forum "I've worked for you for years... why has this never been a problem until now?" (o/o Closed)

Started February 26, 2022 by @emilyevewrites group

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"not at all Anna" he said and smiled

Anna sighed with relief. "Good. God knows I don't make enough to afford a meal here…" Her eyes widened as she realized what she'd said – out loud and in front of her boss, no less! "Oh God, I didn't mean it like that! I'm very sorry, sir, that was spoken out of line…" She ducked her head briefly in embarrassment, her long waves of hair hiding her quickly spreading blush.

Kane's eyes widened " wow, I should really look into that. you should b making about a half of my paycheck. " he said softly. he casually put his arm around her for a side hug " don't worry bout it. as I said, it is my treat to you." his cheeks were flushed as he held her close

Anna’s eyes widened, but she found his touch surprisingly comforting… No, Anna! He’s your boss! She shied away from him a bit and cleared her throat briefly. “Thank you,” she murmured, slightly uncomfortable that she’d even brought the topic up in the first place.”

Kane had read her wrong, dropping his arm quickly. He watched the ground for a moment this was a mistake! She don't like you back at all! What were you thinking.. he mentally cursed himself

Anna tucked her hair behind her ear, a nervous tick, and opened the door for him when they reached the door of the restaurant. “After you, sir.”

He gave her a curt nod and walked in, taking his usual seat and waiter

Anna bit her lip and followed him. He suddenly seemed cold, and he was rarely ever cold to her. “Sir, is everything alright?”

" yeah, " he said softly " why wouldn't it be?"

Anna shook her head. “You’re right. My apologies,” she murmured as she sat down across from him.

Kane sighed as a throbbing migraine passed over him.

Anna had worked with Kane long enough that she knew his body language and knew it well. She slipped a hand into her purse, pulled out a bottle of ibuprofen, and slid it across the table to him knowingly.

Kane looked up and gave her a warm smile " I've already taken some, but thank you,"

“Sir, are you lying to me?” Anna asked, arching an eyebrow.

" no, just a lower dosage then usual Anna.."

“Take at least one,” the woman insisted. “I can see you’re in pain.” Anna looked up as the waitress approached them.

“Good afternoon, my name is Katie, and I’ll be your hostess today. Would I start you off with drinks?”

“Um, a water is fine for me. Thank you,” Anna replied.

" a strong black coffee " kane said, taking one of them

“Alright, I’ll be right back with those,” Katie said, disappearing quickly.

Anna looked back over at Kane hesitantly. “I’m sorry if I said something to upset you outside. About money or… whatever it was. I was severely out of line, and I’m sorry.”

" you didn't say or do anything wrong.. it was me who did wrong.." he spoke softly

Anna frowned briefly in confusion. “What do you mean? You didn’t say anything.”

kane nodded " no time like the present…. okay. anna i like you. like really fucking like you and i cant keep working if I don't give it a shot because it is tearing me up to look but never touch. but when I put my arm around you it was a test to see if you'd give it a shot but clearly you… didn't want it."

Anna blinked quickly at the confession from her boss. He… liked her? Why? The young woman hesitated, then reached across the table to touch his hand gently. "It only caught me off-guard, that's all," she promised. "This may sound odd, but I prefer verbal cues. Like this. Here. Now." She flushed a bit and ran her thumb over his skin delicately.

kane flushed, moving his hand into hers and intertwining their fingers " I'm sorry, I didn't know.."

Anna smiled warmly. "It's alright. That's not something you automatically know about someone like their hair or eye color. I like a conversation, which is why I like it when you occasionally invite me to lunch with you. We can talk. I can get to know you better."

" so, you wanna keep doing this?" he asked, looking a bit happier

"Getting to know you?" Anna asked, tilting her head to the side knowingly. "Yes, very much. You're an interesting person."

" i meant going out with me.. like this " he said and gestured to their hands

"For lunches?" Anna still didn't get quite what he was asking for. "I mean, yes. Haven't I already told you that I like them?"

kane rolled his eyes a moment, leaning over the table and kissing her softly " like this. "

Anna was taken aback, but she closed her eyes and leaned softly into the kiss until he pulled away. She was flushed, her naturally logical mind trying to figure out what had just happened. "Oh… um, if… if I said no… would you… would do that again?" she asked shyly. "Just to convince me?"