Page 1 of Forbidden Grumpy Boss

Chapter one

Leah

There’s nothing like aruined childhood and a dash of daddy issues to spice up a Roman holiday.

I sigh as I step into the lobby of my hotel. Everything here screams luxury. From the crystal chandeliers overhead to the golden accents on every piece of furniture.

It’s a stark contrast to the mess I left behind back home, where I can't stand the sight of my father. I can just imagine his smug face trying to buy me back with fancy cars and checks I refuse to cash. He’s the reason I’m here, after all. Well, him, and the memories of my mom.

I can’t even cry about her anymore. It’s just this hollow ache. Like I’m already sinking beneath all the grief.

I shove those thoughts down as I step in the elevator. It’s been a long day of sightseeing. My feet hurt from walking on those gorgeous cobblestone streets, and my eyes are exhausted from trying to take in every bit of beauty this city offers.

I’m convinced Rome invented beauty. There’s a reason they call it the Eternal City, right? It feels like it has no end. Just an endless charm.

Nonetheless, I’m more than ready to collapse into my bed.

I step out of the elevator and approach my room. I pull the key card from my purse, swipe it over the door lock, and frown as it blinks red. Ugh. I try again. And this time, the door clicks open. Perfect. But as soon as I step inside, I realize something is off.

That sound, I notice. The sound of the shower running. What the hell? Who’s in my—

I almost yell out for help when I look around and realize something. This isn’t my room. What the hell? The smell. My room is all crisp linens and hotel air freshener. But this room smells like warm water and minty aftershave.

“Oh, shit,” I rasp, quickly turning around.

Before I can leave, the stranger steps out of the bathroom, and my breath catches in my throat. He’s like some kind of Roman god come to life, with a towel slung low on his hips, water dripping down his chest.And what a chest. He’s built like the statues I saw today—broad shoulders, a defined chest with just asprinkling of dark and gray hair, and abs that make me wonder if he owns shares in a gym.

His hair is still wet, slicked back. But I can see the streaks of gray in the dark strands. And those eyes: sharp and ice-blue, like they can cut through marble.

He freezes, too, and for a split second, we just stare at each other. It’s like something out of a comedy sketch. But he’s way too hot and wet to be in a PG-rated one.

I’m caught somewhere between panic and admiration. I should say something. But all I can think is thatthisis how people get arrested; for accidentally walking in on hot older men wearing nothing but a towel.

Finally, his eyes narrow, and he says in a deep, gravelly voice that matches his hard, handsome face, “You’re in the wrong room.”

Oh. Right. I blink, my brain struggling to catch up. “Uh . . . obviously.”

He crosses his arms over that impressive chest, and the muscles ripple in a very distracting way. He seems to be old enough to be my father. But unlike my father, he’s fighting a tug-of-war with father time. Seriously. A man this old shouldn’t be this hot.

“Is there a reason you’re still here?” he asks, arching an eyebrow.

“I, uh . . . my key card malfunctioned, and I thought this was my room.” I wave the card at him like that explains everything.

He smirks, and it’s the kind of smirk that should be illegal. “Sure. That’s what they all say.”

“All?” I raise a brow. “This isn’t the first time someone’s walking in on you after a shower?”

“That was sarcasm.” He holds my gaze.

“Oh, you don’t say?”

He runs a hand through his wet hair and his biceps flex. I try not to stare. “Here I was, thinking you were just bold enough to break in.”

I scoff, trying to ignore how my pulse is racing. “Oh, please. If I were going to break into someone’s room, it definitely wouldn’t be one with an aging—” I stop myself, the words hanging awkwardly between us.

His smirk deepens. “Go on, I’d love to hear where you were going with that.”

“You’re American,” my brain finally settles enough to notice.

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