Page 38 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

She tossed an almond into the air and caught it in her mouth. “You already picked out an outfit. Wear it.”

I glanced at the floral dress laid out on my bed. “But what if I should wear jeans instead? I don’t know where we’re going. I need to be prepared for anything.”

“Nothing will happen if you leave here dressed as you are now.”

I ignored her sarcasm. “It was my own fault. I should’ve replied to Anton’s email and asked what he had planned. I gave him two fun ideas, and he might come up with something completely different from an arcade or bowling alley.”

“Time is ticking,” she said, nonchalantly.

“What if he’s planning horseback riding? I can’t wear a dress for that.”

“Honey, we’re not in Texas. He’s not planning horseback riding at night in New York City. Wear the dress, Cel. You look cute in it.”

A quick glance at the clock made the decision for me. A few minutes later, I had blow-dried my hair, applied lip gloss and a bit of blush, and changed into the dress. I walked into the living room with a small clutch in hand.

Maddison lay on the couch, she smiled when she saw me. The dress, adorned with lilies, ended just above my knees.

“You look great,” she said. “A bit more makeup might pop your features more. Do we have time for a makeover?”

I shook my head. “No time for that.” Secretly, I was glad it was almost eight. I never did well with a lot of makeup.

“Hmm…still, you look amazing,” she said, and I didn’t doubt it.

My phone lit up and pinged with an alert. It was a text from Anton. We had finally exchanged phone numbers.

“He’s downstairs,” I announced.

Maddison beamed. “Oh, I love a punctual man. Have a good time,” she called as I stepped out into the hallway.

“Thanks,” I replied, before shutting the door.

With each step down the stairs, my stomach twisted with nerves.

Anton was leaning against a car when I got outside, different from the one I’d seen him driving before. He wore a simple polo shirt and denim jeans, his hands clasped in front of him. He looked great.

His eyes lit up when he saw me approaching, and my nervousness melted away.

“Hey.” He smiled. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks. You look great, too.”

My smile came naturally, heat crept up my neck, and I could only blame his presence.

He opened the car door for me. “Your chariot awaits,” he said with a slight bow, extending his hand to help me in.

“Thank you.” I chuckled and settled into my seat.

He rounded the car and got in beside me.

“I’m glad you’re going out with me this evening. I was tempted to invite you into my office today under the guise of discussing the Aiko Osaka case, but I had to make do with just sending you a short email.”

I blushed. “You should focus on work at the office.”

I adjusted my scarf to cool the heat on my neck.

“Hmm, I should,” he said teasingly, his attention mostly on the road but with occasional glances at me.

I cleared my throat, eager to change the topic. “Where are we going?”

---