Page 11 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

But as soon as I have the thought, I shake it out of my mind. I shouldn’t be thinking that way. Nothing will ever happen between Nathan and me. Even if he weren’t my boss, there’s still the fact that he’s a serial dater. I’m not interested in a wham, bam, thank you ma’am.

“You look gorgeous,” he says — well, more like breathes it. And then he blinks and shakes his head, as if he’s snapped to and remembered who he’s talking to. I’m not a real date. I’m just his assistant. I’m off limits. Clearing his throat, he nods at the door. “Shall we?”

I nod once, not trusting myself to speak. I feel like a princess, but I’m one that will be leaving the ball on my own. Even though Nathan is by my side, he’s not mine for the keeping.

As long as I remember that, I can enjoy tonight. I just need to make sure I don’t get too swept away in the fantasy of it all.

The car takes us to a famous event space by Columbus Circle, where there are ropes and security galore. Lights flash from the photographers on the sidelines, and onlookers gather on the sidewalk, like they’re hoping to catch a glimpse of someone in particular.

And then I see who they’re looking for. It’s not just one person, but multiple.

There’s Sloane Hawthorn, the movie star. And Reggie Thompson, the senator. Then a model whose name I can’t remember, and a businessman who I’ve definitely seen on the cover of Forbes. There are more, all dressed in their finest and strutting down the red carpet.

I feel like a fish out of water, but Nathan smiles at me reassuringly. He steps out of the car first, holding out his hand for me to take. I glance at it for a moment, hesitating, before placing my hand in his. It’s warm and strong, and I can’t help but feel a little bit giddy.

Cameras flash and people shout out greetings as we make our way down the carpet. Nathan’s name is called out a few times, and I realize that he’s just as famous as some of the people we’re mingling with.

You would think I’d know this, but as his assistant much of my work is done behind my desk. He’s only taken me to a few events with him before. Usually, I’m back at the office making the phone calls to set up all the details.

Together, we make our way through the ropes and up to the entrance, where we’re greeted by a team of photographers and reporters. Nathan’s face is all smiles, while I’m trying my best not to look like a deer in headlights.

I can feel the eyes of everyone on us, and even though I’m used to being invisible, tonight I feel like the star of the show.

“Nathan!” one of the photographers calls out. “Who is your date tonight?”

Heat floods my face. Nathan ignores the question, but does place his hand on my lower back as he smiles for the pictures.

His touch is like electricity, running through my body and making me feel alive. For a moment, I forget that I’m just his assistant and not his real date.

As the camera flashes continue to illuminate the night, I find myself swept away by the surreal atmosphere. Nathan’s touch on my lower back feels both comforting and thrilling, grounding me amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces.

I try to steady my breathing as we finally make our way up the steps to the extravagant venue. As soon as we’re inside, I’m met with a sea of beautiful people, all dressed in their fanciest attire. I’m suddenly very aware of my own plainness, despite the dress and hair and makeup.

The inside of the event space is as luxurious as I’d imagined. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. There are waiters carrying trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and a stage at the far end of the room where a band plays.

I can’t help but be entranced by the opulence surrounding me, feeling like an imposter in this world of glamour and sophistication.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for this,” I whisper, feeling intimidated by the sheer amount of wealth and power in the room.

Nathan puts a hand on my arm, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “You’ll be fine. Just stick with me and we’ll get through it together.”

His voice is calm and soothing, easing the nerves that have consumed me. I take a deep breath, allowing his touch and words to ground me in this overwhelming atmosphere. With Nathan by my side, I feel a surge of confidence coursing through my veins.

As we navigate through the sea of glamorous attendees, whispers follow us like a soft breeze. I catch snippets of conversation, speculation about who I am and why I’m here with Nathan. Being his assistant, I’m used to being in the background, invisible. But tonight, under the glow of the chandeliers and in his presence, I feel like the protagonist of a story.

Nathan guides me through the crowd, greeting people left and right. I try to keep up, but it’s overwhelming.

As we enter the ballroom, I’m struck by how beautiful everything is. The ceiling is covered in glittering chandeliers, and the walls are adorned with golden wallpaper. There are people everywhere, drinking champagne and laughing.

Nathan leads me to a table, and as we sit down, someone comes over to take our drink orders.

“This is amazing,” I say, still looking around in awe. The opulence of the room is even further enhanced by the exquisite floral arrangements and the soft music coming from the orchestra.

Nathan smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’m glad. Thank you for coming with me tonight.”

I blush, feeling a flutter in my stomach. “I should be thanking you. This is wonderful.”

He reaches across the table to take my hand in his. “You deserve it, you know. You’re an amazing assistant and an even more amazing person.”

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