Page 17 of My Billionaire Boss Crush

The Dilemma-Alex

I step into the bustling gym, the sound of weights clanging and the rhythmic hum of exercise machines filling the air. It's a familiar haven, a place where I can focus on pushing my physical limits and find solace amidst the chaos of life.

Today, however, my mind is consumed with thoughts of her, her sweet-smelling scent, the sound of her musical laughter, and that kiss we shared last night on her couch.

I spot my friend, Mike, across the room, his muscular frame engrossed in a set of heavy squats. Making my way toward him, I try to shake off the tension that lingers from the kiss with Blair.

The fact that I could barely sleep last night after returning home is enough to tell me that I need someone to confide in, someone who can offer guidance and a fresh perspective. Preferably one that helps my ridiculously beating heart understand why having anything to do with Blair is a bad idea.

“Hey, Mike,” I greet him, my voice laced with a mix of weariness and uncertainty.

He finishes his set, wiping the sweat off his brow before turning to face me. “Alex, my man,” he says, grinning. “What brings you here today?”

I take a moment to collect my thoughts, and my gaze fixated on the floor as I search for the right words. "I need to talk," I admit, my voice softer than usual. I nod towards a corner, not exactly interested in stating my business to him and everyone else in the room.

Understanding dawns in Mike’s eyes, and he nods, grabbing a towel off the rack to wipe his face. When he rises to his feet, his six-foot-five frame easily towers over me as he saunters off beside me with the confidence of someone who owns this gym and several others across the city.

He raises an eyebrow, his expression shifting from grinning to concern. "Sure thing, buddy," he says, leading me to a quieter corner of the gym. "What's on your mind?"

Mike and I have been friends for as long as I remember, and he had been the one who got me out of that dark place after my divorce from Tianna. On days when I could barely get out of bed, he kept Summer company and took care of her when I couldn’t. If there’s anyone I trust in this world, it’s Mike.

I take a deep breath, trying to organize my jumbled thoughts. "It's about Blair," I begin, my voice tinged with a mix of frustration and longing.

“The Osbourne girl? Your personal assistant?” Mike asks, and I nod in confirmation, causing him to suck in a harsh breath that indicates he might know where I’m going with this.

I continue anyway. "We've been dancing around this... this connection between us. I've tried to keep my distance, to protect both of us from the complications that come with crossing that line."

Mike leans against the wall, crossing his arms. "Sounds like a tough spot to be in," he comments, his voice filled with understanding.

I nod, the weight of my emotions settling heavily on my shoulders. "It is. But last night... last night, something happened. We kissed. It felt right at the time like the universe was urging us together. But I stopped it, Mike. I pulled back because I'm scared not only of getting hurt again but of the consequences."

Mike listens attentively, his eyes fixed on me as he shakes his head. “Damn, man, I don’t know what to say," he says, his voice steady. "You already know what a disaster it’s all going to be. She’s half your age, and her father will kill you. He sent his daughter to you because he needed your help. You and her getting together will be like…"

“Taking advantage.” I finish for him and shove my fingers through my hair, frustration, and panic bubbling to the surface. “Shit, I need to get rid of her.”

Mike snorts. “What, fire her? We both know how that turned out the last time.”

I glower at him, but he’s right. Despite my threats and reservations in the past, I wasn’t able to send Blair off. I couldn’t stand it then, and I certainly won’t stand it now.

My friend sighs and pushes off the wall we’re both leaning against. “Listen, the way I see it, you care about this girl, and you want what is best for her. Maybe there’s a way you can get past your feelings for her. Or maybe this is simply a sign that you’re ready to start dating again.”

His words resonate within me, and I find myself leaning more and more toward his reasoning. “You know what, maybe you’re right.” I breathe out, but the image of Blair with her eyes closed and leaning close to me, waiting for that passionate kiss flashes in my mind. “But she had seemed eager last night, and she kissed me back, I could tell. How do I avoid telling her it’s never going to happen and breaking her heart?” I ask my friend, who just shrugs.

“So, have her transferred to another department or something and hire someone else as your personal assistant. You’ll be keeping your promise to her father and placing her at arm’s length at the same time.” He places a hand on my shoulder and stares down at me. “All you need is just to remind her and yourself that the only relationship you two have is that of an employer and employee.”

His words linger in the air, resonating deep within me. He's right. He has said everything I had hoped to hear to put me back on the right track. Yet, I can’t help but feel like I’m making a giant mistake.

I take a deep breath, the weight on my shoulders slowly dissipating. "You're right, Mike," I say, a newfound determination coursing through my veins. “I think I’ll take your advice,” I tell him, frowning at the decision I’m going to have to make.

Maybe Blair won’t be my personal assistant anymore, but at least I won’t be wiping her dreams away by letting her go. And she’ll still be close enough that I can keep my eyes on her in case something goes wrong.

Yes, I guess I can settle for that. However, my erratically beating heart will need some more convincing.

Mike smiles, his gaze filled with support and encouragement. "That's the spirit, buddy. Now, wipe that sullen look off your face. You look ridiculous," he teases, and I roll my eyes.

As I leave the gym, a surge of confidence fills my chest. The conversation with Mike has given me the clarity and resolve I needed. The only sane thing to do, to avoid the complications that would surely evolve if I let those feelings fester, is to let Blair go.

Back in my office after leaving Mike’s gym, the morning sun casts a warm glow across the room as I sit at my desk, trying to focus on the tasks at hand. But my mind is clouded, still reeling from the emotions of last night, even after my discussion with Mike, the tension, the incredible kiss, and the subsequent decision to pull away. It's a whirlwind of conflicting feelings that leaves me grappling with uncertainty.

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