Page 64 of Playboy Boss

“Scottie?” Tara walked in, her eyes narrowed. “Oh…” She surveyed the mess of orange mimosa and mini cinnamon rolls all over an extremely expensive-looking ottoman. “What the hell happened?”

Konrad dropped to his knees, picking up the champagne flutes and rolls on the floor. “It’s my fault. I smashed into her.”

Scottie kneeled next to him, helping him clean up. “No, it was me. I should have watched what I was doing.”

To make matters worse, Fabian and Antonia walked in then, getting an eyeful of the scene. Fabian gasped. “What happened here?”

“No worries, mate. I ran into Scottie,” Konrad repeated, glancing at Scottie.

Fabian’s eyebrows lifted.

“I did it. It was me.” Scottie would take the responsibility.

“Rubbish. She’s being nice.”

“Stop cleaning, Konrad. What’s the matter with you?” Fabian said, annoyed.

“I’ll get the maid.” Antonia left, calling out to someone named Emily.

Konrad stood. “Come on, Scottie.” Offering her his hand, she took it, letting him pull her to her feet.

“I’m so sorry about this.” Tara was mortified. “We’ll replace the ottoman.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll square it with Fabian.”

Scottie couldn’t believe how determined he was to protect her, and it made her chest swell with warmth. The more she looked at him, the more she really saw him, the more she knew she was in trouble. Her heart could not deny it. Everything she’d believed about Konrad and men had been turned on its head with that look.

Before Fabian climbed back up the stairs, he asked Konrad to join him on the upper deck. Konrad nodded, though he stayed behind. Scottie wondered if he would tell Tara their secret. The big secret.

“Wow,” Tara began, wiping her hands on the apron tied around her waist. “This is awkward.” She threw Scottie a disapproving glance.

“I told her you’re my boss.” Scottie decided to take control of the situation. In doing so, she took a step back from Konrad. They looked too close, too intimate. She wasn’t ready to tell Tara the other secret.

“I don’t see why you have to keep that a secret.” Tara was annoyed.

“It’s not a secret. Yes, Scottie works for me. There’s no problem.”

Thank God.

“Exactly.” Scottie had unprecedented mixed feelings about his rationale. Though she knew he couldn’t disclose everything, in some irresponsible way, she wanted him to claim her.

“No worries, Tara. This doesn’t affect anything,” Konrad said smoothly.

Tara seemed satisfied. “I’m glad to hear it.” Tara bent over the ottoman, picking up the last of the mess. “Scottie, help me clean this up.”

“Leave it. Emily will be here any moment.” Konrad stuck his hand out in front of Scottie.

Tara sighed, standing. “Okay. Thank you, Konrad. Hopefully I haven’t completely ruined any chance for future catering jobs.”

“Trust me, you haven’t. In fact, I’ll bet you’ve earned more.” He smiled.

Scottie followed Tara back into the gourmet kitchen, Konrad still in her mind.

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