Page 44 of One Month's Notice

“I haven’t been single for long, you know.” Nat looked down at her hands, twisting them awkwardly. “Since my last relationship ended, I’ve been trying to regain my confidence.”

“I know.” He nodded his head slowly. “I remember what happened in the coffee shop when you saw your ex.”

Nat groaned at the memory. “Please, don’t remind me.”

“And then there’s the fact that I’m your boss. It complicates things.”

Nat found herself tracing the rim of her glass with a fingertip, a helpful diversion from the weight of their eye contact.

“Complications.” She tilted her head as if considering the word from every angle. “They have a way of finding us, don’t they?”

“They do. Look, I think we both know that mixing work with… anything else is far from ideal.”

Nat nodded. The acknowledgment cut through her. It was one thing to know it, another to hear him say it out loud. They were taking it in turns to present the evidence towards a decision she didn’t really want to make.

“Truth be told, I’ve never been very good at relationships. Business plans, sales pitches, strategies—that I can do. But this?” Michael gestured faintly between them. “It’s not my strong suit.”

She admired the bravery of his admission. It was oddly comforting to hear that even someone as confident and collected as Michael could have his own insecurities.

“Friends, then?” Nat forced the words out, knowing there wasn’t really another choice. Being the first one to say it was just her way of taking control of the situation. Deep down, she knew she would rather follow a different path.

“Friends.” He hesitated briefly. “Though, if things were different, if you weren’t my employee. It would be—”

“Less complicated.” Nat finished his sentence, allowing a little smile to develop at the corners of her mouth. “As much as I love working for you, I’m still set on my design business.”

“That’s good to know.” Michael shrugged his shoulders. “Who knows what the future might hold?”

“Who knows.” she echoed, her mind already spinning with the possibilities.

“Come on, let’s not just sit here all night.” Michael smoothed down his trousers as he stood. “If I remember rightly, you’re quite the dancer.”

She nodded firmly and downed the last of her gin and tonic.

“Looks like they’re having the time of their lives.” She gestured towards Lexi and Enzo as they danced provocatively, oblivious to everyone around them.

“Looks like they need some privacy!” Michael raised his eyebrows. Nat laughed as he grinned at her.

This is for the best, she told herself as they made their way across the dance floor. But the thought did little to soothe the sting of disappointment. The design contract could mean more than just professional success now. It could pave the way for the freedom to explore a future with Michael. She watched him as he joked with Enzo. Maybe, if she secured this contract, they could revisit the possibility of more. But for now, they were friends, and that would have to be enough.

Chapter twenty

Monday 23rd May

“Idon’t think I’ve ever been given flowers before,” Michael said, eyeing the bunch of rainbow tulips in Nat’s hand as he opened his front door.

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” Nat stepped inside and handed the flowers to him. “I thought your place could do with a little brightening up.”

“What do you mean?” Michael followed her inside and looked around. “I thought my apartment was very bright. There’s lots of natural light.”

“It might have light…” Nat paused and walked into the dining area. She turned to face Michael and stretched her arms out. “But where is the colour? Grey, black and white. That’s not the most imaginative of decor. It’s very… bland.”

Michael looked a little despondent and Nat felt a brief pang of guilt. She had bought the flowers as a gesture to signify a fresh start for their friendship, but had ended up accidentally insulting his decorating choices.

“There is a slight problem.” He placed the flowers on the kitchen worktop. “I don’t actually have anything to put these in.”

“Good thing I came prepared then.” Nat pulled a simple glass vase from her bag with a flourish.

She moved to the sink and began trimming the stems, her movements precise and deliberate. Once satisfied, she arranged them in the vase, and soon the bouquet had been brought to life.

---