Page 26 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

My heart skips a beat. That’s the part that truly doesn’t feel real — he and I together.

“Hey.” I sit up and look at the spot on the floor in front of the stove.

The blanket and pillow are there, but Nathan isn’t.

Throwing my blanket off, I peek into the open bathroom. He’s not there either.

“Nathan?” I call.

There’s no answer.

A sudden panic sets in. Nathan is gone. My heart races as I imagine the worst — that the men from last night have taken him.

“Stay calm, Maria,” I whisper to myself, putting on my clothes in haste. I push open the cabin door and step into the cool morning air, scanning the area for any sign of him.

“Where could he be?” I mutter, walking outside as worry gnaws at me. Flashes of last night’s events replay in my mind — Nathan and I barely escaping from those men, the car chase, slipping into this cabin late at night. My chest tightens with unease.

Before I know it, tears are running down my cheeks. Nathan is gone. Who knows where those men have taken him, or if he’ll ever escape. Even if the ransom is paid, maybe they’ll kill him anyway.

Pain creeps up my chest, and my knees go weak. I feel like I’m going to vomit.

“Maria!” Nathan’s voice calls out, and my head snaps toward the sound. Relief washes over me when I spot him strolling down the street, the ocean behind him shimmering under the sun. He looks at ease, as though everything is normal.

“Where were you?” I ask, wiping away the tears that betray my fragile state. I don’t want him to see me like this, but it’s difficult to hide the fear and relief that now mingle together.

“I was just taking a look at the ocean,” he replies, approaching me with concern etched across his face. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Scare me?” I scoff, trying to play it off. “Please, I was just… surprised you weren’t here when I woke up, that’s all.” Despite my brave front, he can tell I’ve been crying.

“Maria…” he says softly, stepping closer and placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry, I should have left you a note or something. I promise, I won’t leave the cabin again without telling you first, okay?”

“Okay,” I murmur, nodding. I appreciate his concern, but part of me wishes I could be more like the strong woman he knows from work — the one who can handle unpredictable situations with ease.

“Let’s go back inside,” he suggests, guiding me toward the cabin. As we walk, I try to shake off my lingering fears and focus on the present. For now, he’s safe, and so am I. That’s all that truly matters.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the cabin as we stand side by side in the small, rustic kitchen. I crack eggs into a bowl and whisk them while Nathan stands next to me, fumbling with the toaster. The tense lines on his face reveal a mind preoccupied with thoughts far beyond our cozy hideaway.

“Did you know I have three board meetings scheduled for next week?” he says, almost to himself, as he watches the toast slowly darken.

I nod. “I do. I’m your assistant, remember? I scheduled them.”

He seems to not hear me. “If those men aren’t caught soon, I don’t know how much longer I can stay here.”

“Everything will work out, Nathan,” I say, trying to reassure him even though I’m not entirely sure myself. “Your company will be fine without you for a little while.”

He glances at me, his eyebrows raised in surprise. “You really think so?” Clearly he’s struggling with the idea of relinquishing control.

“Of course.” I pour the scrambled eggs into a frying pan. “Besides, it’s not like you’re on vacation. You’re here because your life is in danger.”

He lets out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. “Right, because that’s so much better.”

“Hey.” I look over at him and nudge his arm gently. “Try to relax a little. Your company can survive a week or two without you. In the meantime, focus on staying safe and figuring out who’s after you.”

He sighs, nodding in agreement. “All right, all right. You win.” He turns his attention back to the toast and retrieves the now perfectly golden slices from the toaster. “I guess I can try to let go a bit.”

“Good.” With a genuine smile, I flip the scrambled eggs. “Now, why don’t you tell me something about yourself that has nothing to do with work? Anything. What’s your favorite movie?”

“Favorite movie?” he echoes, appearing genuinely surprised by the question. “Well, uh, I’d have to say… The Godfather.”

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