Page 12 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

I can feel my heart beating faster as he stares at me. I know we’re not a couple, and he might just be touching me for show, but I can’t stop myself from leaning towards him.

Our eyes lock, and for a moment, time stands still. The noise of the bustling ballroom fades into a distant hum, and all I can focus on is the warmth of his hand against mine, radiating a sense of security that I’ve never felt before.

The moment is broken by the sound of someone clearing their throat. We both turn to see a man standing at the end of the table, a wide grin on his face.

“Nathan, my old friend!” he exclaims, extending his hand. “It’s so good to see you again.”

Nathan stands up, offering his hand in return. “Likewise, Jack. How have you been?”

“Good, good.” Jack’s gaze strays to me. “I don’t believe we’ve met…”

“This is Maria.” Nathan’s voice is off, his body language stiff. I’ve worked with him long enough to read him in social situations. He’s not the biggest fan of whoever this Jack is.

“I heard your building has been approved.” Jack smiles at Nathan, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “For now.”

Nathan’s jaw tightens, but he maintains a polite smile. “Yes. We’re very excited about it.”

“Well, I’m sure you are.” Jack’s eyes flicker over to me again, and I can sense something predatory in his gaze. “You’re a lucky man, Nathan. Maria is quite a catch.”

I can feel myself flush with embarrassment.

“Yes, she is,” Nathan clips, his gaze steady on Jack.

“Well.” Jack sips his drink. “I suppose I should make the rounds. See if there is anyone here worth talking to.”

He leaves without a goodbye, and Nathan is frowning as he sits down.

“Jack…” I trail off.

“Finn.”

“Ah.” The recognition finally turns on. Jack Finn, another real estate mogul in the city. And one of Nathan’s biggest rivals.

Nathan takes a sip of his champagne, his eyes still dark with anger. “He’s a shark. And he’s always been a bit too interested in my personal life.”

I can feel the tension between us, and I don’t know what to say. Nathan is my boss, and I should leave him to his own business, but I hate seeing him upset.

“He’s not worth it,” I finally say. “You’re already on top. I’ve seen the numbers, Nathan. He’s no threat to you.”

His eyes light up. “Finally. I was wondering when you would get comfortable using my first name. And thank you. You always know how to make me feel better.”

There’s a flutter in my stomach, and I quickly avert my eyes. I catch a glimpse of Sloane Hawthorn, standing with a crowd around her, and I feel as if I’ve come down to earth with a bump. She’s stunningly beautiful, and seeing her up close is all it takes to remind me that I’m a fraud.

I’m not a glamorous swan like her. I’m a frumpy assistant playing dress-up.

“Would you like to meet her?” Nathan suddenly asks.

“What?” I feel my eyes get big as I turn to look at him.

“Sloane,” he clarifies. “Would you like to meet her?”

“Oh.” I laugh nervously, feeling foolish. “No, that’s okay. I don’t want to bother her.”

Nathan gives me a curious look, and I can feel myself getting even more self-conscious. “I mean, I’m sure she’s busy. And I don’t really have anything to say to her.”

“Maria.” Nathan’s voice is firm, and I look up at him. “You’re a wonderful person, and you’re just as important as anyone else here.”

It’s like he’s looked right into my soul and seen what’s bothering me. Usually, I would be compelled to turn away, but shock at his awareness has me staring back at him.

---