Considering how cold Mr. Harris has been to me over the past month, I often have to look down at my fingers and toes just to make sure I haven’t got frostbite.

He barely says anything to me these days, and when he does, it’s usually a dig about something I am doing wrong. It really grinds my gears to be criticized like this. But I deserve it, I guess.

If I were in his position, I’m not sure I would be comfortable with this arrangement; having someone work in my home who I don’t trust. Beneath it all, I think he’s hurt. Of course, he’s never said that, and probably never will, but I would be.

What’s weird is that I do actually want to get back on his good side.

Not that I ever really was on it.

But, although we bicker with each other from time to time, there used to be a sense of camaraderie between us that is no longer there. I have to admit, I miss it.

There’s also another reason all this is so hard.

I know I have tried to convince my friends, and myself, every chance I get that I’m not interested in my boss, but deep down, I am.

Which is crazy.

I mean, it’s not crazy that I am physically attracted to him. The man is basically an Adonis.

What’s insane is that I actually like him as a person. Although he snipes at me often, he’s intelligent and funny in his own way without trying to be or even noticing.

He is also a great dad. I never thought I would be attracted by that, but the way his face lights up when Ethan walks into a room…there are no words to describe it.

All that coupled with the way he leers at me when he thinks I’m not looking has stirred something in me. Which is why I’ve been so needy over the last month since he has withdrawn his attention.

I don’t know how to make things right. I don’t know if I even can.

Which is why I’ve been considering quitting.

It’s like I’m living in Siberia. I could stick it out if there was a light at the end of the tunnel, but Mr. Harris said he will not introduce me to Chef Aranda. So, what’s the point? I was happy when he decided not to fire me. I thought with time he might change his mind, but that doesn’t seem likely.

The only reason I’ve stayed for as long as I have is because of Ethan. I adore that boy. In some ways he is a carbon copy of his father, just without the pressures and expectations of adulthood.

I’ve just finished up for the day and I’m heading out when I run into Mr. Harris at the front door like I do every day. The man gets back home from work at 4 o’clock on the dot. He doesn’t joke with the time he gets to spend with his son. He is so prompt that you could set your watch to him.

“Good evening, Mr. Harris,” I say. He offers me a blank stare in return, as has become his custom. “Anyway, I’m just heading out.”

“Mhmm…” He walks by me as he takes off his jacket.

I hope everyday will be different; that he will start thawing. Not today, I suppose.

So I begin the trek home.

An hourlater I am turning the corner on Cardinal Street. From where I’m standing I can see the door to my studio apartment on the second floor wide open. My heart starts racing.

Have I been robbed?

Without thinking I start running. I let myself into the building and take the stairs two at a time until I reach my apartment. I walk in and everything looks as it should, except my landlord, Mason Kearny, is standing in my living room.

“Good, you’re home.”

“Um, hi.” I struggle to catch my breath. “What are you doing in my apartment?”

“I have bad news,” he says.

“What is it?”

“I’m afraid you’re going to have to move out. Immediately.”