Page 78 of My Not So Wicked Boss (My Not So Wicked 3)

“I don’t think the grass stains are coming out,” I commented.

“If you don’t come home dirty, you didn’t work hard enough.” Miles beamed proudly at Chloe.

“Mom and Emma worked us hard tonight. We play our toughest opponent on Saturday.”

“I look forward to watching the match,” Miles said. “Did you hand in your rough draft?”

By now, Molly, Oscar, and Penelope were staring at their friend in disbelief and looking between each other as if they weren’t sure what to make of our usual dinnertime talk.

“Not yet. It’s due tomorrow. Could you look it over one more time? Please?”

“I’d be happy to.” Miles dished himself some roasted vegetables. It was then Miles realized his friends were all staring at him in awe. “Is there a problem?” he asked.

Molly’s round face broke out into a large grin and she spat out a very girlish giggle. “Blimey, Miles, you’ve changed.”

Miles cleared his throat before picking up his fork and shoveling his food in.

“That was not a criticism, mate,” Molly added in.

Miles gave her a friendly nod.

“Tell us, how is the book coming along?” Oscar asked.

“Yes, darling.” Penelope rubbed his arm, slow and sensual. “Tell us about your work. I’ve been so worried you would be uninspired working in this dreadful small town.” She threw me a placating look. “No offense. I’m sure it’s lovely, just not what we are all accustomed to.”

Was it too early to say I hated her? “None taken.”

Miles wiped his mouth with a napkin and lowered it slowly while he formulated a response.

Penelope dear, who reminded me of a pixie vixen, kept ahold of his arm. Her violet eyes transfixed on Miles, trying to lure him under her spell.

Miles didn’t fall for it; instead he gazed at me. “I’ve been more inspired here than ever before in my life. I believe I have done some of my best work.”

Penelope’s hand dropped like a lead ball.

A look passed between Molly and Oscar that said isn’t that interesting.

I gave Miles a reassuring smile. “It’s amazing.”

“You let her read it?” Penelope sounded appalled.

“She is my assistant,” Miles stated matter of factly. “And my biggest fan.” He winked at me.

That did not go over well with Penelope, who clucked her tongue but had no words.

Molly flashed her a look that said behave.

Penelope took a deep breath and dished herself some chicken.

I’m not going to lie, she scared me.

“Have you named this book yet?” Oscar asked.

Miles gave me the same proud look he had given my daughter moments earlier. “Actually, Aspen did, but I can’t release it until my editor approves it. But it’s brilliant.”

I thought back to Miles’s reaction when I got home from my day out with Henry on Monday. I swore I thought he was going to kiss me again. To say he loved Ascending Stones was an understatement. He went on and on about how brilliant it was. That it captured the essence of the book. How both Isabella and Dexter were learning how to rise above what occurred at the stone castle, but they were figuratively learning how to scale their emotional walls. Miles had cupped my face in his hands. He peered into my eyes like he had so much he wanted to say to me but couldn’t put it into words. His lips parted and he’d leaned in. Like an idiot, I’d closed my eyes, waiting to taste him again. Instead, I was treated to a peck on the forehead and Miles scampering away.

Penelope gripped her knife. “Well, Aspen, aren’t you just full of surprises. Is there anything you can’t do?”

“I’m not very good at underwater basket weaving or accepting patronizing compliments, but I’ll keep practicing.” I smirked to the sounds of several snorts and sniggers at the table. I probably should have held my tongue, but like I said, I wasn’t going to play her game.

Penelope’s nostrils flared and I swore I could see her mentally counting. Then she petted Miles. I think to remind herself what was at stake. Was Miles willing to be her victim, I meant, lover? Or was he already? I wasn’t getting that vibe. The only time he had touched her was that initial hug when they arrived. Other than that, it was only her hands on him.

“Oh, this is going to be a deliciously fun weekend.” Oscar rubbed his hands together.

I wasn’t sure how much fun it was going to be, but after dinner, Oscar, Molly, and I played a rousing game of Hi Ho! Cherry-O with Henry at the coffee table, while Miles helped Chloe with her paper at the island. Penelope sat on the couch wrapped up in her black cloak, drowning herself in wine, acting as if she were in some third world country. She kept staring at Miles like she’d entered the Twilight Zone. I wondered what she expected to find. And hello, if she thought this house and Carrington Cove were on the edge of civilization, she was crazy.

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