Page 10 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

My charity that this gala is for, The Lucky Charm Foundation, supports kids and teens by enabling them to participate in meaningful summer programs such as camp, classes, or sports.

Out of everything I’ve done, this foundation is the best thing. Every day that I spend giving time to it is a day well lived.

My phone beeps with a text from the tailor across the street, letting me know that the gown is ready. I stuff the phone into my pocket, my heart unexpectedly sinking.

While it’s important that my foundation raises as much money as possible, I’m sad that I have to leave this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant and return to normal life. This is the longest conversation that Maria and I have had that’s not about work, and I don’t want it to end.

But end it has to.

As we both stand up to leave, I catch her eye and say, “You know, Maria, I think you might be the change I need in my life.”

She looks at me, surprised. “What do you mean?”

“I mean that maybe it’s time I start surrounding myself with people who aren’t just yes-men and women. People who challenge me, like you do.”

She nods slowly, understanding. “I’d be happy to help with that,” she says, a small smile on her lips.

I return the smile, feeling the first stirrings of excitement in my chest. Maybe this gala won’t be so boring after all. Maybe, with Maria by my side, it’ll be the start of something new.

CHAPTER 4

MARIA

With the dress on that Nathan bought for me, I feel like a million bucks — and I wouldn’t be surprised if the gown had cost nearly that much.

It fits like a second skin and is sexy without being too revealing. I’ve never worn anything like it in my life, and I’m not naïve enough to think I ever will again.

“Now we need to have your hair and makeup done,” Nathan says casually as we get back into the car.

“Oh. Um, all right.” But of course I need to get dolled up. My everyday look is best described as natural, and everyone else at this gala will probably be fully done up.

We arrive at a salon that has all but one light off. Apparently, they’ve kept the place open just for us. I could ask how Nathan pulled all of this off last-minute, but I already know. As his assistant, I’m well aware of the sway he holds in this city.

Even though he’s the most high-profile person I’ve ever worked for, though, in some ways he’s the easiest. If he needs or wants something, I just place a call. Nine times out of ten, people fall to their knees and provide whatever they can, no questions asked.

And the money helps, too. He’s always believed in sharing the wealth and paying people well for their time.

Feeling a little bit like a princess, I lift my skirt and follow Nathan into the salon.

As soon as we step inside, the hairstylist greets us with a smile. I feel a little intimidated by her perfect hair and makeup, but she quickly puts me at ease. “What can I do for you tonight?” she asks, eyeing my hair critically.

“I’m thinking something elegant, but not too fussy,” Nathan says, taking a seat on a plush couch.

The stylist nods, running her fingers through my hair. “What do you think of an updo? Something like a chignon?”

I nod, feeling a little nervous but also excited at the prospect of a fancy hairstyle.

As she works her magic, Nathan and I chat about the upcoming gala. He fills me in on some of the other guests and what they’re likely to wear. “You’re going to be the belle of the ball, Maria,” he says with a grin. “Just wait until you see the looks on everyone’s faces when they see you.”

I feel a blush rise to my cheeks, both from the compliment and the way he’s looking at me. There’s something in his gaze that I can’t quite decipher, but it makes my heart race nonetheless.

As the stylist finishes up my hair, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and gasp. I look like a completely different person.

Next up is makeup, and I’m a little bit nervous about that. I’ve never been one for a lot of makeup, but I trust that the stylist knows what she’s doing.

And she does. When she’s finished, I barely recognize myself. My eyes are smoky and dramatic, my lips a deep crimson. I look both sophisticated and a little bit dangerous.

Nathan’s eyes widen when he sees me, and I grin. Maybe this is the start of him seeing me as something other than his assistant.

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