Page 26 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

Wait, what?

I lean closer, as Alexander explains further. That doesn't sound like me at all. What exactly did I need? And what am I supposed to return?

“As if she would have done that. And in her first probationary week, no less,” my boss hisses. “No, trust me, son. You need to fire her. There are plenty of good housekeepers out there. Someone like this needs to be dismissed immediately!”

Housekeeper?

“She does excellent work otherwise. I trust her.”

“And she’s abused that trust. How much are you even paying her monthly?”

“She gets two thousand pounds. She only comes to my place twice a week, about four hours each time.”

Wow, that's what I call good pay.

“So, eight hours a week?”

I quickly do the math. Whoa! She earns more than I do. That's an impressive sixty-two and a half pounds per hour.

“Yes,” Alexander confirms.

"I don't even pay London that much, honestly. What on earth made you decide to give her such a high wage?"

Yes, I'd like to know that too, and where I can apply. That would be a great supplementary income.

“She has a young son and a sick sister,” Alexander replies.

“Yes, they always do. And then she steals cash from you?”

“She desperately needed it and didn’t dare ask me for an advance,” Alexander says, sounding annoyed.

“It’s your house, your decision,” my boss sighs. “But I’m telling you: This woman will cause trouble. Big trouble.”

I hear footsteps moving toward the door, so I back away quickly and step into the hall, pretending I just arrived as my boss opens it.

“Oh! Mr. Blackthorn, there you are. I’ve been looking for you. Is there anything else I can do before I go?” I act sweet and innocent while scraping my heart off the floor and stuffing it back into my chest.

“Ah, Miss Waverley. I’m glad to see you.” He seems relieved and pats my shoulder. “I can always count on you.” He shakes his head. “No, I’ve got everything, thank you. Finish up for the day. Today was a long one."

"Very well, Mr. Blackthorn. I’ll check if your son needs anything, and then I’ll head home.”

“Excellent. See you tomorrow.”

He walks down the hallway back to his office, allowing me to catch my breath before going to Alexander. I close the door behind me, though.

“I was just about to wrap up. Do you need anything before I go?”

Alexander is leaning against his desk, long legs stretched out. He sets aside a glass of mineral water. He could’ve called me for that, couldn’t he? Or maybe sometimes he likes going to the kitchen himself. I’ll have to figure that out.

“You were eavesdropping.” He says it matter-of-factly, not angry, not even surprised. I draw a breath, ready to deny it, but then he smirks. “Your shadow was visible on the door.”

Well, no point lying.

“So… your housekeeper stole from you?” I ask carefully.

“So youwereeavesdropping.” He laughs. “I thought maybe I’d imagined it.”

Damn. Next time I should at least feign innocence.