Page 17 of Boss's Red Glare

We walk back toward the main pavilion, closer now than before. Maisie leans comfortably against my arm, fitting perfectly beside me. The sky is fading into twilight, stars just beginning to twinkle above, the park now illuminated by soft string lights draped among the trees.

Music begins playing softly near the pavilion, couples gathering on the makeshift dance floor. I glance toward Maisie, suddenly filled with determination.

“Dance with me?” I ask softly, heart hammering.

She looks up, eyes wide with surprise and delight. “I’d love to.”

We step onto the dance floor, and I pull her gently into my arms, placing a careful hand at her waist. Her breath hitches softly, and she settles easily against me, her own hands sliding to rest lightly on my shoulders. She fits perfectly in my embrace, as if she was always meant to be there.

We sway gently, lost in each other’s gaze. “I haven’t danced in years,” I admit softly.

“You’re pretty good at it,” she murmurs teasingly, eyes sparkling playfully.

“Only because you make it easy,” I whisper honestly, tightening my hold slightly. “You make everything easier, Maisie.”

Her cheeks flush sweetly, eyes softening noticeably. “I could say the same about you.”

We dance quietly for a moment, the world fading away until it’s just us—the soft music, the gentle sway of our bodies, the warmth radiating between us. Maisie’s fingers brush softly against my neck, sending electricity skittering down my spine. I feel breathless, exhilarated, utterly captivated.

“I don’t want tonight to end,” she whispers softly, voice barely audible above the music.

“Me neither,” I reply quietly, heart thundering. “Maybe it doesn’t have to.”

Her eyes widen slightly, breath catching in anticipation. “What do you mean?”

“Maybe we don’t have to pretend anymore,” I murmur, leaning in slightly, my voice low and serious. “Maybe this could be real.”

She stares up at me, eyes searching my face carefully, hope shimmering softly in her gaze. “Connor, are you sure? You’re my boss. What if?—”

“I don’t care,” I interrupt gently, shaking my head firmly. “I’ve spent too long worrying about lines and boundaries. Today, with you…it’s felt so right. I want to see where this goes. I want to be with you.”

Her lips part slightly, eyes shining with unshed tears. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” I reply softly, leaning even closer. “If you’ll have me.”

She smiles beautifully, eyes brightening with happiness. “I think I’d like that.”

I cup her face gently, thumb brushing tenderly over her cheek. “May I kiss you, Maisie?”

“Yes,” she whispers eagerly, leaning into my touch. “Please.”

I close the distance slowly, my heart soaring when our lips meet softly, sweetly. This kiss is tender and unhurried, filled with everything I’ve been longing to say. Maisie sighs softly into the kiss, melting against me completely, fingers curling gently in my hair.

When we finally part, breathing softly, she smiles beautifully up at me, eyes sparkling with joy. “Wow.”

“Wow,” I echo gently, smiling warmly. “I’ve wanted to do that all day.”

She laughs softly, shaking her head affectionately. “Me too.”

I draw her close again, holding her gently in my arms as we sway slowly to the music. Around us, fireworks begin bursting overhead, brilliant colors lighting the night sky, but nothing compares to the warmth and brilliance of Maisie in my arms.

“Happy Fourth of July, Maisie,” I murmur softly against her hair, heart full of gratitude and wonder.

She tilts her head up, smiling sweetly. “Happy Fourth, Connor.”

We stay wrapped together, oblivious to everything else around us. And as the fireworks continue to explode brilliantly above us, I know without a doubt that this moment—this perfect,unexpected night with Maisie—will be etched into my memory forever.

Today started as a necessary business strategy, but it became so much more. It’s become the night I finally opened myself up again. After years of staying closed off. I’ve always been so focused on my business, I never really allowed time for anything else. But with everything falling into place with the investors, now I can finally relax. Breathe.

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