Page 24 of Beauty and the Boss Man

“What sounds good?” She asks.

Walking toward her, I stand over her shoulder and look at all the options.

When I decide, I say, “How about a cheeseburger and fries?”

She turns her head and smiles up at me.

“Exactly what I was thinking.”

Taking a seat on the bed, she picks up the phone. When they answer, she gives her room number and places the order. “Two cheeseburgers with fries and a six-pack of beer. Oh, and no onions or mayo on one of the burgers, please.”

I’m cheesing like crazy when she hangs up. “You remember how I like my burger.”

She seems unphased. “You’re not the only one who pays attention to a lunch order, Boss Man. And for what it’s worth, I also know that it isn’t that you don’t like onions—you’re allergic to them.”

My face contorts in confusion because I don’t remember ever telling her that. I never make a huge deal out of it because it’s not a super-serious allergy.

She notices the look on my face and says, “I pay attention, Aiden. My job is to keep you on track and organized. Part of that means making sure you don’t eat something that would make you break out in hives.”

She stands up and walks over to the window, and slides the large curtains open, bringing into sight the beautiful view of the ocean.

She stares out over the choppy water, and I stare at her. I’ve always known Romy was a great assistant—the best I could ask for. But it took me flying her a thousand miles away to see how truly remarkable she is. I feel like maybe I’ve been taking advantage of her all these years. When we get back, I think it’s time to give her a raise.

A smile spreads across her lips, and a tiny giggle escapes.

“What’s so funny?” I ask.

“Just thinking about the elevator.”

When I start laughing too, she adds, “I never knew you were so funny. At work, you’re so serious. I had no idea there was a big goofball underneath.”

I shove my hands in my pockets and walk toward her. “Yeah, at work, I try to run a tight ship. In our line of work, deadlines are important, so I try to keep things on track. It doesn’t always leave room for fun.”

She shakes her head. “I get it. But I’m glad we’re here now and that I get to see this side of you. I like this side.”

“I’m glad too, Romy.” Pulling her close, I wrap my arms around her for a hug.

I am glad we are here together. And I’m happy we’re letting loose and pushing past the boundaries of our relationship.

She and I have always been in sync—always had a strong connection, but this is different.

This is something I haven’t felt in a very long time. It feels…real.

But we have a deal that this is only going to last a week and then end it. That’s what Romy wants.

But I’ll be damn sure it’s a week she’ll never forget.

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