Page 41 of Grumpy Boss in Love

Ruby smirked. It was the sly grin of a strategist who had plotted everything flawlessly. I was intrigued. “Whatever project you’re going to undertake on that new property, I want in.”

I gazed at her, keeping my expression schooled. “How so?”

“Make me manager for the marketing team on the project. You will need your marketing team for it, won’t you?”

I would indeed need to heavily promote my new hotel. “Yes, when the time is right.”

“Great, then I’m your girl. And the job you’re going to give me will be separate from any role that I may get here.” She tapped her chin. “You’ll be my first client for my solo marketing firm. Do you know what having Elliot Westwood as my first client out the gate will do for my business?”

“I have a pretty good idea,” I said, biting back a smile.

She beamed. “Caroline is going to watch me shine. She’s going to hate it, and I’m going to revel in it.” Jumping back into serious mode, she said. “Those are my conditions for entering a fake marriage with you. Will you honor them, Mr. Westwood?”

My respect for Ruby skyrocketed. She was clever and strategic. As her former teacher, I was proud. If she kept that fire in her, she’d make it in the business world.

“I will,” I said. “I’ll have my lawyer draft a new contract.”

Ruby’s eyes widened. “Really?” She cleared her throat. “I mean, yes, of course. I’ll await the new contract.” Apparently, unable to contain herself, she clapped and squealed her delight over her victory.

With my chin propped between my index finger and thumb, I watched her with mild amusement. When she was done celebrating, I said, “Bennet, take note from someone with experience. When you win in the boardroom, don’tsquealyour delight. Maintain a serious, professional demeanor.”

“Oh. You’re right.” She wiped away her glee, went somber, and squared her shoulders. However, I could tell that she could barely contain her excitement and was probably doing a silly victory dance in her head.

It was a struggle not to laugh out loud. This had to have been the most amusing negotiation I’d ever been a part of. “Now, are you ready to hear my stipulations?”

She inhaled deeply and nodded. “I am.”

“Have a seat.”

I gestured to the chair directly across from me. Ruby looked worried, but she had no need to be. I’d make sure she came out of this farce just fine. My gaze moved over her face, taking in her concerned frown, and I think I felt affection blossom and spread through my chest. It was a little scary because I never allowed myself to get close to many people. She’d grown on me, became someone I cared about… Although I’d never admit it to her.

15

RUBY

The paperwork for my sham of an engagement to Elliot had been signed just two days ago. We’d be on our way to go through with the wretched nuptials soon. I felt awful. If any of my sisters found out that I’d resorted to being a fake wife to my boss for money, I’d never live it down.

I blew out a long, resigned breath. I’d signed the contract and there was no backing out, so I might as well stop stressing about it. With that thought, I glanced at the imposing, somber man beside me. Gabe, Elliot’s driver, made the elevator seem way smaller than it was.

He stared straight ahead with his hands behind his back as the lift carried us to Elliot’s penthouse apartment. The man’s uniform, a tailored suit, tie, and black shoes, was immaculate. Not a wrinkle in sight. His shoes were shiny enough to reflect light. My gaze traveled back up. His black hair, styled in a crew cut, was sprinkled with bits of gray. Everything about him screamed disciplined andrigid.

Gabe must have felt my eyes boring holes into the side of his face because he turned his head to pin me with laser-sharp green eyes.

I smiled at him and asked, “You’re ex-military, aren’t you?”

Despite his usual stiff air, he had displayed that he had a softer side during my few past interactions with him. A gleam of humor replaced the intensity that had been in his eyes before. “Is it the rigid shoulders that gave me away?”

I chuckled. “That and a few other things. My sister Tessa dated a military man once. He was just as austere as you are.”

There was the slightest twitch at one corner of his mouth, but the smile never appeared. He didn’t respond verbally either. Gabe didn’t talk much. When he’d picked me up at my place thirty minutes ago, all he’d said with a slight nod was, “Miss Bennet.”

I’d told him to call me Ruby, but he hadn’t responded.

“So, how long have you been working for Elliot?” I asked, to make conversation and quell the nervousness fluttering in my stomach. I was getting married this weekend.Holy crap on toast.

Staring straight ahead again, he said, “Fourteen years.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Wow.”