Page 46 of Surprise! I'm Engaged To My Boss
Speaking of her — to my relief — she managed to sneak out of her office to come see me.
Not that it was hard for her, considering she was now the head of the department.
Which, of course, also made her a prime target for the surrounding whispers.
“Frowning like that? Must be hungry,” Layla teased as she pulled out a chair and sat beside me, referring to a colleague who was practically shooting daggers at us with his eyes.
I laughed. There was nothing else I could do.
“How are things going in the new role?” I asked.
“Confusing. You're crazy to nominate me for the position, Cami. I'm still in my second year of college.”
“Michael asked me for a recommendation, and for me you are the best employee here, even though you are still an intern. And, despite still being so young, you have a much greater sense of responsibility than most of these people who are looking at you sideways, trust me.”
Of course, I hadn't told her that my relationship with my boss was a scam. I told her that we were dating in secret and that I had gotten the promotion because of my project—which Smith had stolen, as she well knew. However, fearing that people would starttalking about how I had gotten it because I was Michael Turner's fiancée, I preferred to wait a few months to come forward and, in the meantime, I asked him to put someone in my place.
“I don’t think I’ve thanked you enough for referring me, have I?” she said. “Thank you, girl. This extra money is making a big difference. I’ve been able to send a larger amount to my mother, and it’s helped her a lot with her medical expenses.”
“You have nothing to thank me for, Lay. I’ve already said that I recommended you because I think you are the best here.”
She smiled again and it was impossible not to make a mental observation about how Layla looked like a little bundle of light. Not only because of her beauty – her dark skin, her hair that she alternated between wearing straight, braided or naturally curly, her wide and sincere smile – but especially because of her girlish ways, despite being so hard-working and responsible.
“So—” she spoke again. “—You and Michael Turner... how did you manage to hide this relationship so well from everyone?”
“He's a discreet man.” Flashes of a little dance in the elevator filled my mind and I had to shake my head to get rid of them.
Perhapsdiscretionwas not the right word to define Michael Turner.
And this last observation gained even more strength in my mind when the elevator on my floor opened and three men came out, each carrying two or three enormous bouquets of roses in their hands. My first thought, of course, was about who those flowers were for, so it was a huge surprise when they came straight to me, informing me that they were deliveries for Miss Camila Collins, the future Mrs. Turner.
As if it were possible, the gazes in my direction became even angrier. Except for Layla, who cheered.
“Oh my God, that’s the most beautiful thing! On top of being hot and rich, the guy’s also romantic? Girl, you’ve hit the jackpot.”
For a few moments, I found myself completely speechless as the flowers were spread across my desk. Luckily, the one next to mine used to belong to Layla and was now free, so there was more space for so many roses.
A note was handed along and I opened it. I noticed that my hands were shaking a little as I read the lines written there.
You coming with me yesterday meant more than you can imagine.
Thanks.
Michael.
Obviously, it wasn’t a declaration of love—nothing even close to that. It was just a gesture of gratitude for something I knew was nothing more than my duty within our agreement. Still, the thoughtfulness of that message made me see a little more of the human side of Michael Turner. Just like the scene I had witnessed the day before, him with his daughter.
And I liked that side of him. Much more than the irresponsible playboy side.
"What are you still doing here?" Layla asked me, standing beside me. "Go give your fiancé a little thank-you kiss."
"Are you crazy, Lay? I'm on the clock."
"Okay then. And I'm your department leader, giving you a direct order, does that make it better?"
I laughed.
“No, you crazy person. What will everyone say?”
