Page 87 of My Favorite Boss

“I’ll go make us some.” I stopped in the doorway, looking back at them.

“Now tell me, Alex. What do you do in your office where you’re the boss?”

“Landscape architect.”

“Impressive. You serious about my daughter?”

Alex glanced my way. “I am.”

“Good.”

I left them to their chat.

We had Chinese for dinner. I was quiet as we ate, and Alex reached across the table, taking my hand. “Are you okay, Magnolia?”

“I’m good. Always a little sad to leave him when he is doing well.”

He nodded in understanding. “He loves you a lot.”

“You were very good with him.”

“He’s very intelligent and easy to talk to. I’m glad I got to meet him.” He paused. “He’s older than I expected.”

“He was forty when they had me.”

“Ah, a late baby.”

“I was a bit of a surprise.” I grinned at him. “And he loved Hedgy.”

Alex laughed. “Hedgy loved the treats Dan kept feeding him. Little traitor can be bought with food.”

“What were the two of you talking about so seriously when I took the tray back?”

He grinned. “Private.”

I rolled my eyes. “Better than the encounter last night.”

He frowned. “I’m sorry about that. Terry is rude and has no manners.”

“You dislike him intensely.”

“I dislike what he represents. Lies, injustice, and a superior attitude that he is better than everyone.” His face darkened. “And I disliked what came out of his mouth.”

“I didn’t care.”

“I did. He’s vulgar and crude. He thinks money gives you class. He’s wrong. You have more class in your pinkie finger than he’ll ever hope to have.” He paused. “Not that I’m saying⁠—”

I laughed. “It’s fine, Alex. I’m not wealthy. I am well aware of that. I never have been, but I’m happy.” I pushed away my plate. “I don’t think your wealth has made you very happy.”

“No, it hasn’t. I saw what it did to my mother. No matter how much she has, she wants more. The same with Terry. Unlike them, I don’t judge people on what they possess. I work hard for my money and enjoy the benefits, but it doesn’t run my life.”

He looked at our hands clasped together on the counter and lifted them to his mouth, kissing my knuckles. “You make me ridiculously happy, Magnolia. More happiness than I have ever known. Without a dime. Your smile alone is worth millions to me.”

My breath caught. “Take me to bed, Alex.”

He stood and swept me into his arms.

“And that is priceless.”