Page 44 of The Boss on the Brain

His mouth tugged into a smile, and he shoved a hand casually into the pocket of his pants. “It seems to be my specialty. At least when it concerns you,” he said with a knowing look, and I burst out laughing when I connected the dots.

“I completely forgot about the horrible date you’d saved me from,” I said while he took a step closer.

“You know, for a while back there, I wasn’t sure if you hated me for stepping in or not. I know how independent you are.”

“I didn’t hate you for that—” I began and hesitated.

“But you hated me for buying your restaurant?” he prodded.

I debated telling him the complete truth. “I hated you for being my boss,” I said finally, my words in a whisper. “Because that meant we couldn’t be the couple that we had been back in high school. And that’s a fantasy I’ve always wanted to bring back to life, just for a little bit.”

He gave me a look of intense longing and regret. His fingers curled over mine for a moment longer before he let go. “That’s something I regret too, Ava. Very much.”

15

AVA

The day after the party began with a mild hangover. I hurried out of my bed, skipping coffee and breakfast altogether as I raced to catch the subway.

I got onto the subway without delay, thanking my stars that I could still make it to work on time. I was glad I worked at a café, where I knew that coffee would keep me going for a large part of my morning.

When I reached work and waved to Carolyn, she pointed at a large blue Hydro Flask that was sitting by the counter.

“Someone dropped this off for you,” she mentioned.

I did a double take as I stared at it. “It isn’t mine,” I said, walking over.

I opened the lid of the Hydro Flask, and a small note popped out. I caught it, and when I read it, a smile spread over my face.

I hope this helps you stay hydrated. I know you don’t do well with hangovers.

“Is it yours then?” Carolyn asked as my cheeks went hot.

Desmond.

I turned to her. “Yes, it completely slipped my mind,” I said, feeling awkward about having to lie.

Over the next hour, I sent him a text, thanking him, and shook off the warmth that was spreading through my neck and face. He was just being nice. Besides, he was the CEO. Eighteen floors and millions in wealth separated us and our lifestyles. Being with him in any capacity other than as his employee was pure fantasy, and the sooner I learned to recognize that, the better.

That afternoon, during a lull at work, I got a reply from Desmond.

Desmond:Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I’ve had back-to-back meetings all morning. How are you doing?

Ava:I’m good. And I don’t have any updates regarding Kyle yet, unfortunately.

Desmond:That wasn’t why I’d texted, but thank you for letting me know.

Why had he texted?

In a minute, I got another text from him.

Desmond:Did you eat?

Carolyn needed an early lunch this morning to talk to her brother who, by all accounts, was having a panic attack before a job interview. I’d offered to cover for her and handle the café while she was away. It had been over an hour, and it didn’t look like she was coming back anytime soon. So, nope, I wasn’t eating.

Ava:I will soon.

Desmond:That means you haven’t yet.