Page 10 of Anyone But the Boss

‘Yeah.’ Chase continues pouting. ‘She’ll even get in earlier now that she’s flying in from Houston. Plenty of time for that.’

He stills and I brace myself for whatever new idea he’s come up with.

‘She’s getting in earlier.’ He stands and pulls out his phone. ‘I can move up all her spa treatments.’

‘Okay…’ I tap on the Vegas day planner in the file.

‘And move the penis party to afterwards.’

My stylus hovers over the screen. ‘I’m sorry, what?’

‘An afternoon bachelorette party.’ He paces back and forth, scrolling through his phone. ‘That way she’ll be surprised – because who throws a lunch time bachelorette party – but will still be able to get to bed at a reasonable time for the wedding the next day.’

I glance at the schedule, already jam-packed. ‘But then how will we—’

‘She’ll fly in and go straight to the spa.’ He pauses, eyes on the ceiling. ‘I’ll add Leslie to all her appointments so she can keep an eye on her.’

I add Leslie to the spa treatments on my calendar. ‘Okay, but—’

‘Then while they’re there you—’ he points at me ‘—can grab the dildos and—’

‘Stop right there.’

I jump in my seat, my stylus sliding across the screen and creating havoc on the schedule, my eyes flashing to the threshold where the other Mr. Moore stands. And has been standing for some time if the arch of one of his eyebrows is any indication.

Chase’s head turns toward the door, finger still pointed in my direction. ‘Tommy-kins?’

‘It’s Thomas.’ His handsome face is expressionless, though his brown eyes seem to be burning a tad brighter than usual. ‘And yes, stop speaking.’ His bright eyes flick to me, and then, as if dismissing me, return to his brother. ‘You cannot speak like that in front of an employee.’

Even though his words perfectly mirror the ones I’ve said to Chase, I bristle at being simplified to ‘employee’.

‘We’re talking about the wedding,’ I explain to him as if he’s an overgrown, solidly handsome child. ‘Not work.’ I sniff, feeling quite snobbish myself at the moment. ‘I’m a bridesmaid, in case you’ve forgotten.’

‘I remember.’ Focus still on Chase, he does not sound impressed. ‘However, it is still inappropriate.’

Chase rolls his eyes as if he’s used to his brother’s lectures. ‘Yes, yes. You’re right.’ Looking at me, he tries, and fails, to look apologetic. ‘About the party favors—’

‘Chase.’ The warning in Thomas’s voice is a shade more than annoyed. Menacing comes to mind. And though I should take umbrage over his high-handedness, I’m going to tactfully retreat. Because if I’m right, and I’m pretty sure I am, Chase is about to ask me to take a suitcase full of sex toys with me to Vegas for the recently rescheduled afternoon, low-key penis party.

No thank you.

‘I better get going.’ I stand, ignoring Chase’s sullen look and Thomas’s glare. ‘I need to call everyone and tell them the change of plans.’

‘Already on it.’ George leans into the office, cell phone to his ear. ‘Mrs Moore has been informed, calling Leslie now.’

Blocked by George, I stop just short of the doorway. Right next to Thomas.

When he turns to his eavesdropping executive administrator, his delicious, expensive scent wafts my way. ‘Do you make a habit of standing by our office door?’

Goosebumps break out over my arms, but George shrugs. ‘Only when it’s Code Penis Party related.’

Thomas’s nostrils flare and I duck out before anything else can be said.

4

THOMAS

‘Give me one reason why I have to carry the bag of assorted phallic favors.’

---