Page 1 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
Prologue
A loud clattering noise wakes me up. I frown and look around to see what's causing this noise but it's already so bright that I immediately pull the blanket back over my head. I'm still completely drowsy and would rather turn over again and endure the annoying clattering. It'll stop eventually.
Guess again: there's clacking, tinkling, and a crunching sound too. That can only beCountess Purrington- my best friend's cat that I occasionally take in when she has guys visit.
"You'll get food when I get up..." I mumble, lying under the blanket. The fine snow-white furred lady loves to protest by pawing at her empty food bowl until it's filled with exquisite fare. Then she shows me her plush behind and wants nothing more to do with me. However, there’s also this crunching sound, which would actually mean she's at least found some treats.
No, wait a minute. Hold up. I suddenly go wide awake and my memory returns. This isn't my apartment at all, so that’s no cat either.
I slowly pull the blanket from my face and blink at a bare stone wall with high windows and a plant that's climbed up next to it thanks to trellises. Carefully, I turn over on the enormous mattress, feel the rumpled sheets beneath me, and look to the other side. The open-plan bedroom, bathed in bright daylight, is actually just a niche in the apartment. The otherwise open living space invites you to explore almost the whole space at a glance. And from here, I can also see the kitchen and the counter, which could serve as a divider between the bedroom and the living room.
A little girl is sitting on one of the bar stools. Her hair is slightly disheveled and she's holding a gigantic bowl of cereal in front of her. Quite relaxed, she fishes out a spoonful of cereal, also way too large, and tries to eat it. She fixes me with a neutral gaze, continuing to chew and clatter the spoon against the cereal bowl.
I blink at her, confused, and at the same time, I realize I'm not wearing much. It's a good thing the thin cover hides my body from the neck down.
"Good morning?" I ask, puzzled.
Where on earth did this little girl come from?
The fact that I ended up in the apartment of this handsome man who actually managed to pick me up last night is creeping backinto my mind with increasing force. But there was certainly no mention of a child—four or five years old at the most!
"Hello," she says curtly and continues eating without paying much attention to me. She glances over at me every now and then, but refilling her cereal is now her top priority.
I muster up my last bit of strength and carefully sit up. I'm still wearing my underwear and pantyhose. I can feel my skirt too, but my blouse is lying in front of the bed. "Um, where's your dad?" I ask gently.
"He's not here."
Yes, I can see that.
"And... your mom?"
Please, don't let him be married!
"Working."
This can't be real. Did I sleep with a married man?
No, hold up a minute. I'm still wearing everything.
No, it didn't get that far. We were both absolutely tired, and as far as I can remember, he offered to let me stay overnight.
Okay. Dodged a bullet.
Phew, I have such a hangover. I had one or two too many last night.
I brush back my naturally red, flowing hair and try to get more information out of the girl.
"Are you here all alone?" He can't just disappear from the apartment and leave me here alone with his daughter. How irresponsible is he?
"No."
No?
I listen and shortly afterward, I hear a noise. It sounds like someone is taking a shower.
What was his name again? Oh yeah. Right. Gabriel. I get it, she means he's not here, but in the bathroom.
"Let's just wait until your dad gets back and then I'll go, okay?" She doesn't give me the impression that she's afraid of me, but I feel responsible towards her. Someone has to look after her. "What are you eating?"
