Page 87 of Boss of Me

As more students file into the classroom, Mom sighs airily. “I’m thinking about flying down there for a?—”

“What?” I squeak, alarm shooting through me. “You want to come here? To Texas?”

“Well, yes. I thought it would be nice to see where you live and spend a few days together.”

“Um . . .” I glance across the room as the professor strides through the door. “I have to go, Mom. Class is starting.”

“All right. But what do you think?—”

“We’ll talk later.” I hang up on her and stuff my phone back into my purse.

Dread knots my stomach at the thought of hanging out with my mother, shopping together, going for lattes, getting a manicure, pretending that everything is normal between us. I’d rather be trapped inside a medieval torture chamber.

Of course, she has no interest in spending time with me. The only reason she wants to visit is because I work for a billionaire. I don’t know what she plans to do or what she hopes to accomplish by meeting Gunner. But I have no intention of giving her a chance to embarrass me, which she most definitely would.

“Welcome to Intro to Information Resources and Services,” the professor announces, drawing my attention to the front of the room. He introduces himself, shares a bit of his background and cracks a witty joke that draws laughter from the class.

Feeling some of my good mood return, I shove thoughts of my mother aside and focus on what I came here for.

i get home from class thatevening to find Gunner stretched out on my couch with Sansa curled up on his chest, both fast asleep.

The sight of them melts my heart into a puddle, and I’m pretty sure my ovaries explode.

I set my backpack down, pull out my phone and quietly snap a picture of the sleeping pair. Then I tiptoe across the room and squat beside the couch to stroke Sansa’s soft fur. I smile when she starts purring.

“I know he’s irresistible, but he’s mine,” I whisper to her. “Get your own man.”

She flicks her tail as if to sayFuck off.

Stifling a laugh, I look up to find Gunner staring at me from under his thick lashes. My stomach flutters like crazy. “You’re awake.”

“Hmm.” His eyes are heavy lidded, a lazy smile curving his lips. “How was your first day of class?”

“Awesome. The lecture was a bit long but highly informative. I have a ton of reading to do.” I grin at him. “I see you and Sansa are getting along. That didn’t take any time at all.”

He glances down at the drowsing cat on his chest. “She must’ve made herself comfortable after I dozed off.”

“Because she likes you.” I grin knowingly. “And you like her, too.”

He grunts. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

“Seriously? Just look at you two all cuddled up and taking a nap together. You’ve clearly bonded.”

“Maybe.” He strokes a hand down Sansa’s back and she purrs louder than I’ve ever heard her.

I snort with feigned disgust. “Putty in your hands. Literally.”

The corner of his mouth kicks up in an ironic smile. “My mother’s cat hates my guts, and the feeling is mutual.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be. I’m not shedding any tears.” He runs a finger down the side of my face, leaving a trail of goose bumps.

I bite my lower lip, smiling at him. “Sansa’s a good judge of character. Plus she can tell that I trust you, which lets her knowshecan, too.”

Gunner’s expression turns serious. “Do you?”

“Do I what?”