Page 6 of My Bossy Valentine

I was. I didn't tell anyone that either. “Are you spying on me?” It's a legitimate question.

“I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.”

“Ha ha. Bad spy humor.” I'm grinning despite myself. Then, “It's good. The writing, I mean. I am halfway through my first book. The characters are getting to know each other—”

“Having sex. You can say it.”

“—and I like the plot. I've even found an online group of other romance authors. Who knows? Maybe I could publish it for fun?” I can't even begin to guess how he knows I'm writing a romance. I'm a little afraid to ask.

“Don't let anyone tell you what's right for your life, Ava. Go after what you want. I promise you, life is too short to do otherwise.” Sadness laces his voice.

I want to ask him who he lost, but I already know he won’t answer. “Thanks, big bro.”

After hanging up, I move to the window in Spencer's office that overlooks the enormous house being built. My soon to be ex-boss is pointing at some plans, then the second floor, a scowl on his face. I want that grouchy man. I'm just not sure if I can risk the heartache if he turns me down a second time.

Chapter Four

Spencer

There's a fresh layerof snow on the ground when I step out of my cabin the next morning. Dawn paints the sky pink, and birds are singing in the surrounding forest. I slept like shit though and can't appreciate it. Guzzling my second cup of coffee, I climb into my truck and head into town.

Avery's resignation letter has me tied in knots. Once the anger wore off, the very real possibility of her leaving left me completely unsettled. I've been attracted to her from the first day I saw her, but that's not something a man my age would act upon. Besides, I had my chance at love, and it slapped me in the face. Having Avery as my assistant was enough. I could see her, listen to her stories about Dottie's cat and the people in town, and keep a respectable distance.

Yesterday, when I realized that I wouldn't be able to see her every day if she left, something inside me snapped. I couldn’t draw a full breath, couldn’t concentrate.

My day wouldn't berightif she wasn't there handing me coffee with a bright smile. I can't accept coffee from some other person sitting at that desk pretending to be Avery. That's insane. How would I function? What if the person wanted to be quiet in the morning instead of chattering away like Avery does? What if they wantmeto talk instead?

No. It can't happen. I must convince her to stay.

Throughout the night, I considered and tossed aside dozens of ideas. Hundreds. Some, like fetching her coffee and breakfast this morning, seemed a simple way to start. A raise and more vacation time, surely. Most employees want that. What else? I think she lives with Dottie. Should I build her a house? Should I lead with that or start with the coffee? Coffee and a raspberry muffin, and then the house? I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t know what she wants most in life. Whatever it is, I’ll find a way to make it happen. I need her.

Half an hour later, I park my truck in front of the job site trailer. My foreman and a couple other guys are already here, sitting on the unfinished cabin porch, drinking their coffee. The old green Cadillac Avery shares with Dottie isn't here.

I gather our coffees and the other things I bought, lock the truck up, and pull open the trailer door. Stepping inside is like walking into a garden in bloom. Avery's floral scent lingers, filling my senses and settling the strained beats of my heart. The flowers in my hand don't smell half as sweet, even though I bought the biggest bouquet at the flower shop. I set them on the corner of her desk, along with the coffee and muffin, then debate where I should be. In my office pretending I'm already working? Waiting to hand her coffee as she always does for me?

I hear a car door and the light click of heels on the metal treads before I can make a decision. The door swings open behind me. Avery enters the office, her eyes widening when she sees me next to her desk.

“What is all this?”

I clear my throat, feeling my cheeks heat. “Coffee. For you.”

“And the flowers?”

“Also for you. I wasn't sure what your favorites were, so I bought a mix.”

She takes the coffee, a bemused look creasing the little space between her eyebrows. “Is this about my resignation?”

“Yes. No.”

She cocks her head, looking at me as if I've lost my mind. Perhaps I have. “You must—” The phone rings, cutting me off. “Leave it.” But Avery is already answering the phone.

“Oh yes, he's in, Mr. Manning. One moment.” She covers the phone with one hand. “Ezra Manning wants to talk to you about the contract on those cabins he wants built. You were supposed to call him yesterday.”

I should finish this conversation with Avery. I only have a limited time to change her mind about leaving. Time is precious. But Ezra's project is one I believe in, so I take the call in my office. “Eat your muffin, Avery.”

She rolls her eyes at me, a little grin spreading over her lips when she turns away. A burst of warmth fills my chest at the sight.

“Sully. How's Hope Peak?” Ezra asks when I pick up the call. Hearing my old nickname from my Air Force days releases the tension in my shoulders.

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