Page 41 of Getting Down to Business

“Oh crap.”

“This morning when she got up the first thing she asked me was if she could get her nose pierced for her birthday.”

Double crap.

“I don’t want my daughter exposed to this…this sleazy woman who looks like a wannabe rock star. Either you keep her away from Lucy or I’ll contact child services and tell them I don’t think you’re helping to raise your daughter in a nurturing environment.”

“Julie, I only have one day with Lucy. Are you really going to try to take that too?”

“I’m doing what’s best for my daughter.” No, she was punishing Doug and Lucy for liking someone more than they liked her.

Rather than risk a battle with child services, Doug agreed to her ridiculous conditions.

* * * *

After a few more nights of needing to sleep with Gray, Alyssa was finally able to make it through the night in her own bed. She couldn’t believe she’d asked to stay in his bed like a little kid, but she slept so much better. She hated the nightmares and had downplayed the frequency, not wanting him to think she was crazy.

“I made it all night without a nightmare,” she said in the morning when she came out for breakfast.

“Good for you.” To her surprise, Grayson seemed disappointed by this.

She had to admit, at least to herself, that she had missed sleeping in his arms. A few times she thought she felt his lips by her ear, and she felt safe.

“I’m sorry I bothered you,” she said, embarrassed.

“Don’t worry about it. If I had a nickel for each time Trent needed to come to my room to snuggle, I wouldn’t need to go to work right now,” he joked it off. “Today’s the day?”

“Yes. Martin said they would make their decision on Wednesday.”

“Good luck. I’m sure they’ll pick you. You’re the best choice.”

“You don’t even know what kind of job I’d do.”

“Right, but I know you’d be the best at it.”

“Thanks.”

“I’m going to gym tonight, so I’ll be late.”

“Okay. I’m making pork chops for dinner.”

“Sounds good. Have a great day,” he said with a smile.

“You too.” As he closed the door behind him, she couldn’t help but think the only things missing were the kiss goodbye and the wedding bands.

They sounded like a married couple. She laughed it off.

Fortunately, she knew it wasn’t real. Despite the few times she found herself wanting to kiss him, she had held her ground on the just-friends thing.

She’d had her doubts about their living arrangement, but so far it was working. And if it stopped working because he got too attached, she would be ready to bolt.

She picked her most professional outfit in case it came down to who looked the part.

Freddie and Mia greeted her when she got to the office.

“I’m not sure how to feel today. I mean, I want the best for you, which is for you to get the job. But I want the best for me, which is for you to stay here. You see my dilemma?” Mia frowned.

“I understand. You know I will only be moving up a few floors. I can still come down here for lunch sometimes.”