Falling for His Boss

by Rosie Praks

  “Whitney, you are that woman. You make me feel warm. You make me become a better person. You make me crave your company. You make me think about you when I’m not beside you.”

  “Darcy, you don’t have to give an excuse for these past few days. We’ve slept together. We’ve spent time together in close quarters. We’re adults. It happens. I’m not asking you to take responsibility for it. We can forget about everything that happened here and go back to being boss and PA.

  “But I don’t want us to go back to our relationship like before. I want us to be lovers. Girlfriend-boyfriend, partners, or whatever you want to call it. I just want us to be together. I don’t want the magic we’ve experienced to die. This magic that exists between us, Whitney, you’ve got to feel it, too, right? You can lie to me, but don’t ever lie to yourself. I know deep down you feel something, too. But you’re just too afraid to admit it.”

  Was it true? Was she too afraid to admit she loved Darcy, too, scared to confess that yes, she loved him? That’s why she took the easy way out.

  “I know it’s hard to pick yourself up after your heartbreak. Your ex was an ass, I know, but you have to give love another chance. You said it happened a long time ago, and for you not to go into a relationship again must mean it’s a big scar that took a long time to heal.

  “But life is all about taking chances. I’m here in front of you. My blood is boiling hot. Every cell in my body is screaming out for you. When we kissed, I felt such an amazing chemistry. It’s magic. You tell me if you didn’t feel this magic when we kissed?

  “I’m not going to force you into a relationship with me, Whitney. All you have to do is say the word, and I’ll scram. I’ll try to forget about everything that happened these past few days, and we’ll go back to being boss and subordinate. Even though inside, I’m sure I’ll die a slow death. But I won’t trap you if you don’t want to create this magic with me. But consider your own feelings first. Ask yourself what is it that you want, because for me, Whitney, I know what I want. I want you. I want you in my bed. I want you in my life. I want you in my future.”

  And that was it. Darcy didn’t say anything more. He waited patiently, heart pounding in his chest. This was the moment of truth. Damn, he’d poured out every single feeling he possessed in his heart. And dear God, please let her accept me, he thought.

  But Whitney hesitated, trying to absorb all the information Darcy spewed. It was so overwhelming; her eyes became glassy. Swallowing a lump of emotion, she willed herself to speak.

  “Darcy, you’re young. I agree these last few days, there was magic in the air and we couldn’t resist the temptation, but when we get back to the office, the dynamic will change. The magic will disappear. We’ll be just boss and PA. Nothing more.”

  “Whitney, I don’t know what our future is like. I’m not a rich guy like Hunter. I’m just an ordinary chap who’s trying to make ends meet. Hell, I’m still trying to get my future together, but all I ask of you is to give me a try. I know you’re the editor-in-chief and my boss, but I’m willing to put in all my effort to make the relationship work. I want our magic to last forever.”

  “But your other woman. Darcy, I can’t be with you if you continue to date other women.”

  “What woman? I don’t have anyone else besides you. Whitney, I’m totally smitten with you.”

  “But… I saw you with the young girl… making out in the bushes.”

  Darcy frowned, frustrated with himself and his previous playboy behavior. How could he convince Whitney he was the one for her? Yes, they would have to work things through, but what relationship didn’t?

  “You’re talking about Isabella?” Darcy chuckled drily and scratched his head, smiling nervously at her. “She jumped my bones. Whitney, after doing it with you, I couldn’t do it with anyone else. I’m dead wood. Johnny wouldn’t wake up if you’re not in sight.”

  Whitney wanted to smack him in the head for bringing Johnny, his morning wood, into the conversation, but then she remembered his strict rule he abided to like the Bible.

  “But your rule, Darcy. You don’t date women older than you.”

  “A stupid, crazy rule. When you find the right one, all rules fly out the door. And, Whitney, you just made that rule fly out the window.”

  Whitney bit her lip, contemplating Darcy’s proposition. But, God, she loved him, too.

  “You know, even if we date, I still wouldn’t lose my militant bossy persona.” She gave him one last chance to change his mind.

  “Even better. In the office, you’ll be my boss, but when we’re at home, I’ll be on top.”

  As soon as the meaning sank in, Whitney smacked him in the arm. “Darcy, you idiot.” Then she linked her arm around his neck and stood on tiptoe, kissing him on the tip of his nose. “But you know what? I’m an idiot for falling in love with you.”

  A thousand flowers bloomed inside Darcy’s heart. He was so happy he couldn’t stop grinning.

  “That’s right.” He returned the favor and kissed Whitney on the nose, too. “We’re both idiots. And this idiot loves you forever and ever.” He snaked his arm around her and nuzzled her neck.

  “I love you, Whitney,” he murmured next to her ear. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you when Hunter and Clarice came back. And the thought of going back to the office killed me. So I had to talk to you, to clear the air. I’m so glad I chased after you. And I’m so glad you gave me a chance. I promise I’ll be the best boyfriend ever. I’ll work hard and support you, like a man should.”

  Whitney pulled back, a smirk on her face. “Darcy, I’m your boss. I get paid more than you.”

  “Well, then we’ll work hard together, for our future.”

  “Isn’t it a bit early to talk about our future?”

  “Okay. Let’s take it one baby step at a time. I’ll show you you’re the only one for me. No, I won’t show you. I’ll prove it to you. I’m going to stay committed to you for the rest of my life. You’re the start of my journey, Whitney. I want to walk beside you toward my future, holding your hand. And when I reach the end of my journey, I’ll still hold your hand. We’ll be together all the way. Until the end of our journey. Together.”

  Together. Whitney mulled on that thought. It sounded wonderful. She laughed, happiness spreading outward from her belly. She couldn’t help but hug him so tight.

  Was this what it felt like to be hopelessly in love? If not for Darcy holding her, she was sure she’d have floated in midair by now. This lighthearted feeling, that must be what Clarice was experiencing when she said love was the most amazing experience. It felt so very different from her previous relationship with her ex. And she’d put in the effort, do anything to make this relationship work, because her heart had already been given to Darcy.

  She was looking forward to it, this journey toward the future, just the two of them, holding hands, creating more magic together along the way.

  “Tell me something.” She touched his shirt collar, looking into those hazel eyes that never ceased to mesmerize her. “I’m very curious.”

  “Mmm. What is it? You can ask me anything.”

  A smile played on her lips. “When did you start to fall for me?”

  Darcy chuckled and whispered into her ear, making her all bright red in the cheeks. “I think when I saw you half naked and lying underneath me. That’s when I thought, my God, she’s one hot boss. I wouldn’t mind taking her to bed.”

  “Stupid Darcy.” She giggled, playfully hitting his chest.

  “I know, right?” Darcy drew her in for a cuddle, nuzzling his nose in her hair. “But only stupid for you. Because this guy here has fallen hopelessly in love with you, boss.”

  As Darcy was about to lean in for another kiss on her lips, a flake of snow fell on his nose. Darcy looked up at the dark sky. Specks of white fell all around them. His eyes lit up, and he turned to the woman who made his heart bleed with love.

  “Whitney, it’s snowing.” He grinned mischievously.

&n
bsp; “Yes, it is.” Whitney looked at the sky that was starting to rain with white snow. Whitney could understand now why Clarice had wanted to have her wedding here. This place was magical.

  Darcy nudged her chin to get her attention. He pretended to shiver and cheekily asked, “I’m cold, Whitney. Can you give me a kiss to keep me warm?”

  Whitney smiled, shaking her head at how ridiculous Darcy’s request was. But she leaned in anyway. She wanted warmth, too. So she did, standing on tiptoe and with Darcy cradling her head. He titled it at just the right angle before sealing their lips together.

  Out beyond the horizon, the crescent moon lit the dark sky. Darcy gazed at the picturesque view and grinned. He could already see his future right before his eyes. God, he was one luck guy to have landed his boss as his lover. Nothing could be more perfect than that.

  Epilogue

  Preston Ballantine watched in fascination as the sky opened and rain poured from above. Passengers leaving their taxis scurried inside Auckland Airport to avoid getting wet. But not him. He stood on that footpath, seeing only the raindrops pounding the pavement. It looked angry and sad, as if each raindrop was a tear sliding down from the sky, asking for the world to give it back its love.

  Something deep within his cold heart triggered. A pain, almost like a spasm, was searing at his heart, making it want to feel the warmth of that person again. He extended his hand, wanting to feel that wet sensation.

  Rain. He loved rain. It reminded him of that time long ago when he first saw her and she’d rescued him.

  He wondered how she was doing. Was she well?

  He missed her. He missed those times they’d walked in the rain, holding hands, so hopelessly in love. He missed those times when she would lie in his arms and listen to his heartbeat. He wondered if she was cold as he was. Listening to the sound of the raindrops made him want to be with her again. And the pain in his heart cried out again.

  Preston tried to tell his heart to calm down. It wasn’t long now before he could be with that person again. His heart was beating wildly, as if in response to his comment. Yes, both he and his heart would find that person again.

  But not here. Not in New Zealand. He’d tried but failed many times. But he would not give up. He would travel to the ends of this earth until he found her. He would search for her until his dying breath, because she was the only woman he’d love. And nothing could ever stop this love.

  Preston was so deep in thought he didn’t notice a van parking in front of him. A strong floral fragrance entered his nostrils. He closed his eyes and inhaled through his nose. The fresh rain and the scented flowers created a beautiful concoction. Rain and flowers. Fresh and innocent. Like her love. For him.

  Someone bumped into him, breaking his delirium.

  “Sorry, big bro.” A teen with mousy brown hair smiled up at him. “Didn’t mean to bump into you.”

  Preston smiled back at the teen, who looked to be having a hard time loading a few suitcases into the trolley.

  “Want me to help you with that?” he offered.

  “Choice. Thanks, big bro.” He handed the big suitcases to Preston, and he easily put them in the trolley.

  The teen turned to the van and shouted, “Elise. Come on out. Forget about that umbrella or I’m going to be late for check-in.”

  Preston turned toward the van and walked around to the back where the boot of the car was up. Inside, a myriad of flowers caught his eyes and the many scents caressed his nose. He saw the back of a woman, blond hair braided to the side, crouching, trying to open an umbrella.

  “Can I help you with that?” He offered his help. But before he could get a response, his bodyguard was beside him.

  “Mr. Ballantine, you’re boarding soon. We have to check in.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  His bodyguard disappeared, and Preston turned back to the woman, but she was already gone. He walked around the van and saw her walking away quickly. She was doused in the rain, her back stiff as she walked, her swanlike neck so…

  Suddenly, recognition slammed into him. Could it be? His heart drummed a thousand beats as he raced after her.

  She didn’t stop. He didn’t stop either. He knew his quest was almost over because right there, only a few steps away, was his woman.

  “Elissa!” he shouted, and she froze.

  Elissa. Elissa. Elissa. Please let it be her. Please let it be her, he chanted to himself as he slowly made his way toward her.

  “Elissa…” he repeated, as if he couldn’t believe his quest had come to an end.

  And then she turned to face him.

  That same face, still as beautiful as ever, those same lips he’d kissed, the same golden locks he loved smelling.

  Preston sucked in his breath, heart racing so fast he almost couldn’t breathe. It was her, his woman. He’d finally found her.

  “Give me a kiss.” Darcy went in for the plunge, leaning in for a kiss when he thought all was quiet outside.

  “Darcy, we’re at work. I must act professional,” Whitney snapped. She was losing her composure. And that was the one thing she couldn’t do, especially when they were here in the office and not in the privacy of their own home.

  “No one is around. Plus, we’re in your office. No one’s going to come—”

  “Whitney.”

  Whitney was so startled she shoved Darcy’s head away. And Darcy straightened his tie, all in time to see their guest standing at the door.

  “Preston,” they both chorused. “You’re back already?”

  “I thought you left to go back to the States,” Darcy commented, confused as to why their guest would come back so suddenly when his plane just left for the US not an hour ago.

  “I found her.”

  “You found her?” They both parroted. Then both glanced at each other. They’d dated for three months and couldn’t believe the magic between them was still strong, so strong they’d been completing each other’s sentences and parroting the same questions. They both turned their attention back to the billionaire they’d hosted these past two days.

  “The woman I’ve been searching for. She’s here. I saw her at the airport. I need your help. Please help me find her.”

  “Wait, wait, wait. Slow down. Who is this woman you’re searching for?” Whitney asked.

  “She’s my lover.”

  “Lover? You have a lover?” Whitney was gobsmacked. She couldn’t believe this young billionaire had a lover. Why didn’t she know anything about this? My God, if the world knew about this… But it was all for selfish reason because, looking at Preston now, he seemed so lost, unlike the abominable billionaire she knew.

  “Please help me find her,” he pleaded. “I’ve traveled around the world in search of her. But she’s nowhere to be found. My informant found nothing.”

  “Okay. Slow down. Preston. We’ll do an article in E-Magazine. Get all the information we can get. I’m sure something will turn up. Darcy, grab my tablet.”

  “Yes, Whitney. Right away.” Darcy quickly grabbed Whitney’s tablet and gave it to her.

  “All right, I’m all ears,” she said, finger ready to enter the information into the tablet. “What’s her name?”

  “Elissa.”

  “Elissa?” Both Whitney and Darcy chorused.

  “Does she have a last name?” Whitney asked.

  “I never knew her last name.”

  Whitney and Darcy exchanged looks. What kind of man didn’t know his lover’s last name?

  Preston sat uncomfortably in the silence, thinking about his woman, the lover he missed so intensely these past nine years. They were so young back then but so in love, until that small misunderstanding broke them apart. Preston blamed himself for not being man enough to protect her. He was only twenty then.

  “Well, if we don’t know her last name, do you have a photo of her or something we can go by?” Darcy asked, trying to help out.

  “Yes, I do.” Preston took out his wallet from the inner br
east pocket of his Armani suit. Carefully, he handed the photo to Whitney.

  Whitney sucked in her breath as soon as she saw the photo. That image was of a young Preston, his head resting on the shoulder of a beautiful blond-haired, blue-eyed girl. She knew that girl well. She didn’t need to look twice to confirm it.

  Darcy peeked over her shoulder to check out the photo, and he, too, sucked in his breath. They both exchanged looks, giving Preston hope.

  “Do you know her? Can you help me?” There was desperation in Preston’s eyes.

  So this was the secret her dear friend had hidden from her. Whitney handed the photo back to Preston and held Darcy’s hand. Darcy knew at that moment his woman was troubled and she needed support, so he smiled, offering his undying aid.

  With Darcy firmly supporting her, Whitney turned her attention back to Preston. “We know your lover, Preston. Her name is Elise Foster. And she’s my best friend.”

  The End

  Thank you for following Whitney and Darcy’s love story. Next in the Spinsters and Casanovas Series is Elise and Preston’s love story, Only You.

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  If you like this book, please leave a review and recommend it to a friend.

  Other Books in the Spinsters and Casanovas Series

  Baby Be Mine (Clarice and Hunter #1)

  Baby I’m Yours (Clarice and Hunter #2)

  Baby Love Me (Clarice and Hunter #3)

  Falling for His Boss (Whitney and Darcy)

  Also by Rosie Praks