Page 61 of Stranded for Christmas with my Boss

Jensen shakes his head and takes my hand. “I called a meeting with all of my department heads and told them about us and how I want you to still work at the company but under someone else’s direct authority. Josh was more than happy to have you work under him.”

I blink in shock, processing everything. He’ll be my boss’ boss now, and I won’t directly report to him anymore. “That…makes sense.”

Jensen nods. “This prevents any sort of claims of abuse of power or anything like that. Not that I would ever take advantage of your position, but it’s always good to have these safeguards in place. I don’t want anyone to think negatively of your hard work because of your involvement with me.”

My heart stirs, warmth blooming throughout my chest. In every decision, he thinks about me. He makes sure that I’m taken care of, too. Just like he did at Christmas.

“Thank you,” I tell him as I squeeze his hand. “This means the world to me.”

“Your career is important to you, and I’m not promoting you because you’re my girlfriend. In fact, I didn’t even bring up your name when I was asking people in the marketing department who would do well in Maya’s position. They just thought you were the best because of the work you put in.”

A sense of awe floats over me as I think about all of the friends that I’ve made in the marketing department. We worked really hard this month, and I can’t wait to start the new year in an even higher position than my current one. All of my hard work paid off at last, and that bump in my paycheck is more than welcome.

My parents are going to be over the moon!

Through my happiness, a bittersweet feeling breaks through, making my smile wilt a little.

“What’s wrong?” Jensen frowns, immediately noticing the switch in my mood. He strokes my knuckles with his thumb in an encouraging manner.

A slight sting burns my eyes as a pitiful laugh breaks from me. I shake my head at myself and blink my eyes, trying not to tear up over something that’s really good news. “I’ll just miss being your assistant. I mean, I definitely want the brand specialist position more, but…we had a lot of good times. That’s how we met.”

Jensen smiles and leans forward, resting his forehead against mine. “I’m going to miss it too, but you deserve so much more. You’re going to do amazing things as a brand specialist.”

He’s right, but there will always be part of me that looks back on these days with a smile on my face. We went through a lot together in a short amount of time, and I loved the work that I did, even when we butted heads.

This company is where I was meant to end up. Not only did I finally find a workplace that I could thrive in, but I also found the man I love in the same building. Talk about a gracious two-for-one special.

“Thank you,” I tell him, unable to thank him enough.

“You did this, Alyssa. This is all you,” Jensen says as he cups my cheek, our eyes meeting. “I can’t wait to see all the great things you do.”

I can’t wait for next year. Next year is going to be a whirlwind. I feel it in my bones. But I’m ready. Ready to take on whatever comes my way, to prove to myself and to everyone else that I deserve to be where I am. I’m not just Jensen’s girlfriend, not just the former assistant. I’m Alyssa—brand specialist, force to be reckoned with, and a woman in love.

And with Jensen by my side, I feel like I can conquer the world.

December is only just a taste of what’s to come.

Chapter twenty-eight

Jensen

Music thumps throughout the large lobby of the office building, colorful lights illuminating the space as my employees enjoy a drink, grab a bite to eat, or dance it up. New Year’s Day is only thirty minutes away!

I sip on my champagne and weave through the crowd, my eyes sweeping over the dimly lit lobby. I could’ve had a classy New Year’s Eve party, but we’ve had a hell of a year. I think we can all let loose a little before our update goes live at midnight.

“There you are!”

I turn around to see Alyssa weaving around people to get to me. Her red cocktail dress glimmers under the lights, her dark red tinted lips forming a smile as she bites into a shrimp from her shrimp cocktail. “I was wondering where you went.”

“I’m starving,” Alyssa replies, pecking me on the cheek before offering her plate to me.

I steal one of her shrimp and nod in satisfaction. I typically use the same catering company for all of my work events, and they haven’t let me down yet. “This is my second drink.”

“Are you nervous drinking?”

“Maybe a little.”

Alyssa gives me an encouraging smile as she sidles up close to my side. “It’s going to be amazing, Jensen. The testers have been really happy with our work, and the rest of the world is going to love it too!”

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