Page 131 of Dark Endures

“Puce is pretty.”

Winnie pouts.

“But even so, you’re nothing like my mother.” Mom and Winnie are polar opposites. Mom loves money. Winnie has billions, but you’d never know.

“Fine, you're forgiven. Now dish.”

“There’s nothing to tell you. Maddox is my boss. He loves snakes. Literally his collection is better than most zoos that I’ve been to. He plays an above-average game of chess. And he’s kinda sweet.”

“Kinda sweet? How so?”

This is embarrassing. “Occasionally, he’ll order dinner and invite me to join him.”

“Occasionally?”

Well, every night since I was hurt, but that shouldn’t count. “You’re awfully nosy.”

“And you’re very pink. I guess we know the answer to that question.”

What am I going to say? Yes, I’m extremely attracted to my boss, and every time he asks me to eat with him, I wish it was a date. “He’s a nice guy. There aren’t very many of those around.”

Winnie snorts. “That man isn’t nice. He’s deadly, fine, and rich. All three of those usually make a man into a jerk. Maddox Locke is an anomaly. And if you don’t see him for what he is, send him my way.”

WHAT? “We’re part of a spinsters' club.”

“Yeah. Not a nun’s club.”

I sputter. “You know laughing hurts, right?”

“Deal with it. Laughter is the best medicine. Now, if you don’t wanna talk about the hot guy, are any of his friends available?”

***

“Hey, Beautiful.”

See, stuff like that is what gives Winnie ideas.

“I brought dinner. Fettuccine alfredo with sundried tomatoes and chicken cutlets.” Maddox sets the platters down on the table and starts to cut mine up.

“That smells amazing.” Don’t think about what Winnie said. You’re coworkers and nothing else. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about. That’s laughable, but I’ll keep lying to myself.

“Tonight, I thought we might try checkers.” He brings over a board.

“That sounds good.”

“I won’t say that I don’t plan on taking advantage of your weakened state to win a game, because I totally do.”

A giggle escapes.

We get down to the business of playing and eating.

“King me.” I move my chip to the other side of the board.

“This isn’t looking good for me.”

Sorry. I grin at him.

“Since I’m losing miserably, at least tell me something about yourself.” He sets down his water and leans forward.

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