Page 6 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
I put my hair up and give my reflection an encouraging nod. "Right. Wish me luck, okay?" I send the message, put my phone back in my bag, and look at myself seriously.
I’ll do it. This job is mine.
Chapter 1
Kimberley
The evening before...
Chloe wipes the counter where I’m sitting while I stir the straw in my virgin colada. The ice cubes in it clink against the glass.
"I just love coconut. But the sugar..." I murmur before emptying my second glass of the evening. I look at Chloe, who, grinning, knows what to do. Of course, she refills my drink so I can enjoy number three.
"Tony asked me if you live here," she says with a wink.
"Only because he’s afraid I might interrupt something between you two," I reply with a grin.
This makes her pout, but I see her purse her lips to suppress her grin. She even stops cleaning the bar, which she had resumed.
I truly feel at home here at THE M – The Midnight Lounge – in the heart of London. Whenever I need some peace and quiet, I end up here, almost every night. Unlike most bars and pubs, this place caters to a more upscale clientele, something you can see reflected in both the prices and the ambiance. Jazz music drifts through the room, soft against my ears, while dark blue LED lights bathe the lounge in a calm, serene glow. The perfect counterbalance to my stressful job search.
"He’s two years younger than me," she says defensively, her eyes fixed on the door behind the bar as she bites her lower lip.
I’ve always been jealous of those full lips. She has the sweetest face—almond-shaped eyes, flawless skin I’d kill for. Add her petite, athletic figure, and it’s no wonder she attracts attention from plenty of men in the bar. Still, she only ever has eyes for Tony, who’s been chasing her since her very first day here. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hired her just to win her over. But Chloe’s been keeping him at arm’s length for four months now.
"“Young men may not have the skills, but they definitely have the energy," I tease. She clears her throat pointedly.
"And you, young lady, are sexually frustrated," she counters.
"I’m only six months younger than you," I protest, raising my glass to her. "Have fun. Life’s too short to worry about your lover’s age."
"Hear, hear. Says the one who’s been single for what feels like forever," she laughs, leaning in a little. "Once you land that new job, maybe you’ll meet someone at work?"
"Oh no, not happening! I’d never get involved with a colleague."
"Or maybe it’ll be a hot boss—straight out of one of your smutty books," she smirks.
Okay, busted. "Which I lend you," I remind her.
If Chloe was a guy, I swear half the pages would probably already be stuck together.
"Tomorrow’s interview is sure to be... hot," she whispers dramatically, wiggling her cheeks. "He’ll probably throw you on his desk and offer you a raise if you make yourself available to him," she fantasizes with theatrical flair.
"So, someonediddevour that terrible book she swore she’d never touch, huh?" I shake my head, giggling.
"It’s only fiction. But in real life, you really don’t want to get involved with your boss. I mean, Tony is really cute, but..." Then she bites her lower lip again.
"You’re into him," I note, a little amused by her shocked look. "You can’t deny it."
"Too many books, my dear. You need to get back to reality. Grab one of those cute guys and let him drive you home. But not today."
"The interview isn’t until tomorrow at 11:30. A little snack between meals wouldn’t be so bad, would it?” Besides, it’s still early. I look at my watch, which tells me it’s only 8:21 PM. That’s practically midday when you live in London.
“And you should be well-rested and able to walk upright without your thighs shaking.” Chloe raises a reproachful finger and then takes a customer’s order.
Not much is going on today. Typical for a Sunday evening. Last night it was packed, but most people who have jobs or the early shift won’t be here today.
But just as I finish that thought, I look toward the door where a man of exceptional class walks in. I freeze and can't take my eyes off him, so fascinated am I by his presence. He looks just like an angel.
