Page 28 of My Grumpy Boss
“Where do you want to stand with him? Do you like him? Do you want to be with him?”
Do I?
“I can’t deny that I’ve always been attracted to him, that a part of me loves bickering with him. I love getting a rise out of him, love making him drop that carefully gruff mask, even for a moment. It feels like I’ve won something every time I get him to show any emotion other than contempt or boredom.”
“Okay, so?—”
“On the other hand, he’s my boss,” I say, cutting her off. “My grumpy, demanding boss. What would us dating even look like?”
“Well, you could date him and find out,” she says, stating the obvious. “You were planning to quit soon anyway, so maybe it’s the perfect time. If things go badly, you can leave and avoid any drama.”
“What if he’s not that into me? I mean, I think I’m an anomaly in his world. I don’t react like everyone else. I challenge him. What if now that he’s had me, he’s not interested anymore?”
“He’s an idiot if he’s not interested in you, Hazel,” Scout assures me.
I sigh. “I have to get to work.”
“Good. You can see how he acts and go from there.”
“And if he’s a dick?”
“Then leave early and call me. I’ll come up to Maple Creek for the day.”
I smile weakly. “You’re the best.”
“I know.”
I grab my things and lock the front door behind me as I head to work. I feel better as I hit the sidewalk.
“It will work out,” Scout promises.
“I hope so. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too.”
We hang up, and I take a few deep breaths as I approach work. I see Hudson’s car pull up out front, and I smile when I see him climb out.
He’s frowning, talking to someone on the phone, and he doesn’t even glance my way as he heads inside. I hurry to catch up to him, hoping to catch him in the elevator so I can talk to him before everyone is around.
I run inside, but the elevator doors are already closing. I stab at the button impatiently and rush on when the doors finally glide open.
My heart is in my throat as I ride up to the top floor. As soon as I step into Cole Enterprises, I search for Hudson. He’s in his office, already flipping through mail. I step closer, willing him to look up at me. I need something, some sign of how things will work between us today.
My anxiety is at a record high as I set my things down and go to make our morning coffees. I’m almost back to my desk when Hudson steps out of his office, his eyes scanning the floor.
Is he looking for me?
It takes a concentrated effort to control my facial expressions as I walk toward him. I don’t want him to see how much I care for him, how deeply in love with him I already am.
His blue eyes lock onto me, and he pauses for a moment. My heart races, and I hold out his coffee to him.
“Thanks,” he grumbles, taking the cup and turning away from me.
My mouth drops open as he walks back into his office.
Well, I guess I have my answer.
