Page 14 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast

I stayed silent, inwardly seething. I hated that I needed to invite one person into my home, my private sanctuary, but now two? Nivens, the ass, knew I didn’t invite people to my home.

“Her father will not be signing off on her work. Dr. Ramsey will,” Nivens added after my long moment of silence.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. I’mnotallowing three people to live at my house for the summer.” Screw that.

“Language, sir,” Nivens said, the uptight bastard.

I forced my hands to uncurl from the fists I balled them into. I couldn’t let Nivens know how aggravated I’d become. He liked to screw with me, otherwise why would he be dolling out this information piece by piece? It was as though he enjoyed pissing me off. Normally, I could keep up a wall of indifference, butthiswas going too far.

“No, Dr. Ramsey will only need to come by and observe a few times. Lily has agreed to video herself and her work while there to show us she is, in fact, completing part of the work herself.”

I nodded.

“Lily let us know she will not need an escort and will drive herself and her father to your residence.”

“No,” I responded.

“Dr. Beast, now isnotthe time to be difficult.”

“Either they let my driver take them or they don’t come. I’m not giving random people my address,” I snapped and held up my hand when Nivens looked ready to speak. “This is not up for negotiation.”

“Fine. I’ll have Beverly reach out to the LeBeaus to inform them about the change of plans.” He didn’t look pleased not to have the upper hand.

I nodded, and turned to leave, making a mental note to speak to Bev on my way out and let her know that the address of my personal residence was not to be given out without my authorization.

“You can go now, Dr. Beast.” Nivens waved his hand at me, his attention already back to the papers on his desk.

The prick always had to have the last word.

Chapter Five

Lily

This bookstore wasmy happy place. I loved working here part time. The space was small and cozy. There was a tiny portable fireplace against one wall with two mismatched armchairs closely placed before it. Bookcases flanked the walls next to it, encouraging readers to grab a book and curl up beside the minute amount of heat generated from the faux flames. We had various chairs placed throughout the store to encourage people to hang out and stay awhile.

Low lighting, sporadically placed throughout the store, bathed the room in a soft glow. We even had a tiny stage in the back right corner dedicated to authors who came in to promote their books and connect with fans. In the front of the room, we offered a small coffee bar where people could pour themselves a complimentary cup of coffee or hot water for tea. And when Cece baked, she often brought cookies and muffins in for customers to munch on.