Chapter 4: Temptation and the Lonely City

Back home, Grayson was still glued to CNBC.

Legs stretched out, one hand draped lazily over the couch.

Up close, I could see the muscle lines on his thigh through his shorts, disappearing into the shadows…

The TV reflected in his steely eyes as the stock ticker rolled by. I wondered if he actually understood all that economic jargon or if he was just enjoying the noise. The apartment was filled with the faint hum of my fridge and the buzz of the air conditioner kicking on and off.

A few days ago, I would’ve slipped on some black stockings and put my leg up right in front of him!

But after seeing my bestie’s fox spirit, I just wasn’t in the mood.

The reality check was sobering. What was the point in trying to compete with Grayson? I suddenly felt like the loneliest person in New York. My glamorous fox spirit and I—two beautiful people, equally uninterested in each other. Well, mostly uninterested.

What a boring, lonely life I lead.

Luckily, tomorrow the seven-day trial ends!

He promised to make me rich—if he doesn’t, I’ll just eat him up. No way I’m losing both the man and the money.

Just one more night, hang in there!

I ignored him, showered, put on my oldest (but warmest) pajamas, and crawled into bed.

They were soft, faded from too many washes, with a rip at the sleeve I kept meaning to fix. I wrapped myself in my old college sweatshirt and listened to the distant wail of sirens outside. I curled up with my phone and scrolled through TikTok, pretending I didn’t notice Grayson glancing my way during commercial breaks.

But he came over and knocked several times:

“Want some fruit?”

“Want some milk?”

“Natalie, are you asleep?”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I flung open the door and jabbed a finger at him. “If you knock again, I’ll kiss you! Try me!”

He replied calmly, “Go ahead. See if I care.”

Was that supposed to be a threat? Like threatening a marshmallow!

I slammed the door in frustration, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

At 2 a.m., I vaguely heard strange noises from the balcony.

Curious, I peeked out and saw Grayson doing exercises in just his boxers.

He moved with the kind of casual grace that made me forget how to breathe. The city lights painted stripes across his back. He moved through push-ups and mountain climbers like he was prepping for a photo shoot. The city skyline twinkled behind him, streetlights throwing long shadows across the hardwood floor.

Why is he working out in the middle of the night?

Right then, my bestie sent me a voice message: “Girl, did you get home safe?”

Her voice was all hoarse!

I’d been home for three hours—did they just finish…?

I texted back, “Does your fox spirit also work out at night?”

She quickly replied with two voice messages:

“The owner said fox spirits have strong desires. If they can’t let off steam, they work out at night!”

“Maybe you should just use your fox spirit… mm!”

...Sounds like she got kissed again!

The noises on her end were enough to make my ears burn!

Plus, with Grayson’s back muscles on full display… I was going insane!

I stormed over to Grayson, trying to sound casual: “Mr. Grayson, what are you doing?”

He was startled, but quickly put on his frosty act. “Working out.”

“Oh… working out. Why so late?”

I got even closer, stood on tiptoe, and blew softly in his ear.

He said no physical contact, but I didn’t touch him!

He didn’t move, but his Adam’s apple bobbed.

I leaned in again and blew directly on his Adam’s apple. “Or is it insomnia? Can’t sleep? Mr. Grayson, is there something you want?”

He stiffened, finally stepped back half a pace, his ears turning red. “Natalie, you…”

His voice was hoarse, and he shut his mouth quickly, but his eyes were full of embarrassment and anger!

I raised both hands and grinned. “I didn’t touch you.”

He snatched up his clothes and fled to his room!

In the light, I saw he was covered in a sheen of sweat!

The door slammed shut and I let out a small, victorious laugh, feeling oddly triumphant for winning our weird little power struggle. For once, the apartment felt less lonely.