Page 13 of Hooked on Dallas
When Mr. De La Cruz summons me into his office, I brace myself for his usual brusque manner to have returned. But he greets me with a smile and says, “The charity reported that last night’s event raised over $200,000. I wanted you to be the first to know, since you worked so hard to organize it.”
“That’s wonderful news!” I say, stunned. “Thank you for telling me. I’m so glad it was such a success.”
“As am I.” His gaze turns soft. “You did an excellent job, Ms. Stevens. I’m proud of you.”
Heat floods my cheeks at the praise. Coming from a man as demanding and sparing with compliments as Mr. De La Cruz, those words mean the world. I didn’t know how to respond, so I say, “Thank you, sir. I appreciate you saying so.”
“You’re most welcome.” He clears his throat and shuffles some papers on his desk, the moment of vulnerability passing. “That will be all.”
I nod and make for the door, unable to keep a smile from my face. It seems I will have to revise my view of Mr. De La Cruz. There are hidden depths to the man yet to be explored.
I leave the office in a haze of giddy excitement, my heart doing cartwheels in my chest. All the stress and hard work organizing the charity event paid off in more ways than one. Not only had it been a rousing success, but it gave me a glimpse into the complex man behind the imposing figure of my boss.
As I walk to the elevator, our bond last night over a shared love of classical music, laughing and chatting with an ease I never would have expected. The memory of his proud smile and praise makes me blush again.
The elevator doors slide open, interrupting my reverie. I step inside, leaning back against the wall with a sigh. What is happening here? I have never felt this way about a boss before. But then, Mr. De La Cruz is unlike any boss I’ve had.
The doors open again on the ground floor, and I make my way out of the building, deep in thought. By the time I arrive at my apartment, I realize that both thrills and terrifies me: I am developing feelings for my demanding yet fascinating boss. What that might mean for our working relationship, I do not know.
8
Laura
The aroma of brewed coffee wafts through the air as I step into the break room, my mind still swirling with thoughts of Mr. De La Cruz and those piercing blue eyes.
I pour myself a mug of coffee, hoping the caffeine will knock some sense into me. This is ridiculous. He is my boss, for crying out loud. I have to stop this nonsense before I make a fool of myself.
As I add creamer to my coffee, Valerie breezes into the room. “Morning Laura! You’re in early again today.” She flashes me a knowing smile and grabs a mug from the cabinet.
Here is my chance. I have to tell someone before I burst. “Can I talk to you for a minute? In private?”
Valerie’s eyebrows rise, but she nods, following me to a corner of the break room. I take a deep breath, wondering how to even say the words aloud. “I think I’m developing feelings for Mr. De La Cruz.”
Valerie inhales sharply, nearly dropping her mug of coffee. “Oh honey, that’s not good.” She bites her lip, searching for the right words. “You know he has a reputation for being tough on his assistants. If something happened between you two and thendidn’t work out, he might make your life miserable. I don’t want to see that happen.”
She is right, of course. This is a terrible idea that can end in disaster. But how am I supposed to ignore these feelings when I see him every day? I sigh, stirring my coffee pensively. Valerie places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Just be careful, okay? Guard your heart.”
That afternoon, I find it impossible to concentrate on the stack of briefs in front of me. My mind keeps wandering to Mr. De La Cruz, remembering the way he smiled at me this morning and thanked me for the coffee.
When Valerie walks by my desk, I can’t contain myself. “We have to talk about this. I can’t stop thinking about him!”
Valerie glances around. “Not here,” she whispers. “Meet me in the break room after work.”
The minutes tick by slowly until 5 o’clock rolls around. Valerie is already waiting in the break room, two mugs of coffee in front of her.
“Laura, listen to me,” she says. “Getting involved with Mr. De La Cruz is a terrible idea. Remember what happened to Jenna in accounting?”
I wince, recalling how Jenna dated one partner before things ended badly. She was demoted and ended up leaving the firm.
“Or Tom in HR?” Valerie continues. “He dated his manager, and she completely destroyed his reputation after they broke up. He’s still trying to pick up the pieces.”
“I get it,” I say with a groan. “Workplace romance is a nightmare.”
“Exactly.” Valerie squeezes my hand. “You’re too good at your job to risk it all for a fling. Promise me you’ll avoid acting on these feelings.”
She is right, as usual. My career is more important than some crush.
“I promise,” I tell her. “I’ll stay far away from trouble.”
