With a hint of a smile on his perfect lips, he walks away toward Lior’s office.
The day rushes by in a blur of meetings and tasks. I bounce between departments following Pierce, taking notes and organizing schedules. Considering I usually leave a trail of destruction in my wake, I think I’m crushing this PA job. Or at least Pierce hasn’t complained, or given me one of his exasperated looks yet…today.
By the evening, most people have left, but I remain at my desk, surrounded by all the previous parties’ planning detailsfrom an existing file Fiona saved, plus notes I’ve been making all day when Pierce’s meetings became way too boring.
Venue brochures and catering menus for the party spread across my workspace as I sketch out different themes. I’m so absorbed in my work that I don’t notice Pierce approaching.
“Heading home soon?” he asks, his tie slightly loosened and looking way too good. It takes me a while to get the full function of my tongue.
“Oh, I’m kind of on a roll with these party ideas,” I reply, gesturing to the organized mess on my desk. “I don’t want to lose momentum.”
Pierce pauses, and I swear I see something soften in his expression. “Bring it all into my office,” he says. “I’ll order food, and we can work on it together.”
“Really?”
He nods, then turns and heads back into his office.
My heart does a little flip as I gather my materials. The thought of spending evening hours alone with Pierce, away from the usual office bustle, makes my hands slightly unsteady as I collect my papers. I try to keep my smile contained, but inside, I’m glowing with happiness at the prospect of this unexpected time together.
The office feels different after hours. The harsh fluorescent lights have finally dimmed now that everyone has left, and only the light in Pierce’s office is on. I spread the information I’ve researched across his desk.
“If you’re happy with Chinese, I’ll get us a few different options from this place nearby. It’s one of my favorites in the city,” he says, tapping away on his phone.
“I love Chinese. Thank you.”
“Okay, let’s see what you’ve got here while we wait for the food.”
I show him the notes I have on a few venues. After a fewlong minutes of watching every microexpression on Pierce’s face as he reads through my notes, he finally looks up.
“The downtown venue,” he says. “Tell me why you chose it.”
I lean forward, spreading out photos of the converted warehouse space. “It’s got character. High ceilings, exposed brick. Classic but not stuffy.”
“And the catering options?”
My favorites are already marked with my observations. “The seafood place is out,” I say confidently, watching his reaction. “Since you always avoid fish at business lunches.”
“You noticed that?”
“I notice lots of things.” I want to say it’s my job to notice things, but I’d be lying because what I notice about Pierce goes beyond the call of duty as a personal assistant. Instead, I slide the dessert menu closer, tapping a sticky note that reads “Perfect for your sweet tooth, especially the chocolate options.” My finger brushes his as I point out specific items, and neither of us immediately pulls away.
“Like my apparent fondness for chocolate?” His tone is teasing now, more relaxed than I’ve ever heard it in the office.
“Like how you hide designer chocolate bars in your desk drawer,” I confirm. “Third one from the top, behind the extra staples.”
He laughs then. A real laugh that makes the butterflies in my belly dance. Or maybe I’m just hungry.
“I’m beginning to think I need better security measures.”
“Or just a more discreet sweet tooth.” I flip through more menus, hyperaware of how he’s leaning closer, how the space between us seems to shrink with each passing minute. “Though I have to say, your taste in chocolate is impeccable.”
“Is that a professional observation?” His voice has gone soft, intimate in a way that makes my skin tingle.
“Very professional.”
“What else have you noticed?” he asks quietly.
I swallow hard, trying to maintain some semblance of proper distance. “That you roll up your sleeves when you’re comfortable,” I say, watching his hands move to do exactly that. “That you tap your pen three times before signing important documents. That you…”
