Page 27 of Falling For My Assistant

A smile slipped onto her face. “I’m glad I came tonight. Thank you for inviting me.”

She held up her hand, the bracelet sparkling. “This is also not a bad bonus.”

Sean spun them around, and she grabbed onto him with a small squeal.

“Stop that,” she admonished. “I don’t want to trip.”

A silly grin came to his face before he leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Don't worry, I’ll catch you if you fall.”

A shiver that had nothing to do with the cold slipped down her spine.

He pressed his cheek against hers, and they fell into silence, the song coming to an end a minute later.

Sean escorted her off the dance floor, their attention drawn to the doors as dinner was announced.

“I’m starving,” she quipped, her whole body quivering with excitement.

“Did you eat anything after you left Lo’s?” he asked, tugging her against him as a woman rushed by them.

“I did. I had a burrito from the place down the street. It was delicious. Laurenza was very kind to get a car for me. The driver got a burrito too. On me, of course.”

“That’s the way to a driver’s heart,” Sean replied.

“Royce does seem to enjoy the lunches you buy him,” she said.

Sean made sure to buy Royce lunch if they went out, except if he was going to a meeting or something else important.

“If I’m going to eat, everyone is. That practice was instilled in me by my dad. He still does that, to this day.” He lowered his voice, leaning close. “His driver Becky has two kids at home, so he makes sure that she eats every day. He also loves to get her kids toys to play with and if she needs something, she can usually ask Dad for help with it. Last year, her husband got laid off, so Dad helped him find a job.” Sean shrugged. “It’s not a lot, but he tries. He just wants her to know she’s appreciated, so I do the same with Royce to let him know.”

“I think it’s wonderful,” she replied, sliding her arm into his. “I heard there was a lobby to get raises for them last year too, wasn’t there?”

They were assigned their seats, and she released his arm. He pulled the chair out for her, making sure she was settled before he took his seat.

“There was. Dad pushed for a five-dollar raise, but they were only able to negotiate two dollars.” He pulled the napkin from the ring, dropping it across his lap.

“Two dollars is decent,” she said, removing her napkin from the ring. She placed it in her lap and reached for her water, taking a sip.

“Dad said he was happy it was two; he was sure it would only go as high as one, maybe one and a quarter. So, two was a win.”

“Two was definitely a win,” Donaldson said, stopping at their chairs. “Your dad is one hell of a salesman, so the company went for it.”

He laid his hand on their chairs. “Are you two enjoying yourselves?”

“We are. Thank you, Mr. Donaldson,” Erin said, putting on a bright smile. “Thank you again for inviting us.”

Donaldson took her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “It was my pleasure. Sean here has been an asset, and I have big plans for him.”

She winked at him and replied, “I do too, Mr. Donaldson.”

“She’s a spicy one, Stephens,” he said, clapping his hand on Sean’s shoulder.

She absolutely is. What a surprise.

“She is indeed,” he replied. The icy-blue orbs warmed as they stared at him.

Donaldson excused himself, and they turned back to the table.

“These are extravagant,” Erin said, tapping the edge of a streamer that hung from a centerpiece.