Page 6 of Claiming My Cocky Boss

No. No fucking way. That’s paranoia talking.

“What’s your cousin’s name?” I asked, keeping my tone casual.

“Marcie,” she said, jotting something down. “But don’t worry, I just needed to confirm your insurance information. You’re all set now.”

I nodded, feeling the tightness in my chest ease as she left the room.

Paranoia.

That’s all it was. There was no chance someone in Tampa had anything to do with the embezzlement scheme I was chasing. Still, the whole connection had me on edge.

Before I could think much more about it, the door slowly opened again. The last person I expected to see walking through the door was Mia. When she stepped in, her casual, no-nonsense demeanor instantly shifted the mood in the room.

“Mia,” I said, my surprise probably too obvious.

She gave me a small nod and stood beside my bed. “Just came by to let you know your truck’s safe and sound. I moved it to my cabin earlier. Figured I’d check in while I was at it.”

I forced a grin, though the last thing I wanted to admit was that her visit caught me off guard. I wasn’t used to people going out of their way for me unless they knew who I was. Mia didn’t know—or at least, she didn’t care about my work or true identity.

“Appreciate it,” I replied, my voice a bit more controlled. “Thanks for taking care of that.”

She shrugged, stepping further into the room. “Figured you didn’t have anyone else around here to help. Plus, you didn’t give me your number, so I had no other way to check in.”

I smirked at that. “Fair point. Guess I should remedy that.” I held out my phone. “You mind sharing your phone number?”

She took it, her fingers brushing mine briefly as she punched in her number. The contact was small, but it lingered.

“So,” she said, handing the phone back, “how’s it going? Hospital life treating you alright?”

I chuckled, trying to downplay the fact that being laid up like this was driving me insane. “Could be worse. I’ll be out of here soon enough.”

She raised an eyebrow, glancing at my bandaged leg. “Soon? With that ankle? You’re going to need physical therapy.”

“Yeah, well, I’ve got work to do. Can’t exactly hang out in here forever.” I paused, quickly shifting gears. “I’ve got a case I’m working on. Can’t let it sit too long.”

She looked curious. “Case? You didn’t mention you were a cop.”

I hesitated for a split second before the lie came smoothly. “I’m not. I’m a private investigator. Independent, mostly. I pick up cases here and there.”

Mia raised her eyebrows slightly, and I could tell she was interested, but thankfully not pressing too hard. “Must be something big to have you out here in Cedar Cove.”

I nodded, keeping the story vague. “Yeah, just following a few leads. Nothing glamorous.”

She crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing a little as she processed that. I felt a flicker of tension, wondering if I’d given away too much. But then, she surprised me by cracking a small smile. “Well, guess that makes you more interesting than the weekend tourists we usually get—slumming it in Cedar Cove.”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. “Glad to hear I’m not just another guy with expensive running shoes.”

She laughed, and the sound was warm, genuine. The conversation became easier after that, the awkwardness fading as we exchanged a few jokes and stories. Mia seemed to relax, too, taking a seat in the chair beside my bed as we talked.

I found myself enraptured by her charm, unable to resist the temptation of flirting with her. Her coy smirks and hushed chuckles were like honeyed words, inviting me deeper into our playful banter.

As our conversation continued, our chemistry grew stronger, and we confirmed our contacts with the promise to stay in touch. Watching her get up to adjust the shades, I couldn't help but imagine all the ways I could make her mine. Every subtle movement of her hips and every graceful flick of her hair stirred a cascade of sensations within me. Restless, I adjusted my position on the bed as Mia's presence sparked an undeniable heat deep within.

I barely had time to process the growing chemistry between us when my phone lit up. I glanced at the screen—Shit, Carla—my executive assistant in Dallas. The last thing I needed right now was to juggle more questions about my absence.

I shot Mia an apologetic look. “Sorry, gotta take this. It’s my assistant.”

She gave me a teasing smile. “Work never stops for a private investigator, huh?”

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