Page 76 of Boss of Attraction

The valet pulled up with the Porsche, and Ryan said, “All right. Well, I better go.”

“If you want to discuss this further,” Sean said, “come by the condo next week.”

“All right.” The two men hugged. “See ya.”

Ryan walked away, and Sean grabbed the keys from the valet and handed him some cash. Once we were inside the car, I blew out a breath.

“That was awkward.”

“So much for not coming out to people.” He pulled away from the curb.

“Are you upset?”

“Not at all.” He shook his head. “I mean, I would have liked to discuss things in a more private location than the sidewalk, but it’s fine. He’ll probably tell Morgan though, and then shit will really go down.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because she wanted to be the first to know.”

“Ah. Well, now what?”

“Now for your surprise.”

My eyes widened. “We’re still doing whatever that is?”

“Absolutely.”

Once we pulled up to a secluded spot overlooking the city skyline, the sparkling lights below stretched out like a sea of stars, and Sean turned off the engine.

“Are we going to make out?” I teased, but hoped that was the case.

Sean chuckled. “I thought we could have dessert under the stars.”

“Dessert?”

He reached into the small back seat and grabbed a paper bag. “Jasper made us dessert. I hope you like carrot cake.”

“I do.” I nodded.

“Great.”

Sean unpacked the cake and handed me a fork. The awkwardness about running into Ryan had lifted, and as we ate the homemade cake while looking out at the twinkling skyline, I couldn’t think of a better way to end our first date.

24

Sean

The office holidayparty was being held at a hotel in downtown Boston near our office building. Every year, we went all out for the event, and it was always a hit with the staff.

I stood with the other partners, listening to Luke gush to Eli about a case he’d just won. His wife, DeAnna, was beside him with a bored expression on her face as she listened to her husband talk about work. My gaze moved to the doors, where I anxiously awaited Declan’s arrival. We had stuck to our plan to attend the party separately, but I couldn’t wait to see him.

“Hi, Luke,” Emily greeted in a sing-song voice as she joined our group. She turned and gave his wife a once over before saying, “DeAnna, it’s so good to see you again.”

“Hello, Emily,” DeAnna replied. She looked her up and down, just as Emily had done to her. “Nice dress.”

Emily smiled and swayed side to side, her red dress swishing around her hips. “Do you like it? It was a gift from someonespecial.”

Luke choked on the sip of scotch he’d just taken.