Page 36 of My Billionaire Boss Crush

I chuckle, feeling a surge of joy at her playful comment. "Well, I had to match the beauty that's by my side."

Our eyes lock, and I can sense the electric tension between us. The unspoken longing and the unexplored possibilities hang heavy in the air, intertwining with the elegance of the gala itself.

My hand flexes against the small of her back as we find our seats at a beautifully adorned table already occupied by fellow guests. However, I’m barely seated before my attention is demanded by several other guests.

I remind myself that this is a business event, and I’m here to mingle with these people. It’s the only thing stopping me from snapping at them all and spending all my time with Blair at our table.

But even as I hold conversations with everyone interested in one with me, I steal glances at her when she's not looking. The way she effortlessly engages in conversation with those around, her eyes sparkling with intelligence and charm, draws me in even further. I'm captivated by her every word, her every gesture, and my admiration for her only grows with each passing moment.

Her earlier concern at our hotel suite about not fitting in almost makes me laugh because she looks like she belongs exactly in a place like this. Draped in fine clothing, surrounded by exquisite food and drinks, glowing under the iridescent light, she has never looked more beautiful.

As the night progresses, I can't tear my eyes away from her. It's as if a magnetic force keeps drawing me closer, urging me to reveal the depth of my feelings. I long to take her hand, to dance with her beneath the twinkling lights, and to declare to the world that she's more than just my assistant. She's the love I never saw coming.

But as much as I yearn for that moment, I also understand the importance of timing and the delicate nature of our connection. We're attending this gala as colleagues and partners in our professional endeavors, and I must respect the boundaries that exist within this setting.

So, I settle for stolen glances, cherishing each moment we share together. I watch as she converses with other guests, her charm and charisma captivating them just as she has captivated me. And even though I can't openly declare my feelings, the fire that burns within me only grows stronger, igniting hope for a future where we can explore the depths of this connection.

The night continues, and as the main course is served, I finally find the opportunity to speak to her, to express what has been on my mind since the moment I first laid eyes on her.

I return to our table like the rest of the guests, gently placing a hand on Blair’s shoulder to alert her to my presence before taking my seat beside her. I gaze into her eyes, wishing that time would stand still, wanting to capture this moment forever.

"Thank you for being my partner tonight," I say, my voice filled with sincerity. "You've made this evening unforgettable." It doesn’t matter that we’ve barely spent time together. Her presence alone has made my day.

A soft smile graces her lips, and she brushes a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "The pleasure was all mine," she replies, her voice laced with a touch of longing. "It's an honor to be by your side."

I open my mouth to respond, but I’m interrupted by a feminine voice. “Alexander, your girlfriend is absolutely wonderful.” I raise my head to meet Olivia Riverstone’s gaze. The sixty-year-old oil magnate and her husband smile warmly at Blair. “Such a refreshing young lady, and stunning too.”

Beside me, Blair blushes as she waves her hands frantically. “Oh no, Alex and I aren’t together. We’re just…” She spares me a glance before ducking her head. “Alex is my boss,” she finishes softly.

“Oh,” Olivia mutters, the brief excitement in her eyes dimming slightly. She leans back in her chair. “Then, I guess that makes you available then,” she winks and nods behind us to where a man that seems to be around Blair’s age is openly staring at us, well, staring at Blair.

I immediately recognize him as Damien Ross, heir to the Ross Conglomerate. Normally, he’s a standup guy, and on the different occasions that I’ve spoken with him, I actually like the guy. But the way he’s staring at Blair right now…

“I think you’ve caught a certain gentleman’s interest, my dear,” Olivia’s husband says with a grin, and I try as much as possible to quell the rising anger within me.

Blair struggles with a response, and just when I open my mouth to put her at ease, a spark fills Olivia’s eyes, and she taps her husband’s arm excitedly, her gaze fixed behind Blair and me.

As the music fills the air, cascading in waves of melodies, I turn around and watch intently as Damien approaches us. Jealousy prickles within me, and I struggle to contain the surge of possessiveness that threatens to overwhelm my emotions.

He says a quick greeting to us and extends his hand towards Blair, a confident smile gracing his face, and asks her to dance, and I feel a pang of insecurity. Will she accept? Will she be swept away by his charm, leaving me on the sidelines, consumed by jealousy?

My heart races as I witness her considering his offer. She looks over at me, her eyes searching for reassurance. In that fleeting gaze, I see a reflection of uncertainty, a silent plea for something. I’m not exactly sure what it is, and it becomes obvious that she won’t be getting the reaction she wants when she deflates a little.

“Blair…” I start to say, but she subtly shakes her head.

She plasters a smile on her face and turns to Damien. “It would be my pleasure,” she says, placing her hand in his, and they glide gracefully onto the dance floor.

I can't tear my eyes away as they twirl and sway, their bodies moving in harmony with the music. The ache in my chest grows as I observe the chemistry between them. The way he makes her laugh, the way he holds her close… it stirs a storm of conflicting emotions within me.

I yearn to be the one to make her smile, the one to hold her in my arms, but I'm forced to witness this intimate moment from a distance.

As I watch their dance unfold, I realize that jealousy is an unwelcome companion. It clouds my judgment, distorting my perception of their interaction. Perhaps it's simply a dance, a fleeting moment amidst the grandeur of the gala. Maybe it means nothing more than two people sharing a pleasant moment on the dance floor.

Still, the ache persists, a gnawing sensation in the pit of my stomach. I can't help but wonder if my unspoken feelings are reciprocated and if there's a possibility that our connection runs deeper than what we currently have.

It’s even more irking because he’s exactly the type of man people wouldn’t think twice about if they were together. If it were her and I on that dance floor together, the media would have pictures of us splashed all over it, and everyone would call it a scandal.

As Olivia and her husband whisper to each other, giggling like high school lovers, I watch Blair and Damien together with a sinking feeling in my heart. The wine in my hand suddenly tastes bitter the more I watch the two of them.

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