5. Nathan
As the final notes of the song fade, Maria and I come to a stop on the crowded dance floor. Her eyes, wide with excitement, meet mine for a moment before she lowers her gaze. I can’t help but be drawn in by the way the dim light reflects off her warm brown hair and the elegant curve of her neck.
My attraction to her feels sudden, unexpected. But I tell myself it’s just because of how stunning she looks tonight.
Maria has worked for me for a year, and not once have I thought about her in my bed, or her lips pressed to mine. A beautiful gown on a gorgeous woman can do something to even the most logical man, though.
“Thank you for the dance.” Her cheeks are flushed, and I can’t tell if it’s only from the dancing or from something else as well.
“Of course.” I offer her a smile. “You’re an excellent dancer.”
“Thanks,” she murmurs, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I haven’t danced like that in years.”
“I should get back to rubbing elbows.” I hesitate. “Do you mind coming with me? I’m sure everyone is wondering about you.”
She hesitates, but it’s only for the briefest moment. “Of course.”
As we weave our way through the crowd, I notice her becoming increasingly nervous. It’s not surprising, considering the caliber of the guests we’re mingling with. Politicians, wealthy businessmen — you name it, they’re here. Yet, despite her nerves, she handles herself remarkably well. She’s charming, attentive, and genuinely interested in what these high-profile individuals have to say.
“Maria, I’d like to introduce you to Senator Thompson,” I say, guiding her towards the man in question. “Senator, this is my date, Maria.”
Date. The word sounds so good next to her name.
“Ah, Maria, a pleasure to meet you,” Senator Thompson says, extending his hand.
“Likewise, Senator.” She shakes his hand firmly. Her voice is steady, betraying none of the anxiety I know she must be feeling.
We continue making the rounds, chatting with a who’s who of influential people. The entire time, she remains by my side, offering support and engaging in conversations. I’m grateful that she’s here with me tonight. I’m not a fan of attending events like this, even when they’re for my own charity. But if I have to be at one, I’m glad it’s with Maria.
“Maria,” I say as we step away from a particularly boisterous group of businessmen, “I just want to tell you how impressed I am with how well you’re handling tonight.”
“Thank you.” Her cheeks color slightly, and this time I know it’s from being put on the spot. “I won’t lie — I’m pretty nervous. But it’s been great getting to meet all these amazing people and knowing that we’re raising money for such a worthy cause.”
“You being here has made this night much easier for me,” I admit. “And I know the success of this gala is due in large part to your hard work and dedication.”
She grins, her brown eyes shining. “Well, I do my best. And I’m glad I could help make a difference.”
As the gala carries on around us, I find myself stealing glances at her more often than I’d like to admit. There’s something about her that is drawing me in, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. But whatever it is, I know I need to keep my distance. For her sake, and for mine.
We find a quiet corner away from the crowd, settling into two plush armchairs. Maria’s dress shimmers like a waterfall under the dim lights of the gala hall.
“Tell me something about you that I don’t know,” I say, hoping to get to know her better as we take a break from the hustle and bustle of the event.
“Something you don’t know?” she ponders, tapping her finger on her chin playfully. “Well, I don’t know.”
“You love anime. And sketching. Tell me more about those things.”
“Yep! I know anime is a bit geeky.” She laughs. “But there’s something about the stories and the art that just captivates me. It’s an escape from reality, a world where anything is possible.”
“Show me some of your sketches sometime?” I ask, genuinely interested in seeing her work.
“I can show you now.” She pulls out her phone.
I lean in closer, the scent of her perfume intoxicating. She scrolls through her gallery, showing me various sketches of anime characters, landscapes, and even portraits of people she knows. Each one is a work of art, with attention to detail and a unique style that sets her work apart.
Where has this unique, animated woman been hiding the last year?
“These are amazing,” I say, genuinely impressed. “You could sell these and make a fortune.”
She chuckles. “I don’t think I’m quite at that level yet. But it’s something I enjoy doing in my free time.”
“I can relate,” I say, thinking of my own hobbies that I rarely have time for. “It’s important to have something outside of work that brings you joy.”
We fall into a comfortable silence, the only sound the faint music from the orchestra. I find myself studying her features, the way her hair falls in soft waves around her face, and the way her lips curve into a gentle smile as she looks at her sketches.
Suddenly, she looks up at me and our eyes meet. There’s an electric spark between us, and my heart starts racing. For a moment, we both just stare at each other, neither of us willing to break the connection.
But I catch myself, knowing I need to keep my burgeoning feelings in check. Maria is off limits for multiple reasons. Not only is she my assistant, but I cannot get involved in a romantic relationship. It wouldn’t be fair to her.
“Is everything okay?” she asks, noticing my sudden change in demeanor.
“Of course,” I assure her, forcing a smile. “I’m just thinking about how wonderful tonight has been.”
“Me too,” she says softly, meeting my eyes. There’s a warmth in her gaze that makes my heart skip a beat, and I have to remind myself once again to be careful.
I would hate to date Maria only to have to disappoint her when she finds out I’m not available for a relationship. As much as I’m drawn to her, I know I need to protect both her heart and mine.
“Let’s get back to the gala,” I suggest, standing up and offering her my hand. “We still have plenty of people to meet and money to raise.”
“Right,” she agrees, taking my hand and rising from her seat. Her touch sends a shiver down my spine, but I push the feeling away.
As we return to the crowd, I can’t help but steal one last glance at her. She truly is a remarkable woman, and I’m grateful to have her by my side tonight. But that’s where our connection must end — for both our sakes.