Boss Rules: A Knocked Up Romance

by Jenna Gunn

  I sit frozen, my throat locked tight with emotion as she turns and leaves. When she closes the door quietly behind her, I’m left to my misery.

  Never before have I hated my job. But now it feels like a curse that was passed down for me to carry.

  19

  Chapter 19

  I might be in the dumps right now, but I’m smart enough to know I need a pep talk. And a dress.

  The little bell on the door of Beach Vibes chimes as I push open the door. The sounds of a whirring Vitamixer floats from the backroom as a couple waits for their smoothies by the front counter.

  To kill time, I browse the beach trinkets and t-shirts. I’ve never taken the time to look around before. Now I see Maddy’s in the inventory. It’s all happy, bright, and artsy.

  By the time she finishes delivering the two mango, banana, power smoothies, I’m feeling a bit more cheery. Somehow, all those bright colors worked a magic spell on me.

  “Raven!” she beams.

  “Hey, Maddy.”

  “You want a smoothie? Or something from the bakery? Wait a minute. What’s that look on your face?”

  My mouth twists in a knot. “Uh.”

  She laughs. “I know that look. You need to spill it because I can tell you need to talk.”

  Cringing, I groan, “Am I that obvious?”

  “To me, maybe, but I’m a bit of an empath.”

  “Well, you get a perfect score today,” I admit with a laugh.

  “Come on back. I can make cookies for tomorrow while we visit.”

  Maddy shows me to the kitchen and pulls out a barstool near the counter where she’s already been preparing the dough.

  She washes her hands and gets to work, dolling out big mounds of cookie dough on a baking sheet. “So, what’s up? How’s work?”

  Lord, where do I start. “It has got its moments.”

  She eyes me with raised eyebrows. “That’s vague. Is it Christian?”

  “Oh no, I rarely see him.”

  “Well, if it were, I’d have a talk with that big old grump. I have his number, and I know how to knock down that big wall of grouchy he keeps up like a shield of armor. I make these California Bear Cookies just for him, actually.” She holds up the little bear tool she presses into each one.

  That makes me laugh. “He is a big grizzly bear.”

  “So, is it Bryce?”

  My pause must speak volumes.

  “What has he done?”

  “He’s fine, really. I just have a lot of weird things going on.” It’s all true.

  She works her metal scoop into the dough again, thinking for a minute.

  “Are you into him?” she asks without looking up.

  “What?” I laugh.

  “You heard me.”

  “Are you a mind reader or an empath?”

  She laughs, and it’s that magic laugh she has. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. You—a beautiful young woman goes to work for a young, very handsome guy. It’s basic chemistry.”

  “Okay, those are true statements. They’re all hot, all the Archer men, but don’t tell anyone I said that.”

  Maddyy wipes off her hands and disappears into the front of the shop. Am I supposed to follow her?

  A few seconds later, she reappears and tosses a chocolate bar at me. “We need chocolate for this conversation.”

  I love this woman. “You’re the smartest person I know.”

  She takes a chunk of chocolate I offer her and chews it thoughtfully, then quizzes me some more. “How bad have you got it for him?”

  “Bad enough,” I admit.

  “Well, this is a problem, isn’t it. County policy doesn’t allow you two to…”

  “Correct.”

  “So, have you gone out?”

  I squeeze my lips together. “Not exactly.” Heat flashes up my face.

  “My my, look at that blush. What have you done?”

  “Maddy, I could lose my job over this if word gets back.”

  She jolts as if I’ve smacked her. Then she softens. “Listen, this is how it goes around here. I watch out for people I care about. And you’re in my kitchen right now, so that means you’re in the club.”

  I nod, lob another piece of chocolate in my mouth, and sigh hard. “Well, thank you. I could use a friend right now because I’m a mess.”

  “What can I do? Besides give you chocolate?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “How about this? I’ll share a little something about me, and you can share if you like.”

  “Alright, but I’m not sure I’m ready to talk.”

  “No matter. So here’s my secret. I have fantasies about Captain Christian Archer. Lord help me, but I get off just thinking about that big stud. Thinking about him is better than Pornhub for masturbation.”

  My eyes go wide, and I start laughing so hard, I almost fall off the stool. I wipe a tear off my cheek. “I never in a million years expected you to say that.”

  She grins, and her face beams as she swipes a piece of hair, a blonde ringlet, back with her forearm. “See, I’m all hot right now, just mentioning his name.”

  “Okay, true confessions. Bryce is fantasy worthy too.”

  We share a giggle that sounds way too much like highschool. But I like it.

  She goes back to work. Now that you know my secret, wanna talk some more?”

  “I really just want to sit here and eat chocolate.”

  Cookie after cookie drop in perfectly round circles on the slick sheet of metal. I’m torn over how far to go with this conversation. Maddy is close with the guys and has the hots for the director. This could spell disaster.

  “I know what you’re thinking. You think I might talk to Christian.”

  My eyes go wide. “Will you stop with that mind-reading trick?”

  “It’s logic, that’s all. Don’t worry, the most I ever talk to Christian about is coffee, cookies, and the weather. He barely gives me the time of day. Just grumbles in and out of here with his blood pressure sky high.”

  “Alright. It’s bad. It’s really bad.”

  Her eyebrows go up again, and they stay up. “Maybe you should eat the rest of the chocolate.”

  I down another square, take a big breath, and launch into what might be my second biggest mistake ever. But my gut doesn’t stay that. “I got to town about ten days ago. I had a couple of days before my interview. So I decided to take the Coaster Train for an afternoon to see some of the coastlines. I caught it here in Lynn’s Cove with the intention of going to San Diego and back.”

  My memory is crystal clear. “There was only one seat left.”

  I pause and swallow down the surge of raw energy that telling the story brings. “And Bryce was the guy in the aisle seat. We met then.”

  Maddy has stopped what she’s doing, one hand holding a scoop of cookie dough, the other clenching the bowl. There’s a kind of wonder on her face. She nods at me, urging me on.

  “He offered to show me around. I accepted. He came to my hotel, and we…well, just put it this way, we didn’t go anywhere else.” My face has to be glowing; it’s so hot.

  “Oh my god!” Maddy slaps her hand on the counter, sending chunks of dough flying. Her squeal is so loud that I’m sure the cops strolling the boardwalk are going to come bursting in any second.

  “Shhhh…someone might hear that and think I’m killing you.”

  She giggles. “Wow. That’s lust-licious!”

  “Oh, it was, but now it isn’t.”

  Her face falls into a scrunch. “Oh, hun, what do you mean?”

  “It would be fraternization if we went out again. Both our jobs would be on the line. I just won’t do it. I can’t. I’ve worked too hard to get here. To have this chance.”

  She wipes off her hands and strolls over to me. Before I know what’s going on, her arms are around me. “You want to see him, don’t you?”

  I nod against her. “It’s like he put a curse on me, and now it’s all
I can think about.”

  She squeezes me hard. “Can you ask for an exception? Or transfer to a different department?”

  I shrug. “I don’t know. But I’m on probation for a month. That’s a risky time to ask for anything, I’d think.”

  She steps back and puts her hand on my shoulder. “I have a feeling things will work out. It might take time, but just remember, love prevails.”

  A snort comes out of me. “Love. This isn’t love. This is lust.”

  She smiles and winks at me. “Just see where it goes.”

  “Thanks for listening. I do feel better just having told you. Not that it fixes the problem. But I do have a favor to ask.”

  “Of course. You name it.”

  “There’s a banquet…”

  Maddy interrupts, “I know. I’m making the desserts for it. Christian requested cookies.” She laughs.

  “He does like your cookies, doesn’t he? Well, the reason I bring it up is that I wondered if you maybe have a dress I could borrow or know where I can find one on consignment. My budget is super tight right now, and I haven’t gone to anything fancy in years.”

  “Of course! I’ve got the perfect one. I’ll bring it tomorrow morning. What size shoes do you wear?”

  “Eight.”

  “I think I got you covered there too.” Her smile is satisfied.

  “You’re the best, Maddy. I mean that.”

  20

  Chapter 20

  My mood goes black when I realize the parking lot is jammed with two things I don’t like—cars that politicians would drive and news station vans.

  Great.

  Sliding on my suit coat, I adjust my tie and check myself in the window of my truck. Across the parking lot, Christian and Brandon are getting out of my brother’s car. As I walk toward the door, I note that the other Archers are already here, including the elders.

  When I open the door to the clubhouse of the Blue Water Sailing Club, I’m greeted by the smell of cocktails, seafood, and a mishmash of perfume. Wrinkling my nose, I move into the space and let my eyes adjust to the low lighting.

  Big round dining tables fill the room. People mill about and stand in small clusters, schmoozing. Being tall has its advantages; I can see a handful of the county council members doing their thing, shaking hands and nodding as people talk at them.

  Being tall also has its disadvantage. I see the eyes of people landing on me, people I don’t necessarily want to talk to, like television news reporters.

  As I scan the room, I don’t see the one person I’m looking for. Glancing at my watch, I see that it’s close to the time to get this show formally on the road. She better show.

  The cash bar attracts my attention. Aiming that way, I try not to make eye contact with anyone. “SoCal Margarita, please.” I lay the money on the bar and wait for the busy woman to pass me my glass.

  When I turn around, Maddy is standing in front of me.

  “Hi.” She beams a bright smile at me.

  “Hi, Maddy.”

  “You boys sure do look handsome in suits.”

  Sipping my drink, I grunt, “Thanks. But I’m glad I get to wear board shorts and t-shirts every day. You’re looking pretty all decked out.”

  Her smile grows. “Why, thank you.”

  “Did you make the desserts?”

  “I did. Christian requested cookies.”

  I roll my eyes. “Of course he did. He would live off those things if he could.”

  “I need to think of a good name for them,” Maddy says thoughtfully.

  As she contemplates cookies, I glance over her head and see the door open—a man holds it for a woman who swings into the room in a rush.

  I tip my glass up to take a drink, only to miss my lip when I realize who it is in that dark blue dress. The glass bounces off my tooth, and drink sloshes over the side, barely missing my clothes. “Shit,” I murmur.

  Maddy swings her eyes in the direction where I’m looking. “Ah, Raven!” she chirps with excitement.

  Holy hell.

  I’ve seen Raven naked. I’ve seen her dressed for her interview. And I’ve seen her in her swimsuit. But my god. I never ever imagined what she’d look like in a cocktail dress.

  The neckline plunges low, and the hem rises high. There’s nothing but curves in between.

  I swallow hard enough to hear my Adam's apple bob.

  Raven doesn’t appear to see me. Instead, she locks her eyes on Maddy. The women make a beeline for one another. They meet for a hug in the middle of the floor and chatter with each other about something.

  Hmm.

  Girls.

  A hard elbow hits my ribs. “Caught you.”

  My dad is grinning next to me.

  “Hi, Dad.”

  “You’re looking sharp there, boy. You got eyes on that cafe girl?”

  “She is pretty,” I say, hoping to avert any idea that I might be looking at Raven.

  “And smart,” he adds with a hopeful grin.

  Dad has always been eyeing women for me, pointing out the ones he thought would keep me out of trouble and be a good candidate for a wife. I know he’d be happy to have a bunch of little grand-babies running around the Archer compound right now, but none of us have yet to pull that trigger.

  “So, are you ready?” he asks.

  I hope he’s talking about speaking tonight and not about getting hitched to Maddy.

  “To get this over with, yeah.”

  Brandon, my twin, nods at me from across the room. Lilly, his best friend, is at his elbow, talking to some man I don’t know. Brandon might be the only person in the world who knows who I’m really looking at.

  A booming voice suddenly comes over the PA system, startling me. “Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats in the next ten minutes. Thank you.”

  Mumbling at no one, I suppress a groan. “Guess it will be over with before long.”

  Dad slaps me on the back. “You’ll do great. Like always.”

  “Thanks, Dad. Save me a seat.”

  When I approach Raven, her eyes look almost weary.

  “You’re attracting a lot of attention.”

  She glances around. “Am I?”

  The urge to pull her to me is so strong that I have to clench my fists. Her eyes flash up at me like she can feel the vibe rolling off me in waves. “We should head toward the stage in a moment.”

  “Think I can grab a glass of wine first?”

  “Sure.” I take her arm and steer her toward the nearest cash bar. “White, red, anything in particular?”

  “White, please. Something dry.”

  She stands nearby, watching people surge toward the buffet tables while I order and pay for her drink.

  “Thanks,” she murmurs, taking the glass from my hand. The earrings in her lobes sparkle in the light as she moves. Everything about her looks so fresh and sparkly, like a delicious package that needs to be unwrapped.

  Taking her slim, bare arm in my hand, I lead us toward the stage. The feel of her skin against my palm sets loose a flash of heat in my blood that has me wanting to throw my damned tie in the nearest trash can.

  As we reach the stage, Councilman Brightly walks up. He’s all decked out with hair poofed up to the ceiling and a big cheesy grin on his face. “There are our heroes!”

  A woman grabs his coat sleeve and flashes her watch in front of his face. “Time to get up there,” he says with a chuckle.

  The next ten minutes drag on like I’m stuck in a time warp. Blah, blah, blah. I only hear every twentieth word, I suspect. All I know is that when he motions for us, we have to go on stage.

  Raven catches me daydreaming and pokes me in the arm. “Hey, better pay attention.”

  “You’re doing the talking, right?”

  Her eyes go wide. “We should have talked about this before now.”

  “You’re great at this. I’ll just stand by and look imposing and handsome.”

  She purses her lips together and tunes back to t
he man on stage.

  A moment later, Brightly motions for us to join him. Placing my hand on Raven’s back with my hand under her elbow, I usher her in front of me and up onto the stage. She walks like a champ in those delicate high heels. That’s always baffled me, how in the world anyone can move while balancing on a chopstick.

  Raven and I come to a stop at the podium. She glances at me, and I nod. When she steps up to the mic, she’s all poise and confidence. “Thank you, Councilman Brightly. Captain Archer and I are honored to be here tonight.”

  Here, Brightly steps back in. “The county is delighted to present you both with these sculptures as a symbol of our gratitude.” He holds up a glass wave mounted on a plaque. The date and time of the rescue are inscribed. He passes one to me after handing one to Raven.

  Brightly then requests, “Please give us some final words about the events that transpired on that day.”

  Raven nods and steps back up to the mic while she grips the sculpture in her graceful hands. “The rescue operation that took place on that particular Wednesday was successful. For that, we are thankful. Captain Archer and I would like to thank you, council members, for giving us the equipment and training we needed during rescues such as that. Together, we all make the county beaches and harbor a safer place to play, work, and travel.”

  When she steps back from the podium, signaling she’s done, the whole room explodes with clapping and shouts. This goes on for a couple of moments. My face starts to burn, and I can’t get off the stage fast enough.

  Brightly takes the podium one more time. “Captain Archer, do you have anything to add?”

  I give a curt shake of my head.

  “Well, ladies and gentlemen. There you have it. You’re in good hands with California’s most dazzling rescue couple and their teammates, hard at work keeping our waters safe.”

  Raven gives a little nod of her head, smiles at the crowd, then turns to me. She loops her hand in my arm. I get the hint and quickly whisk us down the steps and away from the hot seat.