Page 9 of Runaway Bride for the Boss

“I’ve been searching for you. For an entire year. Do you know how many women go by AWM?”

“A lot?” I answer.

“In New York alone, there are about 328,152 persons who could’ve been my AWM.”

My lips part as his words sink in. “You really looked for me?” he answers that with a pointed look.

“Even if you combed through those three hundred thousand odd women, you wouldn’t have found me,” I tell him sadly. “I went by Wren Montogomery.”

“Why?”

“Because my ex thought Autumn was a childish name.”

His eyes narrow angrily in response.

“I know.” I shake my head in shame, I was such an idiot. “But I’m not going back.” I clench my hand on the box in my hand.

“Good,” he nearly growls.

I’m shocked by the anger in his eyes. Directed at me? Larson? I can’t tell, but his unbroken eye contact is unnerving. I leave his study after that, and he doesn’t stop me. I take the elevator back to the ground floor and walk to the kitchen, where Andrea is still cooking.

“So what did he find with your initials on it?” she asks me as I walk in. I open the box and show her the necklace. She whistles softly and mutters, “Pretty.”

“Do you know where I can sell it?” I ask. She glances up at me sharply and searches my eyes. I don’t know what she sees, but she nods without asking why.

“Right now, this necklace and my car are the only possessions I have,” I tell her, feeling the need to explain. “If I can sell this, I know it might not be enough to get my own place, but I can at least buy a few clothes and other essentials…and maybe fix my car so I’ll be able to get around.”

She nods in agreement. “But there’s no rush. You can stay with me as long as you need.”

I smile at her gratefully. “Thank you.”

“Shopping is a great idea! I need something to wear to Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. But don’t worry, you can borrow one of my dresses!”

That’s right. Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Larson planned our wedding so we’d spend it on our honeymoon and then always celebrate our anniversary during the holiday. He doesn’t have any family, so he hates the tradition of gathering with relatives. This was his way of avoiding the day altogether.

“Why would I need a dress to wear tomorrow?” I ask, watching her as she dishes the pancakes onto a pair of plates.

“Because Thanksgiving is a big deal with the Beauforts. We all drive down to our parents’ home on Marlboro road for the holiday. We eat, we drink, and look our best doing it!” she explains, placing one of the plates in front of me.

“Thanks. But what does that have to do with me?” I wonder out loud.

“Because you’re coming with me, silly. Beaufort Construction is closed for the rest of the week, so my apartment won’t be fixed for a while. I’m not going to just leave you here alone when you should be with family, even if it isn’t your own.” She frowns as if that should be obvious. “My parents will love you, and don’t worry, Ezra, my other brother, isn’t nearly as moody as grumpy old Alex.”

I would actually prefer to be left to my own devices here, but I can see that will not go down well with her. “What about Alexander?” I ask when she sits next to me with her own plate of pancakes.

“He doesn’t eat breakfast,” she states and shrugs.

What? Who doesn’t eat breakfast? I glance toward the back of the house where the elevator is. I shake him out of my headand face my meal. After breakfast, I offer to do the dishes even though Andrea is a horribly messy cook. Then we make our way to her car to head into town.

Andrea waves cheerfully to a few of the men as we drive through Alex’s front gate. I shift forward in my seat with a small gasp at the scenic view that awaits me. “You like it? Wait till you see the view from Alex’s room. It’s amazing.”

“Uh, why would I ever be in Alex’s room?!” I stammer, earning me a confused look from Andrea.

“I’ll show you later; he never locks his door,” she explains, and I let out a sigh of relief. Obviously, I won’t be in his room for other reasons.

So embarrassing, Autumn.

I return my attention back to the scenery. It was late and raining heavily when I got into town last night, so I didn’t get to take in the view. On either side of the road, the leaves have turned to a stunning combination of bright reds, yellows, and oranges. Beyond the trees is a large body of water sparkling under the sun, and far ahead jagged mountains rise up in an explosion of vibrant colors.

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