Page 29 of Bossy Ex's Brother

After a beat, he sighed and turned around in annoyance. “You’re really willing to die on this hill?”

I shrugged stubbornly. “Why not? I’m already fired.”

“And you’re making it very difficult for me to rehire you.”

“Yes. Because how do I know you won’t pull this bullshit again?”

“And you think my apologizing will make me not?”

“Yes,” I responded simply. “You hate saying sorry, so you’ll think twice before you mess up because you know I’ll make you do it again.”

“No one makes me do anything.”

“Fine,” I said. I wasn’t going to argue with him about that. But I could already see his resolve weakening.

He shook his head. “Why do you have to be so difficult?”

“Why do you have to be so irritating?”

He smirked, and I could see the genuine amusement in his eyes. “Fine. I’m sorry. Are you happy?”

I was, actually, but I still persisted, bringing my chin up. “Just so we’re clear, what exactly are you sorry about?”

“I’m sorry about our little miscommunication,” he said.

I narrowed my eyes at him. It sounded like he was still making it both our fault.

My feeling was confirmed when he added, “And I’m sure you’re sorry too about behaving unprofessionally in a professional environment.”

“I’m not—”

“So I forgive you.” He cut me off as he smiled. “Are you going to come back to work now?”

I should have said yes. I figured I’d already gotten the best I could out of him and should probably just take it for what it was.

Still, I couldn’t resist poking the bear. “And if I don’t?”

“You will.” He picked up the spoon again. “Because I don’t think you can afford not to. Not if your brother wants to keep going to Harvard, that is. And maybe then you can afford proper cutlery too.”

Bastard. My face turned red as I realized he’d overheard what we were talking about.

“You were listening in on our conversation?”

“It was kinda hard not to.” He shrugged carelessly. “You were essentially screaming down the entire block.”

The fact that he was right didn’t make my embarrassment or irritation any less. It was even more annoying.

“That’s…” I sighed, finally realizing it was time to give it up. “Fine, alright. I’ll come to work tomorrow. Now, if you could please leave my house, I would appreciate it.”

“Sure,” he said, eyeing me mischievously. “But not till I meet the family.”

And then, before I could say anything about it, he pulled open the door and walked out with a cheery smile on his face. “Family!”

Felix and Beth jumped back instantly like they’d had their ears pressed to the door the entire time. Which they probably did. None of them looked particularly ashamed of their actions, but Beth had that same blush on her face as she fluttered her eyes at Luca.

“Hi, I’m Beth,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears and glancing at him from below her eyelashes. “I don’t think we were properly introduced the other day, and I don’t think I thanked you for helping me out.”

“You’re welcome,” Luca said, nodding at her before he glanced at Felix, who was still peering curiously at him.

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