Page 13 of My Favorite Boss

“With me,” I instructed her. I sat down, indicating the seat beside me. Myers perched on the chair, turning in my direction. “Shouldn’t I be at that end?”

“If I wanted you at that end, I’d tell you. Be quiet and listen.”

She did that thing with her eyes. Partially shutting them as if I couldn’t see the eye roll behind the lids. I knew a lot of people wouldn’t notice it, but I did.

I noticed everything about her. Dammit.

Which was why I was being such a jackass. I needed to keep her away from me. I found her much too attractive and likable.

Not to mention sexy as hell. Even her quirks amused me.

For the thousandth time since I’d hired her, I reminded myself I was an idiot.

My partners came in, the room filling with people. Lawson and Anderson greeted me and smiled at Myers. Their assistants sat beside them as well, and if they were surprised to see Myers to my right, they kept it to themselves. Even Sally had preferred to sit away from me at meetings. She informed me I grumped and made rude comments too much and I was distracting. Little did she know I did it for her amusement. The temporary staff who followed her after she retired kept as far away from me as possible at meetings. Yet with Myers, I felt a strange need to keep her away from some of the other, less friendly people. I felt almost protective of her. Why, I had no idea.

I glanced her way, seeing her head bent over the notebook she seemed to carry everywhere. I had to admit, she had impressed me so far. Even if I made her think otherwise.

Less than two days in, my calendar was perfect, the filing was getting organized, and what she had done about my phone line still amazed me. The thought of not having to listen to my mother and her nasty diatribes all the time earned Myers a lot of leeway with me. Sally had refused to step in where my mother was concerned and had never suggested a different phone line. It was a simple, brilliant idea.

I liked how Myers had noticed how often my coffee went cold and fixed it. I was used to it, always getting involved with my designs and plans, but like my mother getting through on my private line, she decided to change that for me.

Recalling what had occurred with her trying to plug in the little device, I felt the tug of amusement on my lips, and I had to school my features. Once she’d left the office, I had actually begun to laugh after holding it in most of the day. Between the desk incident and her quick comebacks, my jaw ached from locking it down and not reacting to her cheek. She was droll and funny, and it took all I had not to respond. I had a feeling if I did, that would be a slippery slope I would slide all the way down.

I stole another glance, noting how she touched her tongue to her bottom lip as she kept writing, her brow furrowed in concentration. The memory of her pressed close to me, the scent of her filling my senses, the feel of her curves molded to my chest, made my hand twitch with the desire to touch her again.

And I couldn’t allow that to happen.

Lawson cleared his throat and began the staff meeting. I lifted my head, giving him my full attention and ignoring the woman beside me.

At least, as much as I could ignore her.

He got at least seventy-five percent of my mind.

The rest—well, I was doing the best I could.

MAGNOLIA

The staff meeting was well-run and efficient. There was no waxing on about things. Instead, information was given, items discussed, and new business delivered. Mr. Lawson said something nice to welcome me since Mr. Bane couldn’t be bothered to. I wasn’t surprised.

Mr. Anderson stood up close to the end of the meeting, announcing that Balanced Designs was up for five awards at the yearly architectural event being held soon. “We have three tables of ten,” he said. “Sadly, not everyone can attend, but there will be a draw if you want to put your name in to attend the dinner. Be advised it is formal.”

Lawson stood as well. “One piece of news is that our own Alexander Bane is up for best landscape design for the Beaumont Buildings and grounds. His ideas were ingenious, and we’re thrilled for him. Very prestigious.”

Everyone clapped, myself included. Mr. Bane waved it off, but I was pleased for him. I had looked at his designs in the files. He was incredibly talented. I had no idea the scope of the things he was involved in. The planning, the intricate designs, the committees he sat on. Sustainable systems, mapping out entire communities, working with varied levels of governments to ensure his designs met and exceeded all required environmental responsibilities. I had seen the awards on his shelves.

No wonder the man was so serious.

The meeting ended, and I stood, heading back to the break room and grabbing my bag with lunch. I set up his plate and mine, carrying them to his office. He was at his desk as I slid the plate beside him. He looked at it with a confused frown. “That looks different.”

“Try it.”

I waited as he took a bite, chewing thoughtfully. He grunted, but it wasn’t in displeasure. “It’s…” He paused, and I waited for the usual “Fine.” But he surprised me. “Good. I like it. They changed the bread and the turkey?”

“Different deli. All fresh. Better.”

“Okay.”

“You’ll have to sign off on the credit card bill.”