Page 104 of My Favorite Boss

Magnolia’s eyes were sad as she slid her hand over mine. “I’m sorry.”

I met her gaze. “You’ve believed in me since the day you met me. Why?”

“I could see your passion when you talked about your designs. I looked up your work.”

“My mother thinks I play in the dirt and need help to find a wife who can elevate me above that.”

Magnolia snorted. “Your mother is incredibly shortsighted and unfocused. You don’t promote your wealth.” She frowned. “You don’t wear it like a trophy. You’re humble. You’d rather talk about plants and the environment than money.”

“But I am wealthy.”

“I assumed you were, but not the kind of wealth you’re talking about.”

I leaned closer. “Does that make the idea of being married to me a little easier?” I teased.

“Not happening.”

“I disagree.”

“Go look in the mirror and argue with yourself, Bane. It’s the only way you win this one.”

She walked away, skirting the island so I couldn’t catch her. “I’m tired. Order something in, okay, Daddy Warbucks? I’m hungry, and I need a shower.”

“I’ll order Chinese and come wash your back.”

“I want two spring rolls,” she called over her shoulder.

But she didn’t tell me to stay put.

Win number one for the night.

Chapter Twenty-Two

MAGNOLIA

Ipadded toward the kitchen, rolling my shoulders. Alex had done an amazing job washing my back. Plus a lot of other areas he found especially dirty. Two orgasms and gallons of hot water later, I was a great deal more relaxed than I had been earlier. Hedgy was asleep on the bed, his head buried between the pillows.

There was a knock at the door, and I mentally did a happy dance, glad the food had arrived. I had built up quite the appetite, thanks to Alex’s wandering hands and mouth.

Alex appeared, heading for the door. “Get the plates,” he said with a smirk and a wink. “Unless you want me to eat sweet-and-sour off your naked body.”

I tossed my damp hair and rolled my eyes. “Not likely, Bane.”

He chuckled, the sound warm and low. “Never say never, Maggie darling.”

In the kitchen, I reached for the plates, then stopped, hearing his voice, now pitched low and angry. A female voice was speaking, and my heart sank when I recognized who it was.

“You are doing this to spite me! I know it.”

“Get over yourself, Mother.”

“You have always done this. Found ways to hurt me. Belittle the values I hold so dear.”

Alex snorted. “The only things you hold dear are money and social status. I’m interested in neither. And frankly, the reasons I’m marrying her don’t involve you in the slightest.”

“You are going to listen⁠—”

“No. I have no interest in hearing what you have to say. Either of you.”