Falling for her Boss

Bec walked quickly through the office corridor. She had no reason to walk quickly but love for the job put a bounce in her step. Her long, brown, wavy hair swept around her shoulders and she smiled at everyone she made eye contact as she approached her cubicle.

She sat down at her desk next to her best friend Tyler, also a marketing assistant. He was tall, dark, and handsome in his own way, Bec supposed. His dark hair was styled in a way that made it look like he had put in no effort at all, the same way he had styled it since she first met him. They began their internship together at Cagnoni Market Solutions 4 years ago. His eyes and freckles lit up when he spun around in his leather chair and saw her.

"Becko the ghecko!" he called out!

"Tyler the tyler." Bec chuckled. The greeted each other this way most mornings.

"How was the weekend?" He leaned in, his voice dropping slightly. "Did you manage to get some well-deserved R&R?"

"Raunchy and risque?" she whispered with a smile.

Tyler nodded eagerly. "That guy from Tinder? Damian?"

Bec set her bag down and turned on her laptop. "Just wasn't vibing with him."

"Another one bites the dust." Tyler said, leaning back in his chair. "Bec, you need to give someone a chance."

"You can date if you want. He's single." Bec replied as she opened her diary.

"If Eva gave me permission." Tyler joked. Eva was his wife of 2 years. Bec was good friends with them both and had been the "best man" at their wedding.

Kris, their 55-year-old boss and CEO of Cagnoni Market Solutions, strode into the office. Her confidence radiated throughout the room. Bec usually felt intimidated by her although although Tyler had told her Bec she hid that well. Kris was the picture of a CEO with high cheekbones, glowing skin and piercing blue eyes that had a way of making you feel undressed. It was unusual to see her amongst their office cubicles. She usually parlayed any business through their department manager Luis, who she walked up to and spoke to briefly. It was even more unusual for Kris to then walk up to Bec and Tyler and speak to them directly.

"Good morning Rebecca and Tyler." Kris' voice was no-nonsense. "Do you have any meetings with clients this morning?"

"Just the follow-up with Birello at 11am." Bec, replied, double-checking her diary.

"None until this afternoon for me." Tyler added.

"Good. I'll see you both in my office at 10am." And with that she turned around and left.

Bec felt light-headed with worry. A meeting with Kris without any notice was rare. It could mean anything from a promotion to being fired. She looked over at Tyler who was frowning.

"Don't worry." he said, although he was trying to persuade himself too. "It's probably just a routine check-in. We've been nailing those KPIs."

"Yeah." Bec replied, trying to sound convinced. "You're probably right."

Her therapist was helping her with anxiety stemming from her past relationship. She quietly took some deep breaths and pressed her fingers together, grounding herself in the present.

9.50am came. Tyler and Bec rose from their seats and walked towards the elevator.

"You okay?" Tyler asked as the elevator doors closed. He knew about her anxiety. He and Eva had been there for her when she left Rob. Bec had even lived with them for a few months as she pieced her life back together. They were just married but they insisted. They were the family she wished she had.

Bec took a deep breath. "Just nervous." she said. "But I'll be fine. Let's not assume we're in trouble."

The elevator doors opened to the top floor, where the CEO's office was located. The walls were lined with glass and the floor, a rich, dark red wood that echoed their footsteps. Kris' office was the last door on the left. The nameplate read "Kris Cagnoni" in sleek, silver letters.

Bec took a deep breath and knocked firmly. "Come in" Kris' voice called from inside. They entered and Kris looked up from her desk.

"Take a seat." she said, gesturing to two plush chairs opposite her desk. The office was modern and minimalist, the only decoration being a few framed awards and certificates on the wall behind her. The scent of leather and a faint hint of expensive perfume was present.

"Thankyou." Bec murmured as she sat down, her palms sweating slightly. Tyler took the chair next to her and gave her a reassuring nod.

"In the next few days, we'll be announcing the launch of a new division. This division requires a particular skill set and a close working relationship with me." Kris began, her eyes darting between them, as if she was looking any sign of weakness. "Your names have come up as the top candidates for this role. It's an opportunity for growth."

Bec felt excited but also uneasy. Would she be forced to compete with her best friend for the role? "What exactly does this job entail?" she asked, expressionless as she fought to keep her voice steady.

"It's a new role." Kris said, her blue eyes glancing down at her laptop. "It will require creativity and discretion. If you're successful, you'll be my right hand in the launch of it, which means late nights and tight deadlines. You may be required to travel out of the state with me."

Bec felt her heart race. The opportunity sounded incredible. The thought of working side-by-side with Kris sounded incredible but also terrifying. She glanced at TYler, whose eyes were wide with excitement.

"Now, I know the two of you are very good friends." Kris continued. "You work exceptionally well together too. A second position may open up once the division is established. But for now there is only one." Kris took her glasses off and places them on the table next to her. "I don't want to come between your rapport, professional or personal, which is why I'm saying this to you both."

Bec considered Kris thoughtfully. The CEO was considerate of their friendship. It was not a characteristic she would have guessed was in her arsenal.

"Bec," Tyler said, placing a hand on her arm. "You should take it. You're so good at what you do and you deserve it."

Kris' eyebrows shot up. "So, Tyler, you're not interested?" She seemed disappointed.

"Oh, I am interested." Tyler responded politely. "But Bec was born for this."

Kris' eyebrows relaxed and she studied him for a moment with quiet contemplation. When she looked back at Bec she said, "I will give you 24 hours to think about it. Email me back tomorrow with a decision."

As they walked back toward the elevator, Bec thanked Tyler. "But why did you do that? she asked.

"Because you're the better candidate." Tyler responded and smiled at her. And as soon as the elevator doors shut, he whispered, "I can't work late nights anymore. Eva's pregnant. We found out on the weekend."

Bec's eyes widened. "Oh my God, Tyler!" she squealed, jumping to hug him. "That's amazing!" He hugged her back and said quietly. "Thanks. We're keeping it quiet for now, okay?"

"Okay, okay," she said in a quiet voice as the elevator doors opened on their floor. As they sat back down at their desks, trying to contain their excitement, Bec pressed Tyler, "But why didn't you pretend that you were a little interested, Tyler?"

"That's what you would've done if you were me, right?"

"Well, yeah." Bec knew Tyler approached things differently at times.

"You're my best friend. And also, honestly, you work harder than me. You deserve it."

"Thanks, Ty." Bec loved him for saying that.

The next morning Bec sat at her desk, typing a response to Kris' email.

To Kris,

Thankyou for the incredible opportunity. After careful consideration, I would be honored to accept the position. I look forward to contributing to the success of the company.

Bec hit send. She felt excited, nervous and then suddenly sick. The memory had resurfaced.

"You're nothing" he spat at her. "Why would anyone else want you?"

"Hey. Everything alright?" Tyler tapped her on the shoulder. "You responded to her email?"

Bec nodded, pushing her feet into the ground, reminding herself of now. "I've accepted the position."

Tyler's eyes lit up. "You're going to kill it, Bec!" He winked at her and then turned back to his laptop. Bec pushed the memory of Rob's dark voice away as she got to work.

Friday evening rolled around. Bec, Tyler, Luis and a few other colleagues from their floor headed to the local pub. Luis brought everyone a round and they toasted to Bec. Jodie leaned in. "So, Bec, are you nervous about working so closely with Kris?" Jodie's green eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Oh no, not really." Bec laughed as she lied and rolled up her sleeves.

"Come on," Jodie prodded.

"And pigs can fly." added Marcus, an older marketing assistant.

"I heard she's a bit of a control freak." another colleague Helen chimed in. "Do you remember when she made someone cry at a quarterly review?"

"Well, she is the CEO." Tyler pointed out. "Bosses have to be like that."

"Am I like that?" Luis asked, feigning hurt.

"You haven't made anyone cry yet so you're doing great." Helen replied, stuffing some fries into her mouth.

Bec sighed and smiled. "Maybe there's another side to her."

"You're going to great, Bec." Luis replied. "She's tough but fair. And just so you know, she loves her pet dog. It's a golden retriever named Hank. That might be a talking point if you ever have an awkward silence with her."

The next week, Bec stepped into the office for her first day in the new role. The elevator ride to the top floor seemed to take forever. As she reached Kris' office, the door was already open and she could see Kris in a trendy blue checked pantsuit waiting inside, looking over some documents.

"Good morning, Kris." Bec said as she entered, hoping her voice didn't shake as much as she thought it did.

Kris looked up, her blue eyes meeting Bec's. "Ah, Rebecca. Welcome." She gestured to the chair. "I'm sure you're eager to get started."

Bec took a deep breath and sat down. As they talked about what the first week would look like, Kris made it clear that there would be many late nights this week. But it would ease with time.

The office was a quieter place after sunset, Bec discovered, with the hum of the air conditioner and the occasional sound of a distant phone ringing. It was here that Bec saw a gentler side to Kris. Her stern side dissipated and she talked about Hank, her furry companion who had been with her since her wife passed away.

"Daisy loves the beach." Kris said, smiling, showing a video of Daisy leaping and splashing in the waves.

Bec couldn't help but smile back. "My mom's dog loves the beach too. She has to put him in a life jacket in case he swims out too far." Kris chuckled at that which was new for Bec to hear. It was a low, warm sound.

Friday rolled around. Bec felt exhausted but accomplished. Over the past few days, Kris and Bec had taken it turns to buy each other coffee on the way in. It was Bec's turn today, and though she wasn't as nervous as the first day she had done it, she had still left home a bit earlier, so she could walk slower and more carefully, and avoid any spills.

"Thankyou Bec." Kris said as Bec set it down on the table. "Do you like being called that?"

Bec realised it was the first time Kris hadn't used her full name. "Yes, most people call me that."

"Really? Well I feel silly." Kris chuckled and looked down shyly. "When were you going to tell me?"

Bec felt a strange warmth in her cheeks. "Well, Kris, you're the CEO! I was never going to tell you that!" Kris and her both laughed. It had only been a week but she felt like a friend. A friend that Bec still felt nervous around and she couldn't put her finger on why.

As talked through what they would do today, Kris announced travel plans. "Bec, we're going to need to go to Sydney for a week. We'll meet with some clients and stakeholders there"

Bec nodded, trying to keep her excitement in check. "Okay, any dates in mind?"

"Next week. We'll leave on Monday morning."

As they discussed the logistics, Kris leaned over to grab a report from a nearby shelf, her elbow brushing against Bec's chest in the process. The unexpected touch caused Bec to jump and she felt her cheeks burning.

"Sorry about that." Kris mumbled, her voice soft. As she turned away, Bec noticed her cheeks were also flushed slightly.

"That's okay. It's the most action I've had in a while."

Kris laughed.

Later in the evening, after they'd eaten dinner at the office, the lights flickered and the screens went blank. They couldn't access their company data because the internet was out too.

"Looks like we're out of power." Kris said, looking annoyed. "And to think we were going to get out of here at a decent hour."

"Well, we've got our laptops. We can work from my place." Bec suggested.

"How far away is your place?" Kris asked, putting her laptop in her bag.

"Twenty minutes."

"Mine's ten." Kris replied. "Follow me in your car."

When they arrived, Kris' house was like a sleek, modern fortress. The outside was lined with tasteful outdoor lighting that highlighted the sharp angles and glass facade of the building. It was clear that no expense had been spared in its construction. The door was a solid slab of dark wood with a gleaming chrome handle that Bec felt a little intimidated to touch. To think that they would have gone to her modest bungalow to work!

The living room was furnished with tasteful, modern pieces. Kris let her dog Daisy inside. The dog raced up to Bec and licked her face. Bec patted the dog as he rolled over onto his belly.

"Cool house." Bec said.

"Thanks, all of this was Viv's idea." Bec realised she was talking about her late wife.

Every reply Bec thought of felt awkward. "Well, she had fine taste."

They set up their laptops at the kitchen table. They called a stakeholder overseas, whose timezone was different to theirs, and then they worked on documentation. As they worked, Bec couldn't help but noticed the family photos on the walls. One of them showed a younger Kris with a smiling woman who Bec assumed was Viv.

"She passed seven years ago next month." Kris said. Bec realised she had been staring.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Bec said.

Kris shrugged and didn't look up. "It's okay. It was leukemia."

Bec's felt sad. "My father passed from that too."

Kris looked up. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. The world is better off without him." Bec replied without thinking better of it.

Kris got up and boiled the kettle.

"How do you like your tea?" she asked.

"Just black with a dash of milk." Bec replied, watching Kris' graceful movements around the kitchen.

When Kris placed a cup of tea next to her, she asked, "Why is the world a better place without him?"

Bec took a sip of tea. Part of her knew it was more sensible to say "it's a long story" but part of her wanted to know how Kris would react. "He was an abuser. I walked on eggshells around him. Everytime Mum tried to leave, he'd find a way back in."

Kris sat in her chair with a mug. "I had no idea." she murmured. Her forehead crinkled as she stared across the room, looking emotionally wounded.

"It's fine. It's all in the past." Bec said, worried she had triggered something painful for Kris.

After some silence, Bec pried. "What was your wife like, Kris?"

Kris' blue eyes softened. "Viv was a compassionate and funny. Everything I'm not." She half-smiled. "She was a social worker. And she was always beautiful."

"You miss her." Bec said quietly.

"Every day." Kris sipped her tea. Her eyes were watery.

They worked for another half hour. And then they were finished. Bec packed up her things to leave. She thought how odd it was that only a week or so ago, she felt so intimidated by this woman. And now she had been in her home seen her nearly cry as she spoke about her late wife. As they walked out to the driveway, the cool evening air washed over them. The moon cast a soft glow over the garden.

Kris opened Bec's car door because her hands were full. "Thank you for working late, Bec." Her voice was softer than usual, almost vulnerable.

"No problem, Kris. We're a team." Bec responded, smiling gently.

And then Kris leaned in and kissed her. The kiss was gentle and tentative, the opposite of how Bec would have imagined Kris would have kissed someone. At least, before this week. Bec froze for a moment. But then she kissed Kris back, feeling the warmth spread through her body.

"I'm sorry, Bec." Kris whispered, pulling back slightly. "I shouldn't have..."

"It's okay, Kris." Bec whispered back. And she leaned in and kissed her more deeply. Bec realised this was why though Kris felt like a friend, Bec still felt nervous around her. It was attraction. Against the side of her car, Bec felt the metal cool against her back as Kris leaned into her. Their mouths lapped at each other with yearning and passion that Bec hadn't realised was there until now. Bec's hands found their way into Kris's hair, feeling the softness of her strands between her fingers. Kris's hands rested on Bec's waist, pulling her closer.

Bec pulled away. "I should go. We're travelling on Monday." Bec said, knowing it would be exhausting.

"I know." Kris said, looking into Bec's eyes, as she stepped back. "And again, I'm sorry."

Bec didn't know what to say. So she silently got into her car and drove away.