My Blind Date is My Boss

“Good morning, Mr. James,” I greeted my boss, barely able to lift my gaze to meet his.

After yesterday’s selfie debacle, I felt like crawling under a rock every time I thought about facing him. But work was work. And there I was, standing in front of his desk, ready to report the day’s schedule as usual.

What I wasn’t ready for was the smile.

It was just a small curve of his lips, but on Sebastian James, the king of deadpan stares and stone-cold expressions, it was downright shocking. I blinked, convinced I was seeing things.

I mean, this was Sebastian. The man who made even the simplest “good morning” sound like a business transaction.

And now he was… smiling?

“Morning, Diane.”

I stumbled over my words, completely thrown. “Uhm, right. S-So… uh, you have a meeting at nine, a call with the shareholders at eleven, and lunch at noon.”

His gaze softened. And I could have sworn I saw the faintest glimmer of warmth in his eyes. “Thank you, Diane. Actually, speaking of lunch, would you like to join me today?”

My heart did an unexpected flip. “Lunch? With you?”

His smile widened slightly. “Yes, with me. Just lunch.”

I swallowed, trying to keep my composure. “Oh… uh… s-sure. That… that would be fine.”

“Are you still worried about yesterday’s little mishap?” he asked. I could see the amusement dancing in his eyes.

I could feel my cheeks heat up again. “I just… I wanted to apologize again. It was really unprofessional. And I didn’t mean to—”

He waved a hand, cutting me off. “No need to apologize. In fact, it was… refreshing.” Then he gazed at me like I was a specimen he was supposed to study. “How’s it going with your boyfriend?”

The question felt like a bucket of cold water. I blinked multiple times, trying to understand why on earth my love life was suddenly a topic of conversation. “Actually, we broke up a few months ago.”

He just slightly nodded. “I see. Well, in that case… see you at lunch?”

I managed a small nod, still dazed, as I watched him turn back to his work. He looked completely unfazed.

Meanwhile, my mind was still spinning, trying to figure out why he’d been asking about Jackson in the first place. And that smile. It felt like I’d entered some alternate universe.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. My thoughts kept on drifting back to the lunch invitation, his sudden interest in my relationship status, and his unexpected friendliness.

Part of me wondered if he was playing some sort of elaborate prank. But every time I saw him, he seemed as calm and collected as ever.

As I left the office that evening, my phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. Betty’s name popped up on the screen.

“Hey, girl,” I answered. I was grateful for the distraction she made.

“Diane! Hope you’re ready because I’ve set you up on a blind date tonight!” she announced. I could feel her excitement vibrating through the phone.

I groaned. “Betty, really? I just got over the last dating fiasco. I’m not sure I’m ready to dive back in.”

“Nonsense! You’re getting dressed up. And you’re going. It’s at that cute Italian place down the street. I even had them reserve the nicest table. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.”

Giving up, I sighed. “Fine. I’ll go. But if this ends in disaster, you owe me a week of coffee deliveries.”

She laughed. “Deal. Now go get gorgeous!”

An hour later, I found myself walking into the restaurant, dressed in a simple but flattering dress, with my hair done up and a dash of makeup that felt a little more daring than usual.

I spotted the reserved table at the back. I felt a bit nervous but I was trying to channel the confidence Betty always assured me I had.

But as I reached the table, my heart stopped.

Sitting there, glancing at his watch and looking just as impeccably put together as always, was none other than Sebastian James.

My stomach churned. And before I could stop myself, I blurted, “I’m sorry. I think I must have the wrong table.”

He looked up. Then a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Again. “Actually, I believe you’re right on time.”

I froze, unable to tear my eyes away from him. “You… you’re my blind date?”

He stood, gesturing for me to sit down, but I couldn’t move.

How did he end up here?

And did Betty… she couldn’t have known, could she?

“I didn’t realize…” I stammered, trying to process the surreal situation.

Sebastian reached out. He gently took my wrist to stop me from bolting. “Diane, please stay.”

The warmth of his hand on my wrist held me in place. Suddenly, I felt myself sink into the moment. This was happening.

I was on a blind date… with my boss.