Beauty and Her Boss

“I don’t know. He hasn’t said a word to me.” Mrs. Kupps shrugged. “He went in there after you left and he hasn’t come out. I’m worried about him.”

Gaby recalled their last conversation. She thought things had been fine between them, but then she recalled how Deacon had been eager for her to go visit her father. She’d missed her father so much at the time that she hadn’t paid much attention to Deacon’s reaction, but looking back on things, she should have realized something was off with him.

“Leave it to me. I’m used to dealing with stubborn males.”

A weak smile lifted the worry lines on the woman’s face. “I knew as soon as I laid eyes on you that you would be the ray of sunshine this house needed. I was just preparing him a late breakfast. You could take it to him, if you like.”

“Thank you. I would.”

Mrs. Kupps put together a tray of eggs, bacon, toast, fruit and juice. When she handed it over, she said, “Good luck.”

“Thank you. I’ll need it.”

Remembering the day that Deacon had taken her to his room to clean her wounds from falling in the rose garden, Gaby made her way upstairs. The tall double doors were closed, but that wasn’t going to stop her.

She leveled her shoulders and then gave a quick knock. Without waiting, she opened the door. She was surprised to find the room so dark. She squinted into the shadows, looking for him.

“Go away!” His deep voice rumbled through the room.

It seemed that he’d regressed. “Your growl isn’t going to scare me.”

Suddenly he was standing in front of her. Frown lines were deeply etched upon his face. “You’re back?” He seemed surprised.

“Of course.”

His face quickly returned to its frown. “Well, since you aren’t going to leave until you’ve had your say, get it over with. Quickly.”

“I hear that you’ve been in your room since I left. What’s the matter? Are you sick?”

“No.”

“Something must be the matter.” Now that her eyes had adjusted to the low lighting, she moved to a table and placed the tray. “You have things to do. There’s no time for slacking.”

“I’m not slacking.” Again his voice rumbled. “Now go away. Shouldn’t you be with your father?”

So that’s what was bothering him? She worked to subdue a smile. He had missed her. Who’d have guessed that? In truth, she’d missed him, too. But she wasn’t ready to admit it.

She moved past him with sure, steady steps. At the window, she stopped and threw open the heavy drapes, letting the bright morning sun into the room. She turned to find Deacon squinting and trying to block the sun’s rays with his hand.

“Close that.”

“And let you sit in here in the dark? I don’t think so.”

He grunted his displeasure. “I’m your boss. You’re supposed to do what I say.”

“I’m your friend, remember? And I’m doing what’s best for you.”

“No, you came back because your father probably kicked you out for working here. I bet you don’t listen to him any better than you do me.”

“When both of you make poor choices, I don’t mind calling either of you out on them.”

Deacon frowned at her. “I didn’t make a poor choice.”

“You mean sitting around in the dark is your way of being productive?”

He opened his mouth and just as quickly closed it again. He sighed and glanced away. “If you’re going to stay here, shouldn’t you be in your office doing some work instead of harassing me?”

“I will just as soon as you start eating that delicious meal Mrs. Kupps prepared for you.” He looked at her but he didn’t move. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “I have all day.”