Page 17 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess

"Go to hell," I snap at him.

"I tried, but you fell asleep."

"It was just boring with you..."

"I’d say: comfortable. After all, you fell asleep in my arms."

How does he always flip my attacks back on me?

"Pure fantasy. You’re living in a dream world."

"Wait. So, you’re saying I don’t have a shot at a second date with you?"

Now I’m the one who laughs under my breath.

"You’re breaking my poor heart." He leans back, watching me in silence, that little smile still tugging at his mouth. Doesn’t matter what I throw at him—he stays cool. Nothing rattles him. Unreal.

The secretary comes over with his coffee, balancing it on a tray. She sets it on the side table between us. I sip more juice and try to keep my cool. After she totters back to her desk, she answers a call.

Where was I before she interrupted us?

"Absolutely not," I whisper back, indignant.

"So, you really don’t want to see me again?" He smirks.

"No. Once I’m finished with this interview, Mr. Kensington will pick me. You’re out. And then our paths finally split. For good."

"Hmm. Okay." He sticks out his hand, and I eye it warily. "May the best person win." I hesitate, then shake it—but I don’t let go right away.

I squeeze tighter and make it clear: "We play fair. No dirty tricks in the interview to make the other look bad. Deal?"

"Okay. Promise."

Can I actually trust him on that?

Suddenly the secretary totters back over. "Mr. Kensington? Uh—he, I mean Mr. Kensington—is ready for you now. I mean, for you. Not for Ms. Prescott. He’ll see you after."

Well, that's just great. Gabriel is going before me? That's not good. I don't trust this guy as far as I can throw him. He’ll fill Kensington’s head with crap about me, and I won’t get a fair shot.

"Please, follow me."

Gabriel stands, shoots me a cocky look, and actually winks.

If looks could kill, he’d already be flat on the floor.

"Gladly." Gabriel follows the secretary, who knocks on her boss's office door, then opens it and waves him in. She closes the door again and stares at me for way too long before sitting back down behind her desk.

She doesn’t seem like a personal assistant, does she?

If she is, that would mean either Gabriel or I would be taking over her role. Well, this could get interesting, nervous as she is. Either she wants to be rid of Mr. Kensington, or he needs extra help. I’m curious…

Me: It's getting even worse!

Chloe: The other guy has no time for you either?

Me: Gabriel is here.

Chloe: WHAT?