Page 46 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

“Thanks for letting me know,” I tell her, attempting to sound calm even though I’m anything but. “I’ll be right there.”

I hang up the phone and wipe the sweat off my brow, considering taking a quick shower before heading back to the office.

But as I glance at the clock, I realize that time is of the essence. It’s almost the end of the workday, and if they’re the papers I think they are, they need to be signed before five. With a sigh, I decide to forego the shower, knowing that it’s more important to get this paperwork signed.

“Get it together, Nathan.” I make my way back to the office, still wearing my gym clothes and drenched in sweat. I can’t afford to let Maria see how much she affects me.

When I step into my office, Maria is there, the papers in her hand. Her eyes widen at the sight of me, covered in sweat and wearing shorts and a T-shirt. She clearly wasn’t expecting me to look like this, and I can sense the raw, primal attraction between us.

It takes all of my self-control not to grab her, press her against the wall, and kiss her senseless.

“Here’s the paperwork.” She hands over the folder with a slightly shaky hand. I can tell she’s just as affected by our proximity as I am, and it both thrills and scares me.

“Thank you.” My reply is curt. Professional.

As I sign the documents, my thoughts race. What the hell is happening to me? Why can’t I just put this behind us and move on?

“Is there anything else you need before I leave for the day?” Maria asks, her voice soft and uncertain.

I want to tell her that I need her, that I crave her touch like a man dying of thirst craves water. But instead, I swallow my feelings and shake my head. “No, that’s all for now.” I hand the folder back to her. “Thanks again for reminding me about this.”

“Of course.” She smiles but avoids my eyes.

“Is there… something you need?” I wince. Damn it. Why did I even ask that?

“Actually…” She hesitates for a moment, biting her lip before continuing. “There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”

“Okay.” My pulse races as I wait for her to go on. As much as I want to hear what she has to say, I’m also terrified of where this conversation might lead.

She takes a deep breath, her brown eyes searching mine for a moment before she speaks. “I’ve been thinking a lot about that night we spent together in Montauk, and I can’t help but feel disappointed that things have been different between us since then.” Her cheeks flush a soft pink, her vulnerability evident in every word.

My stomach churns with a mixture of guilt and longing. The memories of our time together are never far from my thoughts either, but I’ve tried so hard to push them away.

“I understand that our situation is complicated,” she continues. “But I would regret it if I didn’t tell you how I feel. I have feelings for you, Nathan, and I think… I think you might feel the same way about me.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I know she’s right, but admitting that out loud seems impossible. It goes against everything I’ve tried to maintain since that night — our professional relationship, my emotional independence, my control over my own desires.

“Maria.” My voice is barely more than a whisper as I struggle to find the right words. “What happened in Montauk… it was special. But we can’t let it affect our working relationship. What we had was fun, but it’s time we got back to reality.”

I try to keep my expression neutral, but I can see the hurt flicker across her face as she processes my response. As much as I want to reach out and comfort her, to tell her that I feel the same way, I know that doing so would only make things harder for the both of us.

“Okay,” she says quietly, her eyes filled with sadness. “Thank you for being honest with me.”

“Of course.” I nod once. So that settles it.

I turn away from her and walk toward the door, feeling like there’s a gaping hole in my core. I desperately need that shower now — both to wash away the sweat from my workout and, if possible, the heavy weight of my feelings for Maria.

As I leave the room, I can’t help but wonder if I’ve made the right decision in keeping my emotions hidden.

I’ve hurt Maria, someone who has managed to break through the barriers I’ve spent years building up. Someone I’ve grown to care deeply for. And yet, I know deep down that this is the best choice for both of us. My track record with relationships is far from stellar, and the thought of causing Maria any more pain is unbearable.

But life is messy. It’s complicated. And at least I’m honest about that.

One day, Maria will thank me for this.

And maybe I’ll even thank myself.

CHAPTER 18

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