A One Night Stand With My Boss

The holiday season had finally kicked off.

Camila was deep in sleep when her phone's incessant ringing yanked her awake. She barely opened her eyes before Connor reached over her, grabbing the phone from the nightstand. Without even checking the caller ID, Connor answered, eyes still closed and voice heavy with sleep, "Hello...?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then a familiar, gentle voice said, "When is Cami coming home?"

The mention of "Cami" jolted Connor awake.

He quickly passed the phone to Camila, who was still groggy and responded with a sleepy, "Hmm?"Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"It's me, dear. Are you still asleep?" Claire's voice came through.

Camila snapped to attention, instantly awake. "I'm up, Mom. I'll be home soon."

As soon as the call ended, Camila turned to Connor with a hint of annoyance. "Why'd you answer my phone?"

Connor, still a bit foggy from the night before, rubbed his temples. "Did I say anything?"

"How would I know?" Camila grumbled.

Connor pulled her back into his arms, whispering, "We're a couple. It's not like we're doing anything wrong. Your mom will understand."

Camila sighed and tried to get out of bed, but Connor pulled her back for another round of morning love.

Afterwards, she playfully hit him. "I really need to go home."

"I'll drive you," Connor offered.

Camila rolled her eyes but let him coax her all the way to the garage with kisses and sweet talk.

The white Porsche, which she had driven only once, still made her a bit nervous.

Connor opened the trunk of his Rolls-Royce and pulled out dozens of gift bags. "Got some holiday presents ready for you."

Camila was taken aback. "When did you do all this? You're so thoughtful."

As he loaded the gifts into the Porsche's trunk, he explained,

"Figured you were heading to net

Cole's

family home. Extra gifts can't hurt."

BOUMS

Camila helped with the bags, her voice softening. "You're the best. I was planning to go shopping with Mom tonight." Once they were in the car, Connor guided her as she drove. "You're getting better, but don't drive to Cole's place alone."

Camila focused on the road, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. Got it, Coach Connor! I won't even touch the highway. Craig will be there, so no worries."

Connor chuckled, "With your skills, I'm a pretty poor coach."

"Hey, I just need more practice. After the holidays, I'll drive myself to work. No more relying on Young."

"Then you can drive me too, and we can let Young go. Save the money for some goodies," Connor teased. Camila widened her eyes in mock horror. "Firing someone is like taking away their livelihood. I can't do that."

With the New Year approaching,

al

many had already left the city, making the roads clearer and getting them home half an hour earlier than usual.

"I'll walk you up," Connor offered.

Camila shook her head. If it hadn't been for the mix-up with Claire's call, she might have let him.

"I'll have Craig come down to help with the stuff. I'll call a ride-share for you."

Connor hooked his finger around hers, pleading playfully, "Really? You're just going to leave me like this for five whole days?"