One night. Mask on. Until he became my boss 😱

1

Jo

I got the day off. My lips curled into a precious smile as I ran upstairs in this old building that reminded me of my place in society. Although I worked in Reynold & Co., a high-end branding agency, reality always caught up with me whenever I left and boarded the bus home.

Once I got the key from under the flower vase and opened the door, a wave of gladness washed over me. I stepped into my cozy shared apartment with my partner of two years.

I took off my shoes and headed to the kitchen to get a glass of water before it hit me: Klaus’s laundry.

After dealing with my pushover boss all day, resting should be paramount, but I wanted to do something nice for Klaus. For the past few days, he’s been so understanding. He cooked me dinner and cared for me while I complained about how frustrating my job was.

Summoning strength, I grabbed my bag and headed to the dry cleaners to get his clothes before heading to his mini restaurant. Ours. Well, his. I’m not so sure. Klaus had always been passionate, and when he told me how he got fired unfairly from his last job, he proposed that I loan him enough to start up his own.

I get some of the proceedings. Who cares when we’ll soon get hitched and have a joint bank account?

Even though it cost my relationship with my sister to spend my savings on his dream, I didn’t care. Well, I did, but I hope she’ll at least show up for the wedding and see it all work out for the best.

I arrived at Blue Oats and pushed the door open. My eyes immediately caught Henry, my boyfriend’s sous chef, who tensed up upon seeing me. Holding onto the bag of clothing, I headed to the counter.

“Where’s he?” I whispered. “I know you’re also shocked, but don’t tell him I’m here.”

Henry swallowed, wearing a worried look. “Jo…”

I heard the door open and twisted my neck to find my man. A smile crept on my face as he stared at me with a horrific look. It was then that I realized that he was holding onto a toddler with a striking resemblance.

A lady with dark-chocolate hair was behind them.

I swallowed, looking between them to digest what was happening, but when the little boy shouted, ‘Dada,’ it confirmed my suspicion. The lady came closer to kiss his neck as if to finish the entire job of ruining me. My laundry bags dropped to the floor, my heart pumping too fast to catch up.

“He’s gonna hurt you,” Elise had warned me.

“A man who loves you pours into you, not takes from you!” Mom had said.

Their words came down at once, echoing in my head. But I refused to believe what was before me.

I threw my head back in cynical laughter. Klaus stepped forward with a sorry look.

“Jo, I can explain…”

“Who’s she, babe?” The lady beside him joined, eyeing me from head to toe.

“Take Chris and head to the car,” Klaus barked at her, pointing, but she waved it off.

“I’m not going until I figure out what you need to explain to this woman,” she said, her voice firm before turning to me. “Side piece, yeah?”

My breath caught, overwhelmed by the accusation. All eyes were on us as if we were in a soap opera.

“You’re gonna stand there and let her call me that?” I asked Klaus, who looked clueless. His hand reached for mine, but I yanked it before he could. “Let’s go out to resolve this, please.”

“I’ve never been the other woman,” I defended, staring at the lady. “I get that you have his child, but we’ve been together for two years, and…”

“What?” She cut her off, turning to Klaus. “You’ve been cheating on me while in L.A?”

I squinted in confusion.

The shock of Klaus’s betrayal burned my insides. Cheating and having a son sat heavily on my chest. I didn’t have time to argue with the lady.

“I need to get out of here,” I said faintly, taking a breath as I headed to the door.

“I am your wife, Klaus. How could you?!” The lady’s yell stopped me in my tracks.

I thought I had seen it all. He had a baby on me or something, but him being married the whole time with a kid while leading me on?

I couldn’t take it anymore. Tears rolled down my cheek as I glanced at him, regret written all over my face. Staring at him pierced my chest so much that I couldn’t afford to breathe the same air. I ran out, got into my car, and drove aimlessly.

Hot tears stung my eyes as I almost ran into an older man crossing the street. My hands tightened on the brakes, and my heartbeat resounded in my ears. It wasn't safe being alone. I also couldn’t go back home because I feared Klaus would come around. It wasn’t home anymore.

There I was, me against the world, as it had always been. Klaus was supposed to be the one in my world. I even fought my family to defend him. There was nowhere else to go, not my estranged family. The closest thing I had to a friend was Wendy, a work colleague who had recently asked for my last name.

After thinking for a while, I called before heading to her house.

Wendy looked confused when she opened the door, probably wondering why I was at her house on a day off.

“You good?”

I didn’t want to talk much, so my voice didn’t give me away. I nodded, wrapping strands of hair behind my ear. “Just need a place to crash for the night, and I’ll figure it out tomorrow.”

She guided me into her small apartment, which was more modern than mine. Wendy’s outfit always showed her taste; her apartment matched it perfectly.

Sitting on her chair, Wendy offered me snacks, but I declined.

The TV was playing Love Island, and I half-mindedly watched to keep my mind busy. If only contestants knew the pathological liars they were being paired with—men.

They were like snakes who knew their way around everything. Manipulative, treacherous, and draining.

I didn’t realize Wendy had called me until she tapped my arm, bringing me back.

She squinted in confusion. “You look angry.”

I straightened my face, glancing back at the screen. “Just hate these shows.”

“Oh,” Wendy said and paused, looking at the TV. “That explains why you didn’t hear everything I said.”

I swallowed. “You were talking to me?”

“Yeah.” She nodded. “Mr. Reynold wants me to go with him to Vegas. I don’t know if you know this about me, but I hate flying.” She gestured. “I understand I’m one of his favorite PR marketers, but…”

I scoffed and laughed at Wendy’s appraisal. It soon almost faded when I realized nothing was funny about my life. If anything, life was mocking me.

“I’m sure you can make up for something. Call in sick or—“

“I’ll need someone who can catch up with the arrangements so it isn’t impromptu…”

I didn’t realize what she meant until her gaze lingered on me.

I shook my head. “No way!”

She got up from the chair, palms entwined. “Please, Jo. You’re the next best thing, and you’re already here.”

“I can’t stand Reynold. You know this.”

“But it’s a way to earn more. Plus, you’ll be making many connections at this gala.”

Wendy went on with a list of reasons that showed her desperation. But what motivated me was that I needed to be away from Klaus and the apartment. Knowing Wendy, staying at her place wouldn’t last long. It wouldn't be so bad if I could make enough extra bucks to get a new place.

“Fine.” I put my palms up in surrender. “Fill me in on the details.”

“You’ll need to look your best. Mr. Reynold’s not just going as a boss. He’s one of the keynote speakers at the gala. You’ll be working closely with him.”

I froze. I hated Reynold, but I didn’t know what to expect. I had never been so close and was merely an account junior. But at the same time, I needed to get away.

2

Jo

The jet was awfully quiet, but I was just happy to see the beautiful views, especially when we landed in Vegas.

My sweaty palms rested on my sides when we landed at the terminal. I spotted Ivan Reynolds heading to the tarmac with his assistant to get their SUV.

Wendy had said I would be going in a smaller car, but that changed when Ivan stopped to call me in one swift hand motion.

Nervous, I walked toward him, bowing my head. Apart from Ivan Reynold being a dick head, he was absolutely flattering—in a way that scared me to look.

“You,” he said once I was close enough. “Get in with me. I’d like to hear your pitch for the brands we’re announcing tonight.”

I swallowed hard, following him into the car. I grabbed my iPad, trying to read the notes Wendy had sent, and started to read to him.

“Established in 2023, The Cave—“

He tsked, stopping me. “Wasn’t that Wendy’s pitch?”

I nodded stiffly. “Yes. She—“

“She’s not here. You’re here. Or what? You plan to get paid for just making an appearance?”

“I…”

He rolled his eyes and proceeded to adjust his sleeves. “Incompetent staff get on my nerves. Remind me why Wendy pulled out suddenly?”

“She uhh...was sick.”

He gave me a death glare like I had said something wrong. “Not you. Get to work. If you paid more attention, you’d realize it’s The Cove.”

Gosh, I hate him.

Did he know I was aware of this trip just last night?

I bit my tongue, burying my head into my iPad. Nothing was coming along. I didn’t know the brands.

The ride was silent until we stopped by his Four Seasons hotel. He paid me a glance before climbing down.

“Peterson,” he called my last name, unnerving me. “Do not embarrass the company tonight,” he said before walking out with his assistant.

After the SUV dropped me at a smaller hotel, I checked into my room before contacting Wendy for more details.

“He doesn’t like long speeches,” Wendy corrected on the phone.

“Wanna tell me why I’m just finding out it was two brands he was signing?”

She gasped. “I’m sorry, Jo. Skipped my mind.”

I put my hands on my face. “He’s condescending. I have to deal with everything. Can you believe he called incompetent!”

“You are to meet with the event planner by 2 p.m. to coordinate.”

“Are you paying attention to my distress?”

“You’re gonna love the gala!” She shouted, laughing. “Bye.”

Just like that, she hung up.

The rest of my day ended up with planning and learning about the brands and high-profile guests, especially how not to embarrass Reynold & Co.

While doing my research, my mind couldn’t help but think about Klaus and how he had played me all these years.

A part of me hated him, and another fantasized about what we could be if he hadn’t done what he did.

But I knew it was over.

I checked my phone and found many messages and voicemails from him, but I couldn’t bring myself to play them.

His message was a slap to my face.

Klaus>> Can we talk about this, babe? I can explain.

Water formed in my eyes again, and I could feel myself slipping into depression.

——

Wendy didn’t lie when she said I’d love it here—the taste of expensive champagne and the ambience. The hall was perfectly decorated with dim lights to match the masked gala.

“Good afternoon,” I said, smiling pleasantly at one of our clients, who would be announced at the event.

I sashayed to get one of the servers to attend to our guests in my red dress, which had a slit. Wendy’s initial dress. My hair was straightened back, and my makeup looked great, although now hidden beneath a mask.

I spotted a server carrying a tray of champagne and grabbed one, chugging it down. I needed to let go tonight. Let go of the pain that held me down.

Traveling to Vegas wouldn’t solve my problems, but I needed a solid distraction.

I met Klaus when I was twenty-three years old. We planned to get married and have kids, but I wasn’t included in his plans.

I wanted to forget him.

To distract myself, I began searching for my boss’s assistant to prepare him for his speech, but it became taxing.

Instead, I went ahead and talked to more clients. Slow background music mixed with the chattering of the crowd played in the background.

“Thank you for signing with Reynold & Co. We won’t let you down,” I told Mrs. Gladys, our prominent customer.

“I’m glad I am as well. Where is the man of the hour, by the way?” She asked, eyes searching everywhere.

“He’ll be here soon,” I said, scratching the back of my neck.

I excused myself and was heading to the bathroom when someone grabbed my arm in the hallway. Twisting my neck, I saw a tall figure wearing a tux and a mask as a disguise.

I took a deep breath in his embrace, basking in his sweet scent. Suddenly, all of my worries went out the window.

Knowing what I wanted, I took his hands, leading him to the ladies and locked the door behind us.

I swirled around, heading toward him, and he closed the gap, burying his head into my neck. I bent it to give him access, tugging at his hair.

I could feel shivers beneath as anticipation grew further. I didn’t know why I felt needy, but I didn’t care who it was. I just wanted him to make me forget.

He sniffed my neck while I moved his hands to my boobs so he could grope me, but he groaned-moaned. He inhaled deeply like he knew me.

“Jo…”

I froze at once, realizing whose voice it belonged to.

3

Jo

I stepped back, hands against my chest as if to guide it from falling off. A smile spread across his lips as he took the mask off. Sun-kissed hair and green eyes. How could I have known?

“Mr. Reynolds…” I said dryly, eyes buried in the ground. “I…”

He cocked his eyebrows. “Didn’t know you were about to make out with a random man who’s me?”

The way it sounded made me look bad. Fuck. Was I some floozy after all?

He wasn’t wrong. I wanted him to take me right there in the bathroom.

My shameful reflection stared back at me as I glanced at the vanity.

Fuck, Jo.

I couldn’t say anything to defend my actions, but it was easy for him. He played along nicely and smelled me like he had registered my scent. I squinted in confusion.

“Why did you come along?”

He burst into cynical laughter. “To see how much staff like you would compromise to nail a client.” His smile subsided. “I said to network with them, not fuck them for an account.”

It was as if someone had poured cold water on me.

“I don’t engage in such,” I managed to say, but his stern look was all I needed to straighten up and accept defeat. “I’m sorry for my misdemeanor. I had a lot to drink, and…” I stared at his disappointed face and stopped halfway through. “I'd better join the event.”

“Yeah, you better.”

With that, I strolled out with my shoulders slumped like the world's weight rested on them. I had tried to impress Mr. Reynolds, but failed in a shameful way that I couldn’t even discuss with Wendy.

Heading back to the bubbly hall, I looked for his assistant and asked if our boss had been prepped for the last-minute changes. Afterward, I joined some clients to discuss the new directions we had.

My mind was still stuck on Ivan…how his hot breath fanned my neck as he inhaled me. How comfortable his broad shoulder was. How sexy his plump lips moved as he mouthed condescending words to me…

“Miss Peterson?” The client waved at me, causing me to burst into small laughter. I waved him off.

“I was thinking about new strategies to market Rye concealers to the L.A market. I can’t wait to pitch it to the boss,” I said, trying to sound convincing, but her eyes were stuck on something. When I looked in that direction, I found Ivan on stage, charisma oozing from where he stood.

“May I have a moment?” he said, raising a glass. Everyone turned to listen to him. I breathed in and out, hoping he wouldn’t miss his lines. “Sophistication, elegance is what you feel when you feel, see, or touch any of our brands,” he started, clearing his throat. I nodded from afar, even though I was far behind in the crowd.

“And in ten years, we’ve delivered quality products that address your needs. Ladies, without further ado, I present our latest collaboration, which has been among us for the longest: Rye cosmetics, open havens, and The Cove.”

The crowd cheered as he welcomed the founders on stage, each posing for a picture and saying thanks.

Reynolds had further shared his vision for the company. It was what I’d written, and I knew it off-hand. How the words rolled off his lips so effortlessly grabbed my attention. It was so believable, gentle. No wonder he thrived in the marketing industry.

I felt a sudden attraction toward my boss, far from the physical, even though I wondered if he was one to moan or a slutty talker during the act.

Focus, Jo.

But it was just too much. How could I recover from almost getting laid to this?

A man moved toward me as I stood lonely in the crowd, eyes smiling at me.

“Lovely evening,” he said, and gestured. “And exquisite dress!”

He had to be exaggerating if he compared them to the trust-funded women in actual design.

But I always made a mental note to take compliments. My ex taught me that. Maybe he did that to manipulate me and get my money, or maybe I am just insecure.

“Thanks,” I mumbled.

“I’m Dallas,” he said, pushing his hand forward for a handshake. “Did you come with the associates from Texas?”

I smiled. “No, I’m from the headquarters. Reynolds & Co. in L.A.”

“Must suck. Heard he’s an ass to his staff,” he said.

Worse than a jerk, matter-of-fact.

I held back from laughing or saying what I thought. This was a corporate event, and this man could be a setup.

“I beg to differ,” I responded, barely recognizing my voice. My eyes searched the crowd and landed on Reynolds, who stared back at me. I swallowed, nervous before throwing my gaze back at Dallas. “He’s passionate about results.”

“Hmm,” he said and smiled. “Going easy on him, I see. Would you like to take this to the balcony?”

I nodded. Anything to stop thinking about Klaus.

Dallas and I had barely chatted on the balcony when my boss’s assistant, Karen, stormed in on us.

“Sorry to intrude, but Mr. Reynolds needs your attention urgently.”

Dallas frowned and turned to me first before responding to Karen. “You can see Jo is busy with me…”

“I—“ I interjected.

“You’re one of the managers, I think you decide when to work and unwind. You’ve done most of the work in this event today.”

Shit. He thought I was the manager?

“I’m—I’m,” I fidgeted my fingers, turning to Dallas. “ I should probably go. I’m here for work anyway.” I brought my phone out, handing it over for him to punch in his digits before heading out with Karen.

Not only did Mr. Reynolds not need my attention for anything urgent, he was outside in his limo, demanding that he take me back to the hotel.

Before praising him, I joined him and his assistant on the absurd, silent ride.

“That was a nice speech,” I said.

He only nodded stiffly, as if my words were insignificant.

After a while, he finally spoke, “Karen, you’re getting an early night off. I’ll go through some accounts with her.”

He couldn’t say my name?

Sounded like he could only say it in a sultry whisper.

In a few minutes, Karen was dropped off at our smaller-scale hotel. To be fair, I didn’t know why we had to discuss business tonight in this uncomfortable dress and heels, but as an obedient staff member who just wanted a good commission, I obliged.

After Karen left, the air was tense, and Mr. Reynolds and I sat opposite each other. Feeling him lurking, I pretended to go through my phone until we arrived at his luxurious hotel.

He checked in before entering the elevator to the sixth floor. After the elevator door shut, he turned to me.

“What were you doing with Dallas?” His voice was stern and commanding.

“We—we were just talking…”

“You sure that’s all you were doing? The entire hall wasn’t big enough for that?”

I didn’t understand his tone. Why was he concerned about who I spoke with?

“I was trying to network…like you’d suggested,” I added, and he scoffed, running his hand through his hair.

“Like you did with me in the bathroom?”

My eyelids lowered as I stared at him. With one hand, he pulled me forward so our bodies were touching.

“Did you two kiss?” He asked, eyes searching mine.

I was lost for words. He raised my chin with a finger. “Answer me when I ask a question.”

“No.”

A breath of relief was released as he stared at me. I was lost in his green eyes. Lost in the situation between us, but I desperately wanted him to touch me.

His hands tightened on my waist, causing me to stiffen. He cupped my cheeks, and I leaned forward like a needy puppy. He hasn’t kissed me yet.

Instead, he lowered, fingers trailing from my legs to my thigh. He finally entered my slit, tracing my lingerie. He felt me through the fabric, causing me to moan. He was making me lose my shit.

“I have been watching you all night, imagining sinister things.”

He almost went further when the elevator door dinged. He straightened up as the door opened.

My breath caught as my mind juggled what was real and what was not.

I looked at his crotch to find his boner, and fought the smile on my lips. It was the reality check I needed.

Mr. Reynolds. I mean, Ivan looked in his pocket before handing me a key card.

“I need to know you want this just like I do,” he said before leaving the elevator, leaving me speechless.

I stared at the card, wondering whether or not to tread this dangerous path with my boss.