Page 9 of Once Upon a Prince

“Of course, you are. So, he was so impressed with you that he didn’t fire you on the spot for violating company policy about cell phone use?” Layla asked.

“Exactly,” I said.

“And that was what you found more attractive about him than his looks,” Layla finished for me.

“Maybe,” I said and looked down at my empty drink.

“Leave it to you to find the city’s most eligible bachelor sexy not because of his body or his incredible eyes but because he’s kind,” Ara said and waved down the server to get us another round of drinks.

“She can’t help how she feels,” Layla said.

“I said he was compassionate and kind to me when he didn’t need to be. He listened to me and my suggestions,” I said.

“Knowing you, they were very sound and efficient decisions. He would be a fool not to listen to you,” Ara said.

“I think we have come to an understanding and we will have a good working relationship.”

“Is that all you’re looking for with him? A working relationship?” Ara asked.

“Why would I be looking for anything more? He’s my boss. I work for him. Even if that wasn’t the case, he is, as you said, the city’s most eligible bachelor. He wouldn’t be interested in me. Not when he could and has dated supermodels and famous actresses, or really whoever he wanted.”

“Because you’re a beautiful, smart, and amazing woman. Any man would be lucky to be with you. And if you find him attractive then he must be pretty special too,” Layla said.

“Well, there goes my chances to be with him. And I couldn’t be happier,” Ara said.

“Why have you two decided that I’m going to be sleeping with my boss?” I asked. I felt like the conversation had been going well and then suddenly went off the rails.

“We never said anything about you two sleeping together, but I wonder why you did?” Ara asked, looking at me and then Layla.

Layla smiled. “It’s interesting that she immediately went to sleeping with him instead of just flirting with him or even going on a date or two. The man does have to go to a lot of functions. It would be smart and efficient if he took you. Don’t you think?” Ara asked.

“He’s not going to have me on his arm for any function, that’s never going to happen. And you two implied I wanted to sleep with him.”

“Well, do you?” Layla asked.

“It’s the last thing on my mind right now. I just moved to a new city. I’m finally able to be around my two best friends. I started a new job. I’m away from my stepmother and her controlling ways. I have enough going on. There is no time or energy to get involved with anyone.”

“Oh, I wasn’t thinking you should get involved with him. Dax doesn’t do relationships. I was thinking it would be fun for you to get to know each other better, on a more primal level. If you catch my drift,” Ara said.

“We both did,” Layla said.

“Not going to happen. I can’t believe either of you would even suggest that I sleep with my boss. I could lose my job if I did. It’s beyond unethical.”

“I mean, they frown on that type of thing but there are ways to get around that. Though it would require you talking to HR. Oh, that would be a fun conversation,” Ara said.

“Yet another reason why it isn’t going to happen. Thank you for your support and even thinking that Dax Moore could be interested in me but can we change the subject?” I asked.

“For now,” Ara said with a smile.

“Absolutely,” Layla said.

She didn’t say anything more as our drinks and food arrived and I was happy for the break. Layla spent the rest of the time telling us about her job and Ara told us some great stories from her classes. It was wonderful to be able to see them and talk to them so frequently. It was one of the main reasons why I had moved to the city.

It was moments like this that I was going to cherish. I came to New York to have the life I always wanted to have. I wasn’t going to waste my time thinking about Dax Moore and how his eyes had lingered over my body when we had talked and how that had made me feel. It would only lead to frustration and annoyance. Though it was a lot easier to say than to actually do it.

Chapter 6

Dax

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