Page 24 of Heart of The Night

At that, I couldn’t contain my laughter. What he said was a candid reflection of Jason’s laissez-faire approach to life.

‘Why won’t John go himself?’ I asked.

‘He meant to, initially, but Mum’s hospital is hosting an event for the staff that night, so they’re double-booked. And, knowing him, he was eager to escape the event himself. He prefers to just transfer the funds directly to the charities instead of showing up to functions.’

My mouth twisted with amusement. ‘Like father, like sons, I suppose.’

He grumbled an affirmative, ‘Yeah.’

‘Is your attendance really necessary, though?’

‘Yes. Someone needs to represent the family.’

‘Seems you’re trapped, then.’ I planted a sympathetic kiss on his chest.

‘Unfortunately.’

I trailed my fingertips along his arm. ‘Do you think our colleagues will suspect, by the way? Since neither of us showed up for post-work drinks?’

He gave me a sceptical look. ‘Not in the slightest. They’ll think it’s a coincidence. Violet and Andy will cover for us if anyone asks, I’m sure.’

‘They’re aware of our date?’

‘Yeah.’

I let out an anxious breath. ‘I hope no one else suspects. Ellie is worrying me a bit.’

He tapped my back absentmindedly. ‘Cara, you need to relax about this whole dating-your-boss thing. In fact, as your supervisor, I’m the one at greatest risk. I’m not saying this because I want you to stop fighting us. I’m sincerely trying to enlighten you about the status quo on this matter. Workplace romances are common. How we conduct one is the critical factor.’

His words, meant to soothe, only served to heighten my worry – for him. There wasn’t a chance I would sit idly by while he, too, risked his career to explore our connection.

‘Perhaps we should draw up a contract that establishes mutual responsibility, Will. That way, if things turn sour between us, you won’t bear more risk than me.’

‘Ever the pessimist,’ he grumbled. ‘First of all, things won’t turn sour. Second, what you’re suggesting is known as a “love contract”. It’s commonplace in the US, but here in the UK, they don’t tend to hold up in court.’

I frowned. ‘Why not?’

‘There are two reasons, mainly. First, under UK law, an employee can’t waive their right to protection against harassment in the workplace. Second, such a contract would contravene Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.’

I struggled to remember the specifics of Article 8. ‘What does that article entail again?’

‘Well, essentially, it states that we’re entitled to a private life. In other words, it’s not illegal to have office romances in the UK. On the contrary, we are entitled to it, so long as we conduct it appropriately.’

I scrutinised his features, but his expression was flat. ‘Have you actually researched this?’

He nodded. ‘Right after you walked into my office the first time.’

I groaned, my eyes rolling. ‘So while I was pouring over my contract, you were researching the legalities of dating me?’

‘Yes.’

‘Christ. Was I that much of a foregone conclusion?’

‘I just wanted to know, just in case.’

A realisation hit me. ‘So that was the work that required your “immediate attention” back then.’

He grinned. ‘Yes.’

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