Why couldn’t love and relationships be as quantifiable as finances, or the stock market, or economics? Raphael closed his eyes and leaned back against his couch beside Serena. He felt his friend’s warm hand gently rubbing his shoulder. “Emotions are so difficult,” Raphael whined, furrowing his eyebrows. He placed a hand over his face and tilted his head upward to stare at the ceiling. “I haven’t even done anything with him and already I’m acting like a crazy person.”

“I admit, it’s a little intense that you went and got drunk thinking about whether or not you like this guy, but you’re a good person. It’s surprising, and a little mystifying, to see you have such a strong response to someone you have a crush on. Maybe you like this guy more than you think, and if so, shouldn’t you take the time to try and get to know him better?”

“See, that’s just it,” Raphael replied. “I have a crush on him and already I’m acting like a crazy, jealous person. I’m his boss. Human Resources would have a field day with the kind of shit going through my mind right now.”

“Remind me never to meddle in your personal life again, then,” Serena murmured, smiling mischievously at Raphael. “Seriously, though, you’re acting like having a crush on the guy is the end of the world. You like him. Make him know it. Take the time and build a relationship. He’s not going to be your assistant forever.”

Raphael groaned. “I hate it when you’re right. But what can I do? When I fall, I fall hard.”

He thought about what exactly made him like Caden McCullough in the first place. The young man had an easy confidence and a happy-go-lucky personality. He was also firm and assertive, and didn’t take anyone’s crap, even Raphael’s.

In the past few months since becoming Raphael’s second assistant, Caden had amazed Raphael by figuring out how he felt from their first conversation of the day. It was a skill that still awed Raphael to this very day.

Caden never once complained to Raphael about his work load, even when Raphael saw how tired Caden was or how sluggish the young man walked in the morning. Dressed in his stylish, yet not always work-appropriate suits, the man was quick with a well-timed joke or a comment that was just inappropriate enough to cut through any tension. Most of all, he was attentive to the little things.

There was an indelible mark left on Raphael’s heart, and Caden was the reason for its existence.

Knowing all of that freaked Raphael out. He was a goner, and he knew it.

Serena had pushed him off the deep end, and now he had to come to terms with how he felt for Caden.

The entire time, Serena’s expression slowly changed from staring intently at him to grinning widely. “Wow, I didn’t think you actually felt all that.”

“Was I saying all that out loud?” Raphael blurted out in surprise. Serena nodded. He groaned, placing a hand on his forehead and taking a deep breath. “Goddamn it. I really am wasted.”

“Well, if your feelings for the guy are that deep and you’re able to communicate them to me, then I agree. You’re drunk as hell right now, and I suggest you drink a lot of water and get to bed before you do something you regret.”

Raphael nodded. “I think that’s the smartest thing you’ve said all day,” he muttered, garbling some of his words. “What room is Caden in?”