Under My Boss's Control

“You know this is all very shocking, right?” she asks me.

I have to laugh.

“Of course. I think it surprised me more than you,” I admit. “But we are living in crazy times and that causes us to do crazy things.”

I hear her laugh for the first time, and I love the sound.

“I seriously doubt it,” she answers back. “You weren’t more surprised than I was.”

I have to think maybe she’s right. I’m sure a proposal wasn’t what she was expecting when she agreed to this arrangement just yesterday. As we cuddle, I gently massage her back.

“That feels nice,” she sighs softly.

I start to think about what our life together could be like, and I find myself smiling again.

I decide I will always do everything I can to prove to her how much I love her and want to be with her. I say this to her.

She laughs softly and tells me, “That’s not necessary,” in a kind voice.

Deep down, I know that showing her my heart is something that I need and want to do. I want her to always feel loved and wanted. Though the way it started was unconventional, but I want her to truly believe that our love is real, and lasting.

I look at her once more, and for the first time in either of our lives, I give her a soft, real kiss.

Epilogue

Samantha

Two Years Later

The quarantine ended long ago. The virus was contained after a vaccine was developed and administered to everyone. I continued to live with Ben, and we have both been very happy, especially me.

Today I am happy for a very different reason, though. It’s my wedding day. Ben was true to his word. Once the quarantine was over, he took me out on a very romantic dinner date, and proposed the old-fashioned, official way. I was honored he wanted to make a big gesture out of it.

I said yes right away, of course – I had already said yes. Not just that night in his bedroom but as soon as he had asked me to come stay with him. Not only my body, but my heart, had bene saying yes to him all along.

We had a night of hot passionate sex, and then I started planning the wedding. Now, it’s a full house. All of our family and friends were able to attend, and we’re both very excited about that.

I can’t stop staring at myself in the mirror. I love the way my wedding dress fits. The white dress shows off that I have a little color to my skin. As soon as we came out of our isolation, Ben took me on a trip to the beach, where we both got a little tan.

This dress is fitting a little snug, though. I adjust it as best as I can. Aside from the wedding, I have a surprise planned for Ben later. Though I’m bursting to tell him about it, I have to be patient and wait.

I think about how I can’t believe how my life played out. I went from being homeless to marrying a gorgeous millionaire.

A soft knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. I know that’s my cue. I fix my dress and grab my bouquet. As the music starts to play, my dad walks me down the aisle. I can hear small gasps from everyone as they see me in my wedding finery.

My eyes are fixed straight ahead on Ben. A tingle runs through me every time I see him, and I think he looks more handsome today than ever before. I can see happiness in his eyes when he looks back at me.

Mr. Barker is standing up there next to him, with a small pillow on his collar that carries our ring. Our big dog is making a great ringbearer. I’m so glad Ben let him move in, because now he’s a happy part of our little – and growing – family.

I try not to cry as we recite our vows to each other. Ben leans forward and gives me a soft and lingering kiss. Desire courses through me. It always does whenever we are together.

After our kiss, we are surrounded by all of our loved ones. Mr. Barker lives up to his name by barking out his own congratulations.

We spend a few minutes hugging and celebrating with them. They shower us in well wishes for a happy future. Ben and I hug and smile with every one of them.

When we finally have a few moments to ourselves, I pull Ben aside. He looks at me with concern.

“Are you ok?” he asks.

“I’m great. I just want you. Husband. Meet me in the bathroom,” I whisper quickly.

Mr. Barker was safe with Sue, my maid of honor, for the time being.

I kiss him before slipping away.

He stares after me in surprise.