Her Suited Savior

Chapter 23

Calla Stewart's POV

Mr. King - Hunter - had been staring at me off and on since we arrived at the restaurant, but now it was getting out of hand. It was like I was being evaluated for a test I didn't hear about. Was I passing?

The overachieving perfectionist in me was going wild with worry as I felt his gaze return to me. Maybe there was something on my face? I looked down at the pancakes I had ordered. They were smothered with whipped cream and strawberries. I tried to inconspicuously wipe my face for any possible remnants.

The conversation between the two of us had been minimal. After basic talk about the food ran out, I started to feel awkward. The clattering of utensils and chatter of other guests filled the silence just fine for a while, but now that familiar nervousness was coiling in my abdomen. I couldn't help but run through and question everything that had happened so far today. Regret was pulling at my conscience. Was it weird to ask him to go out like this? The two of us had been awful close earlier. This was not like a boss and employee relationship at all.

I nibbled at my lip, lost in my thoughts until my boss cleared his throat. I met his potent stare. His eyes held curiosity and something more. They were difficult to meet. I was afraid he'd look so deeply he'd know everything about me.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

I shot my gaze away from his as I struggled to come up with an answer. I couldn't help but be honest, "You," I stated dumbly.

"What about me?"

I wanted to turn my face inside out and glare at myself. What a stupid thing to say. He just kept looking at me, so I gave him the truth yet again, "J-just that I... I feel weird about... this," I gestured between the two of us.

"Why?"

"Because you're my boss."

"You know I'm more than that at this point."

"L-like what?" I questioned nervously, "Like... friends?"

He visibly tensed and looked down at the table, but by the time he looked up, he appeared at ease, "Sure, like friends."

I sat with his response, "... Is that okay? Can bosses and employees do that?"

He didn't react like he was that enthused to be friends with me. Although I understood why he might be hesitant. I could easily become an even bigger burden to him with all the craziness going on in my life at the moment. I didn't want him to feel obligated to support me. It would probably be best for me to limit things. I couldn't bank on him sticking around, nor my ability to keep this ridiculous job. Let alone my capability of being an actual friend to someone like him.

He smirked, "I am the boss, and I say it's fine."

I was put at enough ease to ask him another question, "So... Boss, can I come back to work yet?"

Hunter seemed to ponder, "I'll tell you what," he leaned forward, "You can come back as soon as you come up with your signal."

I almost glared at him in annoyance. I didn't want to think about a stupid panic signal. I have never agreed earlier. Unfortunately, my thought process was compromised by his presence. Thinking about it again made my stomach slither up to my throat, not allowing a word to escape. He must have seen the worry on my face because he was quickly adding more, "You don't need to think about it right now. Let me pay, and then I'll take you back home so you can have some time to yourself."

He was already grabbing his wallet and waving over the server. I had to scarf down the rest of my pancakes and didn't even get to savour them; the struggles of being a slow eater.