Page 23 of Like a Boss

I throw a lime at her. “Fuck you.”

The club we’re at isn’t exactly the place I’d usually choose to go to, but shots are two dollars, so I’m not complaining.

Turns out, I do remember meeting Ken. I’m actually surprised I forgot because he’s gorgeous. With curly brown hair, hypnotizing jade eyes, and a killer smile, he’s someone most women would fall over to talk to. Not to mention he’s polite and not at all cocky, but as he’s talking to me about his goals and dreams, I feel my eyelids grow heavy as I smother yawn number ten behind my hand.

What is the matter with me?

Ken is exactly the type of man I should be interested in, but I’m not. That thought has me tossing back another shot.

Hannah nudges me with her knee, and I lean in close. “So, what do you think of Mr. Dreamy Eyes?”

“He’s great.” I bite my lip to stop my smile.“Great is such a noncommittal word, Ms. Young.”

Ugh, get out of my head! But secretly, I like that all thoughts lead back to him.

“That goofy smile reveals you think someone else is a lot more than just great.”

The loud dance music drowns out my groan. “What is the matter with me, Han? I’m messed up. He’s a complete jerk, not to mention a complete control freak, but whenever I’m in his presence, I feel… alive.”

Hannah doesn’t reply, but I sense her bewilderment over this situation as she sips her cocktail.

“Scott was safe,” I continue, needing to say this out loud. “And I felt grounded, but with Tiger”—I lower my voice so our colleagues won’t hear—“I feel like I’m breaking all the rules… and I like it.”

Hannah pulls back, grinning. “Who would have thought little Baylee Young is a rule breaker.”

“Yes, I’m surprised, too.”

“Whatever will your grandmother’s parish down in Louisiana say?”

“Shh!” I giggle, placing my finger over my lips. “Jesus will hear you.”

Hannah chuckles, and we guzzle back another shot. The booze has lightened me up, and this is the first time since Scott that I’ve felt happy.

There are about twenty fellow employees here tonight, and I’m proud that I’ve spoken to most. They’ve all asked what it’s like working for Mr. Fox, and I’ve been as diplomatic as I can be.Consensus is everyone thinks he’s an uptight asshole who needs to loosen up. But it’s to be expected that a thirty-one-year-old, successful businessman would be a little neurotic.

I’ve tried to subtly ask what his back story is, but no one knows, as he doesn’t openly share his personal life. I make it a point to investigate later.

“Are you going to dance?” Ken asks into my ear. His closeness and warmth startle me, and I pull back.

“No. I’m an awful dancer, and not to mention, I think I’m drunk.” Looking at the table littered with empty shot glasses and bottles, I amend, “Actually, I don’t think, I am.”

“That’s okay. I won’t let you fall.” Before I can object, he places his hand on my lower back.

With no other choice, I cast him a strained smile. “Okay. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

He smirks his award-winning smile and leads me to the dance floor.

A group of us begin dancing, with Hannah in the middle, tossing her hair from side to side. An upbeat dance song plays loudly on the speakers, sending the vibrant crowd into a dancing frenzy.

I hobble awkwardly, feeling ridiculous, as I don’t usually listen to Top 40. Ken must see my uncomfortableness because he subtly shuffles in front of me and begins giving me my own personal floor show. He’s got the moves, and I can’t deny he looks hot. So when he places a hand lightly on my hip and draws me close so we’re inches apart, I don’t shy away.

I’m a lot shorter than he is, so he dips low. “Having fun?”

I nod.

“I would really love to take you out one day.”

Pulling back, I resist the urge to clear out my ears. “What?”

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