Page 33 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

I shot her an incredulous look. “You’re out of your mind. He’s my boss! And let me quote you: He isTheAnton Waltons! And what if he doesn’t feel the same way? I can’t embarrass myself like that.”

“So, you’d rather live in the unknown and torment yourself, as you have all day, by the look of it?” my cousin said, gazing knowingly at me.

“Okay, let’s say he was interested in me. The Human Resource twins and their friends already think I got the job as a favor, and not a nice kind of favor. That’ll just add gasoline to the fire.”

“You know that you’re not in your small Texas town anymore, right? This is New York City, where you grow a thick skin. I know it’s not easy with the likes of those two women, but you have to forget about them.”

“Right.” I wasn’t convinced I could do that.

“It would take a lot of work on both Anton and you—”

“Would you please stop with this Anton and me talk? He’s off-limits, out of my league, my boss…. I can list many more reasons that put an X on the idea of him and me as a couple.”

“Well, you can’t speak for him, though. He might not see you as out of his league.” I rolled my eyes at that notion. She added, “I know you don’t believe me, but from what I saw, he wasn’t looking at your employee badge, if you know what I mean.”

“Oh, Maddy! You’re not helping.”

I got up, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle in. My tired brain needed a break, and I hoped a good night’s sleep would help me focus on work tomorrow.

“I don’t know. I’m off to bed. Maybe my little crush will fade into oblivion by the time the sun comes up.”

“I hope so, for your sake, Celia. Sweet dreams.”

Walking down the hall toward my room, I knew Maddison's “sweet dream” wish, included Anton.

When I arrived at work the following day, I took the elevator in the parking lot instead of the one in the lobby, hoping to see Anton’s car parked. Unfortunately, his designated space was empty. The disappointment that washed over me was huge. Everyone knew he was the earliest to arrive—a trait that surprised us all, given that he was the boss.

My phone rang, displaying an unknown number. I hesitated, trying to figure out who it could be.

Unless….

I answered the call too quickly. “Hello?”

“Celia?”

“Olivia?”

“Yes, it’s me. Mr. Waltons asked that you and the rest of his team meet at his apartment for case planning. I’ve emailed you the address. There’s no need to show up at work this morning.”

“Oh, thank you.”

And just as abruptly as the call had come in, Olivia hung up.

I stared at the phone in my hand. The elevator dinged, and the doors opened to the sixth floor where I worked. I took a deep breath and pressed the elevator button to take me back to the parking lot.

Reading through Olivia's email, I found Anton’s address. Rather than trying to figure out what subway route to take, I opted for a taxi. Less than half an hour later, the taxi dropped me in front of Anton’s apartment building.

The Manhattan apartment building stood tall, its sleek, glass façade reflecting the city’s skyline. Modern and luxurious, it featured floor-to-ceiling windows and a chic, minimalist design. I entered the marble-floored lobby adorned with contemporary art.

Approaching the concierge desk, I was greeted by a uniformed man with a blank, professional expression.

“Good morning, I’m here to see Mr. Anton Waltons.”

“Is he expecting you?” the man asked.

“Yes, Celia Adams.”

He handed me a clipboard and a pen. “Sign your name.”

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