Page 40 of Dear Grumpy Boss

Luca raised a brow at me. “I can cut out the big brother stuff, sweetheart. I don’t know about West. He’s been doing it for a lot longer than me, and now he’s your boss.”

“We can be friends,” I snapped, annoyed Luca was speaking for me.

The waiter came by for our order then, eyeing Elise’s cleavage. His gaze kept returning, the art of subtlety completely lost on this douche. Fortunately for him, she seemed oblivious.

Luca and Elise settled into an easy conversation about the farmers’ market and upcoming weekend activities. I listened to them both but chose to stay quiet. For one, I’d already put my foot in my mouth one too many times this afternoon. For another, it was nice to watch Elise laugh and enjoy herself.

Her happiness wasn’t a puzzle I’d been able to solve, which nagged at me. If I hadn’t been stuck in meetings all week, I would have worked harder at it. My daily Post-its had probably been more annoying than anything.

“Oh, Luca.” Elise perked up as if just remembering something. “Can you suggest a good place to grab a drink near my apartment? Somewhere not too busy where we can speak to each other?”

“Of course I can,bella.” He reclined in his chair, draping his arm over the back. “Tell me the occasion. That will give me a better idea of places to suggest.”

She cupped her cheeks, doing nothing to hide her rising blush. “I have a date tonight. He asked me to dinner, but I said drinks instead in case it’s awkward and I want to bail.”

His eyebrows shot up. “A date? Way to bury the lede. I think you need to start at the beginning.”

I sat up straight, interested in her answer.

“It’s not a big deal. Last night, I was out with my coworkers and this guy approached me. He seemed nice, and he was very straightforward and eager, which I liked. Anyway, his name is Thomas, he works in finance, and he confirmed our date first thing this morning. According to Saoirse, that scores him top marks.” She gestured toward me. “Weston was there. He saw me talking to him. You can ask him what he thinks.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Wait a minute. You’re going on a date with that redheaded lumberjack in the ill-fitting suit?”

Luca choked on his water, sputtering into his fist. Elise, meanwhile, did not seem amused. Then, neither was I. Last night, Ihadnoticed some big guy chatting her up, but I’d missed a number exchange taking place.

“His name is Thomas, Weston, and I found him very good-looking. Not everyone can look like they stepped out of a magazine, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy of respect.”

I chuffed. “I didn’t say that, so don’t put words in my mouth. I’m only talking about the man I saw you with last night. You can, and should, do a lot better.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You know nothing about him other than what he looks like. Who knew you were so shallow?”

“Yeah,” Luca chimed. “Who knew? I’m ashamed of you, West.”

I picked up my glass, ignoring Luca. “I’m simply saying you shouldn’t rush into a date with the first man who asks.”

She folded her arms under her tits, and I nearly swallowed my tongue. They were so fucking round and right fucking there. Were they always there, just like that, under her clothing?

What was I thinking? Of course they were. She walked around with those round fucking tits every day. She sat in my building, typing on my computer, doing work for my company, those big, beautiful tits beneath a measly layer of clothing.

“Why are you presuming Thomas is the first man to ask me out? For all you know, I could have been sleeping my way through Denver the past month.”

Luca chuckled. “My god, Elise. We have to hang out without Elliot more often. You’re even more fun without your ball and chain dragging you down.”

That made her laugh. “He would definitelynotappreciate me banging my way through the city, and if you tell him I said that, I’ll shave your head.”

“You cruel mistress. My lips are sealed.” Luca mimed tossing her the key to his locked lips. Elise caught it and tucked it in her cleavage. I wondered what the fuck I’d done in my life to deserve this form of torment.

She turned back to me. “Honestly, Thomas is going to be my first date. I don’t have very high expectations, and I’m definitely not looking for a new boyfriend. But like I said, he seems nice and nonthreatening, so I’m going to give the whole dating thing a whirl. It could be fun.”

Our waiter returned, setting down our plates while I mulled over her words. As soon as he left, I asked, “What does nonthreatening mean?”

She picked up her pickle. Always the pickle first.

“It means I don’t think he’s the type to twist me into knots and spit me out all tangled up when he’s through. Nonthreatening.”

“Then he does sound like a good dude to practice your dating skills on,” Luca agreed. “I’ll text you some recs for tonight. You want low key, not too romantic. Our boy Thomas doesn’t need to get any funny ideas.”

When Elise’s pickle was gone, I put mine on her plate. We’d never eaten a meal together where I didn’t give her my pickle. There’d also never been a time when she hadn’t beamed at me for doing so.

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