Her bottom lip trembled as she stared into space for a moment. “I think we both need to think of your career a lot more than... Whatever this is,” she whispered.
“No.”
She turned to me, surprised. “What?”
“Our relationship isn’t going to be a total secret just because you’re afraid.”
She swallowed hard. “I’m not going to let you risk your business for me. It’s not right.”
“I don’t think it’s a risk. Maybe one person will give us a sideways glance. I don’t care.” I reached out for her hands but she pulled away.
“I’ve admired you for so long,” she whispered, one fat tear sliding down her cheek. “If people changed their opinions of you because of me, I’d never forgive myself.”
“Baby, I’ve built up an excellent reputation because I always deliver great work, and I treat people with respect. I’m not going to hide you. You’re my girl. I adore you. But you’re also going to help me continue to deliver great work as my studio grows. Do you see what I mean?”
Chelsea nodded, staring into her coffee mug. Then she emailed herself a copy of the intern paperwork, and made an excuse to leave. I hoped that she just needed a bit of time to think.
I needed her so much, but I knew this must be tricky for her. It seemed like I was her first boyfriend, and being her boss too seemed to be difficult for her to process.
But she seemed much more focused on my business than her feelings. She was always so giving. I wish she’d focus on herself and her desires a lot more.
CHAPTER NINE
* Chelsea *
I needed a bit of time and space to clear my head. Ben was taking a huge chance on me, and if things went sideways, he could lose work. I didn’t know if I could take that chance. On the other hand, it was his decision. His business. He was the one with all of the experience and knowledge, and he should know how to handle his clients by now. I might be freaking out over nothing.
It took a bit of soul searching, but I came to the conclusion that he should run his business however he saw fit, and maybe it was just my job to help, not over-analyze.
Ben sent me a text the next morning.
Hey, Chelsea. Could you please meet me in the studio around five? I’ll be finishing a quick shoot, then we can go over paperwork.
~ The Boss
Thirty seconds later, he sent another.
Hey, sweetheart. I hope that you had a good night’s sleep. I can’t wait to see you today. I know we’ll find a way to switch back and forth. It will take a little time, and there will be awkward moments, but there are always a few. I love you, and I can’t wait to see you.
~ The Boyfriend
I loved how he always made me laugh. How he was always so optimistic and light.
I’ll see you this afternoon, wearing both hats. xox
~ Your Chelsea
I was a bit early when I tapped at the door of the studio. I could hear Ben’s voice inside, but he was using a very different tone. Was that baby talk? I knocked a bit louder, then heard quick footsteps.
Ben’s smile as he let me in was definitely more of the boyfriend than the boss. My heart rate spiked immediately.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he said brightly, reaching around my shoulders to squeeze me in a half-hug. He had his camera in the other hand. “I’m just finishing up a shoot with Bonnie and Amber, but one of them is being a bit fussy.”
Sitting on a large easy chair in front of a smoky gray backdrop was a refined lady in a blue dress, holding a small baby.
“I’m so sorry, Ben,” the woman said. “She’s almost always smiling and relaxed at this time of day.”
“Bonnie, this is Chelsea, my assistant.” I waved hello. “Chelsea, are you good with kids?” Ben asked.