An Unexpected Opportunity

The next few days passed in a blur of routine and hidden excitement. Amelia and Dane’s flirtatious exchanges continued steadily through their Instagram messages, but at work, they maintained a strict veneer of professionalism. This double life exhilarated Amelia, adding a spark to her otherwise predictable existence.

One sunny afternoon, as Amelia was engrossed in her work, a message popped up on her computer screen, summoning her to Dane's office. Curious, she grabbed her notebook and headed towards his office, where she found Sophie already waiting.

"Hey, Sophie," Amelia greeted, taking a seat next to her. "Any idea what this is about?"

Sophie shook her head, looking just as curious. "No clue. But I hope it's something good."

A moment later, Dane walked in, exuding his usual air of confidence. He smiled warmly at both of them before taking his seat behind the large mahogany desk.

"Thank you for coming on short notice," Dane began, his gaze sweeping over them. "I have some exciting news. We've been invited to a major marketing conference in Italy, and I’ve chosen both of you to accompany me."

Amelia's heart skipped a beat. Italy? It was a dream destination, and the thought of traveling there for work—and with Dane—filled her with a rush of excitement. She glanced at Sophie, whose eyes were wide with surprise and delight.

"We'll be attending several important sessions and networking events," Dane continued. "It's a fantastic opportunity to learn and make valuable connections. I trust that both of you will represent Smiths Co. excellently."

"Thank you, Dane," Amelia said, her voice steady despite the thrill bubbling inside her. "This is an incredible opportunity."

"Yes, thank you," Sophie echoed, her voice slightly higher pitched with excitement. "I can't wait."

"We leave next Monday," Dane said, a glimmer of something unreadable in his eyes as he looked at Amelia. "I’ll send you both the itinerary and details later today. Make sure your passports are up to date."

As they left Dane's office, Amelia felt a mix of exhilaration and anticipation. The upcoming trip to Italy promised not only professional growth but also the potential for more personal interactions with Dane, away from the prying eyes of the office. Back at her desk, she received the detailed itinerary from Dane. The conference included a mix of workshops, keynote speeches, and networking dinners. She couldn't help but wonder what free time they might have and how those moments could be spent.