Fall
He doesn't have time for this falling in love garbage. He's a busy man, you know?
When he kisses her good morning and good night each day and remembers her birthday, it's because women love all that sappy, romantic garbage, and the most useful assistant is a happy assistant.
And sure, he listens to her input, but that's just because she's really smart. He wouldn't have wasted his time with her if she wasn't.
And yeah, he grips her hand tightly whenever they're out walking somewhere, but that's just because he wants everyone to know this one's taken, so back off.
Even when there's no one else around; better to be safe, right?
She's too good to lose.
And if he kinda freaks out when one of the guys tries to get too friendly with her, it's just because it sets a bad precedent, letting the help mess with the boss's things. It has nothing to do with the imploring, panicked look she's sending him.
Sometimes he wonders uneasily if these things are becoming a little too natural, and if maybe the pretence has become reality.
But he's never cared much for acting, he reflects, wrapping one arm around her and brushing his lips gently over her temple while she sleeps, so for now, he'll just go with it.