Page 22 of Grumpy Boss in Love

“You remember where Ruby lives, right, Gabe?”

He nodded. “I do.”

I pressed the button to roll up the partition.

“Thank you,” Ruby mumbled.

It was quiet for a while with just the barely audible hum of the limo cruising through light traffic. I studied Ruby intently while she stared at the half-empty glass in her hand. We weren’t close friends by any means—hell, I think she might hate me—but I knew her enough to know that something was off.

“Are you okay, Ruby?” I asked when what I really wanted to do was lecture her about the dangers of walking alone at this hour. Something told me that wouldn’t go over well, and I wasn’t in the mood for one of our petty spats.

Rather than answer, her lips quirked into a slight smile. “What’s the charge for petty theft around these parts?” She held up the glass. “I accidentally stole the hotel’s property.” Her heavy sigh was followed by a grumble, “I didn’t even notice until I was about a block away.”

“I’m sure they won’t notice.”

She snorted and drank the rest of whatever was in the glass.

My eyebrows elevated. “I take it you’renotokay.”

“I’m great,” she replied in the most dejected tone I’d ever heard.

“Yeah, you sound like it.”

“You know, I only accepted the drive because my feet are killing me.” She gave me an irritated look. “Not to chat.”

“You’re the chattiest person I know. Something must really be wrong.”

That earned me a withering look. “You know what’s wrong? My glass is empty.” She held it up. “So how about you bust open the mini-bar I know is in this fancy ride and give a girl a drink?”

The corners of my lips almost curved upward. And there was the Ruby I was accustomed to… Slowly breaking free from whatever undercurrent of defeat had her in its hold. Without a word, I obliged and lifted the latch to reveal the small but meticulously stacked bar.

“What will it be?” I asked.

“Surprise me.”

My fingers danced across the various bottles before I picked up a bourbon. I realized that I really needed a drink as well. I put ice in two glasses and then poured a mixture of ginger ale and bourbon into them.

When I handed it to Ruby, she put her empty glass down and peered into her drink. “What’s this called?”

“Whisky ginger.” I took a gulp of mine.

Her gaze lingered on me. “I’m sorry I snapped. The attitude was uncalled for. I appreciate the ride.”

I shrugged. “No need to apologize. You were nice compared to some of our other… interactions.”

She smiled slightly then put the glass to her lips to chug as if she were drinking water.

My eyebrows kicked up. “Take it easy there, Whiskey Dynamo.”

Ruby sputtered and glanced at me. “What did you call me?”

“You think you’re the only one who can come up with funny nicknames?” I still couldn’t get overCommander CurmudgeonandGeneral Grouchington.

Ruby chortled, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her entire face lit up and her eyes danced and shimmered with humor. Her energy was contagious. Admittedly, I was pleased that I’d made her laugh. Not many people could say that Elliot Westwood made them laugh.

“Why, Mr. Westwood, you have a sense of humor,” she said through her giggles. “Who would have thought?”

“Mhmm,” was all I responded with as I took another sip.

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