Page 29 of The Guy Who Became My Grumpy Boss

Jessica:And it’s only 12:24.

Brooke:What’s your plan?

I sighed and took a big bite of butter chicken. It was perfect—full of rich flavors and subtle spices—but it also tasted bitter. Or maybe that was the dismissal I’d just received.

Jessica:Finish lunch, then go back to my desk.

Brooke:You can’t let him choose the activity by himself.

I snorted and ripped a section of naan off with my teeth, as if this vicious display of prowess would somehow help.

Jessica:Why not?

Brooke:Because he’s clearly floundering.

Jessica:That’s his problem.

I felt bad typing the response, but I was done repressing my emotions.

I’d done an amazing job putting all those new ideas for a company event together in just a few hours, and I knew it. The presentation had been excellent. Short. Simple. Practically elegant.

But something about it had hit Danger Zone the wrong way, and he’d taken it out on me.

Which wasn’t okay.

Maybe it was better that he didn’t dig curvy girls.

Brooke:I’m about to marry a billionaire who hates some of the aspects of business. He’s a sweetheart unless he’s struggling with a difficult decision. Since you haven’t seen this behavior from DZ before, I’d guess it’s a fear response.

This isn’t what I wanted to hear.

Jessica:Whose side are you on?

Brooke:Yours, of course. However, I think you should give him the benefit of the doubt, just this once.

I shoved the last of my butter chicken into my mouth and chewed as aggressively as I could. Men who were jerks didn’t get second chances from me. They usually didn’t even get first chances.

A voice inside my head whispered,But this is Danger Zone.

Indifferent Danger Zone, I reminded myself.

Why did I care how he acted?

My work tablet flashed, telling me I had an email. I typed a quick reply to Brooke.

Jessica:I’ll consider it.

Brooke:And I’ll meet you at your place with whipped cream and pie from that place near the theater district tonight.

Jessica:My hero.

I swiped my tablet to life and glared when I saw the notification.

Danger Zone had sent me a message through the company’s messaging system.

Peter:I think we should consider both the bookshelf and mini golf options.

I stared at the words. Blood roared through my ears. My hand shook as I clicked on the text.

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