Page 91 of Grumpy Boss in Love

He scowled, like the Elliot I knew and lov— I mean, didn’t like much right now. The grumpster.

“The ceremony was meant to be a performance, but what we had was real,” he said.

I snorted derisively and that made his expression darken some more. “Look, if you want to hear me say I forgive you, fine. You messed up, but I messed up first. We’re even.”

“Then tell me again that you love me,” he demanded in that hot-as-sin tone that made every muscle between my legs clench. My body was such a traitor, so weak to Elliot.

The room got quiet, and I met his challenging stare. “I don’t have to love you to forgive you,” I told him.

His expression crumbled, and for a moment, I forgot how much he’d hurt me, and I felt sympathy. I had the urge to go to him and smooth the furrowed lines that appeared between his eyebrows like I used to.

He blinked, inhaled deeply, and got up. I watched, frozen, as he strolled to the door. I guess that was it. We were done, but he surprised me. Hand on the doorknob, he turned to me and said, “I understand that you need time. I’ll give you that. But I’m not giving up on you. On us.” And he left.

I stood with my mouth open, staring at the door. Those weren’t the words I’d expected to hear from Elliot Westwood, not the surly character I knew before we got romantically involved anyway.

35

RUBY

Ishrugged on my jacket and turned to stare at my desk. There was an array of bouquets taking up much of the space. I’ve been getting them every day for a week now. I had plenty in my apartment too. The place smelled like a damn floral shop. Shaking my head, I gathered a few of the bouquets to take home so I could make space on my desk.

“Ruby, your guy is a true romantic.”

I glanced at Audrey, my boss.

Her eyes sparkled with amusement. “The entire office is in love with him.”

“Of course,” I snorted. “You all revel in the daily delivery of chocolates.”

Audry smirked. “Not just any chocolates, To’ak chocolates, Ruby.” She closed her eyes and hummed. “So pure, so decadent, and so expensive. This guy's in love with you. And as long as he’s trying to impress you, just keep sharing the gifts with us.” She chuckled.

My lips twitched. Audrey was the coolest boss ever. She was firm but treated us all like equals. Plus, she’d always have my appreciation for hiring me during my infamy. She didn’t complain when reporters showed up looking for an interview from me.

Two months after the mess with Elliot and me, and people were still talking. There was just something about the Westwood name, I guess. I sighed. “Audrey, I haven’t found a new beau who’s trying to impress me. All of this,” I waved a hand to encompass the flowers and boxes of chocolates, “is an old one trying to get back into my good graces.”

She blinked, her charcoal eyes widening. “Oh. So Westwood is still…Oh.”

I nodded, my face heating up. Of course, she along with the rest of Chicago knew the sordid details about my contract marriage. Audrey just didn’t make me feel like shit about it like others did.

“Hey. Whether you’re interested in him or not, he’s dedicated to winning you back. I mean, it’s been two months of nonstop gifts.”

“He’s driving me crazy…” My shoulders dropped, and I pouted. “In a sweet way.”

Audrey grinned. “He’s wearing you down, huh?”

“Eh.”

She laughed and patted my shoulder. “Have a good evening, Ruby.”

“You too.”

I watched her walk away and then grabbed my many flowers to go home.

The cool breeze hit me when I stepped out the door and I used my free hand to pull my jacket tighter. Winter was right around the corner. Head down, I walked through the lot toward my car.

“Need a hand?”

My steps faltered at the sound of the familiar voice. The one that never failed to get me hot and bothered.

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