Page 118 of My Favorite Boss

Tears built behind my eyes. “I thought he was mixing things up in his head. He told me he gave a tall man his blessing.”

“No, he really did.”

I burst into tears, and Alex dragged me to his lap. He held me close, letting me get it out.

“He fell asleep while I went to get him a cup of tea,” he told me. “When he woke up, he didn’t remember anymore, but I was okay with that. He thought I was an orderly bringing him the tea. I sat with him for a few moments and left when he fell asleep again.”

“He does that a lot now.”

He held me tighter. “I know.” His voice was low in my ear. “I’ll take care of you, Maggie darling. I promise I’ll try to be everything you need. I adore you. I want a life with you. Please.”

I had already agreed, but I gave him the word he wanted. “Yes.”

He kissed me, wiping away the tears. “Thank you.”

My flowers were waiting for me when I got to the office. Today was a massive bouquet, so large I couldn’t fit it on my desk. Bane walked past me, eyeing the flowers with disdain. “You really have to control your suitor,” he muttered. “Do I need to send flowers to compete?”

“No,” I insisted. I didn’t want more flowers. “Listen, Bane, maybe you could call them. Or better yet, take your intimidating self into the shop and demand to know who is sending them. It’s starting to bother me.”

“Why?”

“Because a mysterious stranger sends me flowers every week. No other contact. Nothing. It feels wrong—especially now.”

“Especially now?”

I glanced at my ring. “Yes, now.”

He smiled and lifted my hand, kissing it. “I wouldn’t worry, Magnolia. I read something the other day about various experiments people do. Like sending flowers or friendly cards as part of a social experiment to see how people react and if the offerings change their outlooks. Maybe you are part of one of those.”

I frowned. “I never thought of that.”

“I’m sure they’ll stop soon enough. In the meantime, in the wise words of your deliveryman—enjoy.”

He left for his meeting, and I touched the petals of a beautiful lily. He was probably right, but part of me felt a weird sensation. As if I wanted him to get upset over the flowers and throw them away, ranting only he should be sending me the pretty blooms.

But since he didn’t love me, that reaction would make no sense.

I felt a little sad as I went back to work.

Later that morning, I sat in the lounge, smiling as Rylee joined me. “You sneaking a break?” she asked.

I grinned, shaking my head. “Bane’s in a meeting. I needed a coffee.” I hunched closer. “What the hell happened yesterday?”

She shook her head, her eyes confused. “I have no idea. Sam insisted on driving me home so I could get to work on the problem one of my clients has—” She stopped at my quizzical look. “I have a few outside clients I design websites and software for.”

“Ah.”

“He followed me into my apartment, all serious and curious. He told me I needed a better place to live—somewhere more secure. I told him if he wanted to pay my rent, feel free to make suggestions. Otherwise, it was none of his business.”

“Ooh,” I breathed out. “What did he say?”

“He got all up in my face, telling me he was looking out for me. I told him I had just met him and to back off. Then he laughed and told me he’d see me soon and left.” She paused. “But not before he grabbed me and kissed me.”

My eyes widened and I grinned. “Oh, Bane is gonna love this.”

She gasped, her eyes going round.

“I have to tell him,” I protested.