Page 43 of Bossman

“You went all the way up to Washington Heights?”

“It might look nice from the bridge, but underneath hasn’t been cleaned up. I guess the politicians just shook hands and took pictures on the top while underneath it was filled like a junkyard. Did you know there’s a whole little city of people under that viaduct?”

“Peyton, you gotta cut this shit out. I know you want to help, but it’s dangerous in those places.”

“It was still light out, and I didn’t actually go into the camp.”

“Peyton…”

“Seriously. Everything is going to be fine. I’m going to stop in at the precinct closest to the park tomorrow. Hopefully the cops up there remember their job is to serve and protect all the citizens of this city.”

“Promise me you won’t pull shit like this again.”

She smiled and leaned over to wrap her hand around the back of my neck. Gently grazing her fingers on my skin, she said, “I promise.”

Chapter 15

REESE

The office wasn’t the same when Chase wasn’t there. Sure, I was busy and had enough work to do for a month—work that I loved doing—but the anticipation of seeing him throughout the day was missing. He’d only been gone two days on his business trip, but I’d missed him since day one.

I was up to my eyeballs in drafting presentations for an eventual focus group—a cross-section of women who we would try out some branding slogans and product-packaging mockups on—when my phone buzzed late on Thursday. Seeing Chase’s name made me smile.

Chase: Miss me?

I did, but he certainly didn’t need any encouragement.

Reese: Did you go somewhere?

Chase: Cute.

Reese: I thought so.

Chase: I’ve been thinking about our little deal.

Reese: What deal? I don’t recall agreeing to anything.

Chase: Exactly. Which is why we need a sit-down. To negotiate our terms.

The man made caterpillars turn into butterflies that fluttered around in my stomach. I leaned back in my seat and rotated so the back of my chair was facing my open office door. It was late, and there were only a few people still milling around the floor, but I sought privacy as I typed with a smile.

Reese: Terms? Are we discussing a business deal?

I slipped my right shoe off and dangled it from my toe as I watched the three little dots jump around. It was pitiful that I was growing antsy waiting.

Chase: Is spending time in my bed still off limits because I’m your boss?

Reese: It is.

Chase: Then I want time outside of the bedroom.

Reese: I see you at the office all the time.

Chase: I want more.

My heart did a pathetic pitter-patter. I want more, too.

Reese: More how?