Page 6 of Boss On Notice
“And this time, I didn’t even make a plan to run into you,” I say with a laugh.
His thick and naturally manicured eyebrows shoot up. I think he’s actually pondering whether or not I’m a stalker.
“That was a joke,” I say. “And obviously a bad one.”
We chuckle to let the awkwardness pass. I can’t believe I said that.
Mr. Eleventh Floor tells me he had to return to his apartment because he had left his cell phone sitting on top of the sofa.
“That sounds totally like something I’ll never do,” I say with a laugh.
Thankfully, he chuckles too. “Me neither. I’m exhausted and I won’t be able to slow down until this weekend is over.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, he tells me he’s been up all-night watching player performance videos.
“I’m usually a laid-back kind of guy but when the season starts, I turn into a rabid workaholic. I gotta win the big one.”
Gosh, I love the shade and shape of his eyes. Even better are his kissable lips, which actually resemble Mr. Boss from Hell, Orion Lord’s. But Mr. Eleventh Floor is much dreamier because he’s clearly not a selfish asshole, and he’s athletically tall too. I’m sure he has a girlfriend. Men who look like him are never single. That would also explain why he hasn’t taken our encounters further than casual convo.
“What’s the big one?” I ask as the elevator stops on the fifth floor to let someone else in. It’s a woman. Her perfume is nice. But I don’t acknowledge her because he doesn’t, which might be a sign that he’s into me.Hmm…
“The World Series.”
“Oh,” I exclaim, leaning away from him. “Baseball?”
“The Connecticut Ramblers.” He’s watching me with a perfect toothy white smile.Gay…he must be gay.
“Wait? The Connecticut Ramblers?” I ask.
“Yep.” He looks pretty proud about whatever association he has with that team. I wonder if he’s the coach or something.
The doors slide open, and as we pass through the lobby, I share with him that I’m attending the wedding of the team owner’s sister this weekend.
He pulls his gorgeous mouth downward reflectively. “Oh yeah? Will you be with the bride or groom?”
“Both,” I say. “The groom’s brother is my boss, but I’m friendly with the bride.” I’d rather claim her than him. I would think Treasure and I would remain friendly long after I leave LTI. She’s the epitome of a girl’s girl.
An impish smile forms on his lips. “Treasure, huh?” Of course, he knows her. He would know the owner of the team’s sister’s name. She’s pretty popular as she’s been nicknamed “The People’s Heiress.” Treasure always gets a kick out of that.
I jump startled when a loud horn echoes through the hollowed-out open space of the porte cochere. Mr. Eleventh Floor remains calm, cool, and collected as he watches my crazy boss standing at the driver’s side of his car yelling, “Lila, let’s go.”
I bite down on my back teeth.I will not allow him to call me Lila from this day forth.
I’m about to excuse myself and apologize for my boss’s behavior, but Mr. Eleventh Floor is frowning at Orion. “Is that Orion Lord?”
Surprised he asked, and alarmed that he knows the boss from hell, I spread my fingers against my breastbone. “Yes.” My tone is laced with caution.
Suddenly Orion jerks his head back. “Lynx is that you?”
No…no-no-no-no. Please don’t let them know each other.
The two are suddenly grabbing each other’s hand and shaking hands in that manly way followed by a loose hug.
No…
I sigh with dread.Yes.All my hopes of getting to know Mr. Eleventh Floor better are immediately thwarted. No friend of Orion’s can ever be a lover of mine.
CHAPTER3
