Page 102 of The Guy Who Became My Grumpy Boss

Instead of agreeing or disagreeing, she said, “Are you okay?”

“I’m still processing,” I admitted.

“That’s fair.” Jessica moved to my side and snaked her arm around my waist. She fit next to me as if she belonged there, and I hoped we would have many more moments like this.

However, I needed to ask her something. I’d planned to wait until dinner, but since Tyrell wasn’t here and we had time, I decided to dive in. “May I ask you a question?”

“You may.”

I walked us to a bench and sat. I kept my fingers intertwined with hers and gazed into her eyes. “Since you heard the conversation between Marissa and me, this will be easier.” I took a moment to gather my nerves. If Jessica felt she needed to change because of me, I was going to have to fix it. “How much have you altered yourself for me?”

Jessica pursed her lips, which I’d been avoiding looking at but found them a rich red brown tonight. A color that I could only describe as sexy on her. “A little,” she said.

My insides twisted.

“But I think it’s normal, to a degree, to evolve for someone we care about.” Jessica smiled.

I took a moment to parse through what she’d said. She was probably right about that. Also, she’d said she cared about me. Even though we were holding hands, I needed that reassurance.

“I bet you can name at least one way you’ve changed for me.” She spoke with confidence, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes.

Even if I’d spent the time preparing thoroughly for this conversation, I still might not have predicted Jessica’s statement.

Jessica gently pulled her hand from mine and snuggledcloser to me. I put my arm around her and squeezed as I considered what to say.

How had I transformed?

I’d started getting her coffee, but that was something I would be asking her about and probably relinquishing back to her. I’d watched her deal with people and had learned a lot from it, much of it I had incorporated into my nightly preparation for the next day. I’d skipped my flower arranging to be with her.

There was a big one I was ignoring.

Should I share it? Would she understand?

Aunt Mei had told me to be honest and open.

I brushed Jessica’s hair back from her face before I spoke. “I plan almost all of my conversations.”

“I’ve noticed that.”

“You have?” I asked.

“I can almost always tell when someone veers from what you thought they would do or how they would act. It throws you off, and it takes you a minute to get back on track.”

The fact that she’d noticed solidified the notion that I needed to keep this woman in my life. “You’re exactly right. I like to be prepared. I don’t like surprises. I like to run the narrative. All of this makes it easier for me to function with people.”

Jessica put her hand on my leg.

“I even formulate most conversations with you,” I confessed.

She nodded. “I’m not surprised or offended.”

My heart began beating faster, and butterflies seemed to be battering the inside of my stomach.

Is this what love felt like? I’d read the descriptions. Was it possible for me to feel an emotion like other people did?

I needed Jessica closer to me, so I leaned down and brushed her lips with mine.

The heat of fire erupted from my insides. The bite of ice made me shiver. I imagined thousands of tiny electricalconnections between us.

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