Page 71 of Boss of Me

Pushed to my limit, I shake my head at him. “Did you ask me out because I work for Gunner Ransom?”

His face registers shock, then guilt. “Of course not! Why would you say that?”

I narrow my eyes. “You’ve shown more interest in my boss than me.”

“That’s not true!”

“Sure looks that way from where I’m sitting.”

He stares at me, his mouth flapping open and closed. He obviously wasn’t expecting to be called out.

I calmly sip my margarita, waiting for him to scrape together some bullshit response.

“Look, I won’t lie to you,” he finally says. “I’m a huge fan of your boss. I’ve followed his career since his company went public and shook up the whole stock market. As much as I love my job, I’d jump at the chance to work for Gunner. He has a brilliant mind and killer business instincts. I didn’t think it’d be a big deal to ask you for an introduction. But that’s not the only reason I wanted to go out with you,” he hastens to add. “I think you’re really smart and pretty. Even though I generally prefer skinny blondes, I’d like to get to know you better.”

Feeling more than a tad insulted, I paste on a saccharine smile and say, “If you really want to get to know someone, you might want to spend a little less time talking about yourself. It makes you look and sound like an egotistical douchebag.” Seeing his mouth tighten, I add sweetly, “Just something to keep in mind for your next date. Which, I’m afraid, won’t be with me.”

An angry flush crawls up his neck and over his face.

When our waiter returns with dessert, Dawson asks for separate checks. His snippy tone raises the waiter’s eyebrow.

“No need for separate checks. Lunch is on me.” As Dawson’s jaw clenches, I sample a forkful of cake and hum my appreciation. “Wow. Thatisgood.” I grin at the waiter. “I’ll take another piece to go.”

He grins back and promises to return with the check.

When we’re alone again, Dawson gives me the sullen look of a man who’s feeling emasculated. “You don’t have to pay for my lunch.”

“I don’t mind. It’s not like I can’t afford it.”

“Can you?” He smirks condescendingly. “You’re a housekeeper.”

“A well-paid one.” I lower my voice as if confiding a secret. “Not to brag, but I make even more than you.”

He scoffs. “I seriously doubt it.”

“Oh, but it’s true. Mr. Ransom is an incredibly generous employer. Honestly, I think the only thing he loves more than making money is giving it away. No wonder you’re dying to work for him.” I wink. “If you ever get a chance, you shouldtotallyjump on it.”

Dawson glares at me for a moment, then looks down at his untouched cake and scowls.

It’s all I can do not to laugh.

when i get home,mrs.calderis in the kitchen stirring a pitcher of her addictive lemonade.

She looks surprised to see me. “Back already?”

I shrug. “We ate fast.”

She lifts both eyebrows. “Did you at least have a good time?”

“Sure.” I smile and hold up my to-go box. “I brought you some dessert.Tres lechescake.”

“Oh, how lovely. Thank you, dear.” She beams at me. “Stick it in the fridge so I can enjoy it later.”

I cross the room to do as she asks. “Is Ms. Billingsley still here?”

“No, dear. She went to stay with Maverick.”

“Oh.” I can barely hide my relief.