Page 11 of Rescuing His Kitten
“I suppose I’m an accomplice then. I got the dips.” West winks over at me, and I duck my head to hide the goofy smile that tries to take over.
“I was only teasing her, Mr. Hayes.” Sheryl laughs like we’re old friends and we do this kind of thing all the time.
Wait, did she say Hayes? As in the Hayes that owns Nibbles? West Hayes. Oh. My. God. I’m a dumbass.
He’s the freaking boss! The head of the company had to help me out of a tree! Then I nearly walked into another tree after panic-grabbing all the chips in front of the man whose name is on the building. Oh, shit, then I remember that I got jealous, and he knows it. The boss thinks I’m into him.
Wait, I am into him.
“Sharon,” West says, cutting through her laugh.
He doesn’t raise his voice because he doesn’t need to. I even sit up straighter at the tone. The warmth that was there moments ago vanishes, replaced by something cold and deliberate. Now I very much see the boss. It’s like he flipped a switch.
“If you’re done teasing my guest, perhaps you could go check on the dessert situation. I heard Simon asking about s’mores supplies.”
Sheryl’s smile falters, just barely. “I was only?—”
“I know exactly what you were doing.” He sets his plate down on the log, the casual gesture at odds with his tone. “And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t do it to someone I brought here. Bellarose is with me. That means she’s not your entertainment for the evening.”
I don’t know who is more shocked, Sheryl or me. The fire cracks, making me jump. I’ve never heard anyone talk to Sheryl like that, like she’s a problem to be managed rather than a person to be appeased. The power dynamic in the air shifts, and I realize with a slow dawning that West isn’t just defending me. He’s reminding Sheryl who he is, in case she’s forgotten. I didn’t even know who he was!
Sheryl’s face goes through several colors, settling on a mottled pink. “Of course, Mr. Hayes. I didn’t realize the chips were...a date.”
“They’re not a date,” West says, and my stomach drops. “They’re chips. If you wanted a bag, you could have simply asked. I’m sure Bellarose would be happy to share.”
All I can do is nod, but I don’t think Sheryl eats chips. She was coming over to poke fun at me as she always does. Looks like her plan backfired.
“I’ll, ah, go see if Simon needs help.” Sheryl turns, scurrying off, and I hate that I feel a tiny bit guilty over it. I know it sucks when someone knocks you down a few pegs, but she kind of had it coming.
“You okay?” he asks when she’s gone.
“West,” I say, and my voice comes out steadier than I feel. “You’re...you’re the boss.”
“I am.” He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t look away. “Does that change something?”
All the things I’ve said to him flash through my mind. One standing out the most is the leaky ass story.
“I don’t know yet,” I admit.
He smiles, small and private, just for me. “Fair enough. We can figure it out together.”
“It’s not that simple.” I wish it was, but I’m already seeing so many issues. While it was nice to have West stand up for me, I will be paying for it later.
“I suppose maybe it’s not.” He picks up his plate again, but he doesn’t eat. Just turns it in his hands, watching the firelight. “Nothing about you is simple, Bellarose.”
I sink my teeth into my bottom lip because that’s really freaking sweet. I could really fall for this man, hard. If I’m honest, I already am.
“I’m your boss. You’re my employee. I probably shouldn’t be sitting here hoping you’ll tell me more stories about your dad’s terrible diet choices.”
“That’s what you’re hoping for?” I stare at him, and he nods, leaning in closer.
“Do you feel it?” he asks quietly. “This connection between us? I need to know I’m not alone in this.”
“You’re not alone,” I admit. “I feel it.”
The smile that breaks across his face has me thinking I’m making the right choice to see where this maybe could go.
“Good.” He settles back in his chair. “Now tell me another story. Something embarrassing that tops the last one.”
I laugh. “Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have any more that involve butt disasters.”
“Then I’ll have to settle for regular disasters.” He watches me, grinning. “It’s your choice, but I’ve got all night.”
I look at him, at the fire, and at the ridiculous collection of dips between us. He has all night, all the time in the world, and for some crazy reason, he wants to spend it listening to me.
“Okay,” I say, reaching for the hummus. “But you’re going to regret this. I have a lot of embarrassing stories.”
“I doubt it,” he says, and he grins at me. “I find your antics wildly entertaining.”
Welp, if I didn’t think I was falling for him before, I surely am now.
