Page 55 of Forbidden Grumpy Boss

For me.

“Alright,” Silas says as we approach Berthillon. “Time for the best ice cream you’ll ever taste.”

The moment I bite into the creamy vanilla scoop, I’m convinced he’s not exaggerating. Caleb’s already wolfing down his cone, while Silas watches me with a soft smile.

"Good?" he asks, amusement dancing in his eyes.

I lick a bit of ice cream off my lip. "Incredible. Who knew you had a soft spot for ice cream?”

"I have a soft spot for you," he says casually, making my heart do a backflip.

I can’t help but laugh, trying to keep things light. “You’re smooth, Silas Waverly. Too smooth.”

He shrugs. “I do my best. You make it easy for me, though, darling.” He stretches a spoonful of his ice cream, and I happily lick it.

“Oh my God.” Caleb rolls his eyes. “Can you guys stop?” he asks as we laugh.

The rest of the day passes in a blur of sightseeing, laughter, and more ice cream. It’s like being in a dream, walking through Paris with Silas and Caleb, like we’re some kind of family. But that’s the dangerous part, isn’t it? The way he makes me feel like I belong when I know I shouldn’t.

I mean, for once in my adult life, I don’t feel like an outsider. I feel like I’m part of something real. And it’s terrifying.

By the time we reach the hotel, Caleb is wiped, giving us a sleepy goodnight before heading to his room.

The moment he’s gone, the air shifts. Silas uncorks a bottle of red wine, pouring us both a glass. I take mine, feeling a flutter in my chest as our fingers brush.

“To today,” he says, holding up his glass.

“To today,” I echo, clinking mine against his. The wine is rich and smooth, but I can only focus on how Silas looks at me, like he’s seen every part of me and still wants more.

We sit by the window overlooking the city, glasses in hand. The tension from earlier melts away, leaving behind a comfortable silence between us.

“Also, to you,” Silas says, raising his glass, “for bringing joy back into Caleb’s life.”

I blink, a little thrown. “I didn’t fly us to Paris.”

“You didn’t have to,” he says, his gaze softening as it locks onto mine. “Caleb wouldn’t have come if it was just me. You’ve changed things, Leah. He’s different now. Happier. I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my throat tighten. “Thank you,” I whisper, feeling my cheeks flush. “And thank you for helping me face my fear of flying.”

“Are you over it?”

“I’m not sure it’sthateasy.” I chuckle.

“So, I’m hearing we need to take more of these flights.” He nods.

“No!” I burst into laughter. “This was a one-time thing. There’s no way in hell I’m letting you drag me to different countries in that small plane.”

“I have a bigger one back in New York?” He raises a brow.

“You’re not helping matters, Silas.” I shove him playfully.

He smiles. “But really, it isn’t just Caleb who’s happier, Leah.” When I say nothing, he continues. “This,” he points to himself and then to me, “isn’t what I expected.”

“What did you expect?”

He tilts his head slightly, his eyes darkening as he changes the subject. “I’ve been thinking about kissing you all day.”

The air between us thickens. I set my glass down, feeling a rush of heat through my body. “What’s stopping you?”

---