Page 436 of Savage Bosses

She could feel the tension between them growing stronger each day, and she knew that sooner or later, something had to give. Was it toxic of her to now like these confrontations with Bryce? Probably.

As the hours ticked by, Bryce continued to venture in and out of the kitchen, circling her like a predator stalking its prey. She knew that their game of cat-and-mouse was only just beginning.

The question was, who would come out on top? If he didn't care that his staff was starting to smile at them and find his antics romantic, then neither did she. Rumor around the café was that Bryce was falling for Tati.

She did nothing to fuel those rumors, nor did she try to quell them. The day before the Farrina event, Tatianna arrived at the café bright and early to find Bryce and the baristas already there.

"Morning, boss," she greeted him with a smile as she headed to the kitchen, not missing the way he narrowed his eyes as he stared her up and down.

"My office, now," he ordered.

What now? Tati turned and followed him to his office, not missing the way the baristas smiled at her. He closed the door behind her once she stepped into his domain.

"All the servers will wear their normal work khakis and work T-shirts to the event tomorrow," he told her.

"Yes, but I'm..." she started, only to have him cut her off.

"You still have time to purchase some looser-fitting khakis for Melinda's event."

Wait a damn minute.

She raised an eyebrow. "Why do I need looser-fitting khakis?" she asked as she stared down at her pants. Her pants were not too tight.

"They'd look more professional," he told her.

She chuckled. "Or is it so the people focus on the food instead of me?"

"That too," he snapped. "This isn't a fashion show. The attention should be on the menu items the crew has worked hard on, not your ass... assets." His gaze briefly dropped to her thighs.

"Trust me, Mr. Cattaneo, even loose-fitting khakis won't hide these assets. Plus, I'm not the only curvy employee. Did you tell the other staffers to wear loose-fitting clothing?" she challenged, folding her arms across her chest.

"Everyone else passes the dress code."

"Interesting," she mused, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Because I'm pretty sure Dina's pants fit tighter than mine."

"I don't have time to argue with you. As your boss, I've told you what I needed to tell you," he growled. "Please remember, this is a professional event. Don't make it about you."

"Never, boss," she replied sweetly, her gaze locked on him.

"Good," he muttered, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer before he stared back down at his computer screen. "You can leave."

"I was just about to."

"Then go."

"I'm gone."

"I still see you."

"Stop looking."

"Tatianna!" he roared.

"Bryce," she roared back.

He stood up abruptly, causing his chair to fall over. Smiling, Tatianna turned and left his office, twisting her assets as she walked away before he could say anything else. She was glad that she could get under his skin just like he could get under hers. Just as she entered the kitchen, her phone rang. It was her mother's number. She rushed into the breakroom to take the call.

"Hey, Mom. What's up?"

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