Page 54 of My Favorite Boss

“Alex.”

“Bane,” she repeated. “I am wearing pants like many other women in this office. It’s not a big deal.” But she looked happy with my reaction, and I had a feeling she had chosen her outfit hoping I would notice it. It was impossible for me not to notice it, or her, now.

“It is on you. And I told you to call me Alex.”

Her eyes flared. “When we’re intimate. Which we are not going to be right now. It’s business hours, Bane. I am not calling you Alex. It will only encourage this behavior.”

I leaned closer, stroking my finger down her cheek. “Okay, Magnolia, have it your way. But come closing time, all bets are off. So are pants. And I’ll be watching you all day.”

She glared at me and shrugged. “I can solve that problem.”

She turned and walked away, giving me an eyeful of the way the pants hugged her ass. She pulled the door shut behind her. “Watch that, Bane,” she called.

I began to chuckle. Today was going to be interesting.

I went through my emails, addressing the ones Myers had left for me to handle. There weren’t many—she was too efficient at her job.

I sent her a request for refreshments for the next day. She promptly replied, telling me it was already handled. I sent her a fast response.

Excellent work, Myers.

She didn’t reply. I waited a while, then sent another message.

I need lunch. And coffee.

Even with the door shut, I heard her sigh. But I also heard her leave to go get my coffee. I sat back, waiting. A few moments later, she came in carrying a tray and slid it on my desk. “Your lunch.”

“You didn’t knock.”

“You didn’t knock,” she mimicked. “Of course I didn’t. You told me you wanted lunch.”

My eyebrows shot up, and I stared at her. The action no longer made her quiet.

“You can’t do this. Be hot and cold. Come here. Go away. Nice ass. Knock on the door. Decide which of your personalities is in the office and hold on to it, Bane. I’m not jumping.”

“You’re being rather brave today, Myers,” I drawled. “Talking back.”

“I talk back all the time—you just don’t hear me.”

I had to agree. “I bet you do.”

“Enjoy your lunch, Mr. Bane.”

She started to walk out, and I called to her. “Wait.”

She turned around and I smiled. “Thank you for lunch, Magnolia. I’m sure it’ll be delicious.”

She returned my smile. “You’re welcome.”

I heard the outer door open, and she groaned when she saw who it was. “Again?” She walked into the office. “Take them back. I do not know a Tyler. And I don’t want flowers from—” There was a pause. “Oh, aren’t they pretty?”

She sat down at her desk, and, curious, I went to the door. Today’s flowers were pale pink roses and baby’s breath. Small, delicate, and fragrant. She touched a petal, smiling and looking up at me. “I keep telling them to stop, but they keep arriving.”

I had noticed the other flowers at her place on the weekend. Small little bouquets slowly starting to die, yet she kept them.

“Someone wants you to have them. Might as well enjoy,” I huffed.

“The delivery guy won’t even take my tip. Says it’s been looked after.”