Page 8 of Boss' Obsession

“I didn’t know we had a gym. Do I get to use it too?”

“Yes, and the pool. It’s part of the package. Now, about dinner.”

He’s going to tell me he’s changed his mind. I can feel it.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to. I understand.”

He smiles at me. ”I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Get your things.”

We take the elevator down to the parking garage and he asks, “Did you drive here today?”

“No. I don’t have a car currently so I took the bus. My roommate was willing to drive me, but I don’t want to be a burden to her.”

“This is me over here,” he says, pointing to the little red Porsche coup. It’s parked in the spot reserved for the President and CEO so it wouldn’t have been hard for me to figure out.

He opens the door for me, helps me inside, and moves to the driver’s side. The smell of new leather assaults my senses.

“This is such a nice car. Do you like it?”

“It’s a bit small for me. I like to stretch out my legs, you know?”

“Maybe you’ll get used to it.”

“I have a feeling I won’t be driving it long.”

I can’t imagine being able to just discard a brand new, expensive car like that, but it’s clear now he has the means to do whatever he wants. Still, I like the car and I’m glad I have a chance to ride in it.

The restaurant, Karma, is in the center of the city. It’s my first time seeing it, and it kind of overwhelms me. All the lights and noises are something I’ve never seen before, and it takes my breath away.

Bryan pulls up to the curb and a boy in a red suit rushes over to open my door for me. Bryan comes around the car and tosses him the keys. He practically skips around the car and hops inside. Looks like he’s just as excited as I was to be in this car.

Bryan takes my arm and leads me through the smoked glass doors of the restaurant. Its crisp, modern design and marble floors remind me of something from a magazine on fine dining. The hostess sees us and rushes to seat us.

“It’s good to see you, Mr. Branigan. It’s been a long time,” she tells him.

Bryan pulls out my chair for me and I sit down. From here, I have a clear view of the dining room. I swear I recognize half of the diners from the movies, but I’m too starstruck to put names to the faces.

“Do you mind if I order for us?” Bryan asks and I’m grateful for the offer. I have no idea where to start.

“That would be nice. Thank you.”

“Is there anything you don’t eat?”

“No, I’m not picky. I eat anything.”

For some reason, he stares at me long and hard and smirks.

The waiter arrives with a bottle of wine and Bryan gives him our order. He leaves and Bryan turns his attention back to me.

“So tell me about yourself, Beth. What brings you to the city?”

“The job did, actually. I graduated college this year and wanted a change. I must have applied for a hundred jobs before your company called.”

“Was there something specific about New York? You’re a whole country away from home.”

“That’s exactly why I picked it. I have a friend who graduated the year before me who lives here, and she offered to let me stay with her while I get on my feet. That was all I needed to hear. A fresh start far away from the past is exactly what I was looking for.”

“May I ask why? Aren’t you going to miss your family and friends?”

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