Boss of Me

“It seemed like more than shop talk to me.”

He pushes off the wall and starts to walk again, holding my hand. “Jerry tends to get ideas in his head… he thinks he has more of a say in my decisions than he does.”

Fear tightens my throat. It’s the one thing able to burst my dreamy bubble. I wouldn’t put it past Jerry to try and make something out of Patton’s and my relationship. I’ve worried before about the wisdom of sleeping with my boss. Too bad wisdom always seems to take a backseat whenever Patton’s sexy ass is around.

“He seems to be doing very well for himself here.” I try to calm my nervous thoughts. I’m probably misreading the situation. Why wouldn’t Jerry be happy here? It’s a great place. He’s his own boss.

“He’s doing something.” He stops, turning to face me. “I don’t want to talk about Jerry. I’m glad you’re enjoying the trip. I’ve enjoyed it more having you here with me.”

“It’s still a business trip, right?” I blink up briefly and give him a smile.

A heavy brass door bangs open, and we drop our hands. Two party guests stumble out into the night and I take the opportunity to return to the party.

We’ve spent the night swapping business cards and shaking hands. Remington Key is here, and he greets Patton, introducing himself to me. He’s very friendly and congratulates me on taking over Taron’s old spot.

Shaking hands with Patton, he smiles. “I’m sorry I won’t get to chat with Taron as much anymore, but I’m sure Raquel and I will find something in common.”

“I look forward to working with you… Remington.” My forehead scrunches, and he grins.

“You can call me Remi. Everyone does.” He’s handsome and clearly wealthy. His suit is very fine, and I see a Rolex watch peeping from beneath his sleeve.

“Okay, Key, you don’t have to land our business twice.” Patton puts his arm around my waist and moves me to his other side, away from our financial partner.

Remi laughs. “I hope this is a change for the better. It’ll be nice to see you smiling more on our conference calls.”

Patton puts his hand on his shoulder. “We?

?re taking off. Give my best to Hastings. I’ll give you both a call next week.”

“I’ll be in Seattle for a few days, working with our software designers. I’ll let you know when I’m back in the office.”

Patton nods. “We’ll chat then.”

“Nice to meet you, Raquel.” Remi smiles, and I do a little wave as Patton takes my arm and leads me to the door.

It’s late as we stroll out to the car, and I’m feeling the time difference again. Still, I pause for one last look at the valley below, the Hollywood sign above, and the flickering stars. It truly is unforgettable.

“I’ll take the lead when we meet with Keller Martin and Shelldrake.” Patton’s voice is pure business. It’s how he’s been since we saw Jerry at the gala last night.

I’m sitting in the passenger’s seat of a rented Audi coupe.

Based on our day yesterday, I’d expected things to get crazy when we got back to the penthouse. Instead, he was distracted. He spent some time working on his computer before joining me in the bed. We made sweet love, but I quietly hung my blue dress neatly in the closet and slipped into one of his tees.

Nothing was torn or wild—not that I’m complaining. Being held in Patton’s arms while he kisses me gently and fucks me hard is about the best thing I’ve experienced since I graduated from business school.

“I wouldn’t even know where to begin to take the lead in this meeting.”

“Good. You’ll learn more by listening.”

I don’t think he’s trying to start an argument. I think this is more of his distraction, but my old nature wants to point out how much I’ve done and learned since I joined Fletcher International, Inc.

Instead, I let it go, choosing to watch his square jaw flex attractively as he chews another piece of nicotine gum. I haven’t seen him with a cigarette in days. It’s a little victory, but a victory all the same. Another Round goes to Rocky, and this win fills me with happy warmth.

Truthfully, I’m a bit distracted myself, thinking about Renée. I haven’t checked in with her since my text before Pigeon Forge. It’s the longest we’ve gone without talking, and it has me uneasy. I feel certain Hazel would call me if she had any trouble, still, I don’t like to go too long without hearing her voice.

Patton pulls into a parking space in front of a mid-rise glass office building. “Our flight’s in two hours. I don’t expect this will take long. We’re primarily putting faces to names.”

“Okay.” I smile and follow him into the building.