Page 8 of Dear Grumpy Boss

A gentleman, that one.

I raised a brow. “You’re still here.”

“Yeah.” He slid down on the cushion, lacing his hands behind his head. “Think I’ll stay for a while. How was camping?”

“How do you know where I was?”

“Context clues, Westie. The big backpack in the entry. Your absence all weekend. Oh, and your assistant spilled the beans.”

“She didn’t,” I growled.

Renata had been with me since day one—when I’d barely been able to pay her. She was loyal to her bones and, unlike many of my employees, wasn’t charmed by Miles. If I couldn’t trust her, there was no one I could trust.

He held a hand up. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. No need to go postal. Renata is innocent. I might have told her there was a family emergency. Pulled at her grandma heartstrings. She finally told me where you were. I’ll send her flowers to make up for it.”

“I’llsend her flowers as an apology for having to put up with my brother.”

He flicked his fingers in my direction. “Fine, fine. I’m sure whatever you choose will be better anyway. Just sign my name to it.” His hand went back to behind his head. “Anyway, you never answered. How was camping?”

I sighed. There was no reasoning with Miles. I’d tried for years, but it was an exercise in frustration.

“Good. I set up near Clary’s Pass.”

“I like it out there. You should have asked me to come.”

“The point was to get some peace and quiet.”

He turned his head toward me. “I can be quiet. Maybe I could use some peace too.”

“Next time.”

He chuckled. “That’s not true and we both know it. When was the last time you took me with you?”

“I don’t know.” I scrubbed at my gritty face. After a four-hour hike back to my car this afternoon, I needed a shower. But that wouldn’t be happening until Miles got gone and left my key behind. “Before I went to college probably.”

“When Mom made you take me.”

“When you thought it was a good idea to take LSD in the middle of nowhere, and I had to carry you, naked and singing the Beatles at the top of your lungs, back to my car. That was the last time.”

A slow grin spread across his face. “Oh yeah. That was fun. We should do that again. I’ll be your sober companion this time and carry your big ass like a backpack.” He held up his arm and flexed. “I’ve been working out, Westie. I could do it.”

I grimaced. The idea of putting myself in my brother’s care was absolutely terrifying.

“No thanks.”

He released a long exhale, his grin slipping. “Eh, it was worth a shot.” He snapped his fingers. “I’ve been meaning to tell you, I won’t be in the office this week.”

I sat upright, my narrowed eyes focused on my hapless brother. “Why is that?”

He shrugged. “Mom asked me to fly with her to France. I couldn’t say no, could I? I already let Renata know. My work is covered. I even sent an email to HR.” He brushed off his shoulders. “Come on, you can say it. You’re proud of me for being responsible.”

The knot in my stomach loosened. I wanted to be angry at him. He certainly knew how to push the boundaries. But he’d taken all the right steps and there was really nothing to be angry about.

“Fine. Next time, give me more warning.”

He had a goofy grin on his face again. “If you’re jealous, just say that. I know it’s tough not being Mom’s golden boy.”

I remained unaffected by his prodding. I’d heard it one too many times.

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