Page 4 of Strings Attached

I shake my head, trying to clear these dangerous thoughts. Evander is my boss, and that's all he can ever be. No matter how much I might wish otherwise, no matter how my heart races when he looks at me with those intense blue eyes, I know nothing can ever happen between us.

My phone buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. It's a text from Lilian.

Lil: So? Did Mr. Grumpy Pants enjoy his coffee? Did you give him any chocolates?

I roll my eyes, but can't help smiling as I type back.

Me: Just one. He hasn't eaten it yet. Probably saving it for a special occasion. Like the apocalypse.

Lil's response is immediate.

Lil: Or maybe he's waiting for you to hand-feed it to him.

I nearly choke on my mocha. I text back, my cheeks burning.

Me: You're ridiculous.

Lil: Maybe. But I'm also right. Trust me on this one, Miri.

Before I can formulate a suitably snarky response, Evander's voice comes through the intercom.

"Mireille, can you come in here for a moment?"

My heart skips a beat. Calm down, I tell myself. He probably just needs something work-related. Taking a deep breath, I stand and smooth down my skirt before heading to his office.

I knock softly before entering. "You needed me?"

Evander looks up from his computer, his blue eyes intense as always. "Yes, I need you to clear my schedule for next Friday afternoon."

I blink in surprise. Evander never clears his schedule. "The whole afternoon? May I ask why?"

He hesitates for a moment, then says, "I have an event that evening and you'll be coming with me."

I can't hide my shock. "You're taking time off to go to an event?"

Evander's lips twitch in what might almost be a smile. "Is that so hard to believe?"

"Honestly? Yes," I say before I can stop myself. "I mean, not that you don't deserve time off, it's just... unexpected."

He leans back in his chair, regarding me with an unreadable expression. "Well, this event is a few hours away, so we'll need to leave in order to check into the hotel, and I know you'll need time to get ready.”

My eyes widen. "Hotel? Get ready? Evander, what exactly is this event?"

He sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's a charity gala for the Children's Hospital. As one of the major donors, I'm expected to attend. And as my assistant, you'll be accompanying me."

I try to process this information. A charity gala? With Evander? Staying at a hotel? My mind is reeling.

"I... I see," I manage to say. "And you need me there because...?"

"Because you're my assistant," he says matter-of-factly. "You'll help me network, keep track of important conversations, and generally make sure everything runs smoothly. Plus," he adds, a hint of something I can't quite identify in his voice, "you'll be my date."

I'm not sure what surprises me more - the fact that Evander is attending a social event or the fact that he wants my company. I try to keep my voice steady as I reply, "Of course, I'd be happy to help. I'll clear your schedule right away."

Evander nods, seemingly satisfied. "Good. And Mireille?"

"Yes?"

"Make sure you have something appropriate to wear. It's a black-tie event."

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