Page 34 of Grumpy Boss in Love

Was every other woman ready to swoon at the grump’s feet? Although Elliot was so much more than a somber character as I’d learned in the back of that limo. As much as I liked to think of that hot lip lock as a mistake, it had been incredible. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as the elevator ascended.

The woman got off on the fourth floor. As soon as the doors closed. Elliot asked, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

My eyes were glued to the floor monitor.Come on fifth floor. Come on.“Yes, thanks for your help out there.” I felt him looking at me, but I dared not look at him.

“You really need to be more careful, Ruby. You could have been seriously hurt or worse.”

The sound of the ding was comforting at that moment. “Yeah. Thanks for your concern. See you around, boss.” I gave him a tight smile and prepared to get out. However, just as the doors slid open, Elliot jabbed theclose doorsbutton.

My jaw dropped. “What are you?—?”

“You can head back down after you agree to have lunch with me.”

“Hey, I’m already late.” Thanks to my near accident. “Caroline is going to bite my head off. Wait, did you just say l?—?”

“Yes.”

I snorted. “Absolutely not.”

“Relax, it’s not a social thing. I need to discuss a business matter with you.”

“We’re avoiding each other, remember? Let’s keep that going.” My eyebrows snapped together. “What business?”

He gave me one of his haughty looks that was mixed with annoyance. “Have lunch with me and you’ll find out.”

I sighed. “Elliot… Mr. Westwood…” My mouth snapped shut when the lift stopped on the tenth floor and the doors opened.

A group of men and women boarded, and I was forced to the back and closer to Elliot. My entire body tensed. After our kiss, I just couldn’t relax when in proximity to him.

He received second and third looks from his employees because Elliot Westwood was slumming it on the public elevators. He typically used a private one. Hopefully, none of the bigwigs were paying me any mind. I doubted that the rumor of Elliot’s “thing” for me had surpassed the fifth floor where Caroline and us lowly interns were stationed.

I snuck a peek at him. What business could he possibly have to discuss with me? I prayed for everyone else to get off the elevator so I could learn more. Eventually, they did, leaving just the two of us again.

“Well?” he prompted.

“Is it really about business?” Because if he wanted to talk about that kiss…

“Of course. It’s important.”

Nibbling my lower lip, I asked, “If I don’t agree to meet with you, we’ll be up and down on this elevator all day, won’t we?”

He turned to me with one corner of his mouth slightly curved upward. I gulped because with the stubble lining his jaw this morning—he was usually clean-shaven—he looked ruggedly handsome and that little smirk just made him look like a sexy bad boy.

“Yes, we will, so just save us the trouble and time and agree to have lunch with me.”

“Fine,” I grumbled. “Where should I meet you?”

“In the parking lot at twelve-fifteen.”

“Oh, no. I will not be seen getting into your car. Pick me up a block away from here.”

He shoved his hands into his pockets and heaved a sigh. “Ruby, don't be ridiculous. It’s hardly a clandestine meeting.”

“It might as well be.” I glowered. “Play by my rules or no deal, Mr. Westwood.”

He assessed me with a look of disbelief. “Only you Ruby Bennet…” He shook his head.

I went ahead and assumed that he meant I was the only one he couldn’t steamroll over.

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