This is my first fanfic after a long hiatus. I just love the chemistry between Liza and Charles and after the episode "A Close Shave," I felt the need to continue the story where it left off. I'll update when I can. Please be gentle on me, like I said it's been a long time since I've done much writing. Thanks!


Her heart pounding out of her chest, Liza rushed out of Charles' office. Sneaking away was made much easier by all the chaos of his birthday celebration, the boisterous sounds of her coworkers' chatter echoing down the hallway. Slamming the bathroom door behind her, she sunk down to the floor, replaying the scene in her head. What started out as a work argument with her boss got very personal and very heated. Did Charles mean what he said about dating her? The look he gave her- was he seriously jealous of her fake date? She wouldn't have believed it, but after seeing the intensity of his expression, it was hard to come to any other conclusion.

She had always felt chemistry with him, but things were so complicated. And since their latest "encounter" he'd been very careful to keep things professional. Why? Because he wasn't sure he was attracted to her, because she was supposedly so much younger, or because he was her boss? Her mind was swimming with possibilities, and she couldn't ignore the butterflies deep in her belly. In a different world where she was her real age and this man wasn't her employer, she wouldn't think twice about seeing him. Was exploring her feelings worth the risk? Liza's internal dialogue was abruptly interrupted.

"LIZA!? Why on earth are you blocking the bathroom door?" Her body was shoved forward by the large wooden slab as Diana barged in shaking her head. "I swear, you millennials will sneak off anywhere just to avoid doing any real work." Liza stared blankly at her supervisor, searching for some way to explain her current situation.

"What are you waiting for? Liza, get up!" she demanded. "I need you to run an errand for me. Now! And for goodness' sake, find somewhere more hygienic to take your break next time!"

Liza stood, smoothing down the back of her skirt. Rolling her eyes, Diana left as abruptly as she'd come in. A quick look in the mirror revealed the deep crimson hue on her cheeks. Splashing a bit of water on her face, she took several deep breaths to try to calm her frayed nerves before heading back into the office. As she hurried around the corner to grab her purse from her desk, she crashed directly into a tall, solid figure.

"I'm so sorry," she apologized, taking a step back. A large, masculine hand on her upper arm steadied her. Looking up, she was met with a pair of icy blue eyes, desperately searching hers.

"No, I'm sorry," Charles countered, and his apology felt like it encompassed more than just their current run-in. "I was actually looking for you. Liza, can we, uh, talk in my office?" He looked nervous, cautiously addressing her almost as if he was afraid of scaring her off.

Her heart was in her throat. On one hand, she wanted nothing more than to find out what was behind Charles' outburst earlier. On the other hand, she needed more time to sort out her feelings and to decide what she really wanted. As she tried to formulate a response, he cut in, making the decision for her. "Come." He placed his hand gently on the small of her back. "I'll be quick," he promised, leading her back to his office. Everything was happening so fast and her mind was racing to catch up. Liza heard the click of the door as it latched behind her, and immediately she felt light-headed.

Running his hands roughly through his hair, Charles had his back to her, directing his focus on his bookshelf. Taking a deep breath, he turned and spoke.

"Liza, I'm really sorry about earlier…" She started to speak, but he held his hand up, effectively silencing her protests.

"Please. I'm not good at this kind of stuff, so just let me get this out. I'm sorry about how I handled things. I didn't mean to come off so harshly, and I didn't mean to say… everything I said to you." He searched her face for some sign of understanding. She nodded. Hands in his pockets, he stared down at his desk as he continued.

"I've tried to keep things professional at work, and I've really tried to keep my distance. You're young, and I'm your boss, and I just…" He met her gaze, and she could see the moment he made the decision to which there was no going back.

"Liza, I can't stop thinking about you. And seeing you with an older man who isn't me…" He paused, reflective. "I guess it made me realize I can't keep going on like this. I don't know how you feel about me or how serious your relationship is with him... Anyway, if you're interested, I would like to take you out tonight. There's someplace I want to show you." His eyes sparkled, and he smiled at her with a hopefulness that made her insides ache. "Just give me one evening, and if you decide you don't want to pursue things further after that, I won't approach the subject again."

She stared at his lips and the rough salt and pepper stubble surrounding them, remembering how good they felt pressed firmly to hers. Her body tingled in nervous anticipation of a night spent in close proximity to this man.

"Of course," she replied, her voice coming out barely louder than a whisper.

He closed his eyes briefly, a deep smile settling on his face. "Perfect. I'll pick you up at 8."