Page 135 of Dear Grumpy Boss

“I love you, West,” she murmured.

“Love you too, baby. Go to sleep.”

She nodded, her cheek on mine. “You too.”

It didn’t take long for her breaths to even out and her arms to slacken. I stayed awake for a lot longer, keeping her close, wondering how I was going to survive what was coming my way.

Chapter Thirty-three

Elise

Ifoundoutthenews at the same time as everyone else.

Andes was under investigation by the EPA for the disposing of toxic chemicals in nearby water sources. This came after an article exposing the practices at Brian Lewis’s factory, which had been going on for years.

After spending the weekend alone while Weston was in lockdown in his office, I had expected the worst. What I hadn’t expected was for him not to tell me what was going on. We’d barely spoken since he’d woken me in the middle of the night to make love to me.

As hard as I tried not to make any of this about me, it was impossible not to be hurt. To have to open up theTimesto find out what was going on with my own boyfriend was a dagger to the heart.

I sucked it up, put my supportive pants on, and texted him.

Me:I read the article. I’m here when you need me. I love you so much, Weston.

An ass plopped down on my desk. “Did you read that bullshit?”

I placed my silent phone face down and looked up at Miles. “I did. I’m absolutely sick for him.”

“It’s utter bullshit. Andes runs regular checks at each of their suppliers. There is no way something like this would slip through the cracks. Obviously, someone at theTimesis smoking too much and their brain cells are misfiring. Weston’s going to own that paper when he’s through with them.” Miles waggled his brows. “How does The Aldrich Times sound to you? Miles Aldrich, editor in chief. I have no clue how to run a paper, but it can’t be that hard.”

Despite the boulder sitting heavy in my stomach, I laughed. “I encourage you to follow your dreams.”

“It’s only been my dream for the last minute or so, but I appreciate the support.” His expression grew serious. “Tell me how he’s doing. I haven’t seen him at home.”

I lifted a shoulder. “I haven’t seen him either. I don’t know how he is.”

His brow dropped low over his concerned gaze. “What? You haven’t even talked to him?”

“Nothing more than a quick text to let me know he was dealing with an emergency at Andes. That was Saturday morning.”

Miles’s hand curled into a ball. “That’s not cool.”

It wasn’t cool, but I felt the need to defend Weston. Andes had been his life for so long, having it threatened and attacked had to be killing him. I wished he’d let me be there for him.Thatwas killing me.

“He’s dealing with something huge, and he’s not used to sharing his burdens.”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “Not an excuse to leave you hanging. I don’t like it.”

“I don’t either, but I’m not going to go storming into his office demanding attention.”

“You shouldn’t have to demand it.”

I sighed. “Can you go away, please? You’re making me more upset.”

His righteous indignation slipped away. “Oh no, I’m sorry, Lisie. God, I’m an idiot.”

“You’re not. I get that you’re angry on my behalf, but I don’t need that.”

He hopped off my desk to round it and slung his arm over my shoulders. “Let me take you to lunch today. I promise to be on my best behavior.”