Babysitting The Boss

3. Another Invitation

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June called Laura as soon as she reached her apartment. "You won't believe what just happened," she said, her voice breathless.

"What?" Laura's tone was filled with excitement.

"Heath Robbins just asked me out to dinner to discuss the conference," June repeated, her voice still a mix of shock and disbelief. "What on earth am I going to wear?"

Laura's squeal of excitement was loud enough to make June pull the phone away from her ear. "Oh my god, June, this is huge! What did you say?"

"I said yes," June replied, pacing the living room of her small apartment. "But I'm not sure if it's a good idea."

"Are you kidding?" Laura's voice was incredulous. "You have to go! This is a chance to make a great impression on the new CEO. Plus, you never know, he might be less of a jerk than everyone thinks."

June bit her lip, considering. "I guess you're right," she said finally. "But what on earth do I wear to dinner with my boss?"

Laura didn't miss a beat. "Don't worry, I've got you covered," she said with a grin. "Meet me at my place in an hour. I have a few options."

True to her word, Laura had laid out a selection of dresses on her bed when June arrived. They ranged from sleek and professional to sexy and alluring. Laura held up a form-fitting black number with a plunging neckline. "This one screams 'I mean business,' but still shows you have a life outside the office," she said with a wink.

June laughed nervously, eyeing the dress. "I'm not sure if that's the message I want to send."

Laura rolled her eyes. "Come on, June. You're not going to wear a pantsuit to dinner with Heath Robbins. The man's got a reputation for a reason." She held up a second option, a deep blue number that accentuated June's eyes. "This one's perfect. It says 'I'm professional, but I'm not afraid to loosen up.'"

June hesitated, her fingers brushing over the silky fabric. "But what if he thinks I'm trying too hard?"

Laura rolled her eyes. "June, honey, you're not 'trying too hard.' You're trying to make a good impression. And trust me, this dress will do just that."

June took a deep breath and slipped into the blue dress. It hugged her in all the right places, making her feel both powerful and alluring. Laura's makeup and hair skills turned her from office-ready to dinner-date chic in no time.

"You look amazing," Laura said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "Now remember, just be yourself. He's a person, not a monster."

June took a deep breath, her hands smoothing over the dress. "I know," she said, trying to calm her racing heart. "But what if he's nothing like George?"

Laura gave her a gentle push towards the door. "Then you'll handle it. You're the best PA in the city, remember?"

June nodded, her heart racing as she stepped into the elevator. The doors closed, and she took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She'd always been the epitome of professionalism, but something about Heath had her rattled. Was it his confidence? His good looks? Or the fact that he was now her boss?

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The town car pulled up to the curb of Le Château, and June stepped out. The restaurant's exterior was elegant, with soft lights casting a warm glow over the vine-covered walls. She took a moment to compose herself before walking in.

The hostess recognized her immediately and led her to a private table in the back of the restaurant.

Heath was already there, a glass of whiskey in hand, his eyes scanning the room as if looking for something... or someone. When he saw June, his expression changed from boredom to something more... personal. He stood up, his tall frame blocking the candlelight as he approached her.

"You look... breathtaking," he said, his eyes sweeping over her from head to toe. June felt her cheeks warm under his scrutiny. She offered a polite smile and took her seat, hoping the dinner would remain professional.

The conversation started off innocently enough, with Heath asking about her background and her experience at Robbins Tech. But as the evening progressed, his questions grew more personal, and his compliments more overt. He leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered his admiration for her dedication to work.

"You're not like the other PAs I've had," he said, his hand brushing against hers as he reached for the bread basket. "You're... intriguing."

June felt a shiver run down her spine. "Thank you," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "I try to be thorough in my work."

She wanted to tell him that it had only been two days since they had started to work together. But she could not bring herself to say it because he looked so alluring and she did not want to be sassy with him.

That was so unlike her.

June had always prided herself on being a consummate professional, but Heath's blatant flirting had thrown her off balance. His hand lingered on hers just a moment too long, his eyes searched hers with an intensity that made her stomach flip.

"So, June," Heath said, his voice a velvety purr, "tell me, what do you do to unwind after a long day at the office? Do you have a boyfriend?"

"I don't." June squeaked out.

"So what do you do?"

Heath's question hung in the air, the flirtation in his eyes unmistakable. June took a sip of her wine, trying to keep her cool. "I enjoy reading, mostly," she said, hoping to steer the conversation back to safer ground. "What about you?"

Heath leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving hers. "I have my ways of relaxing," he said with a knowing smile. "But I'd much rather hear about yours."

June felt the heat rising in her cheeks. "Well, I usually just go home and read," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady, repeating herself.

Heath leaned in closer, his smile turning into a grin. "How about we do something more... entertaining tonight?"

"Like what?" She asked.

"You will find out if you accept." He was being mysterious on purpose.

June did want to take the risk but his eyes were just too captivating, enchanting, that she found herself nodding.

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