Page 55 of The Boss Upstairs
“So… how are you enjoying my panties,” I whisper, toying with my pasta. “Sexy enough?”
He laughs. “Definitely sexy enough. I’ve inhaled them thoroughly, and set them aside for future enjoyment.”
I shake my head, and wonder where he keeps them.Weirdo.“I never realized you were a panty sniffer, Mr. Hanson.”
He digs into his chicken. “There’s a lot of things about me you don’t know, Grasshopper.”
“I find it rather peculiar, especially considering how you are about germs, with all the Purell and wiping surfaces and stuff,” I tease but ponder my comment for a second. “I suppose if we were all like you, we’d all be better off.”
He sighs audibly. “Yep. It’s the reason I’m never sick, Grasshopper.” His lips suddenly curl up. “And I don’t sniff just any panties. Only those of the woman I… care for.”
Damn.
“Fair enough.” I say. “Did you sniff your wife’s panties?” I tease. I just can’t let it go. I’m having too much fun with it.
He shakes his head. “I did… at the beginning. Bridget always had the most beautiful undergarments. All her clothing was top of the line, and her shoes too. Red bottoms and studded Valentinos were favorites. I suppose they still are…” His words trail off.
“Well, if you can afford it… why not,” I say. “I’m more of a Chanel woman myself, but I don’t have much. Donovan left us in good shape, but I’m not stupid. I know I need to save for retirement, for Ethan’s education and wedding.”
He smiles. “Wow… you’re thinking way ahead. I like that.”
“I need to. I need to be responsible for my boy.”
“That’s great, Grasshopper.”
“How about your mystery woman? Did she like fancy shoes too?” I don’t know why, but I want to know everything about her.
He shakes his head. “No… she was a simple woman. She liked vintage clothing, and she collected brooches. She didn’t have much money. She was a kindergarten teacher.”
Oh great… she was a saint.
He smiles again. “She didn’t like it when I bought her expensive things.”
I laugh. “She sounds weird,” I joke.
He reaches for his glass of water. “You… you’re funny sometimes.”
I shrug. “I try… not as funny as Rosetta.”
“Yes… I kind of miss her.”
“So… you and Bridget broke up because of this mystery woman,” I go on. I just can’t let it go. I’m shameless. I’m just so curious about her, I can’t stand it.
“Mirella was her name,” he reminds me. “And yes… she had a lot to do with it, but essentially, we separated because Bridget was deceptive.”
I nod quietly, completely riveted.
“She deceived me more than once… I found out after the fact, and when I did, I couldn’t stay with her. Not even for the children.”
“What?” I ask. “What did she do?”
His grin is wide. “You are a very nosy grasshopper.”
I stare down at my plate, ashamed. “I know… I’m sorry.”
He digs into his pasta. “No worries.”
He never answers my question, leaving me to wonder, and driving me absolutely insane in the process.
