Page 99 of The Boss Situation

“It’s the most important meal of the day,” he reiterates, giving me a playful nudge with his elbow as I stand beside him.

I lick my lips. “Caffeine is more important.”

He shakes his head. “You’re so damn stubborn.”

“You are too.”

Being this close feels oddly intimate. Being here is a secret I’ll keep close to my heart. I almost wonder if we could be a part of one another’s world.

“What’s on your mind?” he asks, as if he can sense my shift in mood.

I swallow hard, trying to dismiss the thought. “Nothing.”

“Come on, Little Calloway. I know when your mind is wandering.”

My heart flutters when he looks at me with patience, care, and a hint of adoration.

As I open my mouth to speak, my phone buzzes in my pocket, pulling me away. I glance down and see it’s Harper. “I’m really sorry. I need to take this.”

“No problem,” he replies, his voice casual but laced with a hint of disappointment.

I quickly answer and walk away, knowing this conversation isn’t over. I step into a large common room with high ceilings andan air of elegance. In the center stands a grand piano, the polished wood gleaming under the soft light. Turn-of-the-century paintings adorn the tall cream-colored walls, adding a touch of class to the space.

“Yes?” I say, trying to sound composed.

“Oh, thank God you picked up! Are you on the way to the office?” Harper asks, her voice brightening.

“Um, no. I’ll be there after lunch,” I remind her.

She huffs. “Fine. I really wanted some of those pink doughnuts they have at the shop around the corner from your loft. But I’ll just send an intern.”

“Anything else?” I ask.

“Actually, yes,” she says.

My heart races as I think about Asher waiting for me in the kitchen.

“Spit it out, Harp. I don’t have all damn day. I’m in the middle of something.”

“Where are you?” she asks. “I know you’re not home.”

Lying to her isn’t possible, but giving her as few details right now is. “I’m in the Hamptons,” I explain.

“What? Oh my God. Are you withAsher?” Her voice rises an entire pitch, causing my stomach to twist. She must’ve spoken to Nick and knew Asher was here.

“What. Do. You. Want?” I ask through gritted teeth, my patience wearing thin.

I’ve told no one where I am, but her. I slipped away from the city without a word.

“It’s times like this I wish I would’ve FaceTimed you. No way you could lie or avoid answering when I can see your face. Iknowhe’s there. Nick told me Asher was at the Hamptons.”

I refuse to admit anything. “Harp, please.”

“Okay, okay. I know you told me you’d be at the benefit gala this weekend, but you didn’t RSVP with the museum, and I got a callfrom a very pissed-off Weston. He said you were avoiding him after you fired someone. Who did you fire?”

“Shit. Yes, please confirm with him officially. Louis is my plus-one,” I explain, sidestepping her final question. “Anyway, I gotta go. Do you need anything else?”

“No, but?—”

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