Chapter 11: Pressures and Public Eyes

The next few days flew by in a blur. Aaron couldn't shake the thought of Kimberly and what had unfolded between them at his apartment. Though the chemistry between them was undeniable, both of them were trying to navigate the boundaries of their professional relationship despite the lingering tension that seemed to grow each time they exchanged glances or shared a moment alone.

After the kiss, things had been quiet on Kimberly's end. She seemed distant, and Aaron knew it was because of everything that had happened-and everything they weren't ready to admit. It was almost like she was pulling away to protect herself. But he wasn't ready to let that happen. Not after everything they'd shared.

It was the same night after Kimberly had left his apartment that Aaron decided to meet up with Kelvin at the bar. He needed to talk to someone who could give him some perspective, especially with the media chaos waiting to break loose.

Kelvin was already at the bar when Aaron walked in, looking as laid-back as ever in a leather jacket and jeans. He looked up and gave Aaron a nod.

"You're late, man," Kelvin said with a smirk, sipping on his drink.

Aaron took a seat beside him, ordering his usual-whiskey neat. "I needed a drink more than I thought."

Kelvin raised an eyebrow. "Still thinking about her?"

"Yeah, I mean... yeah." Aaron ran a hand through his beard, realizing he couldn't do that anymore, but the gesture was so automatic. "It's complicated."

"I can tell." Kelvin grinned. "You two been playing the dance for a while now, huh? The assistant and the boss? Kinda sounds like a classic setup."

Aaron sighed. "It's not like that, K. We've got this... connection. But she's pulling away. She doesn't want anything more than professional."

Kelvin let out a low whistle. "And you're cool with that? All that chemistry, all that tension, and you're telling me she's acting like she's just another employee?"

Aaron shook his head, frustration clear in his eyes. "It's different with her. I don't know how to explain it. She's more than just my assistant. But every time I try to talk to her, it's like she shuts down."

Kelvin leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. "So what's the plan? You gonna let her slip through your fingers or do something about it?"

Aaron leaned in, feeling the weight of the decision. "I can't just do nothing. I've got to figure out a way to get her to stop running from this."

Kelvin gave him a sly grin. "You know, sometimes you gotta show them what they're missing, man. Don't let her get too far. Take control of the situation, make her realize you're the one she wants."

Aaron chuckled but couldn't shake the knot in his stomach. "It's not that simple. I don't want to make her feel trapped."

Kelvin waved a hand, clearly not having time for Aaron's hesitation. "You're both adults. You'll figure it out. But you gotta act fast before someone else swoops in."

Aaron knew exactly what Kelvin was talking about. AnnaSophia. It wasn't that they were involved romantically-it had always been professional, but there was a history there, and with her being a constant presence at events and public outings, Aaron couldn't help but feel protective of Kimberly.

The conversation continued, with Kelvin offering a few more words of advice before they both settled into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

---

It didn't take long before the press caught wind of Aaron's new dynamic with Kimberly. Photos of them together started circulating-mostly from the gala where Aaron had kissed her. The tabloids ran wild, speculating about their relationship. Headlines like "Aaron Pierre's New Mystery Woman-Is She His Assistant or Something More?" flooded the newsstands, with some even mentioning Vanessa Hudgens presence as a "rival" for Aaron's attention.

Kimberly hadn't expected to wake up to the sight of her face plastered across the front page of every gossip magazine. She felt a rush of anxiety and frustration. She wasn't used to this-being in the spotlight, especially not like this. It was one thing when Aaron was the center of attention, but this felt different. She had always kept a low profile.

Her phone buzzed with messages, and the first one she noticed was from her best friend, Kehlani.

"I saw the headlines... you and Aaron? Are you serious?!"

Kimberly couldn't bring herself to answer at first. What was there to say? She hadn't even sorted through her own feelings about it, and now it was splashed all over the media. She felt like she was being pulled in so many directions.

She texted Kehlani back a simple reply. "It's complicated. I'll explain later."

But Kehlani wasn't one to let things slide. A few minutes later, she called.

"Girl, I saw those pictures of you and Aaron," Kehlani said when Kimberly picked up. "What's going on? Are you two... together?"

Kimberly let out a shaky breath. "I don't know. Things between us are... confusing. I'm not sure where I stand."

"Girl, are you serious? This is Aaron Pierre we're talking about! The actor that's been all over the news for the last few years! And now you're caught up in the headlines with him. What's going on between you two?"

Kimberly bit her lip. "I'm not sure, Kehlani. He's been great, but the whole situation is too much. I'm his assistant. This... this is messing with my job and everything else. I didn't ask for this."

"You've got to be careful, Kimberly. You know how people talk. You're in the middle of something bigger than just you two now."

Kimberly didn't have a response to that. Kehlani was right, and that truth was slowly sinking in. The pressure of being involved with someone like Aaron was more than she could have ever imagined.

---

Aaron couldn't shake the idea of taking Kimberly to the Golden Globes. He knew it would make waves, but part of him was excited to show her off. He had already mentioned her to Kelvin, who was giving him knowing looks, clearly sensing that Aaron was head over heels for her.

When the time came to extend the invitation, Aaron took a deep breath before calling her.

"Kimberly," he said, his voice steady. "I know things have been crazy, but I want you to come with me to the Golden Globes. As my date."

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. "Aaron, I don't think-"

"I'm serious," he cut her off. "You've been working hard for me. I want you to be there. Besides, you're going to need some help with the whole thing. I'm not going to let you go into something like that unprepared."

Kimberly hesitated. She had been trying to keep a professional distance, but part of her wanted to go-wanted to be with him. She finally sighed. "Fine. I'll go. But I'm going to need a crash course in all of this."

Aaron chuckled. "I've got you. We'll take it one step at a time."

He was determined to make her feel comfortable and confident, and maybe, just maybe, show her that there was more between them than she was willing to admit.