Page 77 of A Bossy Surprise

“You’re right. The last thing I want to do is break my son’s heart. So maybe we can date in secret for a while. After a couple of months, if things go well, then we could tell him.”

“That could work…”

“Yeah. I think it’s what makes the most sense. However, this isn’t a foolproof plan. We could get together and break up in two years. Of course, I hope that doesn’t happen, but it could. People break up all the time.”

“So romantic…”

He chuckles. “What I’m saying is, we will do our best and take all the precautions we can, but at the end of the day we can’t control everything. If we do end up breaking up, it will hurt Brady, but that’s life. The fact that a kid’s parents break up doesn’t destroy that kid forever.”

This is one of life’s harsh truths. I know what he is saying is right, but at the same time I don’t want it to ever apply to Brady.

He continues, “Basically, my point is you can’t live your life depriving yourself of the things you want because it may be uncomfortable for Brady sometime in the future.”

“You’re right. It’s just that I’m very protective of him.” I laugh. “My family is always on me about that.”

“Kids are resilient. If you do something that ends up causing him pain, because you are human, he will bounce back. It’s not even healthy for you to put that much pressure on yourself.”

“Okay… I’ll calm down about Brady.”

“Good” He chuckles. “Now, do you have anything else you want to talk about?”

I turn around in his arms and bury myself in the warmth of his chest and breathe him in. Even though he’s wearing a delicious musky cologne, I can still smell his natural scent beneath it, and it drives me wild. If my body didn’t need a break, I would totally jump him.

“What about work?”

“About that, I was thinking, if we should decide to give things between us a try, we would have to report our relationship to HR.”

I pull my neck back to look at him. “Really?”

“Well, we kind of have to. I have read the company code of conduct, and there is a policy where employees involved in a romantic relationship have to report said relationship to Human Resource Management and sign a sexual harassment waiver. I think that would even be more important with us. Seeing as I am your boss. Or your boss’s boss, to be technically accurate.”

“You looked up what it would mean to date me before I showed any real interest? I don’t know if I should be flattered or creeped out.”

He smiles. “Neither. I wasn’t reading it for that specific information. I just happened upon it.”

“A likely story…” I say, and we both laugh. “Anyway, I know those are the rules, but I’m afraid of word spreading that I’m sleeping with my boss in the office. You’re a man and everybody’s boss. No one would dare say anything to you. However, it would be different for me; a woman.”

“I understand that. That’s why I suggested we report to HR and not hold hands while walking down the hall. Human Resources are the only ones who need to know.”

“I understand that, but if there’s anything I’ve learned working in news, it’s that information spreads. I know HR are supposed to be discreet, but all it takes is for one blabbermouth to let it slip and it’ll set tongues wagging within minutes.”

“I don’t think that would happen, but even if it did, would it be so bad?”

“Did you hear anything I just said? I will be ripped to shreds if people knew about us. You’ll be fine to go on to another company, or hell, go back toGrant Media, and your career continues. I on the other hand will be given the scarlet letter. Reputations like that are hard to shake off in this business.”

“I’m not sure what you think is going to happen, but let me break it down for you. People will find out about us with time. Even if we decide not to see each other, we have a son together. Word will get out. I know it’s shitty, but when it does get out you will bear the brunt of it. I wish I could shield you from all of it, and I will do whatever I can to absorb as much of it as possible, but this avalanche is coming whether you want it to or not. My question is, would you rather have someone to share it with, or brave it all alone?”

His words have struck a chord. I’m tired of doing this alone. It would be nice to have someone to share not only the burdens of parenting, but the burdens of life. I care about Adam and I know he cares about me. If there was ever a person with whom it would be a good idea for me to take on the world with, it’s Adam.

Ever since he’s come back into my life, he’s shown me just how much of a standup guy he is. He doesn’t make promises he doesn’t keep. He is kind, not only to Brady, but also to me.

It’s actually a no-brainer. So I take a deep breath and say, “Okay.”

“Okay what?

“Okay, let’s give this a try and see where it goes.”

The biggest smile that I have ever seen overtakes Adam’s face. “So you’re saying you want to be my girlfriend?”