Page 154 of Boss of Me

“I know. I’m the one who’s been missing in action.” Remorse threads his voice, and he exhales a deep breath. “I owe you an apology for the way I’ve been acting.”

I swallow hard, not saying anything. Just listening.

“I don’t . . . I hope you’re not thinking of leaving.” His voice is layered with uncertainty, a rare vulnerability that tugs at my heart.

“Is that what you’re worried about? Me leaving?”

He doesn’t answer.

When I try to turn around, his hand tightens against my midsection, keeping me in front of him with my back turned. As if he doesn’t want me to see his face.

My heart beats faster. “Gunner?—”

“I don’t want to mess this up,” he whispers a little raggedly. “Do you think we can?—”

“Sorry to intrude.” It’s Gianna, and she sounds anything but sorry.

Biting back a frustrated sigh, I turn to watch as she latches onto Gunner’s arm with both of hers.

“Daddy just arrived. Will you come say hello and reassure him that I haven’t done anything to embarrass the family name?”

“Of course.” Gunner bends his head to kiss my bare shoulder and then my cheek, whispering in my ear, “I won’t be long.”

I nod and force a smile. Watching them walk off together, I’m struck by what a stunning pair they make, with their strikingblue eyes and raven hair. It’s a punch in the gut, compounding my misery.

“More champagne?”

I turn to see a pretty server standing there with a tray of champagne flutes. I smile feebly and hold up my half-full glass. “Thanks, but I’m still nursing this one.”

Instead of moving on, she slowly looks me over, taking in my one-shoulder pink jumpsuit and crystal-encrusted heels.

There’s no mistaking the envy in her eyes as she drawls mockingly, “From humble housekeeper to glammed-up girlfriend. Well played, Cinderella.”

I frown at her. “Do I know you?”

“No, but I’m sure you’ve heard of me. My name’s Brynn. I used to work for Gunner.”

“Oh?” I give her a closer look. She’s in her late twenties with sultry dark eyes and two long brown braids draped over large breasts. She’s wearing a white shirt, an apron over black dress pants, and black flats.

“So how are things going at Casa Ransom?” she asks.

“They’re going well,” I say evenly.

“Are you sure? Because from the look of things . . .” She deliberately lets her voice trail off.

I follow her gaze to see Gunner and Gianna laughing with their heads bent together, their glossy black hair blending perfectly. Jealousy tightens like a knot in my chest until it’s hard for me to breathe.

“Are you sure you don’t want more champagne?” Brynn asks with venomous sweetness. “You look like you could use it.”

“Nope.” I toss back the rest of my drink, plunk the glass down on her tray and smirk at her. “Nice chatting with you. I’ll give your regards to Gunner.”

As I start to walk away, she calls after me, “You’re not the first housekeeper he’s fucked.”

Her words stop me dead in my tracks.

“Did you think you were special?” she taunts scornfully. “Sorry to burst your bubble, but you’re not.”

I whirl around to stare at her. “You’re lying.”