Page 45 of Boss Me Not

She shook her head. “No. I’ll be fine. I’ll fly back tomorrow, spend the day on Monday packing, and then drive back Tuesday morning.”

I wasn’t going to push the issue. I already sounded like a clingy boyfriend. But, honestly, I didn’t want her to go.

“I could hire movers for you.”

She giggled. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m serious.” I grabbed her hand across the table and entwined our fingers.

“Oh, I know you’re serious, but that’s also why I said you’re ridiculous. You are not paying someone to pack my crap and drive my car back here. I’m perfectly capable.”

I frowned, still hating the idea of her leaving but knowing she wasn’t going to give in to my crazy-ass idea either. Although, I didn’t think going with her was that crazy of an idea.

“Phone sex?”

She laughed loudly, garnering attention from tables around us. I smiled. It was worth a shot.

“Maybe if you’re a good boy I’ll consider it.” Her nose wrinkled. “On second thought, it might be weird with my sister Izzy there. It’s a one bedroom.”

I chuckled and closed my menu. It didn’t take long to order and get our food. While we ate, she told me all about her firefighter brother Jay and their younger sister Izzy.

For the first time, it struck me as funny that this was something I thought I wouldn’t be good at—listening and paying attention, small talk and conversation. With Angie, I was great at it. Wanted to engage in it. I wanted to know everything about her. What she liked and what she didn’t. Her family, friends, hobbies. All of it.

I blinked as she leaned forward, smirking at me. Crap. I’d zoned out. Well, obviously, I still had that issue. At least the thoughts I got lost in were still consumed by her.

Chapter Twenty-Four

WYATT

It hadn’t even beentwo days since she left and I was already going insane. I’d just talked to her on the phone, but it didn’t matter because she wasn’t here. She’d be back tomorrow, I reminded myself. Then I had five days to talk her out of moving into the apartment she was going to rent. I knew it was going to take a lot of convincing, but when I thought about it, none of it made sense. We both knew she would be at the hotel with me every night. Wouldn’t it be easier for her to not have to travelback and forth every day? Bottom line was I couldn’t imagine her not in my arms every night.

I nodded my head at one of the other donors as he looked expectantly at me. I hadn’t a clue what he’d said, but luckily, a nod did the trick. I didn’t even want to be at this damn dinner meeting. But since I was a donor, not to mention all of these people loved my grandparents and they wanted to name the new wing after them, I didn’t have a choice. I tipped my head to the bar, excusing myself from the discussion. Only way I was getting through this was with plenty of alcohol. I ordered another whiskey on the rocks and cherished the burn as I tossed back half the glass.

Out of the corner of my eye, silky red fabric caught my attention, and for a brief minute I thought it might be my sexy temptress in red. I was sorely disappointed when I turned and found Natalie sidling up to the bar. The smile she directed at me made my stomach turn. At one time I thought she was totally my type, but now I couldn’t understand what had attracted me to her in the first place.

“Want to get out of here?” she cooed.

She ran her hand up my arm, and I flinched back. Was she serious? I’d turned her down the last time she was standing nearly naked in front of me. What made her think anything had changed?

I studied her face as she shifted closer, alcohol heavy on her breath.

“Come on. It’s always good between us.” She trailed her fingers up my hand that rested on the bar.

I moved it out of herreachand placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her from falling into me.

She was drunk. Mostdefinitelywasted. I glanced around to see if she was with anyone, and no one paid us any mind.Turning back to Natalie, I eyed her as she wobbled on her heels, her eyes red and glassy.

With a huff, she lifted a hand, attempting to flag the bartender down. I shook my head, silently telling the dude he shouldn’t serve her.

“How about I give you a ride back to your apartment?”

That got her attention, and she spun on me with a smile. “As long as you come up.”

I shook my head. “Not gonna happen. I’m with someone now.”

“Yeah, okay.” She waved me off. “You’ll get bored and move on soon enough,” she slurred.

I pulled up my text thread with Paul, letting him know I was ready. “Come on. Let me get you home.”

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