Page 93 of Boss of Attraction

She looked up, her brow furrowed. “What is it?”

I took a deep breath. “I think ... I think you should move in with me back in Boston.”

Her eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she was speechless. “Declan, I appreciate the offer. I really do, but I have a job here. I can’t just up and leave.”

I reached across the table, taking her hand in mine. “Mom, you don’t have a place to live, and I’m going to be worried sick about you. I think the diner will understand.”

She sighed, her gaze dropping to her lap as she contemplated my words. “I know they would. It’s just, I built a life here. I can’t just leave.”

“Sure you can. We’ll be able to see each other every day, and I bet Sam can get you a job at her bar.”

“A bar? I don’t want to work in a bar,” she protested.

“They serve food. It’s not like the diner, but it’s still a waitressing job.”

“I don’t know. I’ve been at the diner for so long. Plus, I’ll have temporary lodging soon.”

“At some hooker motel, I’m sure.”

“We don’t know that,” she argued.

“If I could interject,” Sean said. “I think your work would understand that you need some time off to handle things. As a boss, I wouldn’t bat an eye if one of my employees needed to take a few days after their house burned down. Declan can stay with me if you just want to come back to Boston with us and take a few days to clear your head.”

“Thank you,” I mouthed to him.

He gave me a small nod.

Mom thought it over for a few moments and then said, “All right. But only until I get my temporary lodging.”

I scoffed. “Only if it’s not some motel with rats and I approve.”

“There won’t be any rats or hookers.” She rolled her eyes.

“You don’t know that,” I protested.

“We’ll see.”

28

DECLAN

Monday morning,I called my mom before leaving Sean’s place to make sure she was doing okay. I knew she was an early riser since she usually worked the morning shift at the diner.

“Morning, sweetheart,” she answered.

“Hey. Just checking in before I head into the office.”

“All is good here. Sam and I have decided to go shopping for clothes later once she wakes up.”

“That’s awesome. I’m glad you two are getting to spend some time together.”

“You know I’ve always loved her.”

“I know.” I smiled. “Before I run, I have my first hearing on Wednesday. Maybe you’d want to come watch me in action?”

“I would love that.”

“Great. I gotta get going. Don’t want to be late and piss off the boss.” I winked at Sean as he sipped his coffee at the island. Perhaps I wouldn’t mind being punished by my boss. “Though I don’t think that would be an issue.”