Page 83 of Boss of Me

“Right, right. As I was saying, he introduced himself and said he’d been instructed to pick up Sansa and bring her to you. I was skeptical because you told me your boss doesn’t allow pets. I wanted to call you to see if Trace’s story checked out, but he told me Mr. Ransom wanted to surprise you.”

“Really?” I get a little lump in my throat as I watch Sansa roam around the room, making sure the accommodations are up to standard.

“Anyway,” Quinn continues, “I wasn’t about to hand Sansa over to a complete stranger without knowing more details. So I told Trace to get his boss on the phone?—”

“You didn’t!”

“She did,” a deep voice confirms. “Pulled me out of an important product development meeting.”

I turn quickly to see Gunner leaning against the doorway. He’s wearing a different suit from that morning. This one is charcoal, and the first two buttons of his black shirt are undone.

I stare at him, my whole body flooding with warmth. Because he looks scrumptious, and he just gave me the most unexpected and precious gift.

“You didn’t tell me you were letting Sansa move in,” I say softly.

“That would have ruined the surprise.” The corner of his mouth quirks up. “Even after we spoke on the phone, Quinn insisted on accompanying Sansa to the house just to make sure she wasn’t being catnapped.”

Quinn shrugs and grins at me. “Sansa’s your baby and you entrusted her to my care. I knew you’d never forgive me if something happened to her.”

“You’re right,” I say with a grin. “Thank you for being such a vigilant protector.”

She does a little curtsy. “’Tis nothing, milady.”

Gunner chuckles as he walks up behind me. All the hair on my body stands on end, and it’s all I can do not to shiver.

“We have to catch up,” I tell Quinn. “Can you stay for dinner?”

Her eyes twinkle. “Actually, your boss was kind enough to invite me to stay for a sleepover. Trace will drop me off at work in the morning.”

“Awesome.” I beam at Gunner, and he winks.

Sansa skulks over to sniff at his pants leg and blink up at him. He stares back down at her, one eyebrow cocked in challenge.

With an indignant swish of her tail, Sansa stalks off to continue exploring her new home.

I smile ruefully at Gunner. “She was a stray, so she’s still leery of strangers. Give her time to warm up to you.”

“Or we can just avoid each other,” he proposes dryly. “That works for me, too.”

“Aw, don’t be like that,” I say, laughing. “I want you and Sansa to be friends. It’ll happen, don’t worry.”

“Do I look worried?”

“Not particularly.” I grin.

Lips twitching, he flicks his wrist to check his watch. “I have a board of trustees meeting, so I’d better get going.”

I smile at him. “Thank you for this. I know you’re not a cat person, but having Sansa here means the world to me.”

His gaze softens. He strokes a gentle palm down my hair, and my heart goes all fluttery.

As he stares at my lips, I can tell he wants to kiss me. Even though I want him to, I know he won’t. Not in front of Quinn, which is probably wise since I haven’t told her about our changed relationship status.

He touches my cheek and winks, then smiles at Quinn. “Make yourself at home.”

“Will do,” she gushes. “Thanks for letting me stay over with my bestie.”

“Anytime.” Giving me one last warm look, Gunner saunters out the door.