Page 44 of Boss of Me

Gunner’s eyes probe mine. “Is that why you’re not close?”

“It’s one of the reasons.”

He looks like he wants to hear more, but I’m done sharing.

“I’d better get going.” I push to my feet, hooking my purse strap over my shoulder. “Have a good time at dinner tonight.”

He gives a slow nod, his gaze trained on my lips.

When I try to move past him, he captures my wrist. I shiver at his touch, our eyes meeting and holding.

“Who was on the phone?” he asks casually.

I blink at him. “What?”

“You were just getting off the phone when I came in.”

“You saw that?”

“I see everything.”

Those three words send tingles up and down my spine. “I was talking to Dawson.”

Gunner’s eyes narrow. “Who’s Dawson?”

“The guy I was supposed to meet that night.” I smirk. “The guy you impersonated.”

“Ah.” He doesn’t look the slightest bit embarrassed. “What’d he want?”

I pull my wrist free. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

“Tell me anyway.”

The nerve of this man!

“If you must know, he asked me out on a date. You know, since our first date was sabotaged bysomeonewho shall remain nameless.”

Gunner chuckles, still totally unashamed. “What’d he say when you turned him down?”

I narrow my eyes. “What makes you think I turned him down?”

“Didn’t you?”

“No. I didn’t.”

Gunner shakes his head, a slight glimmer in his eyes. “You’re not interested in Dawson.”

I lift my chin. “How do you know who I’m interested in?”

“I’ve got good instincts about these things.”

“Your instincts are wrong,” I retort.

“Are they?” He rises slowly to his feet, looming over me.

I lick my lips, my mouth suddenly dry. His gaze follows the movement, sending heat through my veins.

“When’s your date?” he asks softly.