Page 1 of Curvy Girl for the Boss

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Chrissy

I stand before the mirror,studying my reflection as I slip into the elegant white dress, the fabric shimmering under the warm glow of my bedroom lights. The bodice hugs my curves, the off-the-shoulder neckline exposing the creamy skin of my décolletage. I let out a soft exhale, my fingers trembling slightly as I smooth the skirt over my hips.

"You look stunning, Chrissy," my best friend Madison says from behind me, her voice laced with admiration. "That dress is perfect for Christine Daaé."

I meet her eyes in the mirror, a smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Thanks, Mads. I can't believe I'm actually doing this—going to a fancy costume party the night before starting my dream job."

Madison grins, stepping closer to adjust the delicate lace trim along the neckline of my dress. "You deserve to celebrate! Landing that marketing position at Zander Industries is huge. Besides, it’s Halloween!"

I nod and grin, a flutter of excitement and nerves dancing in my stomach at the mention of my new job. Of course, Madison would say that. She’s always looking for any excuse to drag me to a party. She’s definitely the fun-loving one between us two best friends.

"I just hope I can live up to everyone's expectations. Zander Williams is known for being a brilliant but demanding boss," I say as I bite my lip, my nervousness taking back over.

"You've got this, girl! You're smart, talented, and you look hot as hell in that costume. Stop worrying about tomorrow! Tonight is all about letting loose and enjoying yourself before diving into the corporate world."

I take a deep breath, letting her words sink in as I turn back to my reflection. The dress fits like a second skin, the layered skirt cascading down my legs in a whisper of satin and lace. I reach for the delicate white mask resting on my vanity, my fingers caressing the smooth porcelain surface before lifting it to my face.

As I secure the mask in place, a thrill rushes through me, the nerves giving way to anticipation. I may be starting a new chapter in my life tomorrow, but tonight, I'm going to embrace the mystery and magic of being someone else entirely—even if only for a few hours.

"All right, let's do this," I say as I turn to face Madison with a grin.

***

The moment I step into the ballroom, I'm transported to another world. The space is transformed, draped in rich fabrics and bathed in the warm glow of countless candles. Masked figures swirl around me, their costumes a dazzling array of colors and textures. It’s like something from another era, and I’m momentarily dumbstruck. The air is thick with anticipation, charged with a sense of mystery and barely restrained desire.

I pause for a moment, drinking it all in. The music wraps around me like an intimate caress. I've never been to a masquerade before, and the sheer romance of it all sends a shiver down my spine.

Madison appears at my elbow, her eyes sparkling behind her own intricately decorated mask. "Isn't this incredible?" she murmurs, her voice nearly lost in the swell of the music.

I nod, too entranced to speak. As I let my gaze wander over the room, a flicker of awareness prickles along my skin, and I turn slowly, my gaze drawn like a magnet to the far side of the room. There, amid the swirling dancers and flickering candlelight, stands a figure that seems to command attention without even trying. He's dressed as the Phantom, the stark white of his half-mask contrasting sharply with the elegant black of his tailored suit.

A little thrill runs through me. How perfect! A man dressed as a character that matches mine.

Our eyes meet, and the rest of the room falls away. It's as if we're the only two people in the world, connected by an invisible thread that tugs insistently at my core. I'm vaguely aware of Madison saying something, but her words are lost in the rush of blood in my ears.

The Phantom tilts his head, a silent invitation, and I find myself moving towards him as if in a dream. The crowds part before me, the chatter and laughter fading to a distant hum. As I draw closer, I see that his eyes are a striking blue, piercing even in the dim light. They seem to see straight into my soul, leaving me feeling exposed and exhilarated all at once.

"Good evening," he says, his voice a rich, velvety purr that sends a shiver cascading down my spine. "I don't believe we've met."

"No," I manage, my own voice sounding breathy and foreign to my ears. "I'm sure I would remember."

His lips quirk in a ghost of a smile. "Likewise. And who, may I ask, is the enchanting Christine to my Phantom tonight?"

I flush, suddenly grateful for the mask that conceals my heated cheeks. "Chrissy," I murmur, extending a hand that trembles slightly. "My name is Chrissy."

He takes my hand in his, his fingers warm and strong. Instead of shaking it, he raises it to his lips, brushing a feather-light kiss across my knuckles. "A pleasure, Chrissy. You may call me...Erik."

I laugh softly, caught up in the playful spirit of the masquerade. "Just like the Phantom's real name. How fitting."

"Indeed," he agrees, his eyes glinting with mischief. "It seems we are perfectly matched this evening."

There's a double meaning to his words, a subtle undercurrent that makes my pulse quicken. The air between us feels charged, electric with possibility. I wonder if he feels it too, this inexplicable connection.

My cheeks flush further. I’ve never been this intensely attracted to someone—someone I just met no less.

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