Page 19 of Strings Attached

Mireille's face falls slightly, but she nods. "I understand. It won't happen again."

"But," I continue, surprising myself, "I can't deny that there's... something between us. Something more than just a professional relationship."

Her eyes widen, a flicker of hope crossing her face. "Evander..."

"I don't know what to do about it," I admit, running a hand through my hair. "I value you as an employee - you're the best assistant I've ever had. But I also... I care about you, Mireille. More than I should."

Mireille is silent for a long moment, her green eyes searching my face. Finally, she says softly, "I care about you too, Evander. But you're right, this is complicated. We can't just ignore the fact that you're my boss."

I nod, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. "So where does that leave us?"

She gives me a soft smile. “Nowhere, we have the event this Friday and your friend is coming into town. We’ll get past the awkwardness and everything will be fine.”

I nod, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment at Mireille's practical response. "You're right, of course. We should focus on the upcoming events and maintain our professional relationship."

"Exactly," Mireille says, though I detect a hint of sadness in her eyes. "We've worked well together for a long time. I'm sure we can move past this... awkwardness."

An uncomfortable silence falls between us. There's so much more I want to say, but I know I can't. We've already crossed too many lines.

"Well," I say finally, "I should let you get home. Thank you for staying late."

Mireille gives me a small smile. "Of course. Goodnight, Evander."

As I watch her walk away, I can't shake the feeling that I'm making a mistake. But what other choice do we have? Our professional relationship has to come first, no matter how much it pains me personally.

I return to my office, trying to focus on the work still ahead of me. But my mind keeps drifting back to Mireille - her smile,her laugh, the feel of her lips against mine. I shake my head, forcing those thoughts away. It can't happen. It won't happen. No matter how much I might wish otherwise.

With a heavy sigh, I turn back to my computer. There's still work to be done, and I'm determined to lose myself in it. It's safer that way. Easier. Even if it leaves an ache in my chest that I'm not sure will ever fully go away.

Ianswer emails as I wait at the Starlight Bay Inn lobby for Greyson, and as per usual, I try to push thoughts of Mireille from my mind.

Greyson strides into the lobby, a grin spreading across his face as he spots me. "Evander, long time no see. How the hell are you?" Greyson booms.

"I'm doing well, Greyson. It's great to see you," I reply, feeling myself relax in the presence of my oldest friend. "How was your trip?"

We catch up as we head to the hotel bar for drinks. After some small talk about his business and my company, Greyson fixes me with a knowing look.

"Alright, spill it. What's got you so tense? And don't try to deny it—I can read you like a book."

I sigh, debating how much to reveal. "It's... complicated. There's this woman..."

Greyson's eyebrows shoot up. "A woman? Now this I've got to hear. The great Evander Prescott, brought low by matters of the heart?"

I roll my eyes but can't help smiling. "It's not like that. She's... she's my assistant, Mireille."

I give Greyson a quick lightened version of the situation with Mireille—the kiss at the beach and our agreement to keep things professional. He listens intently, nodding along.

"Sounds to me like you're in a hell of a lot deeper than you want to admit," Greyson says finally. "Why fight it? If you care about her and she cares about you, why not see where it leads?"

I shake my head. "It's not that simple. I'm her boss. There are ethical considerations, not to mention potential legal issues if things went south."

Greyson leans back, studying me. "Those sound like excuses to me. The Evander I know doesn't back down from a challenge. If you want her, fight for her. Just as I did with Skylar."

I tense at the mention of his wife. Skylar too was his assistant and the two of them have made things work. His words give me pause. Am I really just making excuses? Before I can respond, my phone buzzes with a text from Mireille about tomorrow's schedule. I feel a familiar warmth in my chest just seeing her name.

Maybe Greyson is right. Maybe it's time to stop fighting these feelings and see where they lead... After all, we have the gala event coming up, who knows where things could lead?

Chapter 9

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