He turned to me, eyes softening and jaw relaxing.“You’re here to learn, to observe.But I value your opinion.If you have any questions or concerns, I want you to feel free to speak up.”
I preened under his praise, a pleasant flush warming my cheeks.He respected me, valued me professionally, treated me as an equal.That was so rare to find in a man, especially one of his status.
“Thank you,” I said.“I appreciate you saying that.And I’ll do my best to contribute however I can.”
He nodded, gazing at me for a moment before turning back to the window.
* * *
Three hours later,we emerged from the imposing skyscraper, back out into the chilly London air.
Adrenaline pumped through me.I had done it—contributed to the conversation, asked thoughtful questions.Emmett said as much, praising me for catching a mistake in the paperwork that could have cost the company weeks.
“You were amazing in there,” he said, his hand grazing my lower back.
Pride ballooned in my chest.I’d never had this kind of support.Emmett made me feel like I could conquer anything.
“So, what’s next on our agenda?”I asked as we strolled down the sidewalk.
He flashed me a smug smile.“Nothing.We’re done with work for the day.”
“I thought we had that conference call later?”
“Nope.”He shook his head, eyes glinting.“The rest of the day is about celebrating my birthday.”
“Your birthday?”I mentally kicked myself for not knowing.“Emmett, why didn’t you tell me?”
“Don’t worry about it.I planned out the whole day for us.”
Taking his arm, I gave him a severe look.“Uh-uh.You do not plan your own birthday celebrations, mister.”
Emmett smirked, covering my hand with his.At the crosswalk, he turned and cupped my chilled cheeks.His warm palms were like heaven.
“Okay, I promise you can plan the festivities next year,” he said.
Next year.My heart fluttered.What kind of future did he envision for us?Colleagues?Friends?Somethingmore?
“Fuck it,” he grunted.His lips met mine in a kiss that seemed to answer my question.
Shit.
I think I just fell for my boss.
* * *
Emmett spentthe day showing me just how muchmorehe would give me.
The sun was setting by the time we hopped into the limo parked outside Buckingham Palace.We’d spent the afternoon visiting all the major tourist destinations—Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey.My feet ached from walking, especially in my super-cute-but-not-very-practical boots, but I couldn’t keep the giddy smile off my face.
“Thank you for an incredible day,” I said, leaning into him as the limo pulled up to the hotel.“I can’t believe you planned all this.”
He grinned and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.“The day’s not over yet.Go get changed for dinner.”
He held out a hand to help me from the car, and he didn’t let go as we made our way up to the penthouse.
Back in the luxurious comforts of my suite, I freshened up with a warm shower and slipped into an elegant black cocktail dress and my signature pumps.I released my hair from its professional chignon and let the soft waves fall down my back.A few swipes of mascara and gold eye shadow enhanced the green of my eyes and set my skin glowing.
My mind replayed the day’s events—the sights, sounds, and emotions that had filled it to the brim.Emmett had been an excellent tour guide, making sure I saw everything on my bucket list.Throughout the day, he kept finding small ways to touch me—a hand on my back, playing with my fingers, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.Each casual caress left me craving more.
