Page 55 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

I collected myself from all my regrets. It was time I took a grip. I’d gotten involved too soon in a new city, in a new workplace, with my boss, who was not only off-limits but way out of my league in all aspects of life. I wished I’d heard his mother’s warning sooner.

Chapter twenty

Anton

“Ithought you’d be happy,” I said to Celia after watching a parade of emotions flickered across her face from behind my desk.

Any new hire would be delighted to gain independence, with only occasional consultations with senior staff. Her facial expressions, however, conveyed anything but happiness.

“I am. I just don’t want any special favors, like being assigned a too-small case. I need to prove my worth among the other lawyers.”

That was the ambition I knew she had.

“There’s no such thing as a ‘too small’ case at this firm. All cases are treated with the same level of importance,” I replied.

I had no doubt she could handle even a medium-sized case already. She’d done exceptionally well on the Aiko Osaka case report. It was clear that she was a very skilled lawyer. Her abilities were highly recommended in the courtroom by the references she provided.

Her leaving the intern duties would be a loss to other lawyers, but they would gain a fully functioning colleague who would take on cases and ease their workload.

“The first few weeks for any new attorney can be challenging,” I continued. “But with the work ethic I’ve seen in you, I believe you’ll do very well.”

She still didn’t look as elated as I’d anticipated.

“What kind of cases do you give new lawyers during those first few weeks?” she asked.

“We’re not discussing anyone else. After reviewing your performance at your previous firm and what you’ve accomplished here, you’ve proven yourself,” I found myself repeating.

“In other words, I’ll be treated the same as everyone else.”

“Do you really think I would risk the reputation of my law firm by giving you special treatment?” I was starting to get irritated.

This was supposed to be a simple announcement about her upcoming responsibilities, but instead, she seemed unhappy and argumentative.

“I don’t know what to think anymore. I’ve been so confused about everything recently...”

I stood up and stepped out from behind my desk to release some of the tension. She stood up, too, as I calmed myself.

“I assume you’re referring to our interrupted conversation at your apartment?”

She hesitated for a moment. “Yes.”

I had a feeling this was coming.

I braced myself for what I might hear next.

After spending hours together at the hospital, I’d hoped she would reconsider her stance against a personal relationship between us. Her not answering my text and her current attitude implied she hadn’t changed her mind.

“You’re my boss, Mr. Waltons. I can’t let personal feelings for you interfere with my work. The fact that I questioned whether you are giving me special treatment proves that we need to keep things strictly professional between us.”

Mr. Waltons? That stung more than I thought it would.

I took a step toward her to offer her reassurance, but she backed away, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. Clearly, that was the wrong move.

I stopped and forced myself to remain calm.

“Okay, we’ll keep things professional,” I painfully conceded. “May I ask why? I thought we had come to an understanding at the motel.”

She looked away. “Let’s give each other space and seriously think about what we’re doing.”

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