Page 58 of One Bossy Date
A few hours later, my mind dizzy from all the bossing, over-the-knee putting, and spanking (in the book), I ventured into the communal zone of the penthouse. It was pretty late now, and I figured Anders would be in bed, sleeping. It was a Sunday night after all. But when I emerged from the passageway, he was in the kitchen, leaning against the counter and licking ice cream from a spoon.
“That looks good,” I said, leaning forward onto the island counter.
“Want some?”
I nodded, but instead of getting out a bowl, he just got another spoon and placed the ice cream tub between us on the island. He was wearing sweatpants and a tank top, so his biceps were on full display.
My mind wouldn’t get much relaxation, after all.
“Thank you.” I smiled, took the spoon, and dug in. The ice cream had melted on the sides. “Mmmm,” I groaned. “Vegan peanut butter chocolate with swirled caramel and cookie dough? Heavens. How decadent. This is so,sogood.”
“I know.” He studied me in his usual subdued fashion.
I swallowed my ice cream. “I’m pretty nervous about work tomorrow,” I blurted without even thinking.
I didn’t know why I’d even brought it up. I’d already hogged practically his entire day talking about my business. But something inside me wanted to confide in Anders. Because he was here. Eating ice cream with me. Wasn’t it some kind of tradition to talk over ice cream?
Licking his spoon, Anders tipped his head to the side. “Why?”
“We have two new clients. Never met them and their cats. They made bookings on Saturday. It’s no biggie. I guess I just stress with any new client—hoping I impress them and treat their kitties the way they like. So they become long-term clients, you know.”
“Well, with the way you’ve warmed up to these guys,” he looked down, and I craned my neck to see both Rottweilers lying at his feet, “I’m pretty sure you’re good with most animals. Especially cats.”
“Yeah. Probably. There’s just so much depending on this store. I need it to work.”
He appeared almost concerned. “What’s going on exactly?”
It took me a moment to process. “I just have some debt to pay off. My gran’s loan included. I don’t want to take too long to pay her back.”
“I’ve met your grandmother. I’m sure she doesn’t mind.”
“No…yes, you’re right. ButIdo. I wanted to do it all myself, and I hate that I need help. All the time.”
Anders nodded knowingly. “I get that, but there’s no shame in needing help. There are very few things a person can actually do alone.”
“Except go to South America, right?”
He chuckled, and I knew I’d hit the nail on the head. “Yeah, yeah. I am alone over there.”
“Doesn’t it bother you?”
He scooped up more ice cream. “It didn’t. For a long time. And I think it still doesn’t, but there’s one little issue that’s been on my mind.”
I moved around the island and hoisted myself up onto the counter. He handed me the ice cream tub, and I dug in. “What’s that?”
“That I’m happy there, and that I’m happy here, but for different reasons.”
With a full mouth, I merely raised an eyebrow.
“There, I’m in nature with smaller, more down-to-earth communities of people. On a day-to-day basis, that makes me happy. But—” He stood closer, leaning his hip against the counter next to my knee and stuck his spoon into the tub on my lap. For whatever reason, it sent a tingly sensation to my belly.
“Your family is here?” I asked, making an assumption.
He nodded once. “Yes. My dad isn’t around anymore, so I know my mom gets lonely. My brother, well, he still needs some,” he made air quotes with his fingers, “‘big brother guidance.’”
“But…” I started, meeting his gaze now. “It’s more than that, isn’t it? You can’t stay just for them. You have to do it for yourself.”
“Exactly. I plan to go back—as you know.”