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“Dad, can I borrow the truck?” Presley asks. “It’s getting late, and Jack needs to check in to his hotel.”
“Don’t be silly, sweetheart,” Johanna chimes in. “He’s staying with us.”
“What?” Presley and her dad say at the same time.
“Your father and I weren’t born yesterday. You’re dating, so of course you share a bed sometimes. Your room is ready, and there should be enough towels in the bathroom for you both.”
Fuck, I didn’t think pretending to be Presley’s boyfriend would backfire so soon.
“Uh, Jack and I both have meetings scheduled for tomorrow and Friday. We booked one of the conference rooms at the hotel, so it’ll be easier if he stays there. Then I’ll just meet him in the morning when my meetings are set to start,” Presley offers.
She’s doing her best to try and pretend I’m not her boss and that our meetings are not the same meetings, but I wonder how long we can get away with the lie.
“Nonsense. You can use your father’s office. There’s plenty of space, and that way, I can bring you lunch. I heard the hotel got a new chef last month and the food is terrible.” Johanna turns to Presley’s dad. “Don’t you agree, Mike?”
“Agree with what?” he says through gritted teeth.
“You don’t mind letting Jack and Presley use your office, do you?”
“No, of course not.” His response is halfhearted.
He doesn’t seem exactly thrilled about having a stranger use his office or sleep in the same bed as his little girl. I can’t say that I blame him.
“Mom, really, it’s no problem—”
“I insist,” Johanna interrupts Presley. “You’re staying here, and that’s final.”
“Fine.” Presley sighs. “I guess we’ll go up to bed then. It’s been a long day, and we both have to be up early tomorrow.”
“I can’t believe Mr. Sinclair is making you work the rest of the week after he said you could have the time off,” Johanna complains.
“It’s only for the next two days, and then I’m off until the new year,” Presley promises, glaring at me as if silently daring me to object. I don’t.
“All right, sweetheart, I’ll hold you to that. We’ll see you in the morning.” Johanna gives Presley a passing kiss on the cheek. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Jack.” She pulls me in for a hug. “We’re so glad you’re here.”
Things are about to get interesting.
3
PRESLEY
I STOMP UP THE TWO flights of stairs, Jack trailing behind with our suitcases.
My parents converted the attic into my own living area when I was in middle school so I could have space away from my brothers. However, the bedroom I used to think was spacious suddenly feels cramped when Jack steps inside.
“What is your problem?” I say through clenched teeth once he shuts the door. “Why the hell would you tell my mom you’re my boyfriend?”
More importantly, why does the thought of dating Jack Sinclair send a flurry of butterflies through my stomach? I’m supposed to despise the man.
“I was worried what she might do if she found out I was yourtyrannical boss,” he deadpans. “At least that explains why you were adamant that we didn’t tell anyone who I was.”
I cringe at his tone. What did he expect? My mom is the first person I call when I’m having a hard day at work. I never thought she’d end up meeting the man responsible for causing me copious amounts of stress.
“If you weren’t such a moody bastard, I wouldn’t have anything to complain about,” I quip.
“Well, I hate to break it to you, but you’d better get over your aversion to me real fast because we’re about to get up close and personal.” He motions to the full-size bed in the corner.
“Nope, not happening.” I shake my head. “You got us into this mess, you can sleep on the floor.”
