Summertime Smiles.

33.

Author's POV.

Chapter33: The boss who cares.

"Nathan. Your acting so calm right now. What if someone spreads rumours." She said getting anxious.

Nathan's expression turned calm. "Alaya, relax. Only one person saw you sleeping, and that's Sasha."

Alaya's brow furrowed. "Sasha? But...but what if she says something?"

Nathan smiled reassuringly. "Sasha knows about us, remember? She's been covering for us for weeks. She's not going to say anything."

Alaya's shoulders relaxed slightly, feeling a bit better. She had forgotten that Sasha was already in the loop about their relationship.

"Right," she said, a small smile on her face. "I forgot about that."

Nathan nodded. "So, we're okay. No one else knows, and Sasha's got our backs."

"But still I didn't exit your cabin since I entered, someone must've suspected." She said.

Nathan smiled wryly. "Actually, I think we're okay. As my assistant, you're always in and out of my office. No one will think twice about it."

Alaya's brow furrowed. "But I didn't leave all day. And it's 8 pm now."

Nathan shrugged. "I told whoever came that you were working on a special project for me, and I needed you to stay late. They won't suspect a thing."

Alaya relaxed more, feeling a bit better. Nathan's explanation made sense, and she trusted him to handle the situation.

"You're always so prepared," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Nathan grinned. "That's what you get for dating the boss."

She chuckled and hugged him.

Nathan smiled softly and hugged her back.

But the peace wasn't long lived as he heard her stomach grumble.

Nathan's expression turned thoughtful. "You've been asleep for a while. Are you hungry?"

Alaya's stomach growled again, at the mention of food, but she shook her head. "No, I'm not hungry."

Nathan raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? You've got to be starving after sleeping all day."

Alaya shrugged, feeling a bit queasy. "I don't know...I just don't feel like eating right now."

Nathan nodded understandingly. "Okay, no problem. But at least have some water? You must be dehydrated."

Alaya nodded, feeling a bit parched. "Yeah, that sounds good."

Nathan got up and went to the mini-fridge in his office, pulling out a bottle of water. He handed it to Alaya, who took a sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe her throat.

"Thanks," she said, smiling weakly.

Nathan sat back down beside her, his eyes concerned. "You sure you're okay? You look a bit pale."

She gulped her saliva and shaked her head.

"Something's fishy. Speak up." He said, sensing her acting like a criminal caught.

"I kinda missed a few meals." She said while showing a pinch.

Nathan raised an eyebrow.

"How many?'' he asked.

"I drank coffee though and some chocolates as well." She replied.

"Since when?" He asked again.

She sensed his anger and surrendered.