The Boss's Marriage Plan (Proposals & Promises 2)

He could almost see the change in Glenn’s posture. It couldn’t be more obvious that Glenn took encouragement from learning Scott’s identity. “It’s nice to meet you. Tess has spoken of you often.”

In a business context, Scott silently finished.

Glenn had already turned back to Tess. “I’m so glad you weren’t injured in that car accident this morning. You’re sure you’re all right? I can’t help worrying that you should have had a doctor check you, just in case.”

“I’m fine, Glenn, really. No sore neck or anything, just impatient to get my car back.”

“So you knew about Tess’s wreck?” Scott asked, working hard to keep his tone politely neutral.

Tess explained quickly, “Didn’t I mention it? Glenn is my insurance agent.”

“Yes, I see why you had to call him.”

She cleared her throat, then glanced around. “Excuse me, guys, my cousin is motioning for me,” she murmured, taking a few steps away. “I’ll catch up with you later, okay, Glenn? Scott, I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll guard your food,” he assured her with a somewhat strained smile.

She gave a quick laugh. “That’s leaving the fox in the henhouse. My crab Rangoon better still be on my plate when I get back.”

Though it was hard to take his gaze from her as she moved so gracefully away, he turned back to the table. He was almost surprised to see Glenn still standing there.

“There are more of the crab things on the buffet table if you want your own,” the other man offered helpfully.

“Thanks, Glenn, but she was teasing.”

Glenn nodded. “It’s hard to tell sometimes with Tess. She has a very subtle sense of humor.”

Scott didn’t think the reference to a fox in a henhouse had been all that subtle, but maybe Glenn just had a different sense of humor. “Yeah, I guess she does.”

“Working so closely with her for so long, I suppose you’ve gotten to know her pretty well.”

“Yes, I think I know Tess quite well.” Was he being too subtle for Glenn, or had the other man picked up on the hint? He didn’t consider himself the possessive type usually, but occasionally deeply ingrained male instinct just took over.

“She and I have been out

a couple times,” Glenn confided. “I’d hoped to attend this party with her tonight, but I guess I waited too long to ask. I sent her a text last week but she said she had already made plans. With you, I suppose.”

Obviously, Scott almost said, but he merely nodded.

“Maybe I’ll see if she’s free for New Year’s Eve. I should ask earlier this time. But it’s nice that Tess wanted her family and friends to meet her boss this evening. We all know how much her career means to her.”

Scott didn’t know if this guy was doing some clumsy fishing or if he really was as socially clueless as he acted. But Scott was getting fed up with this “boss” crap. “Tess won’t be available on New Year’s Eve,” he said bluntly. “She’ll be with me.”

“Oh?” Glenn blinked, finally catching on. “Ah. So you and Tess are...”

“I’m going to marry her,” Scott replied clearly, succinctly.

He heard a gasp behind him. Maybe a couple of gasps. With a slight wince, he looked around to find Tess a few feet away, staring at him in disbelief. She stood between her sister and her cousin, with her brother-in-law only a few steps behind them. All of them were looking openmouthed at him.

* * *

“Oh, my gosh, Tess, why didn’t you tell us?” Dana squealed, clapping her brightly manicured and bejeweled hands together. “You’re engaged!”

Her head spinning, Tess stammered, “I, um—”

“Yes, Tess, why didn’t you tell us?” Nina demanded, still looking as though someone had knocked the breath clean out of her. “How long has this been going on?”

“I want to see the ring,” Dana insisted, snatching at Tess’s bare left hand. “Oh...no ring?”