“What’s wrong?”
A tear rolls down her cheek. “Nothing. It’s fine.”
“No. It’s not nothing. I’ve upset you, and I need to know why.”
“Well, I’m mad at myself and not at you. I thought I’d be able to do this whole thing and be rational about it. I thought not having sex would not blur the lines. But being with you these past weeks… changed everything. And now you suggest I stay and float between departments… which means I’d still be accessible to you, but I wouldn’t be your assistant anymore. You’d have it pretty convenient.”
“That’s not what I meant at all. I was thinking of you, I swear.”
“I was thinking of us too earlier. Just in a different way. We’re just not on the same page.”
“Where did this come from?”
“I’m sorry… I need a breather. I… I need to go,” she says, walking away from me.
9
Amy
I should have returnedto the house to make a beeline to the door and order a ride-share, but I don’t want anyone to see me crying. I don’t know these people, but I don’t want them to see Grant’s date leaving in a rush, with tears coming down her face. He doesn’t need that drama, and yes, he’s still my boss.
I just need to breathe.
I march deeper into the garden, leaving him behind, and nearly get lost in a maze of beautifully manicured bushes and plants. My heart is about to leap from my throat, my thoughts jumbled.
I was about to give him all of me, well I wanted to, but then he reminded me that he’s not giving me all of him. I don’t mean marriage, but to suggest I stay in his office without adding the girlfriend title, and acting like he’s doing that for me?
Is he that rational and good at separating things?
Removing me from being his assistant also means less liability for him. He doesn’t need to see me every day, deal with me more regularly, and having an affair with someone from the office is different than his own assistant. I touch my forehead, lightheaded. Is it?
All of a sudden I’m an expert in office affairs?
God, this whole thing is so confusing…
“Amy,” I hear his voice behind me.
I circle to face him, still unsure, my stomach twisting into tight knots.
“I didn’t explain myself well. I don’t mean for you to stay and be hidden in my company and out of the way.”
I inhale. “It sounded that way.”
“No. Maybe working at Sugar & Silk isn’t what you want and I respect that. Honestly I don’t care. I want you, Amy. I want you to be with me, and I want to be with you. Grow together, build together, everything.”
A hint of happiness crosses his expression, and the knots in my stomach are gone. His words melt any of my concerns, and a warm energy travels through me. “Are you serious?”
He pulls me into an embrace. “I am. Trust me, even though a part of me wants to keep you for myself at all times, I’m not hiding you from anyone. I’m falling for you, Amy.” He hooks his index finger under my chin, lifting it until my gaze connects with his.
“Say it again,” I say, desperate to make sure I heard him correctly.
“I’m falling for you,” he says evenly, in a tone that leaves no room for misunderstanding.
I nuzzle his nose, feeling ridiculously silly, but can’t stop myself. Bubbles of joy expand inside of me, threatening to burst. “Again.”
He chuckles, and pulls me closer until my body is plastered against his. “I’m falling for you.”
“Me too,” I say, and hold his face between my hands. I look at him square in the eye, butterflies making a crazy stampede in my stomach.