Single Dad’s Boss Woke Up in His Guest Room—Wearing Only His Shirt

Return to the Office

Her entire face transformed. After breakfast, Lily insisted on showing Mia her artwork, dragging the woman to her bedroom.

Jake cleaned up the kitchen. He could hear his daughter’s excited voice and Mia’s more measured responses and found himself smiling.

When they returned, Lily was holding Mia’s hand. She looked up at her with undisguised admiration.

“Ms. Winters says my drawing of our family could be architecture someday,” she told Jake proudly. “That’s wonderful honey,” Jake said.

He glanced at Mia with curiosity. “She has a good eye for spatial relationships,” Mia said, sounding like her professional self again.

“It’s a foundational skill for design work.” Lily beamed at the praise.

“I should call a car,” Mia said, looking at her watch. “I’ve imposed on your morning enough.”

“It’s Saturday,” Jake reminded her. “Yes, well I have work to do.”

She looked uncomfortable again, as if the domestic scene was becoming too much for her. “Could I trouble you for my clothes from last night?”

“Of course. They’re in the dryer. I’ll get them.”

When he returned with her dress and coat neatly folded, she took them with a nod of thanks. “I’ll change and be out of your way.”

“You’re not in our way!” Lily protested. “You could stay and play Candy Land with us.”

“It’s our Saturday morning tradition.” Mia looked genuinely regretful as she shook her head.

“That’s very kind, but I really do need to go. Thank you for the invitation though.”

She disappeared into the bathroom again, emerging a few minutes later transformed back into the CEO. She wore the designer dress.

Her makeup was reapplied and her hair smoothed into submission. Only her lack of heels betrayed that anything was amiss.

“I’ve called a car,” she said. Her professional mask was firmly back in place as she said, “It will be here in 5 minutes.”

Jake nodded, feeling oddly disappointed. “We’ll walk you out when it arrives.”

The three of them stood awkwardly in the living room. Lily was still holding the Candyland box hopefully.

Mia’s phone buzzed with a notification. “My car is here,” she said, sounding relieved.

She moved to the door and slipped on her heels. She was once again towering over Lily and nearly matching Jake’s height.

“Thank you for your hospitality Mr. Sullivan,” she said formally. “And for your discretion last night.”

“Jake,” he said suddenly. “You can call me Jake. At least outside the office.”

Something flickered in her eyes. “Jake,” she repeated as if testing the name, “thank you.”

She knelt down to Lily’s level, surprising both father and daughter. “And thank you Lily for sharing your artwork with me.”

“You have real talent.” Lily threw her arms around Mia’s neck in a spontaneous hug.

Jake started to intervene. Mia Winters did not seem like the type who welcomed physical affection.

To his shock, she returned the hug, albeit briefly. Standing again, Mia smoothed her dress and nodded to Jake.

“I’ll see you on Monday.” Then she was gone, clicking down the walkway to the waiting car.

She was every inch the untouchable CEO once more. “I like her,” Lily declared.

“She’s pretty and smart and she doesn’t talk to me like I’m a baby.” Jake stared at the departing car.

He felt as if he’d witnessed something rare and precious. It was a glimpse behind the armor Mia Winters wore so effectively.

“Yes,” he agreed quietly, “she is all those things.” What he didn’t say was what he barely admitted to himself.

For the first time in the 3 years he’d worked for her, he wanted to know more about the woman behind the title. Monday morning arrived.

There was a knot of anxiety in Jake’s stomach. He’d spent the weekend alternating between replaying every moment and trying not to think about it.

He had no idea what to expect when he walked into the office. Would she pretend nothing had happened?

Would she be cold and distant to compensate for the vulnerability she’d shown? Worst of all, would she find some reason to fire him?

He worried she would eliminate the witness to her moment of weakness. He dropped Lily at school with an extra tight hug.

Then he drove to the gleaming downtown building that housed Winter’s Architectural Design. In the elevator, he straightened his tie.

He took a deep breath. Whatever happened, he would handle it with professionalism.

The office was already humming with activity when he arrived. He nodded to colleagues as he made his way to his desk.

He tried to act normal despite the tension coiling inside him. “Sullivan!” The voice of Tom Reeves stopped him in his tracks.

“The boss wants to see you now.” Jake’s heart sank as he faced the fallout he’d been dreading.

He nodded to Reeves and changed direction, heading for Mia’s corner office. David, her assistant, looked up as Jake approached.

“Go right in Mr. Sullivan, she’s expecting you.” The door to Mia’s office felt heavier than usual as Jake pushed it open.

The space was exactly as it always was: minimalist and elegant. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a spectacular view of the city.

Mia sat behind her desk, impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit. Her auburn hair was pulled back in a severe bun.

She looked up as he entered, her expression unreadable. “Close the door please.”

Jake did as instructed, then stood before her desk waiting. “Sit,” she said, gesturing to one of the chairs opposite her.

He sat with his back straight and hands resting on his knees. “I owe you an apology,” she said without preamble.

Of all the ways he’d imagined this conversation starting, that hadn’t been one of them. “Ms. Winters…”

“My behavior on Friday night was unprofessional and put you in an awkward position. I’m sorry.” Jake blinked, momentarily speechless.

“There’s no need to apologize. Anyone can have too much to drink at a holiday party.”