13

Ingrid shifted restlessly in her seat as she and Noah were the only ones left at the table while the dinner party was coming to an end that night. Earlier, they had been sitting with Raffy and Maverick, but Raffy had excused herself and was now making rounds, chatting with the guests at other tables. Meanwhile, Maverick was in a corner, talking to his ex-girlfriend, Natasha, a famous model in the country.

For some odd reason, Ingrid sensed that her boss was feeling a bit restless, too. He seemed to avoid looking at her, constantly checking his phone, though it didn’t seem like he was actually reading anything.

Ingrid stole a subtle glance at the man while slowly finishing the last bites of her white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. That was when she noticed just how handsome her boss really was. But calling Noah Alfonso "handsome" would be an understatement. There was something different about his looks—something intriguing. The kind that made you stare a little longer, wondering what it was that made him so fascinating. Along with his deep-set dark eyes, his strong jawline was his most striking feature. Those, combined with his mysterious aura, made him even more captivating.

When Noah finally put his iPhone down on the table, Ingrid quickly averted her gaze elsewhere. As she pretended to look around the room, she suddenly felt his eyes on her.

Oh, goodness! Was he checking her out, too? Had he noticed that she had been stealing glances at him for a while now? This was embarrassing. Just the other day, he caught her staring at his muscled arms in the office—something she hadn’t even realized she was doing. His shirt had revealed his broad shoulders and strong chest, too. She thought he looked… hot and sexy. That was the first time she had ever had such thoughts about a man sitting across from her. The first time, she had felt something stir inside her.

They both looked away at the same time, caught in the act of secretly glancing at each other. Ingrid almost jumped when Noah suddenly spoke.

"You don't like parties?" he asked, probably noticing her impatience.

She shook her head. "S-sort of, Sir. I’m not really comfortable around a lot of people. But I need to get used to it if I want to last in this job."

"Where were you working before?" Noah asked, seeming genuinely interested, his brows slightly furrowed. "Raffy said you haven’t even been with him for two years yet."

"In the province, Sir. My mom and I run a small grocery store in the marketplace."

"What made you work at RTA?" he asked, sounding curious. He probably thought she seemed out of place in a talent agency.

"I just wanted to get away from home. It just so happened that my cousin, Pat, worked here, so he helped me get in."

Noah’s brow furrowed even deeper. "Why did you want to leave home?"

Ingrid smiled shyly. "I felt like I wasn’t growing there, like my life wasn’t moving forward. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and learn to be independent."

"Didn’t your boyfriend stop you?"

"I don’t have a boyfriend, Sir."

"I see." Noah’s aura seemed to shift slightly. "Well, I hope you like working with us, Ingrid."

"I do, Sir. At first, I thought I’d only stay at RTA temporarily until I found a job I really wanted. But I think I’ve learned to love what I do."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"How about you, Sir?" Ingrid asked. It wouldn’t hurt to ask her boss something personal, right? Besides, she actually enjoyed talking to Noah. It was nice to have a conversation that wasn’t about work. "Why are you at RTA?"

Noah flashed a rather peculiar smile. "It’s kind of a complicated story," he said, as if reluctant to explain.

"I'll listen," she blurted out. Then she quickly covered her mouth, realizing she might be prying too much into her boss’s personal life. "Sorry, Sir. I got carried away with the conversation. It’s okay if you don’t want to say."

Noah chuckled. "Don’t apologize. I was the one who started this conversation." He let out a deep breath before answering her question. "Well, I left the trucking company because I wasn’t sure if that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. That, and… among other things."

Ingrid grew even more curious. "So, you prefer managing a talent agency?"

Noah seemed to think deeply before responding. "You know what? You’re the first person to ever ask me that."

"I was just curious, Sir. What do you think Noah Alfonso really wants to do?" she asked with a smile.

"Let me think… Become a priest?"

Ingrid burst out laughing—so hard that she even snorted. She immediately covered her mouth in embarrassment. Oh, my God! That was so humiliating. She had never laughed that loudly, especially in a public place.

"Sorry about that," she said, still giggling. "I didn’t mean to laugh."

"Not convincing enough?" Noah teased, amused.

She shook her head vigorously. "I was thinking maybe a lawyer or a scientist. But a priest? That never even crossed my mind." Then she grew serious, noticing that Noah was just listening to her, looking amused. "Sir, don’t tell me you actually wanted to be a priest?"

What a waste! It would be a shame if he never got married or had kids. Not that she believed everyone had to start a family, but… imagine how many women would be heartbroken if Noah became a priest.

Noah suddenly burst into laughter. "God, no. Just…" He shook his head firmly, as if the thought alone sent shivers down his spine. "No, no."

"It really doesn’t suit you, Sir. I mean, no offense."

And just like that, they laughed together. Ingrid couldn’t even remember the last time she had enjoyed a conversation and laughed this much with someone else.

"My cousin looks like he’s having fun."

Ingrid and Noah both turned toward the voice.

"You're late, Cadencio!" Noah said, his strict demeanor suddenly returned.

Ingrid couldn’t help but be even more fascinated by him. Just moments ago, it felt like his mask had dropped—he was joking and laughing.

"I got stuck in traffic," Cade excused himself as he sat next to Ingrid. "Hi," he greeted her with a smile before turning back to Noah. "You didn’t tell me you were bringing a date tonight."

"I-I'm not his date," Ingrid stammered, her cheeks heating up.

"She’s my EA. You spoke to her just the other day," Noah clarified.

Cade turned to her again. "Ah, yes! Ingrid! You’re Pat’s cousin. I’m sorry, I just didn’t recognize you—you look stunning tonight. And you actually laugh?"

Ingrid chuckled at his remark.

Cade playfully fluttered his eyelashes at her. "Do you have a boyfriend, Ingrid?"

"Cade, leave her alone," Noah almost yelled before turning to her. "Ingrid, don’t listen to him. He’s just joking," he said, sounding both apologetic and protective.

Cade laughed. "Don’t miss our charity event next month, okay?"

"I’ll be there," she replied with a smile.

"Don’t forget to visit my booth," Cade said, winking.

His booth was where guests could make donations at the fashion show in exchange for a photography session with him.

"Okay."

"Even if you don’t donate, I’d gladly do a photoshoot with you, even a boudoir session."

Ingrid felt her cheeks heat up. Boudoir photography? With her as the subject? She didn’t know why, but the idea excited her. She had always been fascinated by artistic and sensual portraits of women. What would she look like in one?

"Cade," Noah warned. "Leave her alone."

Cade straightened up and casually drank from Noah’s wine glass. "Red wine? As expected, this party is boring. Let’s go to a club instead. What do you think?" He turned to Ingrid. "How about you? Do you go clubbing?"

She shook her head. "Not really."

"Want to try it with me?"

"Cadencio!" Noah nearly shouted.

"Come on! Almost everyone’s left already," Cade urged.

"You don't have to go," Noah told Ingrid.

She smiled. "It's okay. I'll go."

"Yes!" Cade cheered. "Do you have a ride—"

"She’s riding with me," Noah cut in quickly.