Page 18 of My Favorite Boss

I looked up, my gaze drifting past the full breasts, pouty lips, and perfectly fanned-out freckles to the dark eyes so well-known to me already.

“Myers?”

MAGNOLIA

I had to get out this morning. I was restless and edgy. I hadn’t gone for one of my walks in days. I was too tired when I got home at night. I looked out at the bright sunshine, deciding to go on a power walk now. I got dressed, adding the flannel jacket that used to be my dad’s. It was long and warm, far too big most of the time, but I had removed the lining and it was great when I got chilly. With the heavy tree line in places in the park, I might need it.

But as I walked, I got too warm, and I tied it around my waist. It kept slipping, making me stop, readjust, and then keep going. I had been to the other side of the park, had a coffee while sitting in the sun, and was heading home now. I wasn’t going as fast since my legs were tired. I hit a rockier part of the path, slipping on some loose gravel and going down hard on the grass.

I was shocked when a man dropped beside me, holding my foot in his hand and asking me if I was all right.

Two things hit me at once. I knew that voice. And that heady, woodsy scent. I gasped, meeting the sparkling blue eyes of my boss.

“Myers?” he asked.

Then he did something out of character for him. He grinned. Really grinned, making him more handsome and sexier than ever.

“I should have known,” he said, shaking his head. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Power walking.”

He held up a sleeve of the shirt tied around my waist. “Trying to kill yourself tripping over this is more like it.”

He leaned closer. “What on earth are you wearing? Is this…flannel?”

“Hey, it’s Saturday. I can dress however I want.”

He studied me, his brilliant eyes glittering in the light. “So, Magnolia Myers, have I uncovered one of your secret weekend fetishes?”

“What?” I asked crossly.

“Rolling lumberjacks for their clothing.”

I pushed on his shoulder. “Go away.”

With another chuckle, he grasped my waist, hauling me to my feet. “Can you walk?”

“Of course I can walk. What are you doing in my park anyway?”

That one single eyebrow rose, meant to quiet me. But it didn’t work outside the office.

“Let me go.”

“You own the park, Myers?”

“You know what I mean. Why are you here?”

“I was running. Like I do every weekend.”

I frowned. “I power walk every weekend.”

“Cruising for lumberjacks to attack?”

I sniffed at his attempted humor. “Please go away now. Continue your run. In fact, run as fast as you can away from me. It isn’t Monday, so I shouldn’t have to see you today.”

“It’s a public park.”

I huffed out an exasperated noise. Why wasn’t he leaving?