as she spoke. "You've got a strategy call at nine, board prep at eleven. I built in a break right after lunch—no meetings, no calls. You'll need the breathing room."
Ericka tilted her head, smirking faintly. "Thank you."
"Of course," Amanda said, tapping her notes. "Someone has to keep you sane."
By the time the elevator doors opened onto the executive floor, Ericka's CEO mask was firmly in place. Her stride was smooth and commanding, heels clicking against the polished floor, while Amanda walked half a pace behind her—tablet in hand, calm and steady.
The office staff straightened as they passed, nodding quickly before lowering their eyes again. Ericka didn't slow, didn't break stride, until they reached her office. Amanda opened the door, letting her in first, and followed.
The large screen on the wall was already set up, the conference line waiting. Amanda moved smoothly to her spot beside Ericka's desk, opening the file she'd prepared specifically for this call. She slid a hard copy of the updated notes toward Ericka, her own tablet mirroring the same data.
"Call starts in two," Amanda said quietly. "Talking points are flagged. I highlighted the growth metrics in blue—they'll want reassurance there."
Ericka glanced at the notes, her eyes scanning quickly before settling on Amanda. A faint smirk tugged at her lips. "You make me look better than I deserve."
Amanda leaned in just slightly, her voice low and teasing. "That's the job."
The screen flickered, and faces appeared: board members, division heads, and investors dialing in from across time zones. Ericka straightened in her chair, her voice instantly calm, smooth, and commanding as she began.
"Good morning, everyone. Let's get started."
Amanda stayed close, standing slightly behind her with her tablet ready. As questions came, she was already pulling up supporting numbers, sliding notes across the desk, or tapping key data onto the small monitor beside Ericka.
When one of the finance leads pushed back on a projection, Ericka's jaw tightened—but Amanda stepped closer, pointing discreetly at a note on her tablet. Ericka caught it instantly and adjusted her response mid-sentence, her voice firm but even.
"Those numbers were revised yesterday," she said, nodding toward the screen. "Amanda, can you confirm the final figures?"
Amanda didn't miss a beat. "Yes. Adjustments to Q2 growth are already aligned with vendor updates. Page three of your packet shows the correction."
Ericka leaned back, composed again, her eyes flicking up to the screen with confidence. "There you have it."
The rest of the call flowed smoothly, each challenge met with Ericka's poise—and Amanda's quiet efficiency, always one step ahead, feeding her exactly what she needed in the moment.
By the time the screen blinked off and the call ended, Ericka exhaled slowly, setting her pen down. She turned in her chair to look at Amanda, her gaze softer now that the performance was over.
"Perfect," she murmured. "As always."
Amanda smiled faintly, tucking her tablet against her arm. "Anything for you."
As soon as the call disconnected, Amanda gathered her tablet and notes. "I'll be at my desk," she said softly. "I'll go over everything for the board meeting one more time."
Ericka nodded, slipping back into her CEO composure. "Thank you."
Amanda stepped out, heels clicking against the floor as she crossed to her desk.
She spread the board meeting file across the surface, flipping through page after page with a careful eye.
Every margin note Ericka had left was double-checked against the most recent updates.
Amanda cross-referenced vendor confirmations, pulled the latest reports from analytics, and marked the key figures Ericka would need to emphasize.
When she was satisfied, she stacked the pages neatly, slid them into a fresh folder, and carried it back to Ericka's office. She opened the door quietly, setting the file on the desk. "Everything's been checked. I flagged the points they'll push hardest on, and I updated your talking notes."
Ericka looked up, her gaze lingering for a moment before she nodded. "Exactly what I needed."
Amanda offered a small smile before slipping out again.
Back at her desk, she allowed herself a breath before pulling her laptop closer and opening her own project folder. The campaign.
She scanned her emails—confirmation from the photographer, a wardrobe fitting scheduled for Friday evening, backdrops arriving Thursday. Amanda made two quick calls to lock down hair and makeup, her tone professional and efficient as she slotted them into Saturday's timeline.
Amanda's focus didn't waver as she put the finishing touches on her campaign schedule.
Every vendor confirmed, every time slot locked, every name color-coded into place.
She skimmed the timeline one last time, double-checking that Saturday was airtight.
With a satisfied exhale, she closed the folder and slid it neatly into her bag.
The clock on her screen read 10:55.
Amanda gathered Ericka's updated board notes, smoothing the pages flat as she stood. She crossed the office floor, her heels measured and confident, then gave two quick knocks on Ericka's door before easing it open.
"Meeting starts in five," Amanda said, her tone calm but firm. "Everyone else is already in the conference room."
Ericka glanced up from her desk, pen still in hand, her face composed but sharp. For a split second, her eyes softened as they landed on Amanda—then she stood, smoothing her dress and sliding the pen into her folder.
Amanda stepped aside, letting Ericka exit first, then fell into place just behind her. Together, they walked down the hall, the hum of the office dimming as staff turned discreetly to watch.
When they entered the conference room, every seat was filled, papers spread out, conversations cut short. The moment Ericka walked in, silence followed. Amanda slipped into the chair at her side, placing the folder in front of her with quiet precision.
Ericka opened it, her hand brushing Amanda's for just a heartbeat before she turned her attention to the room.
"Let's begin," she said smoothly, her voice carrying authority that commanded the space.