Page 71 of The Boss Upstairs
I sigh audibly. “If I’m to be completely honest, I’m not too crazy about this teasing game you like to play.”
He cocks a brow. “You play in my house, you play by my rules.”
I smile. “Well, in that case, maybe I should have you over to my place.”
His face lights up. “That’s a wonderful idea. I’d love to. Ethan and I could get to know each other.”
“Uh…” I’m taken aback. I didn’t expect this. Did I just inadvertently invite him over for dinner?
“I can’t wait,” he says. “When were you thinking?”
“Uh… this Saturday?”
“Tomorrow? Perfect… I’m free. Can I bring anything?”
“A bottle of wine,” I suggest. “Maybe dessert. Ethan and I love donuts.”
He smiles. “Done. What will you be serving?” he asks. “For the wine choice,” he clarifies.
“Oh…” I have no clue. “I’ll let you know.”
I leave with a smile, but it fades as soon as I reach the hall. What the hell am I going to make for Mr. Boss Man? What if he hates it?
“No nookie today?” Rosetta teases.
“What?”
“You look upset,” she explains. “I assume no nookie.”
I shake my head. The woman is really starting to get on my nerves. “No… no nookie,” I scoff as I take a seat at my desk. “Satisfied now?”
“Boy, the man needs to give you some. And soon!”
I wonder if this could be considered a hostile work environment. I ponder the thought as I delve into my current project.
* * *
“So, no sex yet?”Abigail asks, cappuccino in hand.
I blow out a breath. “I can’t complain. It was me who insisted on the no sex clause in the agreement.”
She reaches for her muffin. “You could always change it.”
“Yes, we’ve already made a few amendments… small things. But I… I feel like I’m not ready. Every time I picture us making love, Donovan’s face pops up. And sometimes Donovan’s mother’s face.”
“Oh, Lord.” She winces. “That’s horrible. His mother’s face?”
I laugh. “I know… I’m messed up. I should probably get therapy.”
She smiles. “It’s not that complicated. You obviously feel guilty.”
She’s not telling me anything I don’t know already. Of course I feel guilty. For one thing, I still don’t believe I deserve any love or affection of any kind. If it weren’t for me, Ethan would still have a father. And second, Patricia has been so helpful, putting her own life on hold to help us out. If she knew what I’ve been up to, she’d be appalled. And if she knew what really happened that day in Mexico, she’d probably never speak to me again.
And then there’s Ethan. He deserves a mother who can give him one hundred percent, and lately, I’ve been way too invested into Mr. Boss Man. Yes, this job is consuming, but it’s only for six months. And what happens after that?
I’ve seen the former Mrs. Hanson, and she’s nothing like me. She’s a goddess, and she’s an accomplished professional, probably as successful and intelligent as he is. Mr. Hanson has exceptionally high standards. It’s evident in everything about and around him. From the clothes he wears, to the penthouse he lives in, everything is top of the line.
I am certainlynottop of the line.
