Page 41 of Boss Me Not

Izzy: Why do women do this? Why tear down other women?

Izzy: Like, do we not have enough to deal with? Unjust attacks from other women shouldn’t be one of them.

Izzy: I mean, do they really believe you were planning to finish off three pizzas and whatever else was in the bags by yourself?

Izzy: The answer to that is no. They don’t. They’re bitches. Ugh. I’m sorry. I love you.

Izzy: Also, you’re gorgeous. And the way Wyatt is looking at you. Wow. Just wow.

Until that momentI’d refused to pull up my Insta. But after that last text… I couldn’t help myself.

The moment the picture filled my screen, I could see immediately what she was talking about. Desire, and somethingmuch deeper, was etched in his features as he looked at me. I refused to let anyone ruin that, so I took a screenshot, cropped it, and put it as my background. I was proud of myself for not reading the comments.

Me:Thank you.

Me: Are you all moved in?

Izzy: Yes. Although the guys are even more convinced the apartment is cursed now.

Me: What do you mean?

Izzy: When the first picture circulated of you and Wyatt earlier this week, they told Jay it proves it.

Me: They’re ridiculous. Curses aren’t real. And living in an apartment isn’t the reason Owen, Jay, or I have found someone.

I rolled my eyes.The apartment I took over from my brother Jay had been his friend Owen’s before that. They’d each moved out after finding the loves of their lives and moving in with their girlfriends. I didn’t believe the apartment had a love curse. Or maybe it didn’t scare me like it did all the single guys my brother worked with who hadn’t wanted to take over the lease and jeopardize their bachelor status. Now, however, I was starting to wonder. But just a little.

Me:I’m guessing they think you’re next?

Izzy: Yup.

Izzy: Logan was kind of a jerk about it. Said something about me being too young. Like too young for what?

Izzy: He’s so broody every time I’m around. Apparently he’s not like that at the firehouse or with the guys.

Izzy: Pretty sure he finds me annoying.

I smiled as my fingers flew across the screen.

Me: Or he finds you hot and he knows Jay will kill him so he tries to be a jerk when you’re around.

Izzy: He doesn’t give any of those vibes. Like not even an inkling.

Me: He might be really good at masking it.

I glanced at the time and then shot off one last text.

Me: Have a meeting in a few.I’ll call you later.

By the time I’d finished my meeting with a potential client looking to book their family reunion, helped at the front desk, and then dealt with a housekeeping issue, it was already late afternoon. I’d seen Wyatt in passing a few times, but only when other people were around. I was worried people might treat me differently when I came down this morning, but so far no one has said anything or acted weird.

I pushed through the door that led out to the pool area and the beach access. It was March and the pool was still closed for the season, so it was pretty much deserted. I needed a moment to catch my breath, and the sand between my toes sounded good.

I kicked off my heels and carried them with me down the path that led to the water. Standing barefoot in the sand, letting the wind whip around me, I sensed someone behind me and I smiled, hoping it was Wyatt. I relaxed into his chest when his strong arms wrapped around me.

“Next Saturday I have a Gala to attend in Boston.” He buried his nose in my hair, his lips close to my ear. The warmth of his breath against my skin sent a shiver down my spine. “I want you there with me.”

I spun in his arms, looking up at him. “I don’t have a dress with me.”

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