Page 9 of Dear Grumpy Boss

“Aren’t you leaving?”

“Nah.” He settled deeper into the couch. “Think I’ll hang out for a while. You won’t see me for a whole week, so I’ll give you the opportunity to get your fill to tide you over until next time.”

Exasperated, I pushed up from the couch and headed toward my bedroom. “I’m going to shower. You can go now. Leave the key on the counter on your way out.”

Miles called out to me. “In your dreams!”

He truly had no idea how right he was.

Chapter Three

Elise

Threeweekspost-ghosting,post-move,post–new life, today was the day:

My first day at my new job.

In some ways, things were easier. My new apartment was gorgeous. Of course, there was nothing but the best for Elliot Levy’s little sister. That was what his property manager had told me.

Downtown.

Views.

Spacious two bedrooms.

Check, check, check.

Saoirse danced into my bedroom without knocking. But then, we had an open-door policy: as long as our doors were open, either of us was welcome to dance on in. A throwback to our college days. We were picking up where we’d left off as roommates.

When I moved to Chicago three years ago, I never thought I’d be back here, living with Saoirse again. My feelings were still mixed about being back, but living with Saoirse? I wasn’t ambivalent in any way. She was my favorite human. I counted myself lucky she was willing to be my roommate one more time.

“Oh, you look good.” She circled her finger in the air. “Do a twirl for me, pretty.”

Another tradition. Before going out, we’d always hype each other up. The same thing applied for job interviews, dates, first days…

I twirled for her, needing the hype now more than ever, and she wolf-whistled.

“Nice, honey. You look ready to go out and make that bank. Titties are tittying nicely.”

I snorted a laugh and cupped my breasts. I’d gone somewhat conservative for my first day. Black cigarette pants, a white V-neck that barely showed a hint of cleavage but did mold around my ample chest, and an oversized, men’s style tweed blazer.

“Do I want my titties tittying at the office?”

She arched a brow. “Come on, Lisie. We both know your boobs are always working overtime. They have no choice but to be banging.”

She spoke the truth. My breasts entered a room before I did. As much as I tried to downplay it, there was no real way to disguise the roundness of my body. Not that I should have had to, but I’d need some time to get back to where I’d been before the GIF.

When I frowned at my reflection in my floor-length mirror, Saoirse stepped up behind me, wrapping her long arms around my shoulders, and pressed her face next to mine.

Saoirse Kelly was beautiful. Tall and lean, her blonde hair seemed to be permanently lit by the sun. She was the daughter of a California state senator and a Wyoming rancher. There were long, rich legacies on both sides of her family, but meeting her, you’d never know it. Saoirse was peppy and kind, with a sunshine personality that was more contagious than irritating. We’d met at eighteen in the dorms of CU-Boulder and had immediately clicked. Besides Elliot, she was the person I’d missed most while I’d lived in Chicago.

Having her back in my life full time was more of a relief than I’d thought it would be.

“It’s going to be great, Lise. I’ll be here when you get home with wine and pizza. I can’t wait to hear how impressed everyone was by you.”

I smooshed my cheek into hers. “You’re only saying that because you love me.”

“That’s true. But I also know you better than anyone, so my opinion should count the most.”

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