Boss Me (Private Listing #3)

“Don’t worry so much, Blake. We’re on it.” Coop smiles as he draws me into his side.

I step away from him and trail my hand over Noah’s freshly shaven jaw before walking over to Blake. Stepping into his space, I draw his face down to press my lips against his. Drawing in a breath, I lean my forehead against his and meet his eyes.

“I’ll be careful.” Knowing I’m about to be a brat, I try to keep my smile from showing as I add, “I promise, Daddy.”

Chapter 120

Incentivize

Seth

This is a mistake. My gut roils as the car pulls up in front of Elizabeth and Gloria’s house. I don’t want to be here. It feels wrong all over. But I also know if I don’t, the shit will hit the fan.

We’re not in any shape to deal with the consequences, so here I am. Giving in to the demands of a woman I can’t stand.

Reluctantly, I get out of the car, straighten my suit jacket, and cross the drive to the front steps. I knock three times and wait. I’m tempted to give her three minutes total before leaving and calling it a night.

She opens the door, though, and smiles like the cat that caught the canary. “Seth. A pleasure as always.”

“Elizabeth.” I don’t smile or even give her name a specific tone. I’m here under duress and she knows that.

“Do you want to come in? I’ve made reservations at the best restaurant for being seen.” Her dark eyes smile like this is an actual date. She’s wearing a fitted black dress with a loose skirt. Her dark hair is piled on her head in some sort of updo.

She’s gorgeous and could get any guy if she didn’t have the personality of a snake.

“I’d rather get on with our evening.” I gesture for her to join me.

She steps out and closes the door. Her fingers dig into my arm as she takes it. “Remember, people might be anywhere, and we need to show a united front. Or do you want your little crush to hit the press?”

“So lovely of you to remind me just what a treacherous snake you are. I’m sure we’ll have a great evening out.” I pause before the car door, waiting for her to release my arm.

“If you don’t make this look good, I won’t hold up my end of the bargain.”

Lifting her hand from my arm, I squeeze her fingers tight before bringing her hand almost to my lips. I press a ghost of a kiss to her knuckles before lowering and releasing her hand.

“Of course, my dear.” I open the door and offer her my hand to help her in.

She arches an eyebrow, but takes my hand and slides into the car.

The car ride is quiet. Elizabeth told the driver which restaurant as I walked around to my side. I don’t care where we go. I just have to fake it until the end of the evening. Fake like I actually want to be with this woman and she doesn’t make me angry enough to throttle her.

We pull up in front of the restaurant, and I don’t bother waiting for the driver to open my door. I just want this night over with. Dinner and then home. Where I’ll check on Madison and go to sleep alone.

I open the door for Elizabeth and pretend she’s Madison. Pretend I’m the one who gets to show her off to the world as mine. Not keep her hidden from everyone.

It’s not Elizabeth’s hand in mine. My smile is for Madison, picturing her in the outfit I selected for her, knowing she’ll look stunning in it. If she even made it out of the apartment. She’s temptation incarnate, and I wouldn’t blame the guys if they canceled their night out to stay home with her.

“That’s not so hard,” Elizabeth says through her teeth as she smiles.

My smile fades a little, but I push Elizabeth back to the background and lead Madison into the restaurant like I have every right to. We get stalled along the way by well-intentioned people wanting to talk to Elizabeth or me, but they’re just extending the evening.

We’re shown to our table where we order drinks and look over the menus.

“The integration team has been in touch.” Elizabeth smiles like we’re discussing something other than business. But she’s smart enough to realize small talk will just frustrate both of us.

“Good. We’re hoping to get in quickly.” Our drinks arrive and I sip my scotch. “We plan to have everything settled by the end of the month.”

Elizabeth reaches over to put her hand over mine. My fingers twitch with the need to pull away, but I keep them there. Her smile widens. Instead of scheming brown eyes, I imagine blue eyes the color of the sky and blond hair swept up, showing off the long column of Madison’s neck.