Page 7 of My Grumpy Boss
We hang up, and I hit the elevator button, praying for it to arrive faster. I spend the ride up to the top floor straightening my clothes and combing my fingers through my wet hair. My green dress clings to me. Have I gained weight? I don’t remember it fitting this snugly… or being this short.
Shit. Too late to go home and change now.
I’m breathing hard as I step off the elevator, pulling up short when I see Hudson standing by my desk. His eyes lock on me, studying me with that damn stoic expression on his face.
“Good morning,” I greet, expecting a remark about my tardiness.
Instead, I’m shocked when the man does something I’ve only seen a handful of times.
Hesmilesat me.
I stop and stare, my mouth hanging open. What the hell is happening?
I look around, expecting everyone to be gawking at Hudson, but no one is paying us any attention. I glance back at him, and his smile drops. He seems annoyed, but my thoughts are too scattered to figure out why.
“I-I, uh,” I stammer, “sorry for being late.”
He doesn’t say a word. He just nods and walks into his office.
I set my things down, sit at my desk, and start my computer. That’s when I notice the coffee on my desk. Steam is still rising from the cup, and I frown as I look at it closer. It’s the exact shade I like—more cream than coffee. I glance through the office window at Hudson. He doesn’t meet my eyes.
Did he make it for me? And if so, why?
I take a sip and tell myself not to read too much into his thoughtfulness. He was probably hoping I would work faster if I already had my coffee at my desk, I reason. Still, I can’t help but feel warm and close to giddy as I drink.
I dive into work, pushing through lunch. Cursing under my breath, I remind myself to call Scout after work.
When the elevator doors open and a guy steps off with a bag of food, my stomach growls loudly.
“Delivery for Hazel?” the delivery guy asks.
I blink. “Oh, um, I’m Hazel, but I didn’t order anything.”
I take the food, frowning when I see my name on the order. It’s pasta from my favorite restaurant, and my mouth waters at the scent of garlic and cheese.
“Is there another Hazel here?” he asks, his eyes roaming over me appreciatively.
“No, just me.”
“Then I say take the food.” He gives me an easy smile as he leans on my desk, hovering over me. “I could join you for lunch if you want.”
He’s flirting with me?
My face heats, and I duck my head to hide my blush.
That’s when I sense him.
I turn, peeking at Hudson over my shoulder.
He glares at the delivery guy. “Good, our lunch is here.”
I stare at him. “Ourlunch?”
He nods, then resumes glaring at the delivery guy. The other man looks between us and raises his hands, backing up to the elevator. He waves at me as the doors slide closed.
I can feel Hudson’s anger radiating from him.
“Are we having a meeting I don’t know about?” I ask, grabbing the paper bag.
