Page 72 of Playboy Boss

Chapter Twenty-Five

Konrad walked into the office at eight in the morning with a spring in his step. Everything he felt that morning, he’d attributed it to Scottie. The idea of having her in his bed again that night excited him more than he could have anticipated. It felt great. He was on top of the world. What had he really been afraid of all these years? His parents’ mistakes weren’t his, and he wouldn’t allow them to form his future anymore.

“Good morning, Konrad.” The voice came from behind him just as he passed the reception desk.

Konrad turned. Marisol, his regular assistant who was on maternity leave, stood there with a stroller, the one he’d bought for her. She beamed at him so brightly, he couldn’t contain his own smile. “Marisol, love!”

“Hi there.”

He put his briefcase on the reception desk. Susan, who had been on the phone, pulled it over the desk. Konrad strode to Marisol, his gaze fixed on the stroller. “You’ve brought some precious cargo, I see.”

“Thanks to you, Kon.” She accepted his hug. “I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to thank you for your gifts. It’s been tough this last week.”

He peered at the sleeping baby, and his heart warmed. He was once that peaceful. “No worries, Mari.”

“I thought I would come by and introduce everyone to my little Andres.”

“Andres,” Konrad repeated. “That’s a fine name for a tyke.”

Marisol laughed quietly. “He’s something special.”

“Looks like it.”

Susan walked over. “Isn’t he lovely, Konrad?”

“Absolutely.” He continued to stare down at the child, emotions roiling inside him. He hoped the child had all the love he needed and more. There was nothing worse than neglect. He knew that too well.

“It’s true what they say,” Marisol began, her gaze on her baby. “I never would have understood it before, but I am not the same person since this one came into my life. I can never be the same.”

“You’re a mommy,” Susan said.

Konrad’s heart throbbed, and he wondered if he’d be different too. And then he wondered why he’d thought about being a father. He’d never thought it before. He changed the subject. “So, are you back to work then?”

The women laughed.

“He’s got a nice, young temp,” Susan directed to Marisol. “She has him wrapped around her finger.”

Konrad met Marisol’s all-knowing gaze. “She’s exaggerating. You know you’re the only one for me, Mari.”

“I don’t know…” Susan shrugged. “He took her to the EaDo Property and gave her a tour of Korr Solutions himself. When has he ever given any one of us a tour of Korr Solutions?”

“Wait a minute. You took her to the EaDo Property? I haven’t even seen it!” Marisol lifted an eyebrow.

“I thought she needed some context.” Konrad needed to be more careful.

“Speak of the darling,” Susan said, making Konrad’s gaze travel to the door where Scottie had walked through.

Scottie wore a fitted white dress that grazed her knees. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, emphasizing her bright eyes, more green than brown in the fluorescent light.

“Darling, indeed,” Marisol said under her breath.

“Shut up, the both of you,” Konrad muttered. He’d hoped his heart was not in his eyes as he watched her. Scottie completely took his breath away.

She paused before them. “Good morning.”

“Scottie, this is Marisol.” Konrad pointed to the stroller. “And this is her baby, Andres.”

“Nice to meet you. I promise I’m not messing up your desk.” She laughed, peering into the stroller.

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