2. Maria
Leaning back in my desk chair, I scribble potential weekend plans in my planner. Coffee at the Daily Grind tonight to sketch the baristas in action, then the monthly anime club meeting on Saturday. My weekends are usually pretty low-key, but I like it that way.
Especially since it’s so busy during the workweek. When I get home, I usually just want to chill on my own.
I tap my pen against my lip. Honestly, though? There’s something missing in this weekend’s plans.
Or… someone.
My sister Kelsey always tells me that I spend too much time alone, that I need to “get out and meet people.” Usually, I brush her off. In a city of eight million people, how can I be lonely?
But the truth is that sometimes I am. Sometimes I wish I had someone to watch movies with at night. Someone to sleep in with on Sunday mornings…
The thought of trying dating again makes me panic a little bit, though. The last time I dipped my toe into the dating pool, it didn’t end well. The guy turned out to be a total jerk, and I swore off dating for a while after that.
My phone beeps, and I check it to find a text from none other than my sister.
They’re at it again.
I cringe. She means our parents.
Despite the fact that the two of them live in different states and are divorced, somehow they still find things to argue about. And they manage to put me and Kelsey in the middle.
Sighing, I pick up the phone and give her a call.
“What’s going on?” I ask before she even has a chance to say hello.
“They’re bickering about who gets to keep the family photo album,” Kelsey says, exasperated. “I mean, really? They’re both acting like children.”
I shake my head, knowing the feeling all too well. “Why can’t they divvy up the photos? Or scan them and make copies?”
“Great question. I guess because then they wouldn’t have anything to fight about.”
I purse my lips. It’s funny that they’re even pretending to care about a photo album when neither one of them showed this much attention to our family when we were together. Once again, it’s all about them one-upping each other.
“Just try to ignore it. They’ll figure it out eventually.” I flip my pen into the air and it lands on my planner. “How are you otherwise?”
“I’m doing okay,” Kelsey replies. “Just busy with work and trying to plan my wedding. It’s a lot to handle.”
“Want me to come visit and help with anything?” I offer.
“Actually, I was hoping you could come to the wedding dress appointment with me next weekend. Mom is coming, and I could use some backup.”
“Of course. I’d love to.” I smile at the thought of helping my sister find her dream dress. “Just let me know the time and place.”
After years of dating, my big sis has finally found her happily ever after. Hayden is a great guy, and I support my sister in marrying him…
I just don’t know if I could ever do that myself.
I mean, I would love to find a partner. At the same time, though, the thought makes me queasy. What if things go south and we end up arguing all the time like my parents? And God forbid there are kids involved.
I wouldn’t wish mine and Kelsey’s formative years on anyone. There was more yelling than talking in our house.
Yes, having a family sounds amazing, but when you take all the factors into consideration, I have to wonder if the risk is really worth it.
“I’ll text you the details,” Kelsey says. “Talk soon.”
“Talk soon. Bye.” I hang up and click through the calendar on the desktop. The workday doesn’t end for another hour, but I’m out of things to do.
The sound of a door opening makes me jump. I look up to see Nathan — I mean Mr. Colton — leaning against the doorframe that separates his office from mine. My heart does a little flip, like it always does when I see his tall, broad-shouldered figure.
Quickly, I close my planner. “Yes, Mr. Colton?”
“Hey, Maria. Sorry to interrupt. Could you grab the quarterly financial reports for me?” His smile is easy, casual. He runs a hand through his dirty-blond hair, and I nearly melt into a puddle.
I nod, hoping I’m not blushing. “Sure thing, Mr. Colton. I’ll bring them right in.”
Even though everything is digital now, my boss also likes to have paper reports to read, so I pull up what he’s looking for and print out the pages. With them done, I slip them into a folder and head into his office.
It smells like coffee and vanilla, and I can’t help but wonder what he and Anna were doing in here. When she left, there were tears in her eyes.
Not surprisingly.
Another one bites the dust.
Even though my boss dates a lot, no woman sticks around for long. Everyone who knows who he is — and that’s lots of people — knows that he’s a serial dater. Don’t get involved with Nathan Colton unless you want your heart broken after five dates or less.
I can’t blame the women going after him, though. If I had even the slightest chance with him, I’d take it.
Assuming I wasn’t his assistant, that is.
At the sound of my entrance, he glances up from his computer screen. Our eyes meet for a brief second before I look away.
“Here are the reports you wanted.” I hand the folder over.
Nathan clears his throat, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.” He smiles, his blue eyes twinkling.
“It’s no problem, Mr. Colton.” I try to keep my voice steady, but I can feel my palms getting sweaty. I’ve had a crush on him since the day I started working here last year, but I know better than to act on it. He’s my boss, and he’s way out of my league.
“Was there anything else you needed?” I ask, hoping my voice sounds normal.
He leans back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. I can’t help but notice how his biceps flex against his shirt sleeves.
“Actually, there was something I wanted to discuss with you,” he says. “But this stays between us for now.”
I nod, curiosity piqued. “Of course.”
What on earth could he have to tell me that needs to stay between us? Could it be that he’s finally realized my feelings for him and wants to discuss them?
No, that’s just wishful thinking. It’s probably something work-related.
And what would even happen next? I don’t want to be one of the many girls he goes through. And what if things were to become serious between us?
I’m not sure I could handle that.
I blink, pulling myself back into the moment.
Nathan’s expression grows serious, and he leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “Tonight is the fundraising gala.”
I nod. Of course, I know this. It’s a gala for his charity, and as his assistant it’s my job to know what he’s up to.
He goes on. “It’s black tie, lots of schmoozing. I’d like for you to accompany me.”
My eyes widen in surprise. Is he asking me out on a date? No, it must be for business reasons. Still, the thought of spending an evening on Nathan’s arm makes my heart race.
“Strictly business,” he adds with a casual grin. “I just need a lovely woman there to charm the investors. And I’d make it worth your time, of course. I would pay you for it.”
I hesitate, biting my lip. Spending a night dressed up with Nathan sounds like a dream and a dangerous temptation. But the pragmatic part of me wins out.
“I don’t know. This sounds… complicated.”
He steeples his hands and looks up at me. “I understand if the thought makes you uncomfortable. Please, forget that I asked at all.”
My heart drops. I had expected him to fight at least a little bit for me to go. I mean, yeah, I would still decline, but it would be nice to feel like I’m really wanted.
Nodding, I leave the office and take a seat at my desk.
I can’t help but think about Nathan’s invitation and the opportunity it presented. It’s not every day that your boss asks you to accompany him to a gala, even if it is strictly business.
Maybe I said no too soon. After all, say I do go with him — what’s the worst that could happen?
It’s not like he would make a pass at me. I’m his assistant, and I’ve been here long enough to know he doesn’t mix business with pleasure.
Which is good, because if he were to make a pass, I already know I wouldn’t be strong enough to resist.
Even though I’m nearly decided, I grab the magic eight ball from my desk just for some backup.
“Should I go to the gala with Nathan?” I whisper as I shake it.
The eight ball floats to the top, revealing its answer.
Yes, definitely.
I take a deep breath, letting the weight of my decision settle over me. Nathan wants me to go with him, and deep down, I want to go too.
Putting the magic eight ball down, I stand up and make my way back to Nathan’s office. What do I have to lose?
“Mr. Colton?” I knock on the door softly, peeking my head in. “I’ve been thinking about your invitation and I would be happy to accompany you to the gala.”
His face lights up with a smile, and my stomach flutters. “Really? That’s great, Maria. Thank you for considering it.”
I let out a small laugh. “Well, it’s not every day I get to dress up like a princess and go to a fancy party.”
Nathan stands up from his desk, his height and broad shoulders towering over me. “You’ll look stunning, I guarantee it.”
My cheeks heat up at the compliment, and I clear my throat. “So, what do I need to do to prepare?”
He checks the time. “We’ll need to leave right away to stop and get you a dress. Close everything up for the day, and we’ll head out. Is that all right?”
“Oh, uh… sure.” It’s not like I had any plans for the night, but he doesn’t need to know that.
“Perfect.” He flashes a smile that makes me feel like I’ve won the lottery. “Thanks again.”
I hover there with my hand on the door, my every cell buzzing under his bright attention. “You’re welcome.”
I leave his office, feeling nervous and excited all at once. I have no clue what the next few hours hold, but without a doubt it will be a night to remember.