My dads boss wants me 3

Diana’s POV

I barely slept that night after the dinner party. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt Luke Hudson’s fingers brushing my cheek on the terrace. The way his deep voice had wrapped around my name as he owned it. The heat in his steel gray eyes made my whole body tingle.

He wanted to see me again, just the two of us.

The next morning, while Dad hummed happily in the kitchen making coffee, I knew what I had to do. I couldn’t let whatever this was go any further. Dad had worked too hard for his promotion. One wrong move and everything could crumble.

When Luke’s number appeared on my phone that afternoon, my heart jumped. I answered with shaky fingers.

“Hi, Mr. Hudson.”

“Luke,” he corrected, that low, commanding tone sending warmth straight through me. “Did you think about my offer, Diana?”

I swallowed hard, gripping the phone tighter. “I did. And… I’m sorry, but I have to say no. It’s not a good idea. My dad works for you, and I don’t want to complicate things for him. Or for me.”

There was a long pause. I could almost feel his intensity through the line.

“I understand,” he said finally. But he didn’t sound like a man who accepted no easily. “For now.”

He hung up, and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. That should have been the end of it. But Luke Hudson didn’t seem like the type to let go.

Three days later, my phone buzzed again. This time it was an email from his company’s HR department.

Subject: Paid Internship Offer (Fashion & Design Division)

My eyes widened as I read the details. A three month paid internship in the company’s small but growing lifestyle and branding department. Competitive salary. Mentorship opportunities. Flexible hours so I could still work on my own designs. The email said I had been recommended personally after an impressive conversation at the company dinner.

I stared at the screen for a long time. This couldn’t be real. I hadn’t even applied.

Dad came home that evening and found me sitting at the kitchen table, still rereading the offer.

“What’s that?” he asked, loosening his tie.

I slid the printed email toward him. His eyebrows shot up.

“Mr. Hudson’s company? Diana, this is incredible! They don’t offer paid internships like this to just anyone.”

“But Dad… it feels weird. He sat next to me at dinner. He asked me out. Now this? It doesn’t feel like I earned it.”

Dad sat down across from me, his face serious but excited. “Sweetheart, you graduated with honors. You’ve been designing clothes since you were fifteen. You impressed him with your passion; that’s what he said in the attached recommendation note. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Think about what it could do for your brand. Connections, experience, real money to invest in your dreams.”

He reached over and squeezed my hand. “I trust you. And Mr. Hudson is a professional. He built an empire on smart decisions. If he sees potential in you, grab it. Don’t let my job hold you back.”

I bit my lip, torn. Part of me wanted to run the other way. The other part, the stubborn, ambitious part, could already see myself learning from top designers, building something real.

In the end, I accepted because Dad was right. And because, deep down, I couldn’t stop thinking about those intense gray eyes.

My first day arrived faster than I expected. I chose a simple but professional cream blouse and a pencil skirt I had tailored myself, pairing it with modest heels. My stomach fluttered the entire bus ride to the towering glass building downtown.

The lobby was sleek and intimidating, all marble and modern art. I gave my name at the reception, and the woman’s eyes widened slightly.

“Miss Carter? Right this way. Mr. Hudson asked to welcome you personally.”

My heart skipped. “He did?”

Before I could process it, the elevator doors opened on the top floor, and there he was. Luke Hudson, in a perfectly tailored dark suit that made his broad shoulders look even more powerful. His presence filled the entire hallway.

“Diana,” he said, his voice smooth and warm in a way that made my knees weak. He stepped forward and shook my hand, holding it a second longer than necessary. Electricity shot up my arm. “Welcome to Hudson Enterprises. I’m glad you decided to join us.”

Everyone nearby stopped what they were doing. Assistants froze mid step. A group of women by the coffee station stared openly. Whispers started almost immediately.

“Is that the new intern?”

“The CEO never does this…”

“He’s smiling. Did you see that?”

Heat rushed to my face. Luke didn’t seem to care. He placed a hand lightly on my lower back, professional, yet possessive, as he guided me toward the design department.

“I’ll show you around myself,” he murmured close to my ear. “Your station is ready. You’ll report directly to the head designer, but if you need anything… anything at all… my door is open.”

His fingers pressed slightly against my back through my blouse. I could feel the strength in them, the controlled power. My mind flashed back to the terrace, his touch on my cheek, the way he had looked like he wanted to kiss me senseless.

“Thank you, Mr. Hudson,” I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady. “I appreciate the opportunity. I won’t waste it.”

He stopped outside a bright, modern office space filled with fabric samples, mannequins, and sleek computers. Turning to face me, his eyes darkened as they swept over me.

“You already impressed me once, Diana. I have no doubt you’ll do it again.” His voice dropped lower. “And I’m looking forward to seeing exactly what you’re capable of.”

The way he said it sent a rush of heat between my legs. I shifted on my heels, suddenly aware of how close we were standing, his scent, expensive cologne, and something masculine, wrapped around me.

Before I could respond, he stepped back, but not before giving me one last heated look that promised so much more.

As he walked away, the whispers grew louder behind me.

“Did you see how he looked at her?”

“The CEO has a favorite already…”

“Intern on her first day, and she gets the personal tour? Who is she?”

I swallowed hard, clutching my bag tighter. This was exactly what I had been afraid of. But as I sat down at my new desk, surrounded by tools and opportunities I had only dreamed about, excitement mixed with the nerves.

Luke Hudson was dangerous. Powerful. And clearly interested in more than just my design skills.

I just hoped I could keep my father’s career safe… while trying not to lose myself in whatever storm was coming.