Matched with my boss

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Daphne

I opened the door of the building with my heart pounding like a drum in my ears. My hands trembled slightly as I ran them over my dress, trying to smooth out imaginary wrinkles and calm my nerves. There he was, leaning casually against his car, with that soft smile I'd only seen on a screen but that looked even more charming in person.

Jake looked up as he saw me and smiled, one of those smiles that light up his whole face and make you forget any worries. I couldn’t help but stand there for a moment, taking him in, trying to absorb the reality that he was truly there, in the flesh, right in front of me. He looked even better than I’d imagined: his jawline was firm, his hair perfectly slicked back, and his eyes, dark and deep, held a mix of tenderness and something that made me shiver. And he was tall, very tall.

“Hello, Daphne,” he said, his voice soft yet firm, wrapping around me completely.

“Hello, Jake,” I replied, almost in a whisper, trying not to lose my composure as he took a few steps closer. I didn’t know if it was nervousness or excitement, but time seemed to slow down as if that moment existed just for us.

He leaned in, and before I could say anything more, he pressed a soft kiss on my cheek. It was brief, delicate, but enough for me to feel the warmth of his skin and the scent of his cologne, a blend of woods and spices that left me with the desire to be even closer. I closed my eyes for a second, soaking in every small detail of that closeness.

“You look incredibly beautiful,” he whispered as he pulled back, and the blush I felt on my cheeks intensified instantly. My hands moved nervously to my dress, unsure how to respond.

“Thank you… you do too,” I finally managed, feeling that the words barely expressed what I was actually thinking.

Jake offered his arm with an elegant gesture and smiled, guiding me to the car. He opened the passenger door for me, and as I settled into the seat, I couldn’t help but notice his attentiveness, the way he looked at me, and how every gesture of his was so considerate and thoughtful. When he took his place behind the wheel, we exchanged a glance and smiled, as if we were sharing a secret.

The car started smoothly, and as we pulled away from the building, Jake broke the silence.

“Really, Daphne, I have to say it again… you’re truly beautiful.”

My cheeks burned, and though he’d already said it, every time I heard it felt like the first time. I looked at him, trying to keep my composure, but his gaze was so direct and sincere that all I could do was smile shyly.

“Thank you, Jake.” I looked him up and down, noting his perfectly tailored dark suit and the soft blue shirt that complemented his eyes. “You’re very handsome too. Very.”

He laughed, and the sound filled the car with a warmth that made me relax a little more.

“I’m glad you think so. I spent more time than I should have choosing what to wear,” he said, giving me a quick look before focusing on the road again.

“Really?” I asked, a little surprised and amused, imagining him nervous over something so simple.

“Of course, it’s not every day I get to go on a date with someone so special,” he replied in an easygoing tone, but the sincerity in his words made me feel that flutter in my stomach again.

I laughed and looked out the window for a moment, watching the city lights pass by quickly as we headed to the restaurant. The streets were alive, and I could see couples and groups of friends enjoying the night. I felt like I was part of something special and, at the same time, unique. As if this night was ours alone.

Jake glanced at me for a second and continued the conversation.

“Tell me a little more about yourself, Daphne. You told me you’re recently graduated, right?”

I nodded, smiling as I recalled all the hard work and sleepless nights that had brought me here.

“Yes, that’s right. I graduated recently, and this is my first formal professional experience. It’s exciting, though a bit scary… I always feel like I have so much to learn.”

Jake nodded, his face showing genuine interest.

“It’s normal; I think we all feel that way at the beginning. I remember feeling exactly the same way when I started.” He paused, and I noticed his thoughts seemed to drift elsewhere, as if recalling that time.

“And have you always worked in this country?” I asked, wanting to know more about him, to understand more about the man in front of me.

Jake shook his head and smiled, almost as if that memory stirred a hint of nostalgia.

"No, actually, I spent several years working abroad. It was an incredible experience, and I can’t deny that I learned a lot, but it was also... exhausting. There’s something about home that always calls you back, you know?”

His words resonated with me, and I noticed a hint of melancholy in his gaze, as if those years had left their mark on him.

“I understand. I think being away can teach you so much, but at the same time, it leaves you with this sense of... incompleteness,” I said, trying to put into words what he had expressed.

Jake nodded, looking at me with that intensity that made me lose myself in his eyes.

“Exactly. And, well, now that I’m back, it feels like I’m rediscovering everything from a different perspective… even the small things, like tonight,” he added, glancing at me for a moment before looking back ahead.

I felt a knot in my stomach, not from nerves, but from excitement. We were connecting in such a natural and genuine way, as if we had been having these conversations all our lives.

The car began to slow as we approached the place he’d chosen. Through the window, I saw a small restaurant warmly lit with cozy lights, with an entrance adorned with plants and flowers that gave it a romantic and charming touch. Jake stopped the car and quickly got out to open my door. His gestures made me feel special, and each small detail only deepened that connection I felt with him.

“Do you like the place?” he asked, offering me his arm once more as we walked toward the entrance.

“I love it. It’s... perfect,” I replied sincerely, holding onto his arm as we walked together into the restaurant.

Inside, a soft background music filled the air, and the tables were decorated with candles and small floral arrangements. The smell of freshly prepared food and the warmth of the place made me feel as if I had entered a different world, one just for us. Jake led us to our table by a window overlooking a small garden adorned with soft lights.

We sat down, and as we waited for the waiter to bring us the menu, Jake looked at me once again.

“I still can’t believe how beautiful you are tonight,” he said softly, as if it were a thought he couldn’t hold back.

My cheeks blushed again, and this time I didn’t try to hide it. His gaze was so sincere and tender that it made me feel completely at peace.

“You look... amazing too,” I said, letting the words come out just as I felt them.

And I knew I was in for a very intense night.