Chapter 6
Emma
The plane touches down in Tokyo around noon, just as scheduled. Noah didn’t come back to his seat for the remainder of the flight. I’m not going to lie, his absence hurt a little. We were finally making small talk and then it was like he couldn’t get away from me quick enough. I still can’t believe I grabbed his thigh like that. The moment played on repeat in my head nearly the whole flight and I wanted to die a little each time. I just stomped all over our professional relationship. But wow, his thigh was so firm underneath my fingers. He definitely works out.
Okay, hormones, calm down. This is your boss you’re drooling over, I remind myself. Yet, I still can’t help it. There is something about him that I’m drawn to. And then there’s his intoxicating, woodsy-scented cologne that pulls me in even deeper. It may be in my head, but I swear his scent helped ease my nausea. The tight churn in my stomach completely faded once I sat next to him. His presence is so soothing and comforting. And then somehow, I drifted off into the best sleep I’ve had in weeks.
Once we deplane, Noah and I part ways on the tarmac. He heads off to meet some acquaintances before his lunch appointment, while I head directly to the hotel which only takes about ten minutes from the airport.
This isn’t just any hotel though. I can’t even find the right word to define it—resort, castle, paradise? It’s enormous, and the architectural design is stunning. All of the fine little details have me in awe. The tall marble columns reach up to the ceiling and shine under the warm lights, while waterfalls flow down the carved stones. Everywhere you look, there are statues of ancient gods and beautiful figures, making the whole place feel like something out of a magazine.
As I walk through the grand entrance, friendly staff members take my luggage and offer me a refreshing drink that I find myself longing for, yet I can’t accept it. After a seamless check-in, I take the elevator up to the top floor. My own junior suite awaits me, right next to Noah’s. As the bellman places my bags in the cozy sitting area, he explains how to call for room service—words drift in one ear and out the other as I’m already lost in the luxury around me.
The moment the door swings shut behind him, a rush of excitement courses through me. I’ve never stayed in a hotel like this. I head straight to the bathroom, filled with natural light that pours in through tall windows. I waste no time filling the oversized tub with steaming water and add the luxury bath salts that sit on the edge. I sigh with relief as I step in and sink into the warmth. Lunch can wait. Ever since I stepped into my chilly house last night, I’ve been battling the shivers, the biting cold has lingered in my bones all day. Perhaps I'll call someone about the heat after this blissful soak, but for now, all that matters is this bath washing away all my problems.
I spend my afternoon sprawled out on the plush king-sized bed, watching trashy reality TV. Time quickly slips away from me and before I know it, it’s already time to get ready. Reluctantly, I leave the warm bed, knowing I need to look my best for this important dinner. I curl my hair into soft waves, deftly pinning one side back. Moving to my face, I take my time applying makeup; lip liner, lipstick, contour, blush, thick mascara—I go the whole mile. Just as I brush a coat of rich red lipstick over my lips, my phone vibrates on the counter.
Noah Lawson: Meet me in the lobby in 10. The car is here.
Emma: Yes sir. Heading down now.
I quickly slip on my heels, dart to the bathroom to unplug my curling iron, and then stuff my phone into my clutch. I double-check that my key card is in my bag before stepping out into the hallway. Hitting the button for the elevator, I find myself feeling very anxious while I wait for it to reach my floor. "This is it," I mumble to myself, feeling a rush of adrenaline. Tonight is the night I can prove myself to Mr. Lawson after the string of screw ups I’ve had over the week.
The elevator doors slide open to reveal the grand lobby, and I step out. My breath catches in my throat as I immediately spot Noah. He’s leaning against the wall across the room with his hands casually tucked in his pockets. Dressed in a sleek black suit that fits him to perfection, there are no words to describe how good he looks. A man in a suit is undeniably the sexiest thing in the world. My gaze makes its way up to his hair which is styled back in a perfectly messy way that makes me want to run my hands through it.
As if sensing my gaze, Noah turns his head in my direction and locks eyes with me. There’s an intensity in his stare that sends shivers down my body. His eyes travel slowly from my black stilettos, lingering on my form fitting black dress. The long sleeves and precise fit highlight all the right curves, while the thigh-high slit makes it both sexy and formal.
His eyes finally make it up to my face and I catch him stealing a glance at my lips. A flicker of mischief in his eyes makes me blush. Noah strides towards me, making my heart start racing in my chest. I mentally shake myself, reminding my fluttering heart that he was likely just assessing my outfit to ensure I was dressed appropriately. “He was not checking you out,” I whisper to myself. Yet deep down, the persistent flutter in my stomach tells me otherwise.
“You look great. Are you ready to go?” he asks, his voice carrying a hint of urgency.
“Thank you, and you look fantastic as well. Yes, I’m ready.”
He leads the way to the sleek car parked outside, and holds the door open for me to slide in. We settle in our seats and I can’t help but notice the distance between us, sitting at opposite ends of the spacious car. An uncomfortable silence falls over us as we pull away from the curb.
I stare out the window, completely mesmerized. The sights blur by in a kaleidoscope of colors—neon signs, vibrant lights, bustling crowds of people, and the elegant architecture. I try to take in as much of it as I can, who knows if I’ll ever get a chance to come back here.
Every so often, I steal glances in Noah’s direction. But each time I look over at him, he’s absorbed in his phone, his thumb swiping over the screen. I’m sure he has seen Japan before.
Without speaking a single word to each other, we arrive at yet another impressive hotel. My jaw nearly drops. I had thought our hotel was peak luxury, but that was nothing compared to this one. Finally, Noah tucks his phone away and our eyes meet.
“Ready?” he asks.
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of anticipation hovering in the air. We are here for the grand opening of Japan’s largest five-star hotel, an event buzzing with excitement and prestige. Noah’s mission tonight is significant, he needs to secure Mr. Adachi as an investor for a massive fifteen billion dollar project aimed at expanding hotel chains around the globe.
I read Mr. Adachi’s file from front to back and conducted my own research on the guy. The man is in his sixties, and from all accounts, he seems to be more of a devoted family man rather than a ruthless businessman. The internet revealed countless photos of him beaming next to his grandchildren. I plan to use that piece of information to my advantage tonight.
Noah places his hand gently on my lower back, leading me through the elegant grand ballroom. A chill runs up my spine, sending an unexpected shiver through me. If he noticed my reaction, he doesn’t show it, his face is focused. I have to remind myself he’s only touching me so we don’t get separated in this large sea of people. But my heart speeds up anyway.
As we weave through the room, Noah introduces me to several men that I will likely never remember the names of. I’m impressed with how easily he recalls their names. I vaguely recognize a few men from the extensive files I had read earlier on the plane, but I can’t remember a thing about them, especially when Noah is this close to me.
We finally reach our table, a prime spot located at the front of the room, perfectly positioned near the stage and dance floor. I draw in another deep breath, attempting to calm my racing heart and enjoy the impressive event. It's nearly impossible to focus on anything other than how close Noah is standing next to me and the fact that his large hand is still spread across my lower back.
In the distance, a man stands out among the crowd, carrying an air of authority. “That’s Youta Adachi,” Noah nods in his direction. I follow his gaze, watching the man climb up the steps to the stage.
Mr. Adachi approaches the microphone stand, immediately commanding the attention of the entire room, and he effortlessly delivers a welcome speech. As he closes by announcing that dinner is about to be served, the room buzzes with waiters serving plates and pouring drinks. When Mr. Adachi leaves the stage, he heads straight in our direction. Noah and I stand up simultaneously to greet him.
“Noah, it’s great to see you,” Mr. Adachi says, extending his hand toward Noah. “I truly appreciate you making the journey all this way. I know you’re a busy man.”
"You know I wouldn’t miss this for the world," Noah replies, showing his charm as he returns the handshake. He gestures toward me, his hand finding its way back to my lower back. "This is my new assistant, Ms. Sterling.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Adachi. Mr. Lawson has told me all about you and your remarkable success,” I say, reaching out to shake his hand next. His grip is soft and comforting.
“The pleasure is all mine. Please, call me Youta,” he smiles genuinely, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“Then please call me Emma,” I say, returning his smile with sincerity.
“Let’s all sit and enjoy this lovely dinner, shall we? You must try this steak." Youta takes his place at the table, sitting directly across from Noah.
Noah gracefully holds the chair out for me, and I sink into my seat. As he takes his place to my left, his knee lightly brushes mine, sending a bolt of electricity through me. I wonder if he felt that too. I bite my lip to hold back my smile. Noah keeps his distance from me one minute, and then the next, he doesn't stop touching me. He amuses me and makes me feel like a giddy school girl. I can feel the warmth radiating from his body, keeping me warm and comfortable. Although we're not alone, this moment feels oddly intimate.
Noah and Youta dig into their steaks, engaging in small talk and light banter in between bites. I find myself struggling to focus on the conversation. The queasy sensation in my stomach returns.
This is my personal nightmare—sitting with two powerful men while holding back the strong urge to vomit, all while pretending I'm having the best meal of my life. But to my surprise Youta wasn't exaggerating about the meal. This steak is without a doubt, the best I've ever tasted. I take small bites of the juicy, tender meat and try to focus on breathing steadily. I sip on the cold water, letting it coat my throat and hoping it settles my stomach. Each bite is a small victory. I’m so focused on keeping the nausea at bay that I'm forced to remind myself of the reason we're here: Mr. Adachi.
“Tell me about yourself, Emma. How long have you been working for Noah?” Youta asks before taking a drink from his wine glass. I watch the deep crimson red wine swirl around his glass as he speaks. I can't help but envy the way he enjoys his wine while I sit here longing for a glass to calm my nerves.
“Well, actually, this is my first week working for Mr. Lawson," I manage to respond, willing my voice to remain steady. "I just relocated from a small town in North Texas to pursue this opportunity.” I take another small bite of the steak to occupy my mouth before I say something stupid. I'm an expert at putting my foot in my mouth; small talk has never been my strong suit.
What’s there to say about myself? I’m broke, trying to navigate a new city where I don’t know a soul. I have no furniture in my home, I don’t even have the basic necessities like heat. Then there's my inappropriate crush on my boss, the very man sitting beside me. And on top of everything else, I’m hiding a huge secret from him, and it’s gnawing at me.
“Wow, you’ve had quite the week. Traveling this far during your first few days on the job? Noah, you should really go easy on your employees. A happy assistant makes for a happy life,” Youta playfully scolds Noah. I wince internally, realizing that I've painted Noah in a less-than-ideal light.
“What was the reason you relocated, if you don’t mind me asking?” he continues.
The question hangs in the air, and I freeze briefly. Noah’s knee bumps against mine under the table, a subtle way of telling me to answer the question. Why did I even mention my move? I don’t want to get into that story. I’m not good at impromptu lying on the spot and it shows in the way I stutter.
“Umm, I-I just wanted a fresh start, I guess," I manage to say, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "S-so how about you, Mr. Adachi? I hear you have the most adorable grandchildren!” With that, I wipe my clammy palms on my lap, silently praying the subject stays off of me.
Mr. Adachi's face lights up at the mention of his grandchildren. "Oh, they are my absolute pride and joy! My grandchildren are simply wonderful. You wouldn't believe the trouble they get into..." he begins, his voice rich with affection. I feel a wave of relief wash over me as he dives into stories and pulls out his phone to show us pictures of them.
Noah and I laugh along at his stories, the tension lifting more and more. Then, as if the world slows down, Noah turns his smile on me—a genuine, heartfelt smile that catches me off guard. And then he winks. My heart skips a beat, and a rush of warmth floods through me. I nearly melt in my seat. Noah turns his attention back to Mr. Adachi, but I can’t stop myself from staring at Noah for a few seconds longer. The feelings I have for this man is going to get me into trouble.
Mr. Adachi excuses himself to make another announcement on stage. While I watch him climb up the steps, Noah leans over and whispers in my ear. “You’re doing great. He is absolutely loving you. Keep charming him.”
All I can manage in response is a polite smile and a slight nod of my head. I'm overwhelmed by a mix of flattery and excitement. The encouragement from him is thrilling, though.
The dinner plates are cleared, and dessert is served. Shortly after, the dance floor is opened and the atmosphere shifts as the sound of a live jazz band fills the room. To my surprise, Mr. Adachi invites me to dance with him, and how could I say no? Miraculously, my nausea has subsided enough for me to enjoy swaying to the music with my dance partner. Our conversations flow seamlessly, feeling genuine and not forced.
While we dance, I can't help but look over in Noah's direction, who watches us with a pleased smile. His approval is obvious in his expression, which makes my heart swell. I am nailing this.
After a few dances and some casual business talk back at the table, the evening begins to wind down. Noah and I say our goodbyes before heading back to the car. I’m buzzing with a sense of accomplishment, but also utter exhaustion at the same time. He wasn’t lying when he said these events can run pretty late.
When Noah shuts the car door behind him, he turns to face me, a bright smile stretching across his face. “You were great tonight. You're truly a natural at schmoozing clients. Steering the conversation to his grandchildren was the perfect move!" His praise wraps around my heart. "Feel free to explore the city tomorrow before our flight Monday morning.”
“Thank you," I reply, unable to contain my smile. "I actually enjoyed myself tonight. He’s genuinely a sweet and humble man. No schmoozing was necessary.”
Noah raises an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "That's a rare quality in this line of work. He doesn't show that side of himself to just anyone." Noah leans back in the seat and turns his head toward me, and I catch a glimmer of something deeper in his gaze. "I could tell he liked you the second he met you."
I can't help but smile and feel giddy inside. My first real test on the job could not have gone better, and the praise I've received from Noah all night has only added to it. Each compliment has affirmed that I can hold my own around here.
The thrill of the night lingers in my thoughts as we ride in comfortable silence back to our hotel. Again, Noah spends the drive focused on his phone while I lose myself in the views from my window. This time, the silence is comfortable and relaxed.
When we finally arrive at our hotel, it's after midnight. My eyelids are heavy as we ride the elevator up in silence. It has been a long day and I’m ready to crawl under the sheets. We say goodnight and go in opposite directions down the hallway.
I shut my door, locking the top latch, and lean my back against the cool metal. I breathe a sigh of relief as I kick off my heals and place my bare, sore feet on the cool tile floor. The thought of sinking into another hot bath lures me towards the bathroom. But before I reach the room, a sudden, loud knocking on the door startles me.
“What the hell?” I mutter.