Page 10 of Falling for the Bosshole

5

Ana gazedout her bedroom window towards the manicured lawn of Lash Mancini’s estate. A thicket of oak trees bordered the edge of the property where a pond glimmered in the distance. She couldn’t believe she was still here. It’s been nearly a week since the day she arrived in New York--a week that she has been a guest in his tasteful home.

Admittedly, the prolonged stay embarrassed her. But there was nothing she could do about it. Since she was now a paid employee of his company, staying in a hotel was out of the question. It was not only impractical but expensive too. She learned from Jonathan that the company housed their dancers in a dormitory a few blocks away from the studio, but with the opening night a few weeks away, even the additional crew they hired was booked at the dorm.

That left Ana with no other option except to find an apartment, but the closest was in a borough an hour’s drive away. That, too, was an impractical choice.

She was searching through the classified ads one night after rehearsals when Lash chanced upon her.

“Looking for another job?” he asked.

Ana could never tell if he was serious or teasing. Since that day, when he mistook her for a homeless person, Ana had apologized for her outburst. Lash brushed it aside, saying he felt bad for thinking she was a hobo. His apology meant a lot to her. It eased the aching embarrassment of calling him all sorts of names. She still cringed at the memory.

“No,” Ana looked up from the paper in her hand. “Just checking if there’s an opening for an apartment somewhere nearby. I can’t keep on staying in your house.”

“You’re not comfortable there?” Lash asked. Concern was written all over his face.

“No, No…of course I am. It’s just that…you’ve been more than kind.”

“Ana, you’re actually doing me a favor. It eases my conscience. The company is responsible for housing its dancers. We can’t give you one. So, stay. Even Sophia is relieved she has something to do other than look after an empty house.”

“Okay.” If he insisted, then she should be grateful for it.

So, she had found herself looking at the same spectacular view for the last seven days wondering how fate could be so kind. Ana sighed. Fate indeed had been kind, but now and then kindness came with a price. In this scenario, it was an annoying itch that was always there somewhere in her brain. It refused to be ignored even as Ana pretended it wasn’t there.

She knew what it was. Disappointment. She felt let down when she woke that first morning to find him gone. Sophia had laid out breakfast in the balcony … for one.

“Mr. Mancini…is he having breakfast too?” Ana asked.

“Oh, no, dear. He left quite early today. He barely stays here and prefers his Manhattan apartment. He says it’s just more convenient for him there,” Sophia explained.

“He probably wants to get to the studio early,” Ana guessed out loud.

Sophia laughed and replied, “It’s not just the studio. It’s all those companies he owns. That boy can retire any time he wants and still have more than enough to last many lifetimes.”

Ana was surprised. If this house was any indication, she knew the guy must have money. What she didn’t realize was how much wealth he had. Sophia hinted at it. But none of that mattered as she wondered how she would get to the studio. She was certain buses didn’t run this side of the neighborhood. Sophia suggested she call for an uber.

Ana did and had been taking the same transport for the entire week – a week he never appeared at the house. Lash always managed to check in on rehearsals, and they would exchange pleasantries, but that was about it. He never offered to bring her home.

She was about to call for her uber ride for the day when she noticed something below her bedroom window. There was a Bentley parked beside the porch, and Ana’s heart started beating. It only meant one thing; Lash was here.

She resented the way she had let her guard down. Her heart was soaring because she knew it had to be him downstairs.

It was a familiar sensation. One that came at the start of all her failed relationships. That sudden rush of exhilaration, feeling empty and dull when her boyfriend was not around, resenting the long hours she didn’t see him, and when she did, it was never enough time. She’d been through all that before. It was always the prelude, and she was always hooked until things started to go wrong.

But she couldn’t afford to feel that way about Lash Mancini.

For one, he was her boss and entirely out of her league. Second, a considerable part of her was sure he was no different from all the guys she knew. They were only interested in sex. He probably didn’t like her anyway, but she doubted sex had any bias. If they could get it for free, chemistry could jump out the window. The dance he made her do at the audition was still fresh in her mind.

“No, I have no interest in Lash Mancini whatsoever,” Ana convinced herself, even as the excited thrumming in her chest said otherwise.

She made her way downstairs with a look of nonchalance in her face.

“…Morning, Ana,” Lash greeted.

“Oh… hi Lash. I didn’t know you were here,” Ana pretended.

“Needed to discuss some things with Sophia,” Lash explained, and then added, “I’m headed for the studio. I can give you a lift. I need to pass by the foundation office first. If you’re willing to tag along, then let’s go.” Ana wondered what the foundation office was all about as she followed him outside to his car.