6. Was that a Compliment?

I prepared myself for the trip to Paris. I didn't understand why he insisted that I go with him. It was a conference, and he definitely didn't need me there, so what was the point?

Oh well, I should stop overthinking and just go with it. I've always wanted to go to Paris anyway. I mean, hello! It was Paris!

Mark was not happy about me going away for an entire week, just as I suspected. But I promised I'd call him every day and we will video chat. It was just a week, right?

I laid back on my plane seat. It would be a long flight, but it was in the first-class section, so the seats were comfortable. I wanted to be in the business class or even in the coach, but Ivan insisted that we sit next to each other.

"I'm paying for both tickets, so it'll be pointless to get seats in two different sections. Besides, we are traveling together, so why be separated?" he said.

Because I don't want to sit next to my terrifying boss for seven hours? I thought. But I didn't protest anymore. It's not like he listens to me anyway.

"Get comfortable. This is going to be a long flight," Ivan said.

I leaned back and closed my eyes. Better take a nap. Maybe by the time I wake up, we would be already there. I dozed off in minutes.

A sweet smell and the sound of a heartbeat woke me up sometime later. I felt warm all over, so I didn't want to open my eyes at first.

Wait....why is his face so close to mine? I thought as soon as I opened my eyes. I sat up abruptly as I realized something. My head was resting on his chest, where I slept peacefully.

Oh, hell no! This is not okay. I cannot be resting my head on another man's chest! I apologized to Mark in my head really quickly.

"Sorry, did I move too much?" Ivan looked at me and said.

"I didn't mean to fall asleep on you. I apologize," I said quickly.

"That's alright. You must've been tired," he said.

I really was. Also stressed. Everything for the conference was prepared, so I wasn't worried about that. However, the thought of spending a week away from Mark was stressing me out.

After sitting on that flight for what felt like forever, we finally arrived at the hotel.

"Wow! this hotel is gorgeous!" I explained.

"I've seen better," he remarked.

Well, excuuuuse me, Mr. Fancy Pants, I thought. We received the keys to our rooms, so I started to head there.

"Miss Young, would you like to accompany me to dinner tonight?" he asked and looked at me expectantly.

This time I had no excuse to deny it since we are stuck with each other for a week. Besides, it's normal for the assistant to dine with her boss.

"Yes sir, I thought you were going to start calling me Ariel?" I said.

He smirked. "You are right, I was. Starting now then," he said.

I went into my room and started to unpack. I promised Mark I'd call him as soon as I get in, so the sooner I get done unpacking, the better.

I called Mark soon after but he never picked up the phone. I guess I'll try again later. I showered and started to get ready for dinner. I picked out a simple black dress and some matching pumps. Come to think of it, I have never eaten dinner with him alone. It was always for a business meeting. Even after working for him for two years, I still didn't know what kind of person he really was. All I knew was he was socially awkward and did not like to interact with people unless it was work-related. I was starting to get nervous about having one on one dinner with him.

He told me to meet him inside the hotel restaurant. It wasn't hard to spot him once I got there. He stood up when he saw me coming in. His face was expressionless. I wondered what was going on in his mind.

"Miss Young...I mean Ariel, I'm glad you could make it," he said.

"Thank you for inviting me to have dinner with you. I am starving!" I said.

"Please have a seat," he motioned to the booth in front of him.

"What's it like working with me?" he asked all of a sudden.

It caught me off guard. He wasn't the type to care whether his employees like working with him or not. He just wanted to get the job done.

"I can't complain," I simply said.

"A lot of my employees say I'm hard to please, and it makes it harder for them to enjoy working with me. Is that how you feel as well?" he asked suddenly.

"If you want me to be honest, I will have to say that's true. You are not exactly the friendliest person in the office," I said without thinking.

"I see..." he didn't say anything else. I wondered if what I said hurt his feelings, but it was hard to tell with this guy.

"Did I ever mention you were beautiful?" he said suddenly, and I almost spit out my drink. Where the hell did that come from?

"Uh...um...no, sir?" I said, still unsure of where this was going. He was acting quite unusual.

"I didn't pay attention initially, but you have a beautiful smile, and I look forward to seeing it every day," he said casually.

"Tha..thank you, Ivan, you flatter me," I said awkwardly.

"Listen, Ariel," he leaned closer to me and stared at me intently. "There are two things I never do. One, I don't flatter women, and two, I don't hit on female employees."

"Oh, I wasn't implying you were hitting on me," I said quickly.

"You do not understand. I AM hitting on you," he smirked.

SAY WHAT NOW?