Page 37 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

MARIA

The first rays of sunlight filter through the blinds, casting a warm glow on Nathan’s sleeping face. His breath is steady against my skin, his arm draped protectively over me. My heart feels full and happy after last night, and I already know that I’m falling hard for him.

I blink back the memories of my parents’ relationship breakdown when I was a teenager. I’ve protected my heart for so long, but Nathan has found a way to break through those defenses, making me crave the intimacy and love I’ve kept at bay. I shift to face him better, our eyes meeting as he stirs awake. We share a soft smile, and I snuggle closer to him, breathing in his scent.

This moment is so perfect; I never want it to end.

And why should it? What if we have to stay here in Montauk for the rest of our lives, hiding out and taking on new identities? Would that really be so bad?

At least we would be together.

Nathan kisses my forehead, and I nearly melt into a puddle. If the way he worshipped me last night was any indication, he’s feeling the same about me as I am about him.

“Hey,” he whispers, his voice heavy and sexy as hell.

I grin, about to respond, but there’s no chance. His burner phone rings, shattering the moment.

Nathan sits up in bed, frowning, and looks at the phone on the bedside table.

“Who is it?” I sit up as well.

“Only one person has this number.”

My heart rate picks up. That means it’s the head of the security team that’s managing the kidnapping threat.

The tension between us thickens as we both recognize the significance of the call.

“Hello?” Nathan answers the phone, his voice cautious. I strain to catch snippets of the conversation, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Everything okay?” I mouth silently, trying not to interrupt the call. He nods, pursing his lips as he continues to listen. A flood of relief washes over me, and I let out a shaky breath. For now, it seems like we’re safe.

As the conversation progresses, Nathan’s furrowed brow gradually eases, and I can tell that whatever news he’s receiving is positive. I can’t help but yearn for more time together, away from the chaos and danger that brought us to Montauk. But reality is calling, and I know we can’t hide here forever.

“Great work,” Nathan tells the head of the security team, relief evident in his voice. “I appreciate everything you’ve done.”

I swallow hard. Okay, this sounds really good.

“Thank you,” Nathan murmurs into the phone before hanging up. He turns to me, concern etched on his face. “They’ve arrested those responsible for the kidnapping plot. We’re safe now.”

“Really?” I ask, stunned.

“Really,” he confirms with a genuine smile.

The weight of our situation begins to lift, and in this moment, it’s just the two of us again. Nathan pulls me closer, his eyes locked on mine, and we share a tender embrace.

“Safe…” I whisper, my heart soaring at the thought that we can finally go back to our lives without constantly looking over our shoulders.

Except… is that what I really want? To return to the city and leave behind this week in Montauk?

Even though we were running and hiding, this week has been amazing. I would live it all over again if I could. Especially last night.

“Looks like it’s time for us to head back to Manhattan,” Nathan says.

“Yeah.” My chest tightens at the thought of leaving this haven we’ve shared. But I keep those thoughts to myself, knowing Nathan has responsibilities waiting for him back home.

“Yes,” he replies, checking the date on his phone. “I have a crucial meeting later today, and there’s a short window to close a deal.”

I know what meeting he’s talking about, of course. I just forgot all about it. Just like I forgot about everything else back home.

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