Page 38 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess

By the time I arrive at the office, I’m actually excited to start the day. Alexander will be busy, and Mr. Blackthorn has a long list he wants to work through, which means I can focus on planning the party in peace.

Twenty minutes later, Alexander strides in, heading straight for my desk and nods at me amiably.

"So? Did you eat your steak yesterday?"

"Yes and woke up with aching muscles. My neck’s so tense."

"You should book a massage. Convenient to have one right in the building."

"Every slot’s taken. It’ll ease up eventually. Consider it punishment for rarely working out—especially with a substitute trainer who encouraged me to hit harder." I shoot him a half-reproachful look before smiling.

Okay, I might actually have a good time with him as my boss.

"I do what I can," he says, then asks. "So—are you looking forward to tonight?"

Stephanie must have told him.

"Yes. We’re cooking something vegan and chatting a bit. I’m hoping to pry some of your dark secrets out of her." If he’s pumped Vanessa for information, I’ll try and get as much as possible from Stephanie.

"She knows pretty much everything. The question is what you’ll do with the info." Alexander watches me fascinated. It seems he feels challenged. Does he think this some kind of game?

"I’m sure opportunities will present themselves," I reply mysteriously, before turning to my computer. "I should get to work."

"So, should I fetch my own coffee?"

"I’ll bring it right away..."

This guy.

"Much obliged." He grins before retreating to his office, while I save the email. Shortly after I go get the esteemed gentleman his coffee.

The rest of the day goes by without a hitch. Alexander is even having lunch with his father, leaving me to enjoy my break alone. I really only see him and Mr. Blackthorn when refilling their coffee or ushering department heads to Alexander for their meetings.

I want to leave on time, so I head to Mr. Blackthorn’s office. Alexander is there too.

“Do you need anything else?” I ask my boss.

“No, feel free to go home, Miss Waverley. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

Since I know him well, I linger.

“Oh, there is one more thing.”

Yep, that's what I thought.

“How’s the planning coming along?”

“Very well,” I assure him. “But that’s all you’ll get out of me. It’s meant to be a surprise.”

Day two, successfully completed, I’d say.

“Then have a pleasant evening, Miss Waverley,” he says, while Alexander just gives me a silent nod.

“You too. Both of you.”

I close the door behind me, however, I'm curious and linger a moment to listen. Normally, I’d never eavesdrop. But after yesterday with Alexander, today’s uneventfulness feels… unsettling. And Mr. Blackthorn’s office door is considerably thinner, and I can easily listen in on what they’re saying.

“Well? Are you satisfied with her?” my boss asks.