Page 22 of Bossalicious Bad Boy

"Thanks," I reply, my voice tinged with sarcasm. "That's what I keep telling myself."

"Trust me," James insists, his gaze unwavering. "Give it time. And in the meantime, focus on being the best boss you can be. Everything else will fall into place."

"Alright," I agree reluctantly, downing the rest of my whiskey. "I'll try."

"Good," James nods, finishing his own drink. "Now, why don’t you tell me what happened?”

I take a deep breath, the scent of whiskey and oak mingling in the air around us. "It started when we worked late one night," I begin hesitantly, my eyes focused on the amber liquid swirling in my glass. "We shared some personal stories and, well...we kissed."

"That doesn’t sound as hot as I was expecting." James raises an eyebrow, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "It sounds more personal.”

"Yeah," I admit reluctantly, taking a sip of my drink. "After that, everything changed. She's been distant, avoiding me whenever she can."

James leans back in his seat, sipping his own whiskey thoughtfully. "What happened before the kiss? Any signs that things were off between you two?"

"None," I reply, racking my brain for any clues I might have missed. "She was always eager to take on responsibilities, and we had great conversations. It seemed like we were getting along really well."

"Could it be that she's feeling overwhelmed?" James suggests, his voice low and measured. "You said she's a recent graduate, right? Maybe she's struggling with the sudden change from school to work life."

"Maybe," I consider, tapping my fingers against the side of my glass. "But it feels like there's more to it than that. Like she's deliberately shutting me out."

"Have you talked to her about it?" James asks, leaning forward intently.

"I tried once, but she brushed it off and quickly left the room," I sigh. "I don't want to push her, but at the same time, I need to know what's going on."

"Alright, let's think this through," James says, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "What has Clara done differently since the kiss? Any specific incidents that stand out?"

"Let's see," I say, recalling the past few days. "She's been skipping out on our usual coffee runs, avoiding my office like the plague, and keeping our conversations strictly professional."

"Sounds like she's trying to create some distance," James observes. "Could it be that she regrets the kiss?"

"Perhaps," I acknowledge, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "But why? It's not like I forced her into it or anything. We both wanted it."

"Maybe she's worried about how it might affect her job," James suggests, his eyes narrowing as he thinks. "She's probably heard stories about workplace romances going sour, especially between bosses and interns."

"True," I concede, taking another sip of whiskey. "But I've always treated her with respect, and I have no intention of jeopardizing her career."

"Look, Alex," James says, reaching across the table to grip my arm reassuringly. "You're a good guy, and Clara knows that. Give her some time to process everything. She'll come around eventually."

I nod slowly, allowing myself to absorb his words. James has always been the voice of reason in my life, and right now, his perspective is exactly what I need.

"Thanks, James," I say, finishing off my drink. "I appreciate the advice."

I swirl the ice cubes in my glass, listening to them clink against each other like a rhythmic chorus. My grip on the tumbler tightens as I mull over his words. He's right, but it doesn't make this any easier.

I take a slow sip of whiskey. The liquid fire slides down my throat, bringing with it a sense of warmth that momentarily distracts me from the cold knot of doubt lodged in my gut. "But what if she never comes around? What if this is it for us?"

James chuckles, shaking his head. "You're overthinking it, brother. Just give her some space and let her process what happened."

I know he's trying to help, and I appreciate it, but I can't help feeling like I've messed up royally with Clara. She's more than just an intern – she's become a friend, someone I genuinely care about. And now, because of one impulsive act, I've jeopardized it all.

"Alright," I sigh, setting down my empty glass. "Thanks for the pep talk. I'll try to take your advice to heart."

"Good man," James says, patting me on the shoulder. "Remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, no matter what happens."

That does it. A sudden wave of relief washes over me, so strong it almost takes my breath away. For the first time since this whole mess began, I feel like maybe, just maybe, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I can't see it yet, but knowing it's there gives me the strength to keep moving forward.

"Thanks, James," I say with a grateful smile as we clink our glasses together one last time. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

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