Page 40 of Mafia Captor

“No. I laid down the law when I first got here. I told him to keep his hands to himself, that this was just a temporary thing.”

“Hmm…” She sounds genuinely puzzled. “That’s just strange. I’ve never had this happen before.”

Now I’m wondering why he’snottouching me. Is there something wrong with me? Why hasn’t he kissed me?

I’m so confused. I have to get off this phone.

“Tess. This mouse. He’s out of control. I’m so sorry, I’ve got to go get someone. I’m supposed to be managing this house and if anyone else lays eyes on this mouse other than me, I’ll be mortified.”

“Go girl,” she says. “Go do what you need to do.”

“Okay. Can’t wait to see you this weekend at the big reveal of our rooftop bar reno.”

“Awesome. See you there. Just keep me posted, okay? Let me know if there’s any progress tonight.”

“Of course, I will,” I say, my stomach turning. “Oh gosh, there goes the mouse…”

I get off the phone, thinking about how there’s not going to be anything to update her about. Is there? Because apparently, I’m defective.

So undesirable that the unthinkable has happened.

One of Tess’s matches did not fall in love.

The woman has a perfect track record.

I can’t help but feel like it’s all my fault.

I’ve been happy here. I think of the easy, friendly comradery Boston and I have fallen into over the past few weeks. I’ve been so busy with my new job, I haven’t dwelled too much on what happened between us in the past. I thought I’d put it behind me. But Tess’s conversation has stirred up all kinds of emotions in me.

Just like the last one I had with her did. At the wedding, she told me a truth about myself, that I didn’t really love my bosses, but I tricked myself into thinking I did because they were unavailable, thus guarding my heart from falling for someone like my father or mother. She left me hopeful, so much so, I even signed up for that silly online dating app.

Now, this most recent conversation has left me filled with a confusing medley of feelings of doubt and desire.

Feelings I’m not totally sure I can push away.

I feel all weird inside. Her words set me on edge. I toss Lopsy another piece of beef jerky, helping myself to a cookie. Double chocolate. It’s delicious. Earlier I heard a staff member saying Boston baked them, but I’m sure they were kidding. Must have been an inside joke I didn’t understand.

Lopsy and I sit on the kitchen floor, stress eating together to try to get a hold of our emotions. I have a second cookie. Gosh, these are good. I didn’t know how badly I needed chocolate.

Am I PMS-ing? Nah. I brush the crumbs from my clothing. Refill Lopsy’s water bowl with fresh water. Have a drink of water myself. Grab a cloth and start to wipe down an already spotless counter.

Okay, I’m stalling.

I was excited about the event to show the Bachmans their newly renovated rooftop bar. I’ve not been back to the city since I arrived at the estate. Boston went to all kinds of lengths to get his security to meet his satisfaction for us to go. But now… I’m not so sure about leaving my bubble. The cookies feel heavy in my stomach, just thinking about how Tess is going to corner me a few days from now, demanding details that I don’t have to give her.

Nothing has happened.

Why has nothing happened?

That’s it. I can’t take this anymore. I march myself right out of the kitchen, searching for Boston. By the time I find him, I’m fired up. He’s sitting in the library. Reading? Never saw him read before.

Wearing a black shirt tucked into khakis for a change, sleeves rolled to his elbows, he reaches up, rubbing at his temple, just above his tattoo. He looks so darn handsome, slouched back in the gray side chair, one leg crossed over his thigh, so comfortable in his own skin. He runs his fingers through his hair. He has no idea I’m standing here, watching him. It’s turning me on, to spy on him.

I peek at the cover to read the title of his book.

Manage Your Team Without Being an A$$HOLE

I hide a giggle behind my hand. So now self-improvement is among his many hobbies? Bettering himself, buying art, house renovations, collectible cars, dogs, gardening, and possibly… baking.

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