Page 2 of My Forbidden Boss

My insides clenched. »Farewell party?« I asked quietly, and in the same moment, Wesley looked guilty.

»Wes is moving to Louisiana tomorrow, but what’s it to you?« Elliot said, rolling his eyes. Once again, my heart pounded painfully. I stared at Wesley, and he looked at me, but only briefly before he cast his gaze to the floor and followed Elliot out of the kitchen. Without a goodbye. Without an explanation.

»See ya, nuisance!« Elliot called, but I barely heard his words. All I could think about was that it was probably the only and last moment I had ever gotten closer to Wesley Crush. And that kiss changed everything. At least for me.

2

Today

Wesley

New York had barely changed since the last time I was here. I had to admit, I still liked the city. Every street corner burst with memories, good memories, since I had moved to a tiny village near New Orleans with my mom eleven years ago at the age of seventeen. My gaze drifted outside through the tall window panes of the hotel bar. It was already late in the evening, yet the streets were still crowded. I appreciated this feverish, never-ending restlessness, for that was what drove me too. Always forward, always onward. Only that had allowed me to be so successful, to escape the neighborhood and the hamster wheel in which I had been with my mother. At least initially.

I also liked the batting of the hot blonde’s eyelashes sitting next to me at the bar, sipping her Cosmopolitan. »Another one for the lady,« I said to the bartender, who nodded with a knowing grin and began to prepare it. As he placed the drink in front of her, I picked up my Scotch, stood up, and walked towards her. Her cheeks glowed rosy with anticipation, and a smile stole its way onto her red lips. She had beautiful lips, perfect for this night.

»May I offer you this drink?« I asked, nodding towards the new glass.

Her smile widened, and she gestured to the free barstool next to hers. »I would love that. Please sit down.«

I extended my hand and took hers. »Wesley Crush, a pleasure.«

She giggled softly, and a part of me found it too easy. A well-fitted suit, an expensive watch on the wrist, a few charming words, and doors were open to a man. Not only with women, but one was generally treated differently, whether appearing in torn old jeans or a suit. I certainly spoke from experience and couldn’t deny that I enjoyed the perks of my hard-earned money. »Joyce,« she said, stating just her first name, the flutter of her lashes revealing exactly what she was after tonight.

»Waiting for someone, Joyce?« I asked her and took another sip.

»Just until I’m tired enough for my room in this hotel.« Or until you don’t have to go up alone, I added in my head to her clear statement. Yes, I too knew the feeling of not wanting to be alone in a new city. Due to my job, I was rarely somewhere for longer than a year. My phone vibrated in my pocket, but I ignored it. It was probably business anyway, which could wait an hour. Ever since my old assistant had quit, it had not been easy to find someone new.

»Then here’s to a successful evening...« I said, raising my glass, but before I could clink glasses with Joyce, a large hand slapped my back. Slowly, I turned around to look directly into Elliot’s broad grinning face. We hadn’t seen each other for years now, even though we kept in constant contact via messages and emails. My former best friend spread his arms. I stood up, and we shared a manly hug.

»Wow, you’ve really become a man,« I said, earning a hearty laugh.

»It’s been a while since we last saw each other, bro.« He acted as if he had to think. »Eleven years, right? You’ve been all around the world, just not here in New York, kind of strange, don’t you think?« Perhaps he was right in his assumption that this was not merely a coincidence. Possibly I was avoiding someone, someone specific with big glasses over cloudy-gray eyes that could always see deep into my dark soul.

»My business now prevents me from staying away any longer,« I responded with a grin. »From now on, you’ll see me so often that you’ll wish I would leave again.« Suddenly, Joyce slid between us and pressed a napkin into my hand.

»I don’t want to disturb this reunion, if it gets late, I don’t mind,« she whispered to me. She smiled at Elliot and left the bar with a sultry sway. I looked at the napkin and recognized her room number. Elliot grinned at me broadly.

»Still the same old you, huh?«

I shrugged. »Why change when everything is perfect as it is?«

»That’s a good question. Come on, tell me everything.«

I signaled the bartender, and understanding, he brought us two more Scotches as we settled into a secluded seating area.

Elliot spread his arms on the backrest. »So this is your joint, huh?«

I had to grin. »If you want to put it that way, yes. This is one of my hotels.«

»Pretty posh place compared to my old bedroom.« Elliot laughed uncomfortably. I leaned on the table and moved a bit forward.

»What do you mean?« Through our email contact, I knew that Elliot had found a steady girlfriend, Lara, a beautiful owner of a flower shop, and the two had moved in together two years ago. »What’s up with Lara?«

Elliot sighed heavily, and all of a sudden, nothing was left of the confident man. He slumped. »She left me. Had to move back in with my parents.«

»Oh, fuck, I’m sorry, Elli.«

He shrugged. »It’s my fault, I took her for granted. I should have put in more effort.«

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