Page 2 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

Any longer than two days with some productivity sprinkled in and I might go insane.

As I entertain the idea of a short vacation, my eyes unintentionally wander back to Maria. She’s still at her desk, a thoughtful expression on her face as she types something on her keyboard. It’s moments like these that make me wonder what goes on in her mind. What are her dreams? What are her aspirations in life?

Surely she can’t want to be an assistant her whole working career — although being my assistant is a great job to have. Not only does it pay better than most assistant jobs at other companies; it comes with every benefit possible.

But it’s not exactly a creative, fulfilling job. So what more does she want? Who is she outside of our office?

I know I shouldn’t be asking these questions, but I find myself drawn to her aura, like a moth to a flame.

Corey’s voice pulls me back to reality. “So, what do you think?” he asks, snapping his fingers in front of my face. “Bahamas, right?”

I blink a few times, trying to refocus my attention on the conversation at hand. “Yeah, Bahamas sounds good,” I reply absentmindedly.

“You, me, Michelle…” He trails off. “Anyone you would want to bring?”

“Probably not.” I pour a sachet of brown sugar into my latte and stir it.

“Michelle can’t wait to meet you,” he says, lighting up at the mention of his girlfriend.

Corey and I have been tight since college, and I’ve never seen him as happy as he’s been the last three months, since Michelle came into his life. He met her at an industry event, and they instantly hit it off. She’s everything he’s ever wanted in a partner — smart, funny, and drop-dead gorgeous. And I’m genuinely happy for him.

“Yeah, I’m really excited to meet her too,” I say, trying to match Corey’s enthusiasm. “She sounds amazing.”

“We’re going to lounge on the beach all day, party all night,” he says wistfully. “You should come. When’s the last time you took a vacation, anyway?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I’m pretty busy here.”

Corey shakes his head. “You can’t work twenty-four seven, man. You need to relax, have some fun. Maybe even meet someone.” He waggles his eyebrows suggestively.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes again. This isn’t the first time he’s nudged me about my perpetual single status.

“I date,” I say.

He laughs and shakes his head, and I have to grin as well. We both know that the dates I go on are mostly just for show.

“But what about romance?” he pushes. “What about?—”

“Sex?”

“Obviously.” He leans forward. “But I was going to say a connection. Don’t you want that with someone?”

“I’m just not interested in that right now.” I look away.

It’s not exactly a lie. My company has been my top priority for years. But if I’m being honest, it’s more than just work keeping me from relationships. After seeing my parents’ disaster of a marriage, I’m wary about getting into anything even remotely resembling that. Easier to keep things superficial.

Corey sighs. “You can’t be married to your job forever. One of these days you’ll meet the right girl and change your tune.”

I just nod absently, my gaze drifting again to Maria. Maybe Corey has a point, but I brush the thought aside. I’m not cut out for romantic entanglements.

“Anyway, I better start getting ready for this thing,” Corey says, standing up and straightening his tie. “See you there.”

I watch as he strides out of my office, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I take another sip of my latte and let out a deep sigh. Relationships are just too much effort, and I have enough on my plate already.

Finally alone, I sit down and focus on work. Within minutes I’m sucked in, answering emails and making quick decisions like the pro I am.

Until my phone rings and breaks my stride.

I hit the button to answer Maria’s call. “Yes?”

---