Page 53 of The Guy Who Became My Grumpy Boss

The coffee cup almost collapsed under the assault of my grip when I saw Jessica.

It didn’t matter that cars zoomed down the road and a couple was jogging with five dogs across the street; Jessica’s presence announced itself like a fog horn in my mind. The moment the back of my neck started to tingle, I turned and found her walking toward me.

It didn’t matter what she wore, because she wore everything well. Jessica strode with confidence that I felt I had to match, so I turned and started toward her.

We met a few steps later, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. She wore the huge sunglasses that made her look like a movie star, along with a pair of maroon slacks and a black top. I’d never seen this outfit before, and I liked it.

Although, so far, my favorite look of hers was the jeans and shirt from golfing.

Jessica held out her hand, and I imagined her eyes narrowing behind the glasses.

I handed over the coffee without preamble. “I made sure it was extra hot when I picked it up.”

“My hero,” Jessica muttered as she took a test sip.

I held my breath. I was ninety-nine percent sure this was her regular order, but there was always a chance I’d remembered itwrong.

The small moan of satisfaction that came from her told me my memory had been correct. Her wine-colored lips spread into a smile. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Jessica took another sip, and I glanced over at the shop we were going to. The owner was inside, waiting. “Shall we go in?”

“We shall.”

I stepped out of the way, and Jessica walked next to me as we moved to the door. I reached out and tugged it open. A friendly bell chimed, and a multitude of fake floral scents rolled over me.

There was a smoke shop next door, and the owner of this establishment had to counteract the competing smell.

Jessica, on the other hand, halted and made a face.

“Give it a minute and you should acclimatize to it,” I said as I put my hand out to guide her through the door.

The action had come as naturally as our conversation had the night before. First my fingers brushed her shirt and then settled on her lower back.

She shivered, and I wondered if that was because of the combined scents in the air or my touch.

I hoped it was my touch.

I didn’t bother to try to drive the thought away. I’d spent the entire evening before being distracted by Jessica, even though she was across the city. I wasn’t sure I could get her out of my head.

She kept walking, and I followed. I wanted to stay in physical contact with her but felt it would be strange, so I let my hand drop after we took a few steps inside the store.

“Whoa.” Jessica removed her glasses and looked around.

I did the same.

The relatively small space was brimming from floor to ceiling with custom stuffed animals. This place stocked many uniqueitems and could make anything a child or an adult could imagine. I’d discovered them while at the hospital with my mother. The owner had come through with a few of her animals, giving them to patients that looked like they could use a boost.

“Peter!” Anna wore a pair of exercise pants and an off-the-shoulder shirt along with a headband that was more for looks than containing her curly black hair.

“Anna.” I moved to give her a handshake.

“I’m so glad you called me.” Anna turned her attention to my companion.

Jessica held out her hand. “I’m Jessica.”

“Anna.” Anna’s eyes flickered to me and back to Jessica. “How do you know this guy?”

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