Page 41 of Boss Me

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my fiancée.” I don’t know what came over me or why I used that word.

But seeing Leighton’s eyes flash with envy and jealousy makes whatever fallout worth it. I give her a slight nod before turning and walking back toward the table.

That’s going to piss off a lot of people.

Madison

My fingers smooth over the diamond necklace as I wait for Coop. I can’t exactly talk freely to the guys with Elizabeth sitting at the table. Noah moves to Sara’s chair.

“Are you enjoying your evening?” He leans in to be heard over the music.

I want to turn and capture his lips. To find out if he’s still mine, but I keep my face forward. “It’s been good so far.”

Tonight, I belong to only Coop and Noah belongs to his date.

His fingers touch my knee and I jerk to face him. No one should be able to see his hand under the table, but it’s still possible. His dark eyes meet mine, and for a second, I’m lost. I want to lean in and kiss him, blow our world up and watch it burn, if only for a taste.

He leans in so our cheeks brush lightly before his mouth is beside my ear. “You look stunning tonight. I can’t wait to get you home.”

My breath catches, and I glance over at Seth and Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s eyes are shrewd as she watches me and Noah. I don’t know what type of reach she has, but I know she wants Seth back.

I laugh like Noah just told me a joke and move back away from the temptation of his warmth. “That’s so funny.”

I press on his shoulder like I’m just touching him in passing but push him back a little to remind him we’re not alone.

Noah swallows but smiles at me like we’re just coworkers. His fingers make small circles on my knee. “Are you going to dance tonight?”

My cheeks flush as I remember dancing with Coop in the empty room. “I hope so.”

“You’ll have to save one for me.”

Fuck, it’s hard to resist being close to Noah. I want him to hold me in his arms while we sway to the music. But I also know how I feel will be all over my face, and that’s not a good thing.

“You should dance with your date.” I force a smile to my lips.

He leans in, but I hold him back. He’s my weakness. “She’s?—‍”

“Your date, so you should dance with her. I’m sure Coop will keep me occupied.”

A flare of heat flashes in his eyes. His lips curve into a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “I’m sure he will.”

Coop chuckles behind me as he hands me my wineglass with a wink. “I’ve occupied her twice tonight.”

My cheeks burn. He didn’t exactly say that quietly. Elizabeth cocks her eyebrow at me like I’m beneath her. Coop sits beside me and draws my chair closer to him. The music shifts to a slow song. Kayla and Sara make their way back to the table.

Seth clears his throat. Elizabeth turns hopeful eyes on him with a smile, but he isn’t looking at her. His watchful gaze is on Coop. “Maybe you should ask Madison to dance.”

My gaze meets Seth’s. He gives me a nearly imperceptible nod to just go along with it. Coop tosses back his scotch and stands again with his hand down to me.

“We need to discuss something, and I promised you a dance.”

I drink some of my wine before taking his hand. Noah clutches my thigh for a second before his hand slips away. He turns as Sara approaches the table.

Suddenly, I can’t wait to be gone. I don’t need to hear Noah asking her to dance. I’m sure Sara is a wonderful woman. Maybe she might even be perfect for Noah. But that doesn’t mean he’s not mine.

Coop leads me to the dance floor and takes me into his arms. My insides buzz with warmth at his closeness. I’m sure Coop would be the last one to formally claim a woman like he’s doing with me. But he actually seems to be enjoying himself.

And I enjoy his attention.

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