Page 14 of Falling For My Assistant

“I don't.” He shifted in the chair. “I’ve never been much of a kid person. They don't enjoy my company. I enjoy my work, and being childless enables me to be free to do what I want.”

He contemplated her face for a moment, trying to get a read on how she felt about it.

Not like it matters. Why do you care whether she wants kids?

Why indeed.

Sean cleared his throat. “My brother wants kids though, so I can be the Funcle who brings them all the cool presents from places he’s traveled.”

“Funcle? What is that?”

“Fun uncle.”

“Ohhh,” she replied, nodding. “That makes sense.”

“What about you, Erin? Do you want kids?” he asked. He spared a glance at Celine, who was busy rubbing his legs, then turned back to Erin.

“I’ve thought about it a lot, and I don't want kids. I didn't get the mothering instinct I guess.” She shrugged. “My parents don't seem to want grandchildren either, so they are fine with me not having children.”

She flashed the brightest smile he’d ever seen on her. “I want to focus on my career and make a name for myself. Did you know that I have a business degree from Harvard?”

“I did. It was on your resume, remember?”

Her eyes widened. “Right. I forgot. Anywho, I would like to use that degree.”

A flush covered her face, and she looked down at her lap.

Dread filled his stomach, afraid he did something wrong, even though he hadn't said anything for a good minute.

“Are you okay?” he asked, reaching out to grab one of her hands.

She shook her head, her tousled hair floating down to cover her face.

“Erin, look at me,” he stated. She angled her head to meet his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

She blew out some air, blowing a long, thick strand of hair from her face.

“I didn't want to mention this yet because it’s not a sure thing. But…” She halted, her eyes gazing deeply into his, “You’re so easy to talk to outside of the office. I didn't expect it to be so easy to have a conversation that isn't related to the company with you.”

Sean tamped down the pride that welled up at her compliment, instead choosing to focus on the beginning of her sentence.

“What did you not want to mention to me?” he asked, ignoring the fact that his hand still covered hers.

“I was offered a position at another company. It actually is the equivalent to your job here,” she said. “With my experience as your assistant, it gave me a leg up because I already had the experience that came with that job. I help you with all your reports, and all the numbers, and everything that I would need to do the job itself.” Her flush deepened. “So, I guess I have you to thank because you pretty much helped me get a better job.”

Sean released her hand and leaned back, his heart dropping into his stomach.

“I wasn't expecting that,” he stated. Celine and her co-worker finished with their toes in silence, the quiet stretching between them.

Once they were done, they left them alone.

Sean looked down at his toes, a laugh coming forward when he caught a glimpse of them.

He glanced up, his eyes catching them sitting together in the large mirrors in front of them.

Erin met his gaze, her blue eyes reflecting his sadness back at him.

“I hope you get the job,” he said, watching for her reaction.