Page 76 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess

But Chloe’s still awake, and I’d like to finally tell her where I am and what my plans look like. She’s at the bar right now, so we can’t talk on the phone. I text her instead.

Me: Hey… okay, I’m just gonna come clean. I have a feeling you won’t like it, but I need to tell you. I’m working for Gabriel.

Chloe: Uh, you’re right. I don’t like that. Wait—you mean this whole time you’ve been so quiet?

Me: Yeah. I’m technically still in my trial week, but I already signed the full contract.

Chloe: Whoa. Okay. I mean, Iamreally happy for you—you finally got something new. That was your goal, your dream. You wanted to work for him. But still…

Me: I know. I know what you’re about to say. I just know you too well. ;)

Chloe: But is this really okay? Be honest.

Me: It is. I think. Iwantit to be okay, but…

Chloe: Something’s bothering you. What is it? Spit it out. I’m not mad, I just worry about you. :)

Me: Well… I’m going to give up my apartment, because I’m living in his place now. I’ve got my own room—it’s bigger than my whole apartment, totally nuts. He has this huge mansion, and it’s gorgeous. I don’t just work for him—I help take care of his niece. She’s the sweetest little thing.

Chloe: Okay…?

Me: It works. Gabriel’s very polite and respectful. He loves cooking, and I handle breakfast…

Chloe: But you’re basically there mainly because of the child? How old is she?

Me: Four. And he wants to adopt her. I’ve already met his sister—she’s awful. That’s why Gabriel wanted me to move in, so I can always be here for the little one.

Chloe: So basically, you’ve got two jobs now?

Me: Yep. But it’s working really well. Friday we’re flying to Italy—Rome. We’ll be back Sunday. I’ve got Monday and Tuesday off. I’ll come see you for sure, and we can have a girls’ night?

Chloe: Monday’s perfect. You can stay over. I wanteverydetail. Every single one, haha.

Me: You’ll get them.

Chloe: Okay, so. What’s really on your mind, hmm?

Me: Well… I did feel like there was a spark between us. Little touches. Looks. Different than back at the Midnight Lounge or later in the limo. Softer. Sweeter. Like he actually cares. It threw me off. But… I think I like him too.

Chloe: Ha! Who would’ve guessed. Totally predictable. He’s your type to a T, and of course he’s the guy you’ve admired forever. And let me guess—he’s amazing with his niece?

Me:Yeah, he’s an amazing uncle—or actually… no, he’s really her dad. The way he takes care of her, so gentle and loving… you should see him when Rosie’s around.

Chloe:Please. What woman doesn’t find it hot and sexy when a guy’s good with kids and animals?

Me:We’re so typical, huh?

Chloe:Called it.

Me:But something really crappy happened… Gabriel told me he was going to his mother for a few hours, but the next day I got a call that he’d been at a hotel. With another woman.

Chloe:Oof. Low blow.

Me:And since he forgot his watch there, I went to pick it up…

Chloe:Wait—he asked you to?

Me:No, the hotel called me. Gabriel didn’t even know. But when I showed up, the woman he’d spent the night with handed me his watch…