Part 19

"Good morning, sir," Mia said sweetly, biting on her tongue. If anything she wanted to yell at him at the way he handled the conversation the previous day. What was she expecting from someone like him? Of course, he was not going to tell his mother about their dirty secret. That shouldn't have bothered her in the least.

After that heated conversation, she left his office, not ready to take more of him. No pun intended. Damon didn't need to see the rage she felt and the tears forming in her eyes. It's not like he promised her or anything. They didn't even talk about it, so he had no obligation to do anything about the date.

Maybe it will be a nice change for her, after all. Mrs Rossi had an excellent taste judging her husband, of course. But also Mrs Rossi loved Damon, so it's going to be difficult to tell. Whatever. Mia can do it. Her friends have been bugging her for the same thing, so it's a win-win situation.

Damon raised his head and looked at her suspiciously. "Uhh...Good morning, Miss Grace. You seem to be in an exceptionally cordial mood today. Got any new job offer?"

The corner of her mouth turned into a devilish smile as she met his eyes. "No new offers for me, sir. I'm just excited for today's dinner and also meeting my date. Mrs Rossi has a good eye, so I trust her."

Suddenly his face shifted, and her boss gritted his teeth. "Oh, right. Dinner. I had completely forgotten. Yes, you and Jake...Well, he's an unbearable one, but I'm sure that you two can find a spectacular love connection. Changing the subject, I would love a cup of coffee if it's not much a bother to you."

With that, he turned back to stare at the laptop in front of him. What was that about? Did he not like the Jake guy? Then again Damon didn't like most of them, so she didn't have to worry about that.

Muttering under her breath, she rushed to the office kitchen to make coffee for him. Just the way he liked it. Suddenly she thought about the way his face changed at the mention of dinner. One of these days she was tempted to put something in his drink. A laxative, for example. That will teach him.

Mia suppressed her giggle at the thought and instead rushed to his office. Damon was always sitting in his chair, not bothering to look up when she knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Rolling her eyes, Mia slammed the cup on the table a little bit too harsh, even splashing a little on the desk which, as she knew perfectly well, was very expensive.

Damon gave her a look. She was fully expecting for the CEO to start yelling at her. Instead, he changed the topic. That's strange. Why was he so calm all of a sudden? Mia seriously couldn't keep up with his mood swings.

"Thank you, Miss Grace."

"Shall we do the week's agenda meeting?" Mia questioned, bending down, her eyes narrowed at the screen. She was standing in front of his desk, the front two buttons unbuttoned just enough to make him flustered. Also, it didn't help that they hardened as soon as she entered the room.

"No" Damon quickly said.

When she blinked at him, he licked at his lips and closed the laptop shut. A tight look crossed his face as he began to head towards the couch. He slipped on his blazer jacket, slipping his phone in and tucking his hands in his pocket. "I forgot that I have a meeting downtown this afternoon. So, I'm leaving in ten minutes, and I'm not coming back for the rest of the day. You can send me all the details of the agenda by e-mail."

Mia scrunched her nose at that. "I am not aware of any meetings outside the company today. Are you sure about that?"

She's the one who handles his schedule everyday being his assistant. What was he talking about?

"Yes, I am" The CEO cleared his throat. "It's a personal thing."

Her mouth pressed in a thin line at that. Earlier when he used to say a personal thing, he papped with some supermodel. Mia remembered the rumour about papers about him dating someone. Her stomach clenched at that, and she looked away. Why did that affect her?

She feigned innocence. "Ah," Mia replied, biting her lower lip. "Is it with someone I know? I mean, just in case your father or mother calls to talk."

"Well..." He paused, taking a breath and patting his pocket. "They can call my mobile if it's urgent. You don't need to worry about that, Miss Grace."

She hesitated for a moment before lifting her chin and straightening her shoulders. That's all she had to know about his mysterious meeting. Anything beyond that would be embarrassing.

"Since you won't be here, I would like to go home then sir. Maybe do some shopping on the way for dinner tonight."

Damon looked like he wanted to say something. Instead, he shook his head. "Sure. I'll see you tonight, Miss Grace."

The heat in the air was so palpable that she could hear her heart racing, breath coming in short chopped gasps.

"Have a good meeting, sir," She said through clenched teeth, before leaving and closing the door.

***

In the evening, Damon picked her up. They sat in the car, and he busied himself, flipping through the papers. She couldn't help but notice the way he nervously drummed his expensive Italian polished shoes. He didn't look any different. In fact, he was dressed to the nines with his messy hair perfectly tousled as usual. Mia suddenly experienced the hot flashes of gripping at those silky strands and tugging at them.

As if he felt her eyes on him, the CEO looked up, the smile on the corner of his lips showed that he had caught her look of desire.

He threw away the papers and turned to her. A smirk playing on his lips. "Take a photograph it'll last longer."

The assistant scoffed, leaning back. "Of what exactly? Nothing seems to have caught my eyes."

"I caught you staring!"

"I know that you are narcissistic, but this is too much."

His retort died on his lips as soon as the car came to a halt. Turning towards her, Damon murmured. "I'll get back to you for that"

***

As soon as they stepped out of the car, Mia started chewing on her lips. She was hesitant to step in and make a fool of her. What if she messed up? Mrs Rossi would be too kind to the point that out. Glancing at Damon, Mia was grateful for his company. Even though he didn't look pleased.

"Are you quite certain that your mother invited me today?"

"Why would I make up a lie about that?" Her boss scoffed.

Mia bit down on her remark. Instead, she blew out a breath through her mouth and met his eyes. "How are you so calm about this?"

Her boss shrugged. "It's just dinner."

Yeah for him. She's the one who has to sit through with a stranger and pretend to be interested in him.

Mia just needed to survive the next couple of hours. Easy peasy.

Jesus fucking Christ, she wasn't ready.

Mia was not ready to have random stranger discuss about her in front of her boss and his parents. The dull pounding in her brain ebbed and swelled, threatening to drown her ability for rational thought.

"Mia" A sharp voice pulled her back. "You are pale. Do you want me to---I can make an excuse for you. My mother will understand"

It's tempting, so very compelling. But if she ran away, Mrs Rossi would be very disappointed. After all, she did go through a painful process of finding a guy and setting her up. That's not what Mia wanted from her boss parents, but alright. They have always looked out for her, so she trusted their choice.

Slowly, she shook her head, feeling her heart ease into a slightly more regular pattern. "No. I'm fine."

***

Mrs Rossi was the first one to greet them. She instantly wrapped her arms around Mia and pulled her in. The assistant clung to her, inhaling the familiar fragrance and rasped, "Good evening Mrs Rossi. You look lovely."

She blushed, taking a step back. "Always a sweet talker. You have been away too long. Never stay away so long."

Mia promised but silently thought about the reason she kept her distance. It always came back to Damon Rossi. Uneasy knots formed in her belly. Now that he made it clear that they had no future, Mia shouldn't be scared.

In the doorway, Mr Rossi stood with his arms crossed, an entirely impassive expression on his face.

"Hi Papa" Damon whispered as he embraced his father.

"You both are late."

Mia sheepishly smiled. "It's traffic."

"No problem. Come inside. Jake is waiting for you."

***