Boss Me (Private Listing #3)

Kayla winks at me before grabbing my arm to pull me with them. This is too weird, but I think I just made new friends. As long as Sara doesn’t end up dating Noah. My chest tightens. At least, not for real.

Chapter 87

Think Outside the Box

Madison

On the way back from the bathroom, a woman tugs her date to a stop in front of me.

“Madison?”

Instinctively I take a step back, but Kayla’s hold on my arm stops me. The woman steps closer, and I recognize Anna Beck, a woman I used to babysit for during my freshman year. Relief splashes through me and I smile.

“Anna, it’s good to see you. How are Lily and Elijah?”

Anna pulls the man into her side as she faces us. “They’re great. They definitely miss you. Patrick, you remember Madison, right, darling?”

Patrick’s brown eyes meet mine briefly before he returns to searching the room. His blond hair is slicked back. “Of course, dear.”

He doesn’t seem to recognize me.

Anna shakes her head. Her auburn curls bounce around her face as she smiles. “He doesn’t keep up with who watches our kids. I thought maybe you’d made an impression when he asked if the new nanny was someone else.”

“It’s okay.” I really didn’t know her husband very well. I spent most of my time with the children or studying.

Kayla tugs on my arm when the music plays. She and Sara hang back a little, chatting.

“You must be done with your studies by now. You were so determined. Where did you end up?” Anna looks like she could stand here and talk to me for days.

“I’m with Morrigan Technology Group.” Much as I want to go with Kayla, I don’t want to be rude. After all, Anna and her husband gave me a job that let me study while earning money.

“Darling, did you hear Madison? Isn’t that one of your clients?” She turns back to me. “I can never keep them straight.”

Patrick turns to her, and his gaze flicks over me dismissively. “Yes, they are.”

“Patrick.” Coop joins us and takes my hand from Kayla. He says softly, “I’ve got her from here.”

Kayla gives him a pout and throws me a wink before she and Sara head back to the table.

“Coop.” Patrick holds out his hand. His full attention turns to us then. His gaze falls to our linked hands before he gives me a curious look. “Is this your assistant?”

“Oh, my.” Anna flushes with color. “You definitely landed a good one, Madison dear.”

“I’m the lucky one.” Coop presses a kiss to the top of my head.

“I wish she’d stayed our babysitter.” Anna shakes her head. “It’s so hard to find someone who takes good care of our children. Madison excelled at it.”

Patrick makes an indifferent noise. He doesn’t seem to like me that much, but he interacted with me very little when I was the babysitter. He’d save me cookies or treats and give them to me when he drove me home on the rare occasion he made it home first, or Anna couldn’t drive me. It was sweet, but almost like an afterthought. Not that he kept it specifically for me.

“She’s an excellent assistant. Apparently, she’s good at everything she does.” Coop tugs me in close to him and strokes his hand over my hip.

“Did you get the signature on that contract?” Patrick asks.

“Now, darling, you promised. No work tonight.” Anna grins and takes Patrick’s hand. “We don’t get out much, so he’s not allowed billable time on date night.”

“That’s a good policy.” Coop squeezes me. “We need to return to our table. The speeches will begin soon. It was good to see both of you.”

“Tell Lily and Elijah I said hi and that I miss them.” I give her a smile. Those kids were the best.