Page 10 of Something Just Like This

His head spun. Oh, he’d pegged this all wrong. He’d wanted to give her space, but now she believed his interest in her was only to strengthen their bond from a work standpoint. Apparently, she had no clue his motivations were strictly personal. That he wanted to get to know her as a woman—not his assistant. He shouldn’t have used the term employee.

He hesitated, not sure how much to give her before she spooked. “Alyssa, I’m sorry if that came out wrong. My questions had nothing to do with work, or the election, or making you feel happier in your job. I simply want to know you better.”

She stared at him, and the air grew thick between them. “Why?”

Her direct question deserved a candid answer. “Because I really like you. More than you know.”

He wanted to duck his head like a schoolboy to avoid her reaction, but he forced himself to hold her gaze and take the hit. Her pupils dilated, and a flush crept up her neck, flooding her cheeks. He wasn’t surprised at the slight shock as she retreated—he’d been expecting it. No, he dreaded the distaste or embarrassment or panic that might occur, and he swore to back off if he caught any of it.

Instead, he watched the blush deepen, and her lips part, and the slam of a fierce hunger glint from behind those glasses. Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for her wine and took a long swig, past caring about delicacy.

That’s when he realized she wanted him, too.

His heart slammed hard and fast like a contractor with a jackhammer. The rush of relief was paired with the knowledge that she might turn away from him anyway. Hell, she was probably smart to get up, leave his place, and slam the door behind her, choosing to ignore his comment.

She set the glass down and dared to look at him. “I see.”

He waited for more, but she seemed to be done. He fought a smile. Typical. He had women falling all over him every day, but Alyssa could care less. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. You have every right to stop this conversation from going further, and I won’t mention it again.”

That adorable frown resurfaced. “I know that.”

“Good. What do you think?”

“I think this is a dangerous conversation.” She gave a tiny sigh. “I think you’ve always been clear about what you want in the office, and that’s no entanglements.”

“You’re right. But after spending two years with you? I’ve changed my mind,” he said simply.

She shook her head. “Tonight. Because you saw me with a date. Right?”

He didn’t like where she was going with this. “Well, yes.”

“I’ve seen plenty of RomComs, Jonathan. Working assistant is ignored by her boss. She shows up with a hot guy at a party, then boss gets a lightbulb moment he may have made a mistake by disregarding her as a woman, so he begins pursuit, convinced she was always the one. Textbook. I’m sure if you sleep on it, you’ll change your mind in the morning and realize we should remain status quo.”

He stared at her, torn between laughter and frustration. “You think I’m following a romantic comedy? Alyssa, I’ve been thinking of you in more ways than as my assistant for a while now. I just didn’t want to push in case you weren’t interested. I didn’t want you to feel awkward or pressured and ruin the best thing I’ve ever had.”

“Exactly. The best assistant you’ve ever had. You’re blurring the lines because you realized another man may take me away, and you’re worried about our working relationship. I should have brought a date to these functions long ago. Then you would’ve been able to move past the block and have more time to process.”

He rubbed his head. “I don’t think you’re giving either of us enough credit. I know it’s a risk. But would you be willing to try and get to know one another outside the workplace? See if this connection has legs?”

That tiny flicker of humor he spotted made him sure he’d be good for her. He loved every conversation he engaged in with her, challenged to keep his brain sharp enough to be a worthy partner. “May I ask if you and Paul are serious?”

He already knew the answer, but he wanted to see how she’d react.

“No, we’re better as friends.”

“That’s what I thought. Alyssa, it’s been a long time since I’ve been interested in a woman. I don’t take this lightly—my emotions or my career.”

Her voice softened. “I know. But you can’t expect me to just announce I’d like to date you, and suddenly we’re in the office together, and I’m confused about how to act. It’d be disastrous for both of us.”

“I agree. I said I liked you. Not that I want to ravish you on my desk every day at three p.m.”

She pursed her lips in disapproval. “Desk sex would be a nightmare. It’d take hours to get you reorganized.”

His laugh came out too loud, clearly startling her, but then she smiled, acknowledging his reaction. “See? That’s why I can’t get you off my mind. I love your brain.”

She blinked, and a flash of pleasure lit her pretty brown eyes. He bet she wasn’t used to compliments from men. She deserved to be told how special she was every damn day. He hoped he got the chance.

“Then what are you proposing?” she asked.