Page 85 of Bossman

“Who are you?”

I ignored him. “Because after you walked out on her mother and sisters, she practically lived in a shelter for years.”

I needed someone to blame, and her useless, piece of shit of a father was as good as anyone. In fact, the more I thought about it, the more I realized it wasn’t just a drunken thought that had popped into my intoxicated mind. Her father really was to blame.

At least he had the decency to look hurt. “That’s not fair.”

“Really? I think it’s more than fair. A man’s choices are his own. You think you can just walk away from your family and not be responsible for your own actions? For the consequences left behind in your wake?” I stepped closer, jabbing my finger into his chest as I spoke. “You left them. They ate in a fucking shelter every night. She died trying to help someone who ate in one. That’s no fucking coincidence.”

His eyes narrowed. “You’re that rich fiancé she had, aren’t you?”

I didn’t give an answer because he didn’t deserve one. Disgusted, I shook my head. “Just leave.”

He made the sign of the cross, took one last look at me, and started to walk away. Turning back, he stopped. “Where were you when she was being attacked? You’re so quick to point the finger at me for something that happened twenty years ago. If you’re looking for a person to hold accountable, maybe you should look in the mirror.”

Chapter 26

REESE

Travis was perched at the front desk flirting with the receptionist when I walked in on Monday morning. I’d slept at Chase’s last night, and we’d come to the office early together. Well, not actually to the office. We’d gone as far as Starbucks walking side by side. Chase wasn’t happy when I made him give me a minute’s head start after we picked up our coffee, but I didn’t want to stroll in together and raise suspicions. Finding Travis at the front desk, I was glad I’d forced the issue.

“You look especially smoking hot this morning.” He fell in step with me, draping his arm around my shoulder. “When are you going to let me take you out to dinner?”

“Never.”

Travis and I had become friends. His flirting was over the top but harmless and more of an ongoing joke than anything.

“Come on. Never is a long time.”

“You probably shouldn’t hold your breath.”

He laughed. “Lunch, then?”

“I told you, Travis. I don’t date people I work with.” Was that even a lie? More like a technicality. I don’t work with Chase, I work for him.

“Ah…read your email.” He winked. “You are having lunch with me today.”

“What are you talking about?”

“We’re having a team meeting at noon. Josh is bringing in lunch. So you’re having a hot lunch date with me whether you like it or not.”

Arriving at my office with Travis still in tow, I flicked on the lights and walked to my desk. “If the entire team is there, it’s not really a date, is it, Travis?”

“Maybe not. But I’m going to pretend it’s a date. I bet you secretly will, too. I think underneath all that negative vibing you’re throwing my way, you’re really into me.”

I was busy powering up my laptop, so the voice that came next surprised me.

“I believe we have a no fraternization policy.” Chase’s voice was terse. He stood in the doorway, a full head taller than Travis.

Because of the casual nature of the office, Travis probably assumed Chase was joking. But I saw the tick of Bossman’s jaw. There was an element of something else there. Jealousy, maybe?

Whether or not Travis thought Chase was serious, he took the hint to disappear when the boss stepped into my office.

But not before saying, “See you at our lunch date.”

Chase raised an eyebrow once it was just the two of us.

Instead of answering, I had a little fun. “I thought you were getting rid of that pesky fraternization policy, Mr. Parker?”