Page 53 of Romance with Mr. Bossy Pants

I watch as Daniel drives off with Michelle, whose hand flutters out the window in an overly enthusiastic wave that I barely have the energy to return. He had offered to drive me home, but I couldn’t bear the thought of being confined in a car with him, not after what I had overheard. So, I insisted that Amber would pick me up, even though it meant calling her at the last minute to get me at 10:00 P.M. and enduring her tantrum throughout the drive.

I can’t even decide whether I’m mad at Daniel, or just hurt.

How could he belittle me to Garamond? As if I’m beneath him. It’s ridiculous to feel this way—I shouldn’t care what he thinks. But the truth is, it stings. Especially after we shared that passionate kiss. If I’m not on his level, why did he kiss me back? Why was he acting territorial over me tonight?

But that’s how Daniel is. Hot and cold. He’s my boss, not my friend, and definitely not my boyfriend. Yet, here I am, feeling like a fool for letting his words get under my skin.

A while later, Amber’s car pulls up by the curb. She leans over and opens the door before I reach it.

It takes Amber one look to realize that something is off with me. “No, no, no. Heck no!” Amber yells as I enter the car. She has so many shopping bags in the backseat that I wonder how the vehicle is able to move. “Tell me he didn’t do it again? He ruined your night, didn’t he?”

I nod, “Yeah, he did.” I tell her with a sigh. “I’m just...over it…and tired.”

Amber’s eyes widen, but she quickly catches herself before she grins like a Cheshire cat. “What did he do? Tell me everything.”

Amber drives aggressively as I recount the events of the night, not sparing any details. The more I talk, the tighter Amber’s grip becomes on the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white. She’s completely silent.

“Amber, say something, please.”

“Chloe, you’re not going to like what I have to say.”

I press her, needing to hear it, whatever it is. “Just tell me.”

She sighs, then glances at me briefly with a serious look on her face. “Do you like him? Like, like like him?”

I open my mouth to deny and ask Amber if she’s crazy, but her piercing stare stops me. My hands fly up to cover my face as the truth I’ve been denying spills out in sobs. “I’m so stupid. Why him? Of all the people to fall for...”

“Hey, it’s okay. Feelings don’t always make sense, and they sure as heck don’t ask for permission.”

Amber doesn’t say anything more. I suspect she’s giving me the space just to feel—typical caring Amber. But right now, I need to exhaust her bank of words of comfort and advice.

“I don’t think Daniel sees you the way you see him.”

Ouch.

“I’m sorry to have put it so blankly, but it’s simply the truth.”

“But why did he kiss me back then?” I blurt, realizing that I haven’t even told her that part yet.

“What!?” Amber pulls over, slamming on her brakes. Her eyes bulge. “When, how, why am I just now finding out about this!?”

I can tell she’s hurt about me keeping this from her.

I begin, “That night I came home late because the power went out in our building. We had to wait for maintenance to fix it before we could take the elevators down. We started talking about his wife and I said he could always lean on me, talk to me about it…or about anything really. And, of course, he was being Daniel, just pushing me away, but drawing me in at the same time. He's always so hard to read, and I got sick of it. So, I confronted him, explaining that I was done with him. But he wouldn't let me walk away. He grabbed my hand, and when I looked into his eyes, they told me a different story than his behavior. So, I just lunged for him. And he took it. And it was so good. Like, I can’t stop thinking about it good.”

“Chloe Summers! You’ve got some guts! I’ll give you that,” her voice softens. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this when you got home that night. But, wow, girl. Look at you…and with him?”

“I know, and I’m sorry. I was just so confused. You, of all people, know how it can be.” I sigh.

“Yeah, and that’s why I forgive you.”

“And to top it off, we haven’t even talked about the kiss since it happened, as if it was a mistake. Was it?”

“Probably. But, also…now tonight makes more sense. He could’ve just kissed you in the heat of the moment. He might not be into you like that, you know? He’s still just a guy. Why would he pass up the chance to kiss a smoking hot female?”

“I guess…but the look,” I sob, my voice cracking. “I need to look for another job. This is not worth the headache or the heartache.”

“There’s a whole world out there beyond Daniel and his company. You’re talented, Chloe. You’ll find something better…you’ll find someone better.”

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