Page 269 of Bossy Hero

He flings his straight palm toward the windshield. “I’m following Kri.”

“Good boy,” Sammy chimes in, sarcasm layering her tone. “That’s all you need to know. If more men let women handle things, the world would be a better place.”

Several hours later, Alan’s face lights up when he sees me peek into his office. He waves me over.

“Hi,” I whisper, not wanting to interrupt his phone call.

“Hold on a second, Bigsby.” He puts the phone receiver to his chest. “I didn’t know you were coming by. All done with your errands? Your hair looks nice.”

Oh, he noticed my hair. I love him so much.

“Yes. You’re talking to the chief, huh? Is he okay?”

He nods, the corner of his mouth pinching into the beginning of a smile.

“How are Katia and the baby?”

“They’re all good. He moved them into his house. And Savin and Tasha are flying back tonight.”

“They’re gonna be a family again.”

His smile splays across his face, and my knees buckle.

“I’ll be out of your hair in a second.” I set the gift box on the corner of his desk. “Did the fitting go okay?”

“Yeah. Oddly, when we got there, the guys talked Tomer into something more casual instead of tuxedos. I hope Lettie doesn’t flip out, but we all left with matching dress shirts and tan pants. Shoes too. The works.”

He points at the bookcase along the wall, where his new clothes hang neatly.

Playing along, I fib, “They texted her to make sure she was good with it. And she said she only wanted Tomer to be happy.”

“Aw, that’s sweet.”

Sucker.

He lifts his chin and puckers his lips for me in a silent invitation. I give him a quick peck, lingering an inch from his face to savor the moment.

When I pull away, he darts his gaze to the white box on the corner of his desk. “What’s that?”

“I got it for you while we were out today. Open it when you’re done with your call. It’s self-explanatory.”

His brows knit tightly. “Okay. After this, I’m done for the day. Want to get some dinner?”

“Mystic Fish?”

Alan’s features sag slightly, revealing his opinion.

My lips and cheeks wiggle as I attempt to conceal my laughter, ultimately failing. “I’m kidding. You should see your face.”

He massages his nape. “If you wanted to go there again, I’d take you. But secretly, I’m hoping it’s off the menu for a long time.”

Some of my mirth fades, earnestness taking its place. “Bad memories. I get it.”

“That’s not quite it.” Looking chagrined, he quirks his head to the side. “Truth?”

“Always.”

“I never liked that place. But I knew how much you loved it.”

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