Page 31 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

Right now, we’re watching each other’s backs, doing whatever we need to do to stay alive. Soon enough, though, we’ll be back in the real world.

The wind howls, rattling the windows, as the storm outside grows even more fierce. A sudden crash of thunder startles us, and Maria shrieks. The lights flicker once… twice… then the power goes out, plunging the cabin into darkness.

“Are you okay?” I ask, reaching out instinctively to find her in the dark.

“Fine. Just a little startled.” Her voice betrays a hint of nerves.

“Let’s light some candles.” Aside from helping us see, maybe that will help maintain an air of calm.

It’s not like me to be nervous about storms or the power going out, but this case is different. Being in the dark makes me feel raw and vulnerable, like I won’t be able to spot the men who are hunting us if they do show up. And I suspect Maria is of the same mind.

Together, we fumble through drawers and cabinets, finally locating a box of matches and a handful of candles. As we work together, lighting them one by one, the flickering glow casts warm, dancing shadows on the walls, transforming the once sterile cabin into something almost magical.

“Let’s sit by the fire.” I guide her towards the fireplace, where the flames are still strong enough to keep us warm. We settle shoulder to shoulder on the soft rug, close enough to feel the warmth of the fire and each other’s bodies.

“How are you holding up?” I turn to face her. “Aside from the fact that we’re hiding out.” My jaw tightens. I doubt I’ll ever forgive myself for putting her in such danger.

“I’m okay. What about you?”

I sigh. “Frustrated. Mad at myself for letting all of this happen.”

She looks at me, surprise in her eyes. “This isn’t your fault.”

I shrug, not wanting to go into it. No, I didn’t see this threat coming, but maybe I could have, if I’d paid better attention.

Maria’s voice, soft and kind, breaks through my negative spiral. “We can’t go back and change the past. All we can do now is focus on what lies ahead.”

I nod, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. “You’re right.”

We fall into a silence, and the moments creep by. Suddenly, she chuckles softly.

“What?” I cock my head at her.

“I didn’t expect you to trust me so easily. I mean, you put your life in my hands.”

“Of course I trust you,” I reply without hesitation. “You’ve shown time and again that you’re capable and cool under pressure. Why wouldn’t I trust you?”

“Really?” Her cheeks flush with color. “I never thought you saw that in me.”

“Maybe I haven’t expressed it before, but I see it now,” I admit. “And I’m grateful for it. For you.”

“Oh.” She gazes into the flames, and I’ve never wanted more to be a mind reader than I do now.

“Can I be honest with you?” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Of course.” I turn to face her more fully.

“I always thought you never really noticed me at work.” Her gaze drops to her hands that nervously twist in her lap. “Not unless you needed your dry cleaning picking up or a meeting rescheduled.”

Her words sting more than I’d like to admit. Have I come across as aloof and distant? It’s not that I didn’t notice her; quite the opposite, actually. But there’s a need for boundaries at work.

It’s funny how our current circumstances have blown those boundaries to pieces.

“Maria, I’m sorry if I ever made you feel that way.” My chest has tightened at her admission. “It wasn’t intentional. As your boss, I had to maintain a professional distance.”

She nods, giving me a small, understanding smile. “I get it, I do. It’s just strange being here with you like this.”

“Strange, but not unwelcome, right?” I ask, hoping to lighten the mood.

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