Part 28

Mia stirred the next morning, disturbed by the slither of sunlight that was creeping its way across her face. She shifted uncomfortably away from it, flinching at the sudden pain at her side as she moved. Maybe if she hadn't slept on one side.

The assistant opened one eye, sliding her gaze over to the other side of the bed, and her heart fell at the sight of the empty yet rumpled sheets. That meant Damon had slept next to him, at least for a little while, but now he was gone. Mia climbed out of bed, ignoring the protests her body was making at the sudden movements.

She headed over to the closets and pulled out her suitcase, hurrying to grab something to put on after shower. Mia pulled on a long-sleeved top, one of her boss, but it looked so cosy and warm that she wanted to wear it. With that thought in her mind, the assistant rushed inside the bathroom.

After slipping on her clothes, she put her sunglasses up high on his head and had just set the bag when the door to the room flew open.

Damon's mouth dropped open as soon as his eyes fell on her, particularly the baggy sweater she was wearing. It happened to be his, after all. When he didn't talk for quite some time, Mia cleared the throat.

"Say something."

"W-What?"

She giggled, shaking her head. "Where did you go?"

The CEO pointed at the paper bag in his hand. "Bagels...They are good around here."

He wasn't making any sense now, but she couldn't exactly blame him. Mia had that kind of effect. It was nice to know that it also worked on her boss.

***

After they finished their bagel, they managed to go sightseeing. Although they were in the middle of a bustling city, there was a calm silence over the area as the tourists. Mia felt humbled by the whole thing and squeezed his hand. Damon dropped his hold and instead slid his arm around her waist, pulling her body close, sides now pressed together.

"Quite something, isn't it?" He said softly, stirring

her from his thoughts.

They were walking in Griffith Park, observing and taking in each and every detail from around.

"Yeah. I remember seeing it on telly all those years ago. It feels odd to be here."

They went shopping for the rest of the day. Damon insisted on treating her to a collection of lingerie, despite her initial protests. She blushed the entire time they were inside. By the time they walked, Mia was worn out, unused to being on her feet all day, but she felt content. When they sat in the Starbucks, the CEO wrapped his foot around her ankle under the table, and their linked hands sat on the tabletop for everyone to see. It was a good day.

"You okay, boo?" He asked sweetly.

She tightened her fingers around his. "I'm going to regret ever telling you that nickname, aren't I?"

"I kind of thought you already did," He said, laughing lightly.

Fair enough.

***

The edge of the cliff jutted into the ocean and in front of them was one of the most breathtaking sunsets that Mia had ever seen. They walked together to the edge in almost a trance-like state, not saying a word, but gripping their hands together tightly.

There was a bench perfectly situated on the path, and luckily for them, it was unoccupied. As Mia glanced around them, she realised that amazingly, there wasn't another soul here to witness the beauty in front of them.

They were totally alone. They sat down on the bench, hands still tangled together. It was the last stop of their day.

"I like this" She breathed.

Damon inched closer, staring at her like it was the first time they met. Before she could say something, he took her hand in his and cradled her face. Mia met his eyes daringly, aware of the desire clouding in them. The CEO surged forward and pressed his lips to her more insistently, his other hand reaching down to cradle her cheeks in his palms.

He nibbled on her bottom lip and swallowed her little mewls, reaching in with his tongue and brushing it against her. The kiss deepened and lengthened, and even though they kissed several times before this felt different. His mouth was firm and luscious and moved with confidence and so much desire that she could practically feel it thrumming through her veins.

Finally, Damon lifted his mouth off her, but it too quick. She didn't want it to be over so fast, wanted their kiss to linger and spin out until their lips were sore and chapped.

"We're missing the sunset," He whispered into her mouth.

She licked her lips and parted away from him, her eyes gleaming and cheeks flushed. The sky changed from blood orange to crimson to the deepest, darkest velvety purple. It was breathtaking.

"You're staring," Mia finally said, trying to concentrate. "And that is distracting."

"Sorry," He said, clearly not sorry at all because his eyes didn't move off her at all. "You're just so beautiful."

Her breath caught in her throat at all. She let out a short bark of laughter to cover that up. "I don't think so, but thanks."

The boss extended a hesitant hand towards her, stroking down the hair that was probably unpleasantly matted to the back of her neck after their make-out session. He just kept stroking. She fluttered her eyes close and arched into his hand.

"You're wrong, you know," He finally said softly. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

She didn't laugh this time. Maybe it was the nearly hypnotic croon of his voice. Perhaps it was the sincerity emanating from it. Mia still didn't completely believe, but it did feel good that he seemed to think she was beautiful genuinely.

Its what every girl who likes the boy would like to hear. The realisation knocked her off only for a while because it's been there since day one. She's always had these feelings for her boss veering way past crush and into love territory. Today more than ever.

***

"Let's just order room service," Damon suggested once they settled back in their room. "I don't want to leave the room."

"It's like you read my mind."

The real reason was she didn't want to go out there and pretend they were only business colleagues. It would only hurt her feelings. That's why Mia readily agreed, and they perused the menu.

"I'm going to take a shower," She announced after Damon had called in their order.

"Don't even think about stealing all the hot water," He called back, his voice teasing.

"I'll try not to" She yelled back before shutting the door.

Mia had to remind herself again that they might not even have a chance to be a real couple, even though she had gotten to the point of admitting that was the result she most wanted. The assistant wanted to be with Damon tomorrow and the next day and in a year and ten years. She honestly couldn't even imagine wanting any one person in her life more than she wished to her boss.

Out of the shower, Mia quickly towel dried her hair and threw on a baggy shirt, another t-shirt of Damon and a pair of pyjama pants. When she walked back out of the bathroom, Damon was on the bed, clicking through the pay-per-view movie options. "Food should be here any minute. I asked them to bring us wine as well. The 93 bottle you saw on the shelf" He said, sliding off the bed.

Mia grinned stupidly at him. "Are you trying to buy my affections?"

Damon leaned in and gave her a quick smacking kiss. "Is it working?"

When she fondly rolled her eyes, he chuckled, the rough sound sending her shivers. "I'll take that as a yes."

He sauntered into the bathroom, leaving her feeling light and happy.

Room service came and went, and Damon emerged from the shower, damp hair and warm, flushed skin, looking so unfairly gorgeous that Mia prided himself on the fact that she didn't just tackle him into the bed. It's very difficult.

They ate dinner in bed, cuddled up with pillows and blankets, watching a movie. Mia had wondered if they'd actually end up watching the film, but they had, surprisingly—and she'd even been glad.

As the movie credits rolled, Damon tightened his arm around her and Mia raised her head at him. The smile on his face was sweetly possessive. "It's our last day here tomorrow."

The smile vanished from her lips at that. She couldn't imagine leaving their bliss only to go back to work and pretending that she hated her boss. It's not like Mia had an option. Trying to muster up a smile, she hummed. "I know."

"So what are we doing tomorrow?" He asked drowsily.

"We'll figure something out."

***