Page 22 of Falling for the Boss

“Not now, Mom.” I tried to wave her off, but she shot me a nasty look.

“I remember where I know her from,” she announced like she was about to win some kind of prize before throwing Kayla an inquisitive look, to which Kayla completely ignored. That girl was the one who deserved a prize.

“Is that so?” I tried to play it cool, but I felt myself grow more than a little nervous. My mom could be scary sometimes.

I blew them both off, continued walking into my office, and sat down at my desk before pulling up my emails, trying to give off the impression that I didn’t have time for this, but my mom refused to let it go. She came right inside and closed the doors behind her.

“It’s Kayla’s friend. Am I right? The redhead?” She cocked her head to one side and waited for my response as my eyes met hers.

I actually didn’t want to confirm it for her, feeling like she might figure out it was all some kind of scam and stop it before we even started.

“It is.”

“Interesting,” she deadpanned.

“And why is that interesting?” I refocused back on my computer, avoiding her gaze.

“Because I remember your last encounter with one another. It didn’t go well.” She laughed. My mom actually laughed.

I wondered how much of that interaction she’d truly seen that night.

“That’s in the past. It was all a misunderstanding,” I lied and hoped that she’d buy it.

“Mmhmm.”

“Mom, can we talk about this later? I’m really busy.”

“I’m just saying,” she started, “I remember seeing a flame very close to your nether regions that evening.”

“Mom!” I shouted, wanting this conversation to end.

“I’m only wondering why you didn’t mention her before now, is all. How long has this been going on?”

Exhaling a loud, annoyed breath, I looked at her once more before figuring out what to say that she’d believe. “It’s new.”

“And you’ve forgiven her for trying to light you on fire?” she pushed.

I grew more than a little anxious, thinking she had some sort of mom-like superpowers that she could wield at any moment and see through my bullshit.

“I told you,” I breathed out again, “it was a misunderstanding.”

She made a clicking sound with her tongue. “Don’t try to fool me, Joseph. If this thing between you two isn’t real, I’ll know,” she warned as she opened my door and stepped out of it just as Kayla threw herself in.

“Not you too,” I groaned, and Kayla shushed me.

“We need to make some kind of statement,” she said quietly, and I folded my hands on top of my desk and stared at her.

“What do you mean?”

“You two went public last night. You haven’t done that since college.” She gave me a pointed look.

I hadn’t needed the reminder. “I know that, Kayla.”

“She’s already getting harassed,” she breathed out.

I felt my back stiffen and my protective nature burn to life.

“Tell me everything,” I demanded.

---