Romance: The Boss by Lara West Page B

didn’t you want a share of it?”
    “You really have done your research, haven’t you?” he quips, but is looking down at his legs in a way that suggests he doesn’t like what he’s hearing.
    “N-n-no,” I stammer. “Well, yes. I did some research before the interview, as anyone would. I wanted to learn a bit more about you.”
    “And was it a good read?”
    “It was…succinct.”
    He laughs and rests his wine glass in the drink holder in the arm of the lounge. “Look, I just didn’t have any interest in real estate. I was better with numbers and so I sold myself to the devil another way. I signed myself up at the University of Dakota and did a double degree in arts and science—”
    “And then went on to do an MBA at Harvard, which is where you also first starting trading out of your dorm room,” I finish, proud of myself for remembering all of it.
    “Clever PA. I have severely underestimated you, Lauren,” he chides, picking up the bottle of wine again. “Sure you don’t want another glass?”
    “No, thank you. In fact, I really should get going. It’s getting late and my stomach is growling up a storm.”
    “Then stay for dinner, I’ll order in. What do you like? Chinese? Italian? Indian?”
    I’d be lying if I said I’m not tempted to say yes. I’d love to keep drinking his wine and hearing all about his life, which I’m pretty sure he doesn’t share very often with anyone.
    But I have this niggling feeling that if I don’t leave now, something will happen that I’m not sure either of us is ready for.
    At least if I go, then this stays a rare and intimate moment to be reminisced about rather than another potential roll in the sheets.
    Not that I’m saying that has been his intention this whole time—I just want to play it safe. I have too much to lose now.
    Forth and outright, he’s still my boss.
    “Thanks, but I have plans anyway,” I lie again.
    “With your boyfriend?”
    Well that’s a highly curious question to ask…and absolutely none of his business.
    “No, but thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Townsend. Oh, and for the wine. It tasted like silken air.”
    Silken air?
    What?
    Focus, Lauren, you’re almost out of here.
    “My pleasure, Lauren, and please call me Clint when it’s just us. Mr. Townsend sounds far too formal coming from you.”
    Coming from me? What does that mean? Does he remember me?
    “Okay…Clint.” I smile and get ready to leave, but then decide to do a double take. This might be the only time to ask him something personal ever again.
    “Why did you invite me in?” I ask candidly. “I mean, what was in it for you, just some company?”
    He laughs softly and takes another sip of his wine. “Yes, just like I said, I wanted you to do me a kindness.”
    “Really? That’s all? There’s nothing else about it you want to add?”
    I’m really digging for an omission to the one-night stand. If we’re ever going to admit it to each other, then this is it.
    We’re alone and not at work; it’s the perfect time.
    But from the expression on his face, he seems more puzzled than confronted.
    “Is there something you’re expecting me to say? You’re my PA, Lauren. You’re my first point of contact. I need to know a few personal things about you and vice versa. Trust is very important in any business relationship, remember that.”
    Well I guess that settles it: he doesn’t remember me.
    I should feel relieved, but instead it feels like I’ve been punched in the stomach.
    I fake a smile and walk down the hallway to the front door.
    “Oh, and Lauren,” he calls out, just before I reach it. “Thanks for tonight. I appreciate your honesty. See you Monday.”
    “That’s okay,” I tentatively call back before I grab the handle and launch myself into the corridor outside.
    As I lean my back against the door, I partially ventilate, trying to process everything that just happened in there. The way that he had looked…the questions we had asked each