Page 31 of Romance with Mr. Bossy Pants

“You two.”

I place my elbow against the window seal and rub my fingers across my forehead. Facing the road, I start driving, Chloe’s looking out the window.

Michelle’s brows squish, “You guys are acting like a fighting couple. Did you guys fight?”

“No—”

Chloe’s voice trumps mine, “Nah. We just had a tough day with a client, and I suddenly feel a headache coming on.”

Nice save.

“I see. Like a long day at school,” Michelle pipes. “Have you tried getting ice cream? It’s relaxing. Kinda makes everything better.”

“Right? Only your dad might think he’ll pass out from sugar overload if he has some.”

I freeze in my seat. When did I say that?

“I’ll have ice cream with you. Dad, can we have an ice cream date?”

I set my jaw, but quickly smile. “Of course.”

She sucks her teeth. “Also, I think I know what color I want for my room.”

Her room is currently painted green and she’s growing out of it.

“Please don’t say black or gray,” Chloe chuckles.

“Never!” Michelle giggles. “I’m thinking some shade of bright pink.”

I clench my steering wheel. Another bold comment from Chloe today.

I’m not liking this new-found relationship Michelle has with her, especially when it won’t last much longer.

9

Chloe

The afternoon flew by. Working at Daniel's place wasn't that bad. While Michelle cleaned herself up, Daniel and I sat in his home office, pouring over work. It was just before dinner time before he offered to drive me back home.

As we pull in front of my apartment complex, I turn to Michelle.

“Don’t forget to add those other color combinations to your room. I’ll text you a few ideas.”

“Okay, thanks! We still have to set up our ice cream date, you know.”

“How about we FaceTime after dinner tonight?”

“Sounds like fun,” she pipes, raising her hand for a high-five.

Against Daniel’s stern glare, Michelle and I exchange phone numbers. He should give Ms. Rose a chance because I’m sure nobody else will give him the time of day.

Cold, grumpy, raw-tongued, and bossy. All the wrong traits a man can have.

But he’s also strong, protective, and smart.

No, Chloe.

I probably should have listened to Amber’s advice on not taking the job. I guess I thought I knew better.

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