Falling For My Boss

Chapter 4

~~~Y/N's POV~~~
Before I know it, I'm confidently taking care of all of the little things. I make vet appointments, I talk to Ms. Steinfeld's manager, all kinds of things. I've successfully launched into this job, and I love it. The best part is our morning routine. I make breakfast while Ms. Steinfeld does her skincare and such, and then we have a daily breakfast meeting. We discuss the day's events, and if I need to tell her anything I've got set up for her, that's when I do. We've settled into a rhythm together, and I really feel like I'm making a difference for her. It helps that she says so, often, but honestly, I find it rewarding to do the little things. She's started asking me my opinion on new songs, or on a piece of acting that interests her, and I love being able to flex my education a little bit to someone who understands. Plus, I'm just so fascinated by music and singing and acting that I tend to get excited talking about it, and she doesn't mind. As someone that has often been told to 'tone it down ' when I talk about my special interests, it's incredible to work for someone who cares about my opinion and likes to engage in those types of conversations.
Once a week or so, I stay after working hours to have a drink and sort of debrief about whatever cool thing Ms. Steinfeld has done recently, so I can gush about whatever industry thing I found interesting. We talk about symbolism in camera angles and lighting, and costuming techniques, and I don't feel judged like I did in college. I actually feel like she thinks I'm qualified to have opinions on that sort of thing, which is new for me. This is the best job I've ever had, and it doesn't hurt that my boss is so gorgeous and smart and funny that I can't stop thinking about her after work. Okay, it might not be great. But I like it. Shit, Taylor was right. I am going to get in over my head with this crush. But, I'm self-aware, so that's a good first step, right? Because I really love the job, and if I ruin it by getting too attached to Ms. Steinfeld, I will hate myself for it.
Anyway, today we're going to the studio after I get back with Martini and Brando. I took them to the vet's office for their yearly shots by myself since Hailee's training has started for Marvel. I do a lot of things with my boss, but I am not a gym person, so any time I can get out of being there for her work outs, I do. I've always been pretty small, but I don't know that I've ever really been "in shape" as an adult. I become painfully aware of that when I see the rigorous training regimine required to become a Marvel hero, and honestly, it doesn't feel great. A plus for me though, Hailee has a really healthy lifestyle all around, which means my eating habits have gotten much better, at least for two out of three meals a day, and I have a lot more energy here than I did at my old job. I pull into the driveway right as her trainer (her dad) is leaving, and herd the pups into the house. 'Herd' might be a strong word, since I could almost fit both of these babies in one hand, they're so teeny. But, I get everyone squared away, and find Ms. Steinfeld in the kitchen, drinking some healthy post-workout smoothie.
"Hey, y/n! How was the Vet?" She sits her smoothie down on the island and leans over to pick up Martini, her sweaty tank top lifting slightly to reveal a strip of skin that makes my mouth water.
"Uh, good! They did really well, all of their shots are updated, and I got them pup cups after." I peel my eyes from her torso, and find them landing firmly on the hair that has escaped her ponytail and is plastered to her temple. Fuck. I turn away so she doesn't notice my staring and scoop up Brando, who is getting jealous of the attention Martini is getting. "They did say that as they get older, they may have issues with their teeth, but that's common for Yorkies, so."
"Aw, babies!'' She kisses Martini and reaches out to scratch Brando's ears. "Okay, I'm gonna go shower, then we are set for the studio, right?" She starts backpedaling toward her room.
"I'm making us lunch first, but yes." I grin and set Brando back down.
"I can make my own lunch, Y/n, you aren't my assistant and my chef."
"I'm eating too, so might as well make twice as much while you're showering." I roll my eyes at her and round the counter, preparing to grab a meal kit recipe.
"You're literally the best!" she calls over her shoulder before disappearing. I zone out while I'm cooking, making sure I'm following the instructions and trying to multitask takes up my whole focus, so when I turn around after what I think is a few minutes to see Ms. Steinfeld sitting there, watching me and drinking the rest of her smoothie, I jump. Practically out of my skin.
"Boss! When did you get back?" I'm holding my hand to my chest, she startled me so bad. She, of course, has to recover from her laughter before she can answer.
"I've been sitting here for a hot minute. You were super focused." I slide her a plate and she grins mischievously. "I noticed something about you though."
"Oh great." I start eating my own lunch.
"You chew on your tongue when you're focusing," her smile softens, "It's actually adorable," she teases me.
"Oh, yeah," I feel my cheeks redden, "I've always done that."
"I like it. It's sweet," she takes a bite of her food. "And, this is incredible. God, you're good at everything!" I take a huge bite to avoid replying, knowing my face has to be beet red. She continues, "I mean, honestly, best assistant I could ever ask for. Thank you."
"Stop, Boss, I'm just doing what I can to make your day go smoothly."
"And I'm just appreciating that," she says innocently.
"Well, you're welcome. Now can we hurry up? Because I am very excited for this studio session."

~~~~~Hailee's POV another day~~~~
Y/n and I have really fallen into a rhythm with each other. She's so sweet, I find myself smiling constantly. Y/n is really funny too, always willing to give and take with a little bit of teasing. She's going above and beyond as my assistant and I'm so glad I hired her. I mean, I definitely still have a massive crush on her, but I can tell she has no idea. I text Flo every day, and she mostly responds by making fun of me, but she'll meet y/n in a few months and then she'll see what I'm talking about. Being around so many superficial people all the time just makes you really appreciate someone who's honest with you. She's so genuine and great to be around. I really am so excited that she works for me.
I've been trying to give her little hints that I'm not straight. Flo said if I keep growing this crush, it might become feelings, and she doesn't want me to blindside y/n by coming out and then telling her how I feel all at once. I'm afraid if she knows I'm not straight, it'll be too obvious though, so we'll see when/if I say something. She's getting so good at her job, I already would be hurting if she left, so I have to try just getting over it.
I'm finishing up a post-workout smoothie when she comes back in the door, laden with groceries. "Y/n, let me help you." I jump to help her, but she shoots a glare at me. That's when I see the delivery person on the porch over her shoulder.
"I knew it! You're Hailee Steinfeld!" They call, then, they try to come into the door. Y/n is quick to drop her bags and block them though.
"Actually, I totally forgot to ask if you'd just make sure we have everything here on the porch, then I'm good. Thank you so much for your help, though." She's so small, but she effectively bars them from seeing me any more.
"That's Hailee Steinfeld," they repeat.
"No, that's my boss. And she would appreciate it if you didn't attempt to enter the home without being invited."
"Damn, my bad, your boss looks just like her though." As they back down, y/n slyly shoos me back to the safety of the kitchen. She's so concerned for my privacy, and it gives me butterflies to see her jump into protective mode like that. When she comes into the kitchen and starts putting things away, I can't stop myself from looking at the way her slacks hug her hips, or how her shirt tightens around her biceps when she reaches above her head. She's not particularly jacked or anything, but her arms are strong enough that it sends a shiver through me to think about them without those sleeves covering them up. She turns around, her tongue squished between her teeth giving me goosebumps. Her eyes light up in surprise when she sees me looking.
"What's wrong, Boss?"
"Nothing! It's just, you're really protective of me," I cover.
"Is that bad?"
"Not at all."