Page 22 of Romance with Mr. Bossy Pants

She flips her hair and winks. “Thank you. Someone’s in a really good mood today.”

I giggle and then declare, “Because I think I just found the man of my dreams. Well, that’s a stretch, but he’s cute and he’s treating me to lunch, assuming I don’t have to put out any fires today.”

“Well, I’ll be. Spill the tea,” Alex interrupts as he walks up to us. He hops up on the end of Sarah’s desk, taking a seat, eyes filled with wonder.

Turning to him, I say, “You’re not eavesdropping now, are you?”

“You weren’t exactly quiet. So, where did you guys meet?”

I’ve gotten close to Sarah and Alex over the last couple of weeks. They’re my only beacon of joy inside these barren walls. Honestly, I’m not sure I would have lasted this long without them.

I blush and bite my lips, Sarah and Alex staring at me with keen eyes. “Glimr.”

“You’re kidding,” Sarah gasps. “OMG. Don’t trust it!”

“Why? He looks handsome…and rich.”

“You need to really investigate his profile,” Alex pipes. “How long have you guys been talking?”

“It’s not necess—” I pause. He’s actually right. We literally just said hello this morning and set up a lunch date faster than you can swipe right. Maybe I should’ve saw that as a red flag.

I open Emerson’s profile and place it on the desk for them to see. The first thing that pops up is his location: Texas.

Oh my cowboy.

He’s 6’2”, athletic, loves kids, has never been married, lived in Georgia for a while, and is now looking for love.

“Isn’t that the term for casual hook ups these days?”

My lips curl and I scowl at Alex. “Don’t be such a hater.”

He raises his hand. “I’m sorry. I’m just saying, it’s bro code.”

“Bro codes are the dumbest things ever.”

“Doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s real.”

Ugh. He’s right...again. It’s no different than girl talk.

“Psst. It’s no secret that they make up their own set of ridiculous rules and coin it bro code. Seems like you’ve been out of the game for a while.”

I turn to Sarah and stick my tongue out at her. “I guess I’ll just see this date through and put on my Sherlock Holmes hat for the next guy.”

“Chloe.”

The low growl sends shivers down my spine. It’s a voice I’ve come to know too well—Daniel’s.

Alex scampers to his office and I spin around to face Daniel. I clench my purse and phone so hard that I feel my knuckles getting numb.

“Daniel,” I blurt. “I mean, Mr. Andrews.”

He’s sporting a charcoal gray suit that impeccably accentuates his broad shoulders. His dark hair swoops to the left side of his forehead, giving him the aura of a protagonist from a billionaire’s magazine. Heat rushes to my face.

“You’re quite early,” I smile.

“Did you take that as an invitation to waste time down here? I’m sure Sarah is busy.”

I slip my phone into my purse and reach for his bag, but he tightens his grip on it. My hand grazes his, sending familiar sensations throughout my body.

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