Anticipation and dread filled her chest as she read the message, causing her heart to quicken.
"Dinner ." She repeated, speaking softly and with uncertainty, unsure if she had read the message correctly.
Natalie gazed at the monitor, feeling her heart rate increase. Are we eating dinner? Was this actually related to tasks, or was it simply a display of dominance? Another method he could use to examine her determination?
She thought about saying no, but she was halted by something. It could have been her enduring interest in him, the side of her that was curious to find out if Alexander Pierce was more than just a billionaire on the outside. Perhaps it was the aspect of her personality that couldn't help but take on challenges.
She let out a sigh as she typed a reply.
"Okay." She replied via text.
Alexander, I'll see you at 7. I will arrange for a car to be sent.
As Natalie exit the office and entered the crisp evening air, she couldn't help but think "i am uncertain this is just about work. But whatever this is, whatever it's occurring between us, I wasn't certain how much longer I could continue pretending it wasn't genuine."
When the car pulled up, Natalie assured herself that the dinner was only for work. He remained as her boss, despite any tension that had arisen between them.
The shiny dark car arrived at her apartment building right before 7 PM, just like it was agreed upon. She settled into the backseat, running her hand over the smooth fabric of her shirt. She had chosen something understated but classy—enough to appear well-groomed without sending the wrong message. Nevertheless, she still felt a bundle of nervousness in her stomach as they headed towards the restaurant.
As they got to the fancy French restaurant, Natalie was welcomed by a hostess who guided her to a secluded table in the candlelit dining area. There,Alexander was already seated, appearing fully like a refined billionaire in his custom black suit. The instant she walked in, he gazed into her deep blue eyes and she immediately sensed the familiar spark of electricity between them.
"Arriving punctually," he greeted her as he stood and then gestured for her to take a seat.
Natalie took a seat in front of him, trying to keep calm even though her heart was beating fast. "I assumed you wouldn't like it if I arrived late."
A half-smile formed on his quivering lips. "You guessed correctly."
Both of them fell into silence for a brief moment, with the heaviness of their previous conversation still hanging in the air. A server came to serve wine, and Natalie took a glass with gratitude, wishing it would help ease her nervousness. Alexander leisurely drank his wine, his gaze fixed on her, seemingly anticipating her to initiate conversation.
"Thus," she started, pushing herself to concentrate on the purpose they were supposed to be there for. "Did you want to talk about the quarterly predictions?"
Alexander reclined in his chair, keeping his gaze fixed. We'll do it. However, I believe there is another issue that we must deal with initially.
Natalie sensed her heart rate increase. She was aware that this dinner was more than just work. "I thought you said we're discussing the quarterly project ."
He smoothly stated " I never said we won't talk about that, However, pretending that nothing is happening will not make things easy."
She looked him in the eyes, determined not to retreat. Alexander, there is no action taking place between us. You are in charge of me. That's it."
Although his expression stayed inscrutable, a hint of defiance could be seen in his eyes. "You are not telling the truth."
She felt a sudden tightness in her chest as she gasped for air. She desired to dispute, to reject it, but the reality was, he wasn't completely incorrect. She had dedicated all day to persuading herself that the events at the retreat, as well as in his office before, held no significance. However, she couldn't stop the way her heart raced when he glanced at her, nor could she prevent her mind from replaying their discussions.
Alexander leaned in, placing his elbows on the table, his eyes fixed without moving. "You claimed that you are unafraid of me."
Why do you hesitate to acknowledge that there is something else happening here?
"I am fearless," Natalie retorted, her voice sharper than she had planned. She despised how effortlessly he could provoke her, how he constantly appeared to be in control. I am skilled at keeping my personal and professional lives separate. Perhaps you should consider learning to do likewise.
His eyes narrowed a bit, and she briefly thought he could retaliate. However, he caught her off guard by smiling - a gradual, nearly entertained grin that gave her chills.
"He whispered softly, his voice filled with a low and threatening tone, that you're different from all the others I have collaborated with." The majority of individuals would go out of their way to ensure my happiness. However, you are the one who dares me. "And I appreciate that."
Natalie felt her heart race and her thoughts race to comprehend what he said. She hesitated on how to reply, unsure whether to resist or surrender to the intensity of his gaze. Before she could speak, the waiter showed up with their food, interrupting the moment.
They had a quiet dinner, while a subtle tension lingered between them. Natalie tried to focus on the food, but her thoughts kept going back to Alexander and how he spoke to her, giving her the sense that he saw her as more than just a colleague. As though he wanted something extra.
Once the dishes were cleared, Alexander changed the topic to work, "this is the most recent forecast for the next quarter project." Showing her the project picture he has on his phone.
"Oh okay." Natalie said, trying to compose herself.
"We have to work on the numbers and the potential strategies, there seems to be a whole lot to do but I trust your work ethics." He said.
"I will put in hard work and deliver nothing less." Natalie said pleasantly.
Nevertheless, as the conversation wrapped up, both of them couldn't help but consume more wine, which resurfaced the tension between them. Natalie's heart beats faster than normal as she thinks in her mind " why is he staring at me so much as though he was expecting me to say something."
Once they finished their wine, Alexander set down his glass, leaned back in his chair, and looked deeply into her eyes. "You can choose to keep pretending," he murmured, "but I think we both know the connection is deeper than just work."
Natalie's heart was pounding quickly in her chest while her mind raced. Despite her efforts, she couldn't ignore the undeniable bond they shared - realizing he was right. Although recognizing it felt dangerous, like entering unfamiliar territory that could result in lasting ramifications.
Even though her emotions were in turmoil, she maintained a calm demeanor while gazing into his eyes. "You're in a higher position than me, and we can only discuss work-related issues in our relationship."
Alexander gazed intensely into her eyes, seeking answers in them rather than from her words, before responding, "Okay, I understand and respect your choice."