Page 39 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

“Okay,” I agree, swallowing hard and focusing on the rhythm of the tires rolling over the pavement. My mind churns with questions and doubts. Why did I let myself believe that anything would change?

We’re almost at the office, but I let my thoughts drift to Montauk. The cozy cottage, the warmth of Nathan’s arms, and the soft glow of sunrise painting our skin golden. For a moment, it had felt like we were truly meant to be together.

But reality has a habit of barging in, reminding me that some things are too good to last. The taste of disappointment lingers, bitter on my tongue.

I’ll get past this. Somehow. Someway.

I’m strong, and so I know I will.

But first I need to learn to protect my heart and accept that the biggest, most beautiful fantasies hardly ever become realities.

CHAPTER 15

NATHAN

A few days after getting back into town, I find myself buried in paperwork at my desk, my mind focused on the new deal I’m working to finalize. My heart races as I draft the last of the contracts, knowing that this could be a game-changer for my company.

“Hey, man.” Corey’s voice interrupts my thoughts, and I glance up to see him leaning against the doorframe of my office. “You up for grabbing lunch?”

I hesitate for a moment, considering the mountain of work still waiting for me. But the thought of fresh air and a break from the office is too tempting to resist. Plus Corey and I haven’t had any time to just chat since my getting back. It’s been endless meetings and work, with talking to the police and lawyers in between. This whole shitshow with my competitors really got me behind on work, but at least everything is falling back into place.

With all the evidence my security team dug up, the men who wanted to get rid of me will be behind bars for quite a while. The bonus is that it’s several rivals less for me to worry about.

“Sure. Why not?” I push my chair back and stand up.

As we walk through the open workspace towards the exit, I notice Maria’s empty chair. She must be on her lunch break already. The sight of her vacant desk stirs up an uneasy feeling inside me. It’s only been a few days since we returned from Montauk, and the memory of our night together still lingers, haunting me.

She used to eat lunch at her desk most days, so what gives? Is she somewhere alone, or is she having lunch with someone else?

The question gnaws at the back of my mind like a splinter. I want her to forget about me, to move on and protect her heart like she always has, but the mere thought of her with another man sends a sharp pang through my chest.

“Everything okay?” Corey’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts as we step into the elevator.

“Fine.” I force a smile. “Just got a lot on my plate at the moment.”

Corey nods in understanding, and we ride the rest of the way down in silence.

As we walk across the lobby, my thoughts drift back to Maria. I know I have no right to feel this way, especially when I’ve made it clear that I’m not interested in pursuing a relationship. But I can’t help the possessive tightness in my chest at the thought of her with someone else.

Maybe she’s just having lunch alone. Or perhaps she’s meeting a friend.

But no matter how much I try to convince myself otherwise, the image of Maria laughing and sharing a meal with another man stays etched in my mind like an ugly scar, a constant reminder of what I’m trying to push away.

Stepping out of the office building, I squint against the harsh sunlight filtering between skyscrapers. Corey leads the way to a nearby restaurant with an outdoor patio, its colorful parasols providing some shade from the midday sun.

“You doing okay?” Corey holds his fingers up to the hostess, gesturing that we need a table for two.

“Fine,” I mumble.

He knows about the plot to kill me, but other than that I haven’t shared any details. Everyone in my life who knows about it has been champing at the bit, desperate for info, but Corey has actually given me space. It’s what makes me want to share with him.

We’re seated quickly, and I take a deep breath, trying to push aside my concerns and focus on the present moment. Over appetizers, I find myself opening up to Corey about what happened: the kidnapping attempt, our escape to Montauk, and ultimately, the night I spent with Maria.

“Wait, you were with Maria? As in, your assistant Maria?” Corey’s eyes widen in shock, a piece of calamari halfway to his mouth.

I swallow against a lump in my throat. “Yes, her.”

“Damn, Nathan. That’s not like you at all.” He pops the calamari into his mouth. “Dating an employee? Getting romantically involved with a woman who knows your darkest secrets? Sounds risky.”

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