Page 101 of The Guy Who Became My Grumpy Boss

Dating had never been a thing for me. It was messy and complicated and involved other people.

That, and the more specific reason that I was a socially awkward individual, danced around in my head as I waited for Jessica outside the movie theater that Tyrell had invited us to.

I’d been here twice before and remembered it being comfortable inside. The popcorn had been acceptable but could have used more butter.

I knew what to expect from the theater behind me but no idea what to expect from the beautiful woman who was about to join me.

It had barely been a week since I’d waited for Jessica outside the stuffed animal store. That time we’d been in work mode.

This time would be different.

At least, I hoped it would be different.

There were a few people waiting for others to join them, and since they were all on their phones, I decided it would be acceptable to look at mine.

If nothing else, I could take a picture for Aunt Mei.

The last photo she’d sent to me had been of her and my uncle at the Wigwam Motel, somewhere in Arizona.

To prove that I did more than work and walk the streets, I posed in front of the marquee and snapped a photo.

“I didn’t envision you as a selfie guy.”

Jessica’s voice made me jump.

My first look at her stole the breath from my lungs.

She hadn’t dressed up—she did that every day at work. Instead, she was once again in a sweater and jeans. Her long dark hair was down, and I longed to run my fingers through the loose curls. The brilliant smile she gave me as she approached almost distracted me from watching her walk toward me.

When she arrived, she held her arms out.

I’d missed having her near me and gladly pulled her into an embrace. I couldn’t help but inhale her sharp perfume, and I took the opportunity to press my cheek against hers.

Jessica didn’t pull away. “You seem to be in a better place today.”

“I am.”

Oh, the things I wanted to do—like kiss her lips, her neck, and her shoulder. I wanted to see if her hair was as soft as it looked. I wanted to let her know exactly how much I cared about her.

But that would have to wait.

“Good.” Jessica stepped back, but her fingers trailed along my arm down to my hand, where she took a hold of it.

“I’m sorry I was so distant on Monday,” I said.

Jessica squeezed my hand. “I have a confession.”

The last confession I’d endured was when Marissa had told me about how I’d ruined her life, but this was Jessica. Her lips stretched tightly, and she looked worried.

“What is it?” Had I messed up? Offended her? Hurt her?

Jessica looked into my eyes as she spoke. “I heard you and Marissa in the hallway at the hotel.”

“You did?” While I’d tried not to orchestrate every moment of this evening, I had thought about a few things. This revelation had not been one of them.

“I did, and much of what she said wasn’t fair.”

“Some of it was,” I conceded.

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