Page 48 of Romance with Mr. Bossy Pants

Daniel’s eyes darken. I probably just hit a nerve.

“You were right, it’s none of your business.”

“Talking about it might help ease some of that bitterness.”

Daniel’s voice echoes through the room. “You weaseled your way into my life, invade my personal space and life, and you think talking about it with you will ease my bitterness?”

Daniel closes his eyes, seemingly filled with instant remorse for his harsh tone. But the moment has passed, and the hurt is already inflicted. Despite my guilt for cornering him, his relentless barbs are inexcusable. I am not about to endure it any longer.

Heck, my workday is over. Enough is enough.

“I am done tolerating your outbursts. Consider me gone for the night.”

Tears threaten to spill, but I hold them back as I stand up and start to walk away. I won’t give him the satisfaction of witnessing my distress.

I’ve barely taken the second step when Daniel’s hand shoots out and grasps my wrist. “Wait. I didn’t mean it like that.”

I scoff. “Whatever. I’m tired of this.”

“Wait—” he tries.

I don’t want to, but something makes me turn around to face him again.

I watch as Daniel rubs his temples, as if trying to summon the strength to continue. His gaze shifts to the window, where the evening city lights begin to glow against the darkening sky.

“You’re right, okay. Her name was Maddie,” he begins, his voice steady but tinged with a trace of sorrow. “We met in college. She had this laugh that could fill a room, you know? Always saw the best in people, even when they didn’t deserve it.”

I listen intently, my initial indignation replaced by a genuine curiosity to understand this aspect of Daniel’s life he keeps veiled. “What happened?”

Daniel’s silence stretches, heavy with unspoken memories.

“She… she died, as you know,” he finally admits, his voice barely above a whisper. “A car accident four years ago. We were supposed to go on a trip, and…” His words trail off, lost in the ache of unfinished plans and shattered dreams.

“I’m so sorry,” I breathe, my heart going out to him despite our tumultuous relationship. I reach out instinctively, laying a hand on his arm in a gesture of comfort. Daniel flinches imperceptibly but doesn’t pull away, allowing the silent connection.

“It’s been hard,” Daniel continues, his tone distant yet filled with emotion. “I thought I could move on, bury myself in work, but…some days, it still feels like yesterday.”

His admission drapes the room with grief, a fragile thread binding their shared vulnerability.

“You don’t have to carry it alone,” I offer tentatively, my voice gentle.

Daniel meets my gaze, his eyes clouded with a pain he’s kept tightly guarded. “Wait, no. I can’t talk about this with you.”

“Seriously?” I pull away, feeling a surge of anger. “I don’t care if you’re gonna fire me at this point. You’ve gotta stop blowing hot and cold. It’s messing with my head.”

“I’m…I’m confused, too,” Daniel admits, seemingly more to himself than me.

“Confused about what, exactly?”

“You,” Daniel blurts out. “You’re the one who’s got me all turned around. I’m usually not like this.”

“But you’re wrong. This is who you are,” I retort almost immediately.

“Dang it, Chloe. You’re making this impossible.”

“And you’re infuriating.” I step forward, and I swear by every bone in my body, my heart skips a beat. Daniel’s scent wafts into my nostrils and awakens something deep inside of me. Dragging my fingers through my hair, I press my lips together and force myself to fall back, even though his masculine fragrance lingers around me. Being alone with Daniel right now is dangerous. It’s just not good when his very presence is so enraging, yet so alluring.

I’ve been kidding myself, denying my attraction to him. That was a failure.

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