Page 89 of My Not So Wicked Boss (My Not So Wicked 3)

I tried to savor each word because I didn’t want it to end, not only because the writing was amazing, but because I owed so much to Isabella. Because of her, I learned to forgive myself and was willing to take a chance on love again. And who better to take that chance with than Isabella’s creator? I know Miles said that Isabella came to him, but I think she always lived inside of him. She was the part of him who yearned to break free from his family’s shame. A shame that was never his to bear.

“I’m finished,” I informed Miles.

He immediately stopped his pacing and raced to my side on the couch. “Well?” He was as eager as a child on Christmas morning.

I placed my hands on his stubbled cheeks and kissed him once. “It’s brilliant. I have a new favorite book.”

His hands cupped my face. “Are you in earnest, darling?”

“I would never lie to you.”

“It is one of the many reasons I love you.”

“I love you, too. Should we go and get the kids? I’m sure my mom has them in a sugar coma by now and it’s almost Henry’s bedtime. I don’t want him to be grouchy tomorrow.” The kids had spent the day with my parents making Christmas cookies and shopping, giving me the day to read. Miles wanted my opinion before he sent the completed manuscript to his editor.

Miles nuzzled my neck, making me rethink picking up the kids right at that moment. “There has been a change of plans. The children are spending the night with your parents.”

I tipped my head back, so he didn’t miss any spots on my neck. “What will we do with our time alone?” My tone suggested what his answer should be.

“I’m glad you asked. I have some research I need you to help me with.”

That was not what my tone indicated. I leaned back with a crinkled brow. He had to be joking. “You just finished the book and we’ve hardly seen each other because you’ve been so busy writing.”

“I know, my love, but I feel like it needs an epilogue and I need your help.”

“It’s perfect the way it is.” I pulled him to me. My lips played above his, begging to be kissed.

“You are tempting, darling, but this important.” He pushed off the couch and stood.

I stared up at him in shock. He was serious.

He held out his hand to me. “I promise I will make it up to you.” A bemused smile played on his lips.

I placed my hand and my trust in his. “Okay. Where are we going so late?”

“The Ranch, so dress warmly.”

I still couldn’t believe we were spending our first night alone in the last few weeks doing book research—for a book that was done, mind you. But there was something cozy about being bundled up in the car listening to Christmas music and staring at my handsome boyfriend. Boyfriend was weird for me to say. I mean, I was a mother of an almost teen, and Miles was forty. Boyfriend seemed juvenile and didn’t adequately describe what I felt Miles and I shared. Our connection ran so deep that at times we spoke each other’s thoughts before either one of us could express them.

“You’re still planning on speaking at career day next week, right?” Chloe had asked him instead of me, because let’s be honest, his job was way cooler than mine. Though the perks of mine were hard to beat. Cute kid that adored me and a dashing boss whose kisses made not only my toes curl but my entire body zing.

Miles reached over and rested his hand on my thigh. “I’ll be there. My publisher is having some books from their middle grade line shipped for the occasion.”

“Chloe will be excited about that.”

“Have yours and Chloe’s passports arrived yet?”

“Did I forget to tell you? They came yesterday. I can’t believe we will be spending Christmas in London.”

Miles caressed my thigh. “I’m anxious to return and to have you and Chloe with Henry and me. Oscar and Molly have requested we spend Christmas day with them.”

“I would love that. What about Penelope?” I hesitated to ask. Last time I saw her was after Miles and I decided to give this a go. She threw a better temper tantrum than Henry and flew out the door saying it would never last. I was going to do my best to prove her wrong.

Miles cleared his throat. “She will conveniently be on holiday in Rome.”

That was music to my ears. “What a shame.”

Miles laughed. “You will not go entirely unscathed. My father and my siblings are hoping to meet you.” Miles tried to keep the edge out of his tone.

I rubbed Miles’s hand. “I would be happy to meet any of your family.”

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