Page 8 of More Than A Boss

3

The week had flown by. Here it was, Thursday evening already, and Allie was pondering what to pack for her weekend business trip. She had to keep reminding herself that it was, in fact, a business trip and nothing more. If not, she would make herself a complete nervous wreck. Zane had advised her to pack warm clothing that could be layered so that she could peel things off as the day warmed up.

She didn’t really know how she felt about the upcoming weekend, beyond the odd sensation in the pit of her stomach. She felt slightly queasy. Uptight, she thought. It made total sense that she would be edgy about spending time with her boss in such close proximity. It wasn’t on neutral territory, like the office was. In her deepest core there was also a little anticipation and curiosity about what Zane would be like in his own element, outside of the office, after getting a taste of it at dinner the other evening.

Her mind wandering, she thought, “Maybe he will let down his guard a little more.” Then she gave a stern reminder to herself, “That isn’t the purpose of this weekend! Keep your focus on work and everything will be fine.” She threw another sweater on the growing pile of packed clothing.

Kit Kat had decided to help Allie pack and poked her head out from under the sweater she had just thrown in, causing Allie to laugh out loud.

“You are the nosiest cat I have ever met, Miss Kit Kat! Don’t you worry little one, I won’t be gone long, and the girls will be over to shower you with love and affection.” Kit chose that moment to jump from the suitcase and flounce out of the room.

“Well, alright already!” Allie called to the real mistress of the house. In truth, it was always hard to leave her fur babies. She always felt a pang of guilt leaving, but that was just the way it was. After checking the last “to do” off her list, the plan to get to bed early was within reach. She flossed and brushed her teeth then, wide awake in anticipation, she headed for bed.

The next morning, after a restless night of tossing and turning, she turned off the alarm, not even bothering with the snooze button. With all the butterflies in her stomach, going back to sleep was an impossibility. She threw back the covers and rose from bed and then pulled on her robe and slippers. Rubbing her eyes, she headed downstairs to put the coffee on. With Kit wrapping herself around her legs, Allie wasn’t likely to forget to feed her feline friend, which came next. Scooping out the wet food onto a plate, refilling her dry bowl, and giving her fresh water meant that was crossed off this morning’s list.

It was proving to be another pristine fall day. Temperatures were going to reach the high sixties and possibly even low seventies over the weekend. Yay, Allie thought, as she lugged her suitcase down the stairs, with Kit Kat under her feet.

“Are you trying to kill me?” Kit Kat knew what the suitcase meant, and she wasn’t pleased. “I promise it is only for two nights. Give me a break!” Allie pleaded.

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They had agreed that Zane would pick her up at her house so she wouldn’t have to worry about leaving the car unattended over the weekend. Glancing in the mirror, she noticed the worried look in her eyes. She was dressed casually, in jeans and a loose, bulky sweater over a tank top. She wore her hair tied back loosely, with her silver hoops in her ears. The normal cluster of silver bangles on one wrist and her watch on the other were her only other adornments. She had hesitated before adding lip gloss and mascara, not wanting to appear like she was trying too hard, but she added them anyway. She looked fresh and young, more like she was in her twenties than her late thirties.

“I look like a deer in the headlights, Kit!” Kit just stared, still miffed about the suitcase.

Allie startled at the knock on the door. Zane’s Mercedes SUV was so quiet, she didn’t even hear him pull into her drive.

“Well, Kit Kat, the show is on. Wish me luck!” Allie said anxiously.

Allie opened the door and was taken aback by the raw sensuality of her boss standing on her porch in his casual attire. He wore a fitted black T-shirt and old, faded blue jeans. Thrown over his tee, he sported a well-worn brown leather bomber jacket. If “Office Zane” was sexy, watch out, because “Casual Zane” was even more so, Allie thought. This guy, with his bright smile, was downright dangerous. She had the sudden urge to slam the door in his face. Suck it up, girl. This isn’t your first rodeo, she said encouragingly to herself.

“Hi,” she said quietly.

“Hey,” he replied. He stood on the stoop expectantly until Allie realized he was waiting for her to invite him in. Embarrassed at her lapse, she stepped back and let him enter.

“Welcome to my humble abode,” she said jokingly.

He glanced around approvingly at the large living room, with its focal point an old stone fireplace. Her style was a combination of modern comfort interspersed with some unique pieces of antique furniture. The large, bright sectional in front of the fireplace was inviting and just begged one to kick off their shoes and snuggle around the fire. A large, old-fashioned braided rug lay in front of the couch. Brightly colored throw pillows tossed around haphazardly added flare. There was what appeared to be original artwork adorning every wall—mostly landscapes in oil, but several watercolors and paintings of different animals. One entire wall was dedicated to framed photographs of various sizes that captured, presumably, her friends, family, and pets. Custom blinds with wide wooden slats covered the many large windows. The room was spacious, with lots of natural light. The open floor plan allowed him to see into the dining room and kitchen as well. Her use of color was very pleasing and vibrant but at the same time gave him a feeling of sanctuary.

Half-jokingly, Zane commented after his perusal, “Well maybe I should hire you to decorate my bachelor pad. You have created a lovely space here!”

Allie laughed, the ice now having been broken, “Well, true confession time, I had a lot of help! My tendency is to paint everything in neutral colors, but my friends convinced me to go a little wild.” She was pleased that he approved. Off to a good start, she thought. “Let me show you around, if you aren’t in a hurry to get going”.

“I would really like that,” he said.

Kit Kat chose that moment to poke her head out from under an overstuffed club chair. “Who do we have here?” Zane got down on his haunches and softly called out to Kit. He reached toward her as she carefully made her way over to sniff his proffered hand. After careful inspection, she showed her approval by rubbing her whiskers against his fingers. He scratched behind her ears, which sealed the deal as far as Kit was concerned.

“Another conquest!” Allie teased.

“That was too easy,” he replied.

His athletic frame rose easily from the squat, and the three of them made their way through the dining room into the kitchen, which was really the hub of the house. The owners had remodeled, renovated, and modernized the large kitchen space several years before deciding to sell. It retained enough of the old that it didn’t lose its farmhouse feel yet was highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.

A large island with stools scattered around it stood in the center of the kitchen. Matching granite countertops in rich earthy tones set off by the painted white cabinets and stainless-steel appliances finished the effect. The original back door had been replaced with double French doors that led out to a deck with an arbor. Zane noticed a chimenea and covered gas grill on the deck, along with plenty of space for outdoor entertaining.

“I was lucky to get the appliances in my divorce,” Allie commented. “I could never afford them now,” she chuckled.

“As we discussed the other night, divorces can be brutal,” he replied. “I’m glad you have come out OK though.”

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