Page 25 of My Not So Wicked Boss (My Not So Wicked 3)

“No. I just told Stephen I quit.”

She placed her hand across her heart. “Oh, I would have loved to see that.” She wrapped her arms around me and Henry. “I knew there were better doors for you to open. But I’m going to miss you, sweetie.” She kissed my cheek. I was sure she left a red lip stain. She loved her lipstick.

“I’m going to miss you too. I wanted to make sure I came to say goodbye, and,” I reached into my bag, “I wanted to give you this.” I held out a framed sketch I had drawn a while back of the sunflower fields near the bank that she loved to comment on. I was going to give it to her on her birthday next month, but this seemed like a good time.

She took it and tears immediately welled up in her eyes. She pulled me to her. “You are a talented, sweet woman. Thank you, dear.”

“You’re welcome,” she had me choking up. “I’m going to miss you.”

She patted Henry’s cheeks and then mine. “You will be missed, but I’m happy for you. You deserve better than this place has treated you. I do hope the handsome Brit will realize what a gem he’s getting.”

“Not sure I qualify, but so far so good.” The money was amazing, and did I mention he gave me a luxury SUV to drive? I was sure it was his sister’s, but he said as long as I worked for him, it was mine to drive. He probably didn’t want me carting around his nephew in my eyesore that now sat in his garage.

“Oh, honey, you are a rare find. Make sure he treats you as such.”

“He has to be better than the wicked boss I had here.”

She nudged me with her elbow. “If you’re lucky, he’ll be a tad wicked.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not going to be like that between us.” I had signed a contract guaranteeing it. No need to mention that, though.

“I wouldn’t be too sure. I saw the way he looked at you.”

I had noticed too. “Well, I better get going. I need to get Chloe registered for school in Carrington Cove.” She was home with my mom now who was helping me pack. The plan was to move what little furniture I had into my parents’ garage since the guesthouse was fully furnished. It was going to be like living in Pottery Barn. I would need to keep reminding Chloe and myself it wasn’t going to last, so not to get used to it.

Evelyn tilted her head. “You had to see he was attracted to you.” She wouldn’t let it go.

“It’s strictly business, I promise you.” Addendum A in the contract clearly stated it. To avoid impropriety or scandal, there will be no romantic involvement between the two parties for the period outlined in section two. Both parties willingly agree to these terms . . . Blah, blah, blah.

“Let me know how that works out for you. Strictly business,” she laughed to herself. “I give you two months before you start getting down to business.”

“Evelyn.” I blushed.

“Mark my words, honey.” She gave me one more pat. “Keep in touch.”

“I will.”

Henry waved bye-bye and we headed downstairs to turn in my ID badge and walk out for the final time. As soon as we got off the elevator, we were approached by the harried Vice President, Mr. Stanley. Otherwise known as Mr. He-wouldn’t-know-a-good-employee-if-she-bit-him-in-the-butt. I was honestly surprised to see him so out of sorts. Normally he strutted around in his designer suits trying to look as distinguished as possible. He was one of those men who loved mentioning how many times a week he played racquetball and that he only ate whole foods. I would give it to him—you wouldn’t know he was well into his fifties except his hair was more silver now than brown.

“Aspen,” Mr. Stanley said, relieved. “I’m glad I caught you. Can we speak for a moment?” He eyed Henry carefully.

“What about?” I was playing it cool.

He cleared his throat. “I just heard the unfortunate news that you’ve decided to leave. I hate to lose such a valuable employee.”

Valuable? I wanted to laugh, but all I could do was stare at him blankly.

He tugged on his collar. “Why don’t we talk in my office about your career goals and what it would take for you to stay.”

Henry was starting to fidget, so I set him down and took his hand. The wonderful way his hand felt in mine gave me all the courage I needed. “Mr. Stanley, you never appreciated how valuable I was to this organization, and sadly, neither did I. But now that I do, I see I’m worth more than this place.”

Mr. Stanley stared, dumbfounded.

“Here’s my badge. Have fun with Stephen.” I turned with the biggest smile on my face and never looked back.

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