Page 30 of Playboy Boss

“And what kind of person are you, boss man? Let me guess, schnapps?” Jeff stared at Konrad, straight and unwavering. If Konrad didn’t know better, Jeff had challenged him to a duel of sorts.

The group snickered a little in the awkwardness that blanketed the table.

“Very clever, Jeff.” Waggling his finger, he lifted it to his temple.

“Why is that clever?” asked one of his female software engineers, probably completely lost to what was going on—just as everyone else.

Konrad held Jeff’s gaze. This was a duel. “It’s a German drink, you see. But, I didn’t learn to drink in Germany.”

“Where did you learn?” Jeff’s blatant defiance was getting under Konrad’s skin.

“Scotland.” A smile pulled at Konrad’s face. “Are you surprised?”

Jeff winked at Scottie, and it was clear what the challenge was for. “Scotch. Very classy.”

“I like scotch,” Scottie offered, glancing at Konrad. She seemed uncomfortable.

“Let’s get a glass, then?” Jeff’s eyebrows raised, his attention on Scottie. “Your first round is on me, boss.”

“I assume you’re using your corporate card to pay for all the rounds.” The group laughed. “So all rounds on me.” Checkmate. Konrad was the boss, and he would not be shown up by anyone.

Jeff lifted his hands in defeat. “You got me there.” He touched Scottie’s hand from across the table, all eyes on the action. “Come with me to the bar.”

Konrad burned with the need to push Jeff’s fingers off hers.

Scottie stood, hitting Konrad’s arm. “Sure.” Their touch sparked Konrad straight to his chest. Before she wiggled her way from the chair, she leaned toward Konrad. “Which one do you want?”

Their eyes lingered, danced. He wanted to lean in the few inches they were apart and kiss her. “Surprise me.”

A small smiled curved her lips for a brief moment, and Konrad thought he might be the victor after all. “Okay.”

Konrad watched them leave. Something had happened between them in those moments. The same thing that had happened out on his property and when they kissed. No denying it. His feeling was spot on.

Employee after employee commented on his presence. They were surprised. Glad he joined them. Thought it was cool to have a drink with the boss. Konrad nodded. If only they knew why he was really there. He tried to stay entertained by them, but his attention kept shifting back to the bar. Jeff stood a bit too close to Scottie, and at one point, Jeff leaned over to say something in Scottie’s ear.

Konrad had to force himself to stay calm, indifferent. His employees couldn’t know what he was thinking about, or more specifically, who.

“Who knows, clan. I may join you all from now on.” Not bloody likely. He’d no intention on setting foot in the Bowie Brew ever again. If he was so lucky to take Scottie for a drink, it would be at a place with white table cloths and crystal.

Relief hit him once Scottie and Jeff returned, each holding multiple drinks. Upon sitting, she handed him a glass. He didn’t want to think what year the scotch was or how horrible it probably tasted. The only scotch he liked could not be bought in a place like the Bowie Brew.

“I hope you like it,” she said apologetically, her tone smooth in his ear.

“I’m sure it’s fine.” The glass nearly slipped between his fingers.

“It was the best they had that your money could buy,” Jeff chimed in. Everyone laughed again.

“I appreciate it, Jeff.”

Scottie sat, bumping Konrad. Settled, she lifted her glass to him. “Well, cheers.”

“Wait, wait…” Jeff interjected, ruining Konrad and Scottie’s moment. Everyone silenced, waiting for him to continue. He held up his glass, his eyes set on Konrad. “I want to make a toast. To the boss, Mr. Korr—”

“Lord Korr.” Konrad winked at Scottie, who lifted her fingers to her plump lips, hiding a grin. A burst of laughter followed.

“Right. Lord Korr.” Jeff continued. “What other boss would join his employees for a drink in a dive bar? To the most fair, talented, and ethical boss I’ve ever had. Thank you.”

Ethical boss was the only thing Konrad heard. Jeff clearly had a position to state, and it wasn’t the compliment he’d offered.

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