Page 27 of My Billionaire Boss Crush

“You’re not wearing a shirt,” I blurt out, pretty sure I sound like a salivating fool right now.

He looks down at his bare chest as if noticing it for the first time. “Shit! Sorry, I was trying to make Summer frittatas since the housekeeper couldn’t come today, but I did it wrong, and there was some kind of explosion in the kitchen.” He winces as he recounts his ordeal to me.

But I’m too far gone to really listen or comprehend what he’s saying. As soon as my eyes meet his, I’m lost again.

I'm struck by the intensity and warmth that emanate from within. His gaze holds a depth of understanding and a spark of something more, as if he knows the effect he has on me and welcomes the connection it brings.

In this unguarded moment, I see him as more than just a shirtless figure. I see a man who is captivating, complex, and filled with untapped layers waiting to be explored. And at that moment, I can't help but feel a magnetic pull, a yearning to know him on a level that goes beyond the physical.

Oh god, I’m so screwed.

I’d already established the fact that I’m attracted to Alexander. After that kiss we shared in my apartment, there’s no denying that he does too. But letting myself feel something more, something beyond physical attraction, is a weakness I can’t afford.

I like being friends with him, and I know that wanting more will only push him further away from me. So, I do the only thing I can and bury those feelings deep within me.

But for now, I savor the sight before me, etching it into the recesses of my memory. The image of this shirtless man, so effortlessly captivating, will remain a testament to the allure and magnetism that he possesses.

Swallowing and blinking to regain my focus, I practically shove a bag against his chest. “Grapes!” I yell before chastising myself in my head to keep my cool. Exhaling, I bring my voice down a pitch. “I, um, brought grapes for Summer. She mentioned that she likes them.”

A twinkle of joy flashes in his dark, alluring eyes as he grabs the bag. “You’re right; she does. Thanks, Blair. You’re about to be her favorite person in the world.”

With a smirk, I reply, “I already am.” I wink mischievously at him. “She like me better than you.”

Alex throws his head back, and deep laughter rumbles out of him, leaving me enamored at how unbelievably handsome he looks. Christ, I have it bad. “Yeah, well, anyone willing to watch Princess Dairies with her and listen to her narrate the entire thing makes the list of her favorite people in the world.”

A pang of longing tugs at my heart as I stand across from him in his cozy living room. The way his eyes light up when he talks about his daughter, the warmth in his smile, and the vulnerability he shows in sharing his worries touches me deeply.

As I pause, searching for the right words to say that won’t give away the feelings I can’t seem to get rid of, I catch a glimpse of uncertainty in Alex's eyes. It's as if he senses that there is something troubling me. I won’t be surprised if those eyes of his can read my carefully hidden thoughts.

"Blair," he says, his voice tinged with curiosity, "there's something different about you. Is everything alright? My heart skips a beat, worried that he knows why I’ve suddenly become tongue-tied. “Is it work? Are the others being hard on you? Tell me, and I’ll make a call to HR right now…"

I heave a sigh of relief, thankful that he hasn’t seen right through me. “No, there’s nothing going on at work. I just… I’m just tired, I guess. It’s really nothing,” I assure him.

“Oh,” he mutters. “You know, you don’t have to come around every single day. I know Summer enjoys your company, but I’m sure she’ll understand if you’re too busy with other things.”

I tilt my head slightly, staring up at him. “You don’t want me here?” I asked, cursing the vulnerability that seeped into my voice.

Alexander’s eyes widen, and he takes one step toward me, bringing our bodies even closer so that I can feel his warmth radiating off him. “Of course, I want you here. Summer isn’t the only one who enjoys your company,” he mutters under his breath, and I think I see a hint of… is he blushing? I almost giggle at how adorable he looks right now. “I just don’t want you to feel like you’re obligated to be here because I’m your boss.”

I fold my arms across my chest, raising a brow. “Aren’t we passed that? I’m your friend too, remember? And I don’t feel obligated to do anything. I’m here because I want to be.”

He flashes me a shy smile that all but melts my heart. “Then, I’m glad to have such a great friend,” he says.

Before I can think too much about how sad the word “friend” makes me feel, I wave him off and drop my purse on the couch, pulling my jacket off. “Now, come on, put a shirt on, and let’s see about that frittata of yours.”

Alex leans back, a smug smile on his gorgeous face. “Blair Osbourne, is that your way of admitting that me being shirtless makes you uncomfortable?”

Refusing to meet his laughing eyes, I feel a warmth spread through my cheeks. “No, I’m just worried about you, that’s all.”

“Really?” He says, amusement dripping from his tone.

“Yes,” I retort. “I don’t want hot oil marring that skin of yours. We both know you’re too much of a diva and would likely combust at the sight of a scar on your perfect skin.” I stick my tongue out at him.

His eyes darken, but it happens so fast that I chalk it up to the trick of the light. “So, you think my skin is perfect, huh?”

“Shut up, Alex,” I mumble as I make my way to the kitchen.

He follows, his laughter trailing after me, and he almost runs into me when I stop abruptly at the sight of the mess in the kitchen. “Yeah, that happened.” He scratches the back of his head.

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