Page 5 of My Bossy Valentine

He resurfaced almost a year ago, and though he refused to talk about where he'd been, the darkness in his eyes was like looking at a stranger. It didn’t matter to me. I had my brother back, and I wasn’t going to let him go for any reason.

He settled in a remote cabin not far from here, looking for solitude. Something haunts him. I can only hope he finds himself there in the mountains. “I'm glad,” I reply.

“Why don't you tell me why you really called? Maybe I can help.”

“I think grandma is planning to take over the world again.”

He snorts. “Wouldn't be the first time. Watch out for four-footed minions.”

“I'm cat-sitting one now.”

“Sucker.”

“You know just what to say to make me feel better, big bro.” He grunts, and it reminds me so much of Spencer that it hurts. I tell him about Grandma’s call coming on the same day as my resignation, and Spencer's reaction. There's a long pause when I finish.

“Anson?”

“I can't see a nefarious plan here unless she's trying to hook you up with her boss.”

“Oh. Oh, no, no, no. It can't be that.” The words rush out, so of course he pounces on them.

“Why not? Something wrong with him? Do I need to come by?”

“No!” I practically shout. That's the last thing I need. If I thought I was embarrassed when I asked out my boss, having my brother suddenly show up acting, well,brotherly, would be beyond mortifying.

“I know you. What's the real reason this is bothering you, Ava?”

He's the only person who calls me that. The nickname makes me crack and suddenly I'm spilling everything, including how much I like Spencer and that he turned me down for a date.

Being my brother, his reaction is classic. He laughs at me.

“It's not funny, you big jerk.”

“Ava, did you actually ask the man out? Or did you hint that maybe you wanted to see him?”

“I—I mean, of course I did.”

“You're such a girl. Men like a direct question. If you want this man, ask him to dinner. Not a suggestion, not a maybe. Direct.”

Can I do that? Can I really ask him a second time? What if he says no again?

“Then you'll know for sure and can move on to this other job that you don't want.”

Crap. Did I ask that out loud? I wrap my arm around my waist and bend over until my head touches my knees. “I do want the job.”

“No, you don't.”

“How do you know what I want and don't want?”

“I'm smarter than you.”

I huff a laugh. “You wish.”

Anson's tone softens. “How's your writing?”

I sit up straight, mouth agape. “What?” How does he know about that? I haven't told a soul about my dream of being an author and seeing my name on a book cover one day. This time in Hope Peak is to see if I can even make that dream a reality before I tell anyone.

“Your heart was never in technology, or whatever shit Mom and Dad wanted you to do. You may have the degree, but I bet you were relieved when the company laid you off.”

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