Page 28 of My Billionaire Boss Crush

It’s my turn to burst into laughter.

Chapter sixteen

An Unexpected Guest-Alex

The soft glow of candlelight bathes the room, casting dancing shadows on the walls. The aroma of a sumptuous meal wafts through the air, tantalizing my senses and making my stomach rumble with anticipation.

After a long, productive hour in the kitchen that ended with Blair and I flicking flour at ourselves, we decided to ditch the frittatas and cook a proper dinner.

Tonight, my house is filled with warmth and laughter as we gather around the dining table, my beloved daughter, Summer, and Blair, who has become so much more to me.

As we take our seats, the clinking of glasses and the sound of laughter fill the air. The table is adorned with exquisite china, sparkling silverware, and a centerpiece of freshly picked roses. The ambiance is perfect, and yet, my mind is filled with thoughts that extend far beyond the beauty of this moment.

“You two look ridiculous,” Summer grins, looking between Blair and I’s flour-covered clothes.

We hadn’t bothered to get cleaned up since it was already late, and Summer needed to eat in order to use her drugs.

“Oh please, I look good even with this all over me,” Blair responds smugly, and Summer giggles.

I can’t help but agree with her. Not even the amount of flour all over her can take away just how beautiful she looks.

As I steal glances at Blair, her radiant smile and sparkling eyes captivate me. It's more than just physical attraction; it's a connection that runs deep, and it’s one that I’m glad to have. Our friendship has evolved into something profound and unspoken, something I never anticipated. I find myself drawn to her intelligence, her kindness, and her unwavering support.

I doubt she even has any idea that she has brought my daughter and me closer than before. I can’t remember the last time Summer, and I talked this much at the dining table.

Summer, oblivious to the swirling emotions inside me, engages us with her animated tales of school and her dreams for the future. She is the light of my life, the one who brings joy and purpose to every day. I adore her, but tonight, my attention is divided.

Blair's presence by my side is comforting, and as she reaches out to pass me a dish, our fingers brush briefly, sending an electric jolt through me. It's a simple gesture, one we've shared countless times before, but tonight, it feels different, charged with an unspoken energy.

A fluttering feeling dances in my chest, and I can't help but wonder if Blair feels it too.

As the evening progresses, the conversation deepens, delving into our hopes, dreams, and the intricacies of our lives. Blair's intelligence shines through, her insights and perspectives intriguing me to no end. I hang on to her every word, savoring the connection we share.

The wine flows freely, with Summer watching us enviously over her glass of water, loosening inhibitions and encouraging heartfelt revelations. Blair's laughter fills the room, melodic and infectious, and I find myself mesmerized by the sound.

With each passing moment, it becomes increasingly evident that my feelings for her have blossomed beyond the realm of friendship.

I continue to steal glances at Blair when she isn't looking, admiring the delicate curve of her jawline and the way her eyes light up when she speaks passionately about her interests. It's not just physical attraction anymore; it's an emotional connection that has gradually woven its way into the fabric of our lives.

Yet, despite these feelings, a lingering doubt nags at the back of my mind. Is it fair to Summer, my precious daughter, to let my heart wander towards another woman? I cherish her happiness above all else, and I would never want her to feel overshadowed or neglected, especially not when we’ve just been getting closer.

There’s also the fact that Summer’s relationship with her mother is strained, and I will never want her to feel like I’m replacing her mother with Blair. The struggle between following my heart and protecting her well-being tugs at my conscience.

As dessert is served, a rich chocolate mousse that Blair prepared with meticulous care, Summer asks a question that has me gripping my fork with so much force. “So, Blair, do you have a boyfriend?” she asks cheekily.

I watch as Blair’s cheeks immediately turn red as she does her best to avoid my gaze. “What? I…” she trails off, and I feel my heart pound with anticipation.

It never occurred to me that she might be seeing someone. After all, I had explicitly told her nothing would ever happen between us. God, even thinking about her being with someone else makes me want to punch a hole through the wall.

“No, I don’t,” she finally replies to my daughter, and the knot in my chest eases.

“Oh,” Summer mutters, slightly disappointed that she won’t be getting the juicy gist she was obviously after. Then, she perks up in her seat again and asks another question. “What about a crush? Is there anyone you like right now?” She wriggles her brows at Blair, whose blush deepens.

Suddenly, my food becomes the most interesting thing in the room as I fix my gaze on it while listening intently for her reply. Is she going to say, Dylan? The annoying man in the finance department has been particularly friendly with her for a while now. Even the blind can see that he wants to be more than friends with her.

Is it possible that they’ve gotten closer in the past few days since I’ve been gone for a while? The piece of chocolate mousse I shove into my mouth suddenly leaves a bad taste, and the room grows hot.

When Blair doesn’t reply for a while, I raise my head to see her biting her lips.

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