Page 93 of The Boss

It takes me about five seconds to realize that Danica Moreau is not in attendance. Instead, I’m graced with the presence of Mrs. Alicia Moreau, and she is more than capable of taking care of this meeting. Normally, I wouldn’t question a last-minute change like this, especially knowing that she’s involved with her wife’s enterprises, but... didn’t sheliterallygive birth recently? The hell is she doing on the other side of the country?

“Mrs. Moreau,” she greets me with a smile and a nod. It’s only after I’ve completely entered the conference room that she gets up and offers to shake my hand. Her black dress is tailored in such a way that I would never guess she was still losing weight. The only reason I could tell—if I hadn’t known already—that she is in a delicate disposition is from how she carries herself.There’s an urgency to her movements that suggests she’s in a hurry to get home.

“Mrs. Moreau. Forgive me if I’m surprised at your presence. I was expecting your wife.”

“I’m sure. It’s my team’s fault for not getting back to you about the change. Danica came unexpectedly down with a cold, and her doctor refuses to let her travel, let alone on a plane. So, here I am. Hope you don’t mind—everyone’s given me a thorough run down of the events here, and I’ve had quite a bit of time holed up in a hospital room doing my research.”

We both sit at the same time. “I do hope that it’s not too much of a bother.”

“Bother? I flew from the East Coast to Portland, Oregon. Nothing’s a bother now. But if we may, I’d like to get started.” She then introduces me to her lawyer. Nobody mentions the bodyguards, so neither will I.

“Quite. Let’s get started.”

This isn’t exciting business underway. What it is are lawyers going over the terms and the Moreau camp signing off on them in front of me. After this is taken care of, Bradford & Marcon will have a full run of whatever money the Moreaus send our way. All we must do is deliver on their investment. Something that I would’ve said was in the bag a few weeks ago.

Now? Both Presley and I are in way over our heads with this lawsuit.

Well, I’m not sure about Presley. She only comes to work half the time now. The other half she spends at home or finds herself a new weekend-only girlfriend.

I’m good at putting my head down and getting work done, however. It’s easy for me to charm Alicia Moreau and make her laugh while we sign the final papers. I can briefly forget about Alessa now that the promise of millions of more dollars startscoming down the financial pipeline. When this meeting is over, I will wander back to my office and get right back to work.

Except I have another appointment after this meeting. With another lawyer.

And Alessa.

Chapter 46

Alessa

Well, I survived seeing Julianna at the office while she was wearing one of those super-hot dresses of hers. I survived. That’s all that matters.

However, I am not prepared to walk into the restroom and find a beautiful young businesswoman texting on her phone.

“Oh, sorry.” I only came in to wash my hands. With all the pollen at this time of year, they feel so grimy. “Didn’t know anyone else would be in here.”

The blond woman puts her phone away and flashes me a curt smile. “No worries. Last I checked, we can share the sinks. Unless things are different in the PNW.”

“Not that I know of.” A flashy emerald and diamond ring twinkles on her left hand. Her dress is carefully tailored to hide her stomach. Bloat? Weight gain? Or…

Her phone rings. “Alicia Moreau,” she greets, fixing her stray hair in the mirror. “I should be there within ninety minutes.With any luck, I’ll walk into my bedroom by midnight back home.”

Alicia… Moreau?

Holy shit! That’s not bloat she’s hiding. That’s her post-baby weight… wait… what is she doing out here? Where’s her wife? Was that meeting happening today?

Why am I somewhat starstruck? Is it because this woman is fancier than I expected? Younger? Or is it all her money that makes her look younger than she is? I know that her wife is still in her early thirties, but…

She puts her phone down. “And you are?”

Her whole body is turned toward me. Aside from the curve-hugging black dress adorning her body and the twinkling wedding ring on her hand, her throat is encircled by a sleek and understated… collar.

Yes, she is Danica Moreau’s wife. Now that I also know how to recognize collars like that? It makes me think of Julianna and the tenderness she always showed me even when she was the dominant one in the bedroom.

I admit, I’m half disappointed that she didn’t try to get me back right there in the conference room. I was prepared. Ready for her to emotionally tear me apart in front of an audience. I would put my guard up. Fight her off. Convince myself that we weren’t meant to be.

Then… nothing.

“Sorry,” I apologize again, fighting back memories of Julianna and how she always made love to me. “I’m Alessa Penrose. I used to work here.”

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