Page 124 of Bossy Romance

“I’m your boss.”

She snorts.

“And I don’t like seeing you with other guys.” I let the truth hang out. Let it spill into the dark night and over the brightly-lit street.

Nova’s jaw goes slack.

“Iespeciallydon’t like seeing you with Henry.”

She gulps. “I wanted him to sign to Vision Tech.”

“And he wanted to sign a marriage contract.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Dammit, Nova. We both know that kid is trying to get with you.”

“So?” She explodes. “What does that have to do with you?”

“I don’t know, Nova. It has everything to do with me.” I shake my head in frustration. “At least I want it to.”

She starts fidgeting with her curls. Her dark fingers are long and slender, but when they twirl like that, it reminds me that she’s not impenetrable. She’s soft and aggravating and stubborn as hell and I’m freakingin lovewith her.

Every bit of her.

The boss lady that can walk into a boardroom and have all the men peeing their pants.

And the emotional wreck who’d pin me with beautiful, tear-filled eyes and ask why someone would care about her.

Nova wipes her hands on her skirt. “I… I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

My temper spikes again. I let out a blustered laugh. “Nova, you’re the most brilliant woman I know and there’s not a part of me that buys that, but if you need me to break it down for you, I will.” My voice hardens. “With pleasure.”

Her eyelashes flutter.

I move toward Nova, an invisible rope tugging me forward. Keeping my voice low and steady, I tell her, “It bothered me when you and Henry were partners at the sports day. And Jax got on my nerves the moment he called your name through that stupid bull horn.” I step closer to her. “I don’t want anyone but me beside you.”

I feel the thudding of my heart like the boom of thunder.

She freezes for a beat and I wonder if I’ve managed to explode her brain.

Shaking her head, Nova comes alive again. “Are you really doing this?”

“I’m doing this.” My fingers close around her arm when it looks like she’s getting ready to bolt. I slide my hand down to her wrist, keeping her there but not pulling her to me. “I have never cared aboutanyone, the way I care about you.”

Her eyelashes flutter.

I want to tell her in more clear terms.

I like you.

I love you.

I want to be with you.

But I promised I wouldn’t cross any lines before she was ready and I feel like I’ve long-jumped over a few already.

“Adam—”

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