Page 7 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

I hover there with my hand on the door, my every cell buzzing under his bright attention. “You’re welcome.”

I leave his office, feeling nervous and excited all at once. I have no clue what the next few hours hold, but without a doubt it will be a night to remember.

CHAPTER 3

NATHAN

The elevator doors slide open to the lobby, and Maria and I head for the front revolving doors. It’s dusk, a magic glow about the city.

I’ve always loved New York this time of day. It feels like anything could happen, like you could meet anyone or do anything.

“Thank you again for this,” I say as we step outside. The sun glints off the sleek black town car idling at the curb.

“You don’t have to keep thanking me, Mr. Colton.”

I stop on the sidewalk, my driver holding the back door open for us. “Please. It’s Nathan.”

Her brown eyes widen a bit. “Oh. Okay.”

“It only makes sense,” I hastily explain. “You’re not my assistant tonight. You’re?—”

“Right, right.” She hurriedly tucks her hair behind her ear and looks away before scurrying into the car.

I cringe. Have I put my foot in my mouth already?

My last intention is to make any of this awkward for Maria, but perhaps by asking her to the gala I’ve already done that.

And it’s too late now. She’s agreed, and we’re going.

Nodding a thanks at my driver, I climb into the back seat after Maria. My mind is racing as I try to come up with something to talk about.

“So.” I clear my throat. “We’ve worked together for a year, but I feel like I know so little about you. What do you like to do for fun?”

She smooths her skirt over her knees. “Oh, I don’t know…” She looks out the window as we pull into traffic.

“Come on,” I prod gently. “Everyone has hobbies. What do you enjoy?”

“Well…” She turns back, expression sheepish. “I guess I like anime. And graphic novels. I taught myself to crochet last year, and I like to sketch sometimes. I have this dream…” She trails off.

“What?” I can’t stop my smile. “What is it?”

“I kind of dream of having a shop. There would be art supplies, comic books… things like that.” She waves her hands. “It’s kind of embarrassing.”

“That’s great!” I smile, hoping to put her at ease. “Nothing to be embarrassed about. Creativity is important.”

She relaxes slightly, a hint of a smile touching her lips. “I guess so. What about you? What do you do for fun?”

I laugh. “Honestly? Not much. You see how much I work.”

She laughs. “Yeah, true.”

“But I do try to make time for reading and playing basketball. And, well…” I pause, feeling a little bashful. “I also like to write.”

Her eyes widen in surprise. “Really? What kind of stuff do you write?”

“Just silly little short stories mostly,” I shrug. “But it’s a good way to unwind.”

Maria tilts her head thoughtfully. “I’d love to read one sometime, if you don’t mind sharing.”

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