Chapter 5
Tessy
Ibrushed my hair back, nervous to the extreme.
Why?
Because this was Joshua.
This was our date.
I wasn't expecting anything, but that didn't stop the butterflies from flying around like crazy in my stomach. This is the man I had a crush on for years.
This was also my boss.
I mean, I know he didn't think of it that way, but I did.
Oh great, was I going to become one of those statistics of a female who sleeps with her boss?
Granted, I wasn't doing it to better myself. Or to trap him.
And what the hell was I even going on about because it's not like he saw me that way.
“Tessy,” he said as he yanked open the door and drew me into a hug, like I hadn't just seen him a few hours ago. “I'm not the world's best cook, but mom made me learn this dish so I could impress my future wife.”
I just about melted at those words. Not that I thought I had a chance in hell, but just the thought that he wanted a wife was sweet.
He would make someone so happy one day.
“Whatever it is smells amazing.”
“Stuffed chicken with some asparagus and a salad. Oh, and rolls. Along with some wine.”
“Joshua, you didn't have to do all of this for me.”
“You bet your ass I did, Tessy. You paid for a date and you're getting one. Just because it's at my house doesn't mean I can't go all out for it.”
“Well…I…,” I stuttered, only to stop. He wasn't lying. I paid a shit ton of money for this, and he did need to own it. But I still would have been okay with hot dogs or something.
“That's what I thought. Now come on.”
He took my hand and led me to his dining room, which had candles and flowers, making me swoon.
“For me?” I questioned, pointing at the flowers.
“Yes ma'am. Now, I have two kinds of wine, which would you like?”
I slowly shook my head, never really understanding how people liked wine.
“If you have it, I'd rather take a Jack and Coke.”
“Thank goodness. A woman after me own heart. I'm not a wine drinker but most women are.”
“Not me. I find them dry, and they give me a headache.”
“Well, we can't have that tonight.” He went to his bar, making us both a drink. He handed it to me, and I took a sip, savoring the rich flavor. “Enjoy that?”
“I do. And it always pairs well with chicken.”
He chuckled and dished up the food, serving me, and I had to give it to him, it looked amazing.
“Tell me how you got into being a personal assistant here,” he asked, cutting up his chicken.
“It started when I was younger, actually. I helped my cousin with his band, pushed them a little further, but they split. I loved working like that though. Keeping people straight, organized, and busy. It makes me happy to see others happy and prosper.”
“But isn't it long hours?”
“Of course. Tons of emails, phone calls, scheduling, staying on top of them, all tons of time. But I thrive on it. I also love being the person to land things that no one else gets. The special talk show, or interview. Or finding a role that would make them excel. Their happiness is my happiness.”
“Wow,” he mumbled, staring at me. I looked around, then wiped at my face, thinking something was wrong. Which seemed to break his trance because he chuckled. “You're fine. I just don't think I've heard anyone say anything like you have.”
“Oh, yeah, I seem to shock people by it. But I really do like it. I hate the spotlight, so I share it all from behind the scenes.”
“Well, I have to say you have kept me on my toes, and it’s been needed no doubt. I wasn’t sure what to think when my manager sent me your resume, but I’m glad it worked out for both of us.”
“Same here, Joshua.”
And that, ladies and gentleman, was the most I had ever dived into detail about my life. And it just had to be with this man. But it was nice. Joshua didn’t see me as his assistant right now, he saw me as a date, as someone to get to know, and that just made me giddy.
Sure, I knew a lot about the man thanks to Google and tons of interviews, but I also saw beyond the image. I saw the real man, the one he didn’t let many see. And even then, I only saw glimpses because I was still someone on the outside.
“Tell me the one place you could go if you had the chance?” he asked, and I twisted my lip as I thought that over. I mean, there were tons of places overseas to go, sure. But I felt like that was more common.
“Colorado. I want to go to Denver and see the mountains in winter. I know there’s one of the best ski resorts there and I’d love to go.”
“You’ve never been skiing?”
“Never been really anywhere that had snow. I’m a born and raised Cali girl and never had the time nor the means to really go places like that.”
“Tessy, how is that even possible?”
“I make good money, yes, but I help my family where I can. There’s a lot of us, and someone is always needing something.
I’m not a fool, though. I pay back and they do too.
” I took another bite of food and just shrugged.
“It’s never been important to me to go. And besides, who would I go with?
My best friend hates the cold, and it’s not like I have a boyfriend or anything. ”
He took a sip of his drink, but his eyes never left me. I could feel them burning a hole in the side of my face. Finally, I turned to look at him again.
“What?” I asked, even more self-conscience now.
“I don’t see how someone wouldn’t have snatched you up by now, Tessy. You’re a great catch.”
“I’m married to my job and my family? I don’t know, I don’t seek someone. I have dates, but I guess no one I’ve clicked with. It also doesn’t help that I’m the PA to like the hottest actor in Hollywood. And I mean that he really is the best and he really is the hottest.”
“Don’t go giving me a big head,” he muttered, shaking his head.
“I’m not, but it’s the truth. I’ve dealt with enough interviews and questions for you that I know you don’t see it, but you have a butt load of fans who all think you’re just a great guy. Humble, cute, funny, and every actor or actress you’ve worked with has adored you.”
“What about you?”
“What about me what, Joshua?”
“What do you think about me?”
I swallowed hard, reaching for my glass to take a long drink. I wasn’t sure how to answer that. At least not beyond the obvious part of course.
“I think you’re a great boss,” I finally got out, which only made him smirk. He wasn’t fishing for that, and I knew it. I just felt like it was a lot safer than any other water we might dive into.
“Good to know, but not the question I was asking.”
“I think, Joshua,” I started, clenching my hands because I was going to give it all to him, “that the reason I placed such a huge bid was because I really liked you and felt that the only way you’d see me was like that, out of the boss and employee setting.
I think you’re sexy, smart, driven, talented, and business savvy. ”
“Good answer.”
Before I could blink, his hand was cupping the back of my neck, and his lips were on mine, answering one of my great wishes.