Jay's POV
She had never been this nervous before.
Not for interviews.
Not for presentations.
Not even when Keifer first kissed her.
But this?
This was their first date.
Not boss.
Not secretary.
Just… Keifer and Jay.
She stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her dress for the fifth time. It wasn't bold — just elegant. Soft. Something that made her feel pretty without trying too hard.
Her phone buzzed.
Keifer: I'm outside.
Her heart jumped.
Outside.
She grabbed her purse and stepped out of her apartment building. And then she saw him.
Leaning against his car. Black suit. No tie. Sleeves slightly rolled up. Effortlessly handsome.
And staring directly at her.
His gaze slowly moved from her heels to her face — not disrespectful, just appreciative. Intense.
"You're stunning," he said simply.
Her cheeks flushed. "You clean up nicely too."
A faint smirk appeared. "I always look good."
She rolled her eyes softly. "There he is. The arrogant CEO."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Not tonight."
His hand brushed against hers before lacing their fingers together.
"Tonight," he murmured, "I'm just yours."
Her heart melted.
Keifer's POV
She looked nervous.
And he liked it — not because she was unsure, but because she cared.
He opened the car door for her — something he rarely did for anyone. As he drove, he kept glancing at her.
"Are you staring?" she asked shyly.
"Yes."
"At least deny it."
"No."
She laughed softly, and that sound did something dangerous to his heart.
They arrived at a private rooftop restaurant. City lights shimmered below like scattered stars. He had reserved the entire section. No interruptions. No business.
Just her.
"You rented the whole place?" she asked.
"I didn't want distractions." His eyes stayed on her. "I've had enough of those lately."
She knew what he meant. The new employee.
As they sat across from each other, she played nervously with the edge of her napkin.
"You're quieter than usual," he observed.
"I've never dated my boss before."
A slow smile curved his lips. "Get used to it."
She kicked his foot lightly under the table. "Don't ruin the moment."
He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "I'm not. I just want you to know… I don't take this lightly."
Her expression softened. "Me neither."
The city lights reflected in her eyes. And for the first time, Keifer didn't feel powerful.
He felt vulnerable.
After dinner, she walked toward the railing to look at the skyline. The cool breeze moved her hair slightly.
"You're thinking," he said quietly from behind her.
"I didn't think someone like you would do something like this."
"And what exactly is someone like me?"
"Powerful. Untouchable. Intimidating."
"And someone like you?"
She hesitated. "Normal."
That made him step closer. He gently turned her around to face him.
"Don't ever call yourself ordinary," he said seriously. "You walked into my life and made me jealous. Do you know how rare that is?"
She laughed softly. "So I impressed you by making you mad?"
"Yes."
She shook her head, smiling.
Just then, a waiter passed a little too close while setting down a tray. Instantly, Keifer's hand moved to her waist. Protective.
The waiter apologized and left.
"You don't miss anything, do you?" she asked.
"I don't like people touching what's mine."
Her breath caught.
"But," he added softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "you're not something I own. You're someone I choose."
Her heart melted.
Dessert arrived — chocolate cake she hadn't ordered.
"I didn't ask for this."
"I know," he replied calmly. "You looked at it twice when we walked in."
Her eyes widened. "You noticed that?"
"I notice everything about you."
She held the fork toward him shyly. "Taste it."
He leaned forward slowly, eyes never leaving hers as he took the bite.
"You're staring again," she whispered.
"I'm allowed to," he said. "You're my girlfriend."
The way he said it — calm, certain — made her cheeks burn.
"My girlfriend," he repeated softly, like he liked how it sounded.
She did too.
Later, under the city lights, he suddenly pulled her gently closer.
"What are you doing?" she asked, laughing nervously.
"Dancing."
"There's no music."
"There doesn't have to be."
He wrapped one arm around her waist. She placed her hand on his shoulder. They swayed slowly, softly.
"No one else gets to see this side of you, do they?" she whispered.
"No."
"Why me?"
He looked down at her.
"Because you walked into my life and didn't try to impress me. You were just you."
Her chest tightened.
He kissed her then — slow, deep, meaningful. Not fire. Not jealousy. Just warmth.
When he dropped her home, neither moved immediately.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"I don't do things halfway, Jay."
"I'm starting to see that."
His hand brushed her cheek gently.
"From now on," he murmured, "if anyone makes you uncomfortable… you tell me."
"And if you're the one making me nervous?" she teased.
A slow smirk appeared. "Then I'll handle that personally."
He leaned in and kissed her again — slow, intimate, unhurried.
When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.
"I meant what I said," he whispered. "About wanting a future."
Her heart skipped.
"I don't say things I don't mean."
She smiled softly. "I know."
And as she walked toward her apartment, she could still feel his eyes on her.
Not controlling.
Protective.
Certain.
For the first time in her life…
She felt chosen.