From Boss to Boo

15. Amara

15

The next few days are a blur of back-to-back meetings, negotiations, and short-burst tactical sessions, and yet I find myself thriving under the relentless pressure, making judgment calls and deftly navigating the high-wire political games that safeguard Winthrop Industries' interests at every turn.

"You're a natural-born closer, kiddo," Jazz, one of the senior partners, praises after I stare down a trio of combative Henderson attorneys, forcing them to concede on several key points. "I've never seen a newbie jockey egos like that before."

Despite my fatigue, I find myself laughing at the apt moniker. "Just keeping everything afloat til the real general returns."

His expression turns sly. "I may be biased, but word around the campfire is that the little general is outperforming even Grayson's highest expectations."

My cheeks warm at the insinuation, even as my heart swells with pride. "You're too kind, but I'll take the compliment anyway."

Truth is, I think Grayson would be proud of the way he molded me perfectly for this job. When the day gets long, I imagine his face and his steel gray eyes softening as seeing me handle his clients like he would. He taught me well.

As the merger proceedings roll on over the next few weeks, I find myself settling into a new normal that is somehow both energizing and utterly depleting. My days are consumed by mounting responsibilities and conquering acute emergencies, my nights haunted by video conferences with Grayson from his Tokyo hotel room.

"I just got the latest updates from Caroline," he says during one particularly late tete-a-tete. His hair is delightfully mussed from constantly raking frustrated fingers through it, and my heart clenches at his disheveled appearance. "Amara...you're blazing a trail of settling the score. I don't know how you're juggling all these moving pieces while keeping Henderson in lockstep."

I shrug, aiming for nonchalance despite the very unsubtle thrill that zings through me at his open appreciation and respect. "All part of the job, Mr. Winthrop. Though I do find myself wondering what our merger asset risk is if I keel over from exhaustion before we hit the goal line." I feel myself softening at the reminder of our transcendent connection, the force that bridges all distances and surmounts any obstacles.

"I miss you," I murmur, the simple admission seeming to encapsulate all the complex yearnings and profound emptiness I've been wrestling with.

Grayson's unguarded gaze pins me in place. "Same, more than you will ever know. And you know it’s actually killing me to see you lead in my absence. I’ve never been so attracted to you, and I’m so proud of you, Amara.”

In that heated moment, I make a decision. One borne of pure recklessness and not a small amount of desperation. This separation is too large, it’s time to close the gap.

"Sarah, I need your advice," I blurt out over lunch the next day. "I'm thinking about flying to Tokyo to surprise Grayson."

My best friend's eyes widen, her fork frozen halfway to her mouth. "Whoa, that's a bold move, Ames. What brought this on?"

I shrug helplessly, pushing my salad around the plate. "I just...I miss him so much, Sarah. And seeing him last night on the video call, looking so worn down and lonely...it broke my heart."

Sarah nods sympathetically. "I get it, babe. Long-distance is tough, especially when you're used to being joined at the hip."

"Exactly," I sigh. "And I know it's impulsive and maybe even a little unprofessional, but...I feel like I need to do this. For him and for us."

"Okay, let's think through the logistics," Sarah says, her expression turning pensive. "How long would you stay? And what about the merger you're overseeing?"

I bite my lip, the practicalities threatening to dim my impetuous spark. "I was thinking just for the weekend. I can fly out Friday night and be back in time for work on Monday."

Sarah takes a slow sip of her iced tea, evaluating me over the rim of the glass. "And you're sure Grayson would welcome the surprise? You don't think it might throw him off his game?"

The question gives me pause. Am I being selfish, prioritizing my own needs over Grayson's critical deal-making?

"I don't know," I admit quietly. "I mean, he's always saying how much he misses me and wishes I was there, but...what if I'm just being a needy girlfriend who can't handle a little time apart?"

"Oh please," Sarah scoffs, waving a dismissive hand. "That man is crazy about you, Amara. Anyone with eyes can see that. He'd probably love nothing more than to have you by his side, even for a couple days."

Her unwavering confidence bolsters my own. "You're right," I declare, sitting up straighter. "I'm doing this. I'm going to Tokyo and I'm going to show Grayson how much I love and support him."

Sarah grins, raising her glass in a toast. "That's my girl. Go get your man."

As soon as she says the words, I feel a wave of fierce adoration sweeps over me. She’s right. I’m right. This is right.

The next few days pass in a whirlwind of covert preparations.

I clear my schedule with Caroline, feigning a family emergency that requires my brief absence. Thankfully, the merger proceedings are in a stable holding pattern, allowing me to step away without catastrophic consequences.

Before I know it, I'm stepping off the plane at Haneda Airport, my heart lodged firmly in my throat. Grayson thinks I'm tied up with work this weekend, so my arrival will be a complete shock.

I navigate the bustling terminal in a daze, my rolling suitcase bumping along behind me. The cacophony of foreign languages and dizzying array of neon signs only amplify my rising nerves. Thousands of faces look up at me, but I’m here for only one. It seemed like an easy task until about an hour ago.

What if this was a mistake? What if Grayson is upset that I disrupted his business trip with my impromptu visit?

But then I'm standing in front of his hotel room door, my hand poised to knock, and all my doubts fade away. This is Grayson - my partner, my love, my future. He could never be anything but overjoyed to see me.

I rap my knuckles against the polished wood, my heart threatening to pound right out of my ribcage. There's a beat of silence, then the sound of muffled footsteps approaching.

The door swings open, revealing Grayson's towering form clad in nothing but a fluffy white bathrobe. His eyes widen in disbelief, his mouth falling open in a silent gasp.

"Surprise," I whisper, suddenly shy.

"Amara?" he breathes, blinking rapidly as if to clear a mirage. "What...how...is this real?"

In lieu of answering, I launch myself into his arms, the force of my embrace sending us stumbling back into the room. Grayson recovers quickly, kicking the door shut and wrapping me up in a fierce hug.

"I can't believe you're here," he mumbles into my hair, his voice thick with emotion. "God, I've missed you so much."

Tears prick at the backs of my eyes as I burrow deeper into his warmth. "I've missed you too. More than I could ever put into words."

We cling to each other desperately, reconnecting through touch and shared breaths. When Grayson finally pulls back to cup my face in his large hands, his expression is one of pure wonder and adoration.

"You never cease to amaze me, Amara Jeffries. Flying halfway across the world to be with me...I'm the luckiest man alive."

I grin up at him, my earlier nerves replaced by bubbling elation. "Well, I couldn't let you have all the fun in Tokyo without me, now could I?"

Grayson laughs, a deep, joyful rumble that sets my soul alight. "Oh, I think we can find some fun to have together, sweetheart. In fact..."

His eyes darken with intent as he walks me backwards towards the king-sized bed. "Why don't I show you just how much fun we can have right now?"

The rest of the weekend passes in a glorious haze of laughter, lovemaking, and adventure. Grayson takes me to all his favorite spots in the city, from hole-in-the-wall ramen shops to tranquil temple gardens.

But more than the sights and sounds of Tokyo, it's the uninterrupted time together that rejuvenates us both. Lazy mornings tangled in the sheets, whispering dreams and desires. Late nights curled up on the couch, dissecting the intricacies of Grayson's business deal.

By the time Sunday evening rolls around, I can see a new lightness in Grayson's eyes, a fresh determination in the set of his shoulders. My visit has reminded him of what he's fighting for - not just a successful company, but a love that transcends oceans.

"I don't know how to thank you for this weekend," he murmurs, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead as we stand entwined at the departure gate. "You've given me a fresh sense of purpose, Amara. I feel like I can conquer anything with you by my side."

I reach up to stroke his smooth jaw, memorizing every plane and angle. "You've got this, sir. You're going to blow Fujiwara away and seal the deal of a lifetime. And I'll be waiting for you when you get home, ready to celebrate."

He captures my hand, pressing a fervent kiss to the inside of my wrist. "I love you, Amara. More than anything in this world."

"I love you too," I whisper, blinking back tears. "Now go be the brilliant businessman I know you are. I'll see you soon."

As I settle into my seat on the plane, already counting down the hours until our reunion, I drink in the remnants of our time together. The smell of his aftershave clings to my face from when he kissed me goodbye. The way he tugged at my hair when he came for me.

I’ll keep these thoughts, and thousands more as the plane starts its ascent into the sky.