Page 52 of The CEO I Hate

“Hi,” I said to the vendor. “Can we get one of these grumpy business cats?”

“Donotbuy this,” Liam growled.

“I can spend my money on whatever I like,” I said with a wicked little grin in his direction. “Besides, it’s exactly like you. Look at the dead eyes. The simmering rage.”

“Would you like it framed?” the vendor asked. “It’s only an extra ten dollars.”

“No, she wouldn’t,” Liam grumbled at the same time as I shouted, “Heck yes!”

“I hate everything about this,” Liam continued.

“I know,” I said giddily. “I’m having such a great time.” The vendor handed over the newly framed cat, and I held it aloft like a trophy. “I’m totally hanging this up in the writers’ room.”

“Absolutely not.”

“You can’t stop me.”

“I forbid it.”

“You can’t forbid it.”

Liam’s eyes flashed with warning. “It’s my building. Watch me.”

The corner of my mouth twitched. “You’re totally thinking of some crazy HR scheme right now, aren’t you?”

He gritted his teeth, staring at the illustration. “Not only do I have to suffer Miles on the regular, now I’ve been reduced to a cartoon cat?”

“Oh, good point! MaybeHeart and Hustleneeds a grumpy cat. MaybeMilesneeds a grumpy cat! He can take it for walks in a little harness, and they can scowl together at everyone they pass.”

“He most definitely does not need that.”

“It’s endearing. The fans will love it. And it’ll give his character some much-needed depth,” I teased. “Since he’s so two-dimensional.”

Liam’s eyebrow arched. “Are you still hung up on that?”

“No,” I lied. “I’m over it.”

“You’re sure? Because I feel like you’re angling for another apology.”

I laughed. “Seriously, it’s forgotten.”

He snorted. “I know better than to believe that. You never forget anything.” He hummed under his breath. “How about I bribe you with dinner to officially put the café incident behind us?”

“Is that what we’re calling it now?” I asked. “Theincident.”

“Do you want dinner or not?” he tossed over his shoulder as he walked away.

I chased after him. “Iamstarving. Watching you get mobbed byHeart and Hustlefans really worked up an appetite.”

Liam shot me a glare clearly designed to freeze the blood in my veins, but right now, all it did was warm the spaces between my ribs. “Let me carry some of that,” he said, holding his hand out for one of my bags.

“Not a chance,” I said, clutching them tighter. “I know you’re just trying to get a hold of Liam-cat so you can toss it in the first garbage can you see.” He didn’t even try to deny it. “Liam-cat will be joining the writers for tomorrow’s pitch session.”

“That thing is not welcome in the office.”

“He’s our mascot now.”

“Mia, I swear to God. If that picture shows up?—”