Boss Me (Private Listing #3)

Hope takes a deep breath and leans forward. “Courtney applied after Andrea left, and again after Rachel left. She bragged to anyone who would listen that they would definitely pick her, but then they didn’t.”

“So she’s angry I got the job she wanted?”

Hope shrugs. “That’s all I can guess. She also flirts like crazy with Cooper.”

My insides churn, hot and tumultuous. “So she wants my job and my man?”

“Pretty much.” Hope smiles. “I wouldn’t worry about it though. Cooper doesn’t give her the time of day, and she’s not half as capable as you are.”

I’d knocked Courtney’s name off the suspects list. Really, I never put her on it. The notes feel so sexual, but it could be a woman.

“Do you think she might be the one stalking me?” I whisper.

Hope’s fork clatters on her plate as her mouth opens in surprise. “She does want what you have.”

But everything the stalker seems to do pushes me into the guys’ arms instead of tearing me away. The video in the shower. The terrorizing in the file room. The dress.

Fuck, the dress.

“She didn’t know me before.” I shake my head, once again eliminating her from the pool of suspects.

“What do you mean?”

I sigh and tell Hope about the box with the dress and the pictures. I leave out how the dress got ruined in the first place, of course.

“That’s fucked-up. And so creepy.” Hope pushes her empty plate away. “The police know?”

I nod, stirring my food with my fork. I ate a little, but my stomach just can’t take any more. “Blake has a friend on the force who’s been notified. He took it in as evidence in case we ever figure out who it is.”

“They’ll find out who’s doing this.” Hope seems confident and gives me a smile. “Now, we have some appointments to transform you into Cinderella.”

I’m sure they’ll make me look good tonight, and I can’t wait to find out what Seth chose for me to wear.

Shaking off the doom coating me, I smile. “We both get to have our hair and nails done. And a massage.”

“Man, am I glad I was nice to you.” Hope grins. “I bet Courtney is kicking herself for being a bitch right about now.”

“Let’s hope so.” I just hope tonight is the night my stalker takes off.

Chapter 82

Formal Occasion

Coop

I straighten my cuffs and make sure my cuff links are secure. The others have already left to pick up their dates, leaving just Madison and me in the apartment. And Hope.

Without Hope, we might not make it to the benefit. Which would be so sad. I smirk in the mirror. Spending hours alone with Madison doesn’t seem like a bad idea. But that isn’t the deal. Tonight is about being seen as a couple.

This wasn’t the way our arrangement was supposed to go. I should have some hot woman who wants to sleep with a billionaire on my arm tonight. I wouldn’t have fucked her, but Madison should be on Noah’s arm.

They fit together. I’m just the creeper on their relationship. And yet, she welcomes me with open arms and soft smiles that make my heart feel odd.

While I’ve dated before, I haven’t been exclusive with anyone since Leighton. At least not in the public eye. Leighton’s family and mine wanted a connection through marriage. She was cold and condescending and knew how to behave in the spotlight.

No one in their right mind would imagine me dating someone like Madison. She’s soft, nice, and good. Everything I’m not.

Hope opens the door to Madison’s room and I look up, unable to stop myself. My heart thumps as I wait for Madison to walk in. I crave her in a way I’ve never craved another woman. I straighten to my full height as her heels click on the wood floor.