They kept their relationship quiet for a few weeks, stealing moments when they could. But Maya quickly realized that secret relationships were exhausting, especially when every interaction had to be carefully calculated to avoid suspicion.
"We can't keep this up forever," she told Alexander one evening as they had dinner in his penthouse apartment.
"I know," he said. "I've been thinking about that."
"And?"
Alexander set down his wine glass and looked at her seriously. "I want to go public. I want to be able to take you to company events, to hold your hand in meetings, to stop pretending that you're just another employee."
Maya felt a flutter of panic. "Alexander, the press will have a field day with this. 'Billionaire CEO and His Secretary'—"
"You're not my secretary. You're the head of social media strategy for one of the most successful marketing firms on the West Coast."
"That I only got because you bought my company."
"You got it because you're brilliant," Alexander said firmly. "Don't ever diminish your accomplishments."
Maya looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. "What about the board? Your investors?"
"Let me worry about them."
"And if they don't approve?"
Alexander's jaw tightened. "Then they can find themselves a new CEO."