Page 62 of Dear Grumpy Boss

“Perfect,” he whispered.

“Thank you,” I whispered back.

“I have a meeting now. I’d like you to go so I don’t have to walk into the conference room with an erection.”

I laughed despite the pit in my stomach. “Okay.” I glanced down at the tent in his immaculately tailored pants. “Good luck with that.”

I rushed out of his office, avoiding eye contact with Renata. I had a feeling she’d had a pretty good idea of what had gone down. Luckily, I doubted I’d be spending any more time on the executive floor. I wouldn’t have to face her again, and it was a good thing.

My strange…whatever that had been, was put to rest. My heart hurt, but since it had already been bruised, it was impossible to tell how much had come from Weston.

Then again, it was over, so it didn’t really matter anyway.

Chapter Fifteen

Elise

Ihadflownfirstclass exactly once, and that had been with Elliot when I left Chicago.

Needless to say, the possibility of flying first class on a business trip hadn’t crossed my mind, so I was surprised to learn that I was when I checked in. I was also told I had access to the first-class lounge, and though I was curious what went on in there, I decided to hang out in the boarding area.

The people watching in airports was second to none. No way I’d give that up for a fancy lounge. Besides, I had a delicate text exchange to deal with.

Letting down Thomas gently wasn’t fun. The worst part was howkind he was about it.

It had to be done, though. Prolonging the inevitable wasn’t fair to either of us.

Staying out of the first-class lounge also meant avoiding running into Weston until we boarded the plane.

He was already seated when I boarded and his brow winged when I walked by him to take my seat on the opposite side, an aisle back.

If he had anything to discuss with me, he could send me an email. There was no need for us to be side by side for this flight. We’d be spending enough time together over the next few days as it was.

When we landed in California, I was relaxed and ready to work. Weston seemed quite the opposite, judging from his tight shoulders and pissed-off scowl. Without speaking, he stood by my row, gesturing for me to go ahead of him, then stayed on my heels until we were in the airport.

He stepped up beside me. “You changed your seating assignment.”

I nodded. I’d learned ticket agents were a lot more accommodating when flying first class. “I like the window.”

“I would have given you the window in my row.”

I flicked my fingers. “That’s okay. This way we both had the window.”

“So, you were doing me a favor and not avoiding me?”

“Right. Exactly.”

“I’m relieved, since avoiding your boss on a work trip would be both childish and pointless.”

“Then it’s good I just like the window seat,” I answered. “From what I read on our schedule, we’ll be visiting Simpson and Associates first. They produce outerwear, correct?”

“If the schedule says it, it’s correct.”

I nodded sharply, pleased Weston had reverted to his usual grumpy boss self. Grumpy Weston, I knew how to deal with. Sexy Weston was outside my paygrade.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

I’d done my research on Andes’ production practices. Andes didn’t own its own factories. They contracted with factories all over the world, requiring them to adhere to Andes’ strict labor and environmental rules. Four of the factories were in California, the others were spread around Asia, Mexico, and El Salvador.

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