Page 9 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

After placing our orders at the counter, we grab a small table by the window.

“Can I ask you a question?” She fiddles with her hoop earring.

“Of course.” My response is instantaneous, but the way she’s looking at me now makes me nervous. Like she’s about to bring up something contentious or problematic.

“Wasn’t Anna supposed to be your date tonight?” she asks.

I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for this conversation. “Yes, she was. But things changed.”

Maria tilts her head, the corners of her lips turning down in concern. “Did something happen between you two?”

I hesitate, not wanting to reveal too much. But I also don’t want to lie to her. “We just… weren’t on the same page. She wanted something more serious than I did.”

“I see.” Maria’s expression softens, and I can tell she’s trying to be understanding. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s fine.” I wave it away, but she’s still studying me.

I could explain more. Tell her that my “relationship” with Anna wasn’t much more than a business move. How do I explain that without coming across as an ass, though?

I know what people say and write about me. They claim that I go through women like I’m trying on clothes. What they don’t know is I’ve never been intimate in any way with most of the women I’ve dated.

In fact, it’s been years since I’ve had a real relationship. It’s just easier that way.

Dating and stepping out with women makes statements, though. It keeps me in the public eye, keeps people talking about me — and any kind of talk is always good for business.

Luckily, our food arrives, saving me from having to explain further. Maria digs in, closing her eyes in bliss at the first bite. “Mmm, you were right. This is incredible!”

I just smile and keep eating, happy I could introduce her to one of my favorite spots. And even happier to be sharing this casual meal with her before we have to go to the gala and act boringly proper.

“I’m starting to think I should get you out of the office more,” I chuckle.

She freezes mid-bite into an egg roll, then puts it down. “Why is that?”

“Because…” I shrug. “You obviously know how to enjoy life. It’s refreshing to be around.”

She laughs. “I would have thought if anyone knew how to enjoy life, it would be you.”

“Why me?”

“You’re a real estate mogul. A billionaire. You can fly anywhere you want to at the drop of a hat. You were voted World’s Sexiest Man by Fluff Magazine. You…” She looks down and pokes some rice around with her plastic fork.

I wait for her to finish her sentence, but she doesn’t. “I what?” I prompt her.

Maria looks up at me, her eyes locking with mine. “You seem like you have everything. But I wonder if you really do.”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you mean?”

“Well, it just seems like you’re always on the go, always working, always surrounded by people, but never really connecting with anyone. And I can’t help but wonder if that’s what you really want.”

I’m taken aback by her words. Maria is perceptive, more than I gave her credit for. And she’s right. I do feel disconnected from people, from genuine emotions and relationships. But how do I explain that to her?

“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “Maybe you’re right. But it’s hard to slow down when there’s so much at stake.”

This conversation has taken an unexpectedly deep turn, and it has me shifting uncomfortably in my seat. I need a change in topic.

“The charity only needs five hundred thousand more to secure our goal for this quarter,” I say.

She nods. “Good.”

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