Page 33 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

Because that’s what Nathan is, isn’t he? Even though he has shown me another side of himself, I can’t shake the belief that deep down, he really is the playboy everyone thinks he is. His words about only going on dates for show and to impress investors echo in my mind, but I stubbornly refuse to let them sway me.

As Nathan stirs, I quickly jump off the couch and slip into the kitchen, hoping he won’t catch me watching him sleep. I start making coffee, the familiar ritual grounding me. He walks in moments later, hair disheveled and looking amazing even in his rumpled clothes.

“Morning.” His voice is warm and sleepy, sending a delicious shiver down my back.

“Good morning,” I reply, trying to keep my tone casual. Heat rushes through me as our eyes meet, though, and I hate how easily he affects me.

“Did you sleep well?” He pours himself a cup of coffee.

“Surprisingly, yes.” I take a sip of my own coffee, grateful for the warmth it provides. “How about you?”

“Best sleep I’ve had in a while.” He leans against the counter and stretches.

I nod, not knowing what to say. We’ve shared so much in such a short time, but there’s still an invisible barrier between us. I can’t help but wonder how things would change if we’d kissed last night. Would it bring us closer or push us further apart?

“Maria.” He hesitates, and I tense, sensing an incoming bomb. “About last night… I’m sorry if I…”

“Hey, don’t worry about it,” I interrupt, forcing a smile. “We both know where we stand, right? I’m your assistant, and you’re… well, you.”

He looks down, his brow furrowing slightly, but he doesn’t say anything. The unspoken words hang heavy in the air, leaving me feeling more exposed than any kiss ever could.

We finish our coffee and move on to breakfast, the silence between us thick with unspoken words. Nathan takes a seat at the small dining table while I rummage through the kitchen cabinets for something to eat.

“Quite a storm last night,” I say, trying to ease the tension as I place a box of cereal and a carton of milk in front of him.

“Sure was. I haven’t seen one that big in a long time.” He pours me a bowl before helping himself. “I’m just glad we were here, safe and sound.”

“Me too.” I sit down across from him, focusing on my cereal despite the butterflies in my stomach. “We should probably pick up some more groceries soon. You know, in case another storm comes through.”

“Good idea.” His eyes meet mine for a brief moment before he looks away. “I was thinking about going down to the beach today. It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to just relax and enjoy the ocean.”

My heart sinks. So, he needs some space from me? I’m not surprised, I guess. Not after the awkwardness of last night. But I’ll never show him how much he affects me, and so I force myself to smile. “That sounds nice. I’ll make sure to lock up the cabin when you leave.”

“Actually…” Nathan hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck. “I was hoping you would join me. We should stay together, for safety.”

“Oh. Right.” I clear my throat. “For safety.”

“Unless you don’t want?—”

“No, no. Let’s go.” I busy myself with a bite of cereal.

After breakfast, we lock up the cabin and walk down to the beach. The storm has passed, leaving behind calm waters and a scattering of debris along the shore. Nathan walks close beside me as we search for shells and driftwood among the seaweed and broken pieces of wood.

“So…” Nathan’s words are tentative, his eyes scanning the sand. “You said you came here with your sister a few months back. Do you wish you could come more often?”

“It’s hard to say.” I pick up a smooth piece of driftwood and run my thumb over it. “I own the cabin now, but… Montauk holds heavy memories for me. It’s easier to stay away.”

“Must be tough,” he says quietly, reaching down to pick up a shell and examining it closely.

“Sometimes.” My voice is barely audible over the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. “But I guess we all have our crosses to bear.”

“True,” Nathan murmurs, dropping the shell back onto the sand, his eyes lingering on it for a moment before meeting mine. “We do.”

A gust of wind sends a shiver down my spine as we continue our walk. I glance at Nathan, noticing how the sunlight catches the tips of his disheveled hair. My thoughts drift back to last night, the warmth of the fire, and our almost-kiss.

“Maria.” My name on his lips makes my breath catch, and when he turns to me I get dizzy. “I wanted to apologize for last night. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

I shake my head, surprised he’s brought it up. “Don’t worry about it.” I force a smile, trying to keep my tone casual. “I know where I stand in your life; I’m your assistant, not some hot model worthy of dating you.”

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