Page 105 of One Bossy Date

“Thanks, Miles.” Dax nodded. “I appreciate the confidence.”

“Let’s worry about figuring things out next year, once we have our specialized teams set up in our offices. There will be many more meetings to come.”

“I look forward to it,” Dax said, then directed his attention to me. “It’s a pity that Anders won’t be here topersonallycontrol it all like he’s used to.” His tone was joking, of course, just pulling my leg about leaving.

“Oh, don’t you worry. I’ll be kept very much in the loop from Chile. I’ll only be a call away,” I told him in a playful threatening tone while smiling at him proudly. I was glad and extremely proud that he’d finally agreed to step in and take over the project. Windham Construction itself would be run by Andrea, the vice president, who’d done a fantastic job of catching up so far. She’d do well with my mom’s guidance as the head of the board.

Needless to say, my assistant Caroline was thrilled when she heard about her position as my brother’s new assistant. I had nothing to worry about.

“Besides, you’ll always have Oliver and Damon around who love to do just that,” Miles added with a smirk. It was evident that his older brother and Damon had given him shit in the past, but he was obviously beyond that now.

“Well, I think that settles our work for the year. Gentlemen,” Miles said, slapping his thighs and getting to his feet. Dax and I followed suit and said our goodbyes at the door. Before Miles had the chance to leave though, my mom arrived.

“Hello, Miles! I heard the great news. We’re so excited to be working with you and your family.” She gave him a warm handshake, and he smiled gratefully.

“Mrs. Windham, we’re the excited ones. This is a fantastic opportunity that I’m very glad we didn’t miss.”

“So are we. So arewe.” Mom beamed.

“It’s a pity that Anders won’t be here to run it, but we know Dax will do just as well.” Miles gave her a friendly smile.

Fuck. My. Life.

“Oh?” She stiffened but pretended to be in the loop. “Yes, yes, of course he will.” Her eyes darted to me, questioning. I could just about hear her voice in my mind, saying, “What? You’renotgoing to stay?”

Miles took his leave, and my mom stormed into my office.

I sighed deeply and followed her in.

“Anderson, what the hell is going on?”

“Okay, Mom, just hear me out before you say anything.” I moved behind my desk, and she took a seat in front of it. Dax had joined us, flopping onto a chair, his coffee in hand.

“Go ahead.”

“My plans to return to South America have become possible again now that Dax has accepted a position here.” I gestured toward him, and he nodded once, indicating his acceptance of my decision.

“What does that have to do withanything?” she asked, staring at me in confusion. “You need to stay in New York for a fewotherreasons I can think of.”

I opened my mouth, ready to finally tell her the truth. Of course, it would be a shitshow of magnificent proportions, with Mom disappointed, and surely Zoe would be mad that I didn’t include her in this conversation.

But enough was enough. The time had come.

I braced myself—then Dax beat me to it.

“Don’t you think it’s best, Mom?” he asked. “After everything with Zoe?”

“What are you talking about?” She was sitting straight in her seat, shifting her body between Dax and me. “What happened with Zoe?”

Dax froze, lifting his eyes to me, his voice lower. “I thought you’d already told her?”

“Told me what?” She swiveled her gaze between me and Dax.

I raked a hand down my face, accepting my fate. “Mom, Zoe and I were never actually engaged.”

“What?” She frowned. “Anders, you’re not making any sense. Darling, it’s fine if you don’t want to get married, but for heaven’s sake, stay for yourchild.”

“She’s not pregnant either,” I said.

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