Page 32 of The Boss Situation

Billie

I’m about to come over to your house and kick your ass. There are billions of people in the world. Banks is the last man on earth I want to think about.

She sends a photo.

It’s a screenshot of his Instagram profile.

He’s shirtless, tanned skin glowing under the sunlight, standing in neon-green swim trunks and wearing Ray-Bans. He has abs for days with a dark happy trail that leads down to the sack in his shorts and muscular arms that are full of tattoos. The man looks like he was carved from stone.

Harper

You’re broken if you don’t think that’s hot.

My mouth suddenly goes dry.

Billie

I never said he wasn’t attractive. His personality ruins it for me.

Harper

They make mouth gags for a reason.

I laugh out loud.

Billie

Or duct tape.

Harper

There’s something between you. A spark. I saw it in your office.

Billie

There isn’t.

Harper

You’re delusional.

Billie

I don’t want a love prophecy.

Harper

I wasn’t giving one.

Harper’s known for predicting our friends’ relationships right before they get married. However, I’ve told her she can never tell me if I ever set off her Spidey-Sense. I want to fall in love unexpectedly.

Harper sends another photo. This time, Banks is surfing, his board cutting through a wave. Confidence oozes off of him.

Harper

It wouldn’t be the worst rumor to spread around. What if you leaned into it? He’d never expect you to do that. No one would.

I read her text message three different times, not sure how to respond.

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