Page 4 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

I could go on an app, but word about that would get out, and I can’t afford to look desperate. So, then, what do I do? Call a matchmaker?

No. That would provide the same problem…

I need a woman who is eye-catching and polite. Someone who would enjoy an evening with me but also wouldn’t expect anything beyond that, as I don’t want to hurt yet another woman the way I just did Anna.

And, for bonus points, I need someone I can trust.

But where will I meet someone like that within the next few hours?

I sigh, ready to throw in the towel and just show up to the gala alone, when my eyes fall on Maria’s back. She’s diligently working at her desk, posture perfect and earbuds in.

And, just like that, my problem is solved.

CHAPTER 2

MARIA

Leaning back in my desk chair, I scribble potential weekend plans in my planner. Coffee at the Daily Grind tonight to sketch the baristas in action, then the monthly anime club meeting on Saturday. My weekends are usually pretty low-key, but I like it that way.

Especially since it’s so busy during the workweek. When I get home, I usually just want to chill on my own.

I tap my pen against my lip. Honestly, though? There’s something missing in this weekend’s plans.

Or… someone.

My sister Kelsey always tells me that I spend too much time alone, that I need to “get out and meet people.” Usually, I brush her off. In a city of eight million people, how can I be lonely?

But the truth is that sometimes I am. Sometimes I wish I had someone to watch movies with at night. Someone to sleep in with on Sunday mornings…

The thought of trying dating again makes me panic a little bit, though. The last time I dipped my toe into the dating pool, it didn’t end well. The guy turned out to be a total jerk, and I swore off dating for a while after that.

My phone beeps, and I check it to find a text from none other than my sister.

They’re at it again.

I cringe. She means our parents.

Despite the fact that the two of them live in different states and are divorced, somehow they still find things to argue about. And they manage to put me and Kelsey in the middle.

Sighing, I pick up the phone and give her a call.

“What’s going on?” I ask before she even has a chance to say hello.

“They’re bickering about who gets to keep the family photo album,” Kelsey says, exasperated. “I mean, really? They’re both acting like children.”

I shake my head, knowing the feeling all too well. “Why can’t they divvy up the photos? Or scan them and make copies?”

“Great question. I guess because then they wouldn’t have anything to fight about.”

I purse my lips. It’s funny that they’re even pretending to care about a photo album when neither one of them showed this much attention to our family when we were together. Once again, it’s all about them one-upping each other.

“Just try to ignore it. They’ll figure it out eventually.” I flip my pen into the air and it lands on my planner. “How are you otherwise?”

“I’m doing okay,” Kelsey replies. “Just busy with work and trying to plan my wedding. It’s a lot to handle.”

“Want me to come visit and help with anything?” I offer.

“Actually, I was hoping you could come to the wedding dress appointment with me next weekend. Mom is coming, and I could use some backup.”

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