Page 63 of Boss of Me

“Do you like living here?”

I nod.

“Say it.”

“I like living here.”

He looks pleased.

“But I miss Sansa,” I add with a wistful smile.

His brow furrows in confusion. “FromGame of Thrones?”

“No.” I laugh. “Well, yeah, Idomiss that character. But I was talking about my cat.”

His eyes narrow. “You have a cat?”

I nod. “She was a stray who welcomed me to the neighborhood when I first moved to Texas. She’s an orange calico and a total badass—a survivor like Sansa fromGame of Thrones. That’s who she’s named after.”

Gunner smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Where is she?”

“Back at the apartment with my friend who took over my lease. Mrs. Calder told me you don’t allow pets, especially cats.” I search his face. “Do you have something against cats?”

A muscle jumps in his jaw. “I’m not crazy about them.”

“Why not?”

A strange expression flickers over his features before they harden. “I’m just not.”

My heart sinks. So much for hoping he’d let Sansa join me.

He watches my face. “Now you’re mad at me.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you—” He’s interrupted by a firm knock at the door.

I stare at him, panicking at the thought of getting caught in his bed.

Clenching his jaw, he calls out tersely, “What is it?”

“Sorry to disturb you, sir,” Mr. Leland speaks through the door. “I wanted to inform you that your mother is here.”

I bolt upright, clutching the sheet to my breasts.

“My mother?” Gunner repeats in disbelief.

“Yes, sir,” the butler confirms. “She flew in from Dallas this morning. I’m surprised you didn’t hear her helicopter land.”

Gunner frowns at me, his eyes narrowing at my alarmed expression. I swear I’ll die of embarrassment if his mother catches us in bed together.

He looks toward the door. “Where is she?”

“The sitting room, sir. Mrs. Calder served her tea.”

“Fine.” Gunner’s jaw is tight. “I’ll be down shortly.”

“Very good, sir.”