Boss I Love to Hate An Office Romance - Mia Kayla Page 0,83
to search my memory, trying to recall a time when I’d seen Sonia unhappy. My mind came up blank. Yeah, I’d been a dick to her, like I was a dick to everyone, but with Sonia, I knew she could take it, and she gave it right back.
She knew me, not only my likes—like the way I liked my sandwiches with little mayo and no lettuce—but also my dislikes, my pet peeves, but she had to know I wouldn’t treat her like shit and intentionally make her upset.
I searched her face, the way she was smiling to ease her parents, the smile she held for me when she was annoyed. And I knew deep in my gut that she was upset right now, right here.
I never cared what others thought. Maybe it was because I was the boss, and it didn’t matter. But, as I stared into the almost-six-foot-tall, stout man who held the same warm eyes as Sonia, I realized that I cared what this man thought about me.
I mustered my most apologetic, contrite tone. “Sir, I never meant to make your daughter cry. Trust me when I say that I appreciate everything Sonia does for me day to day at Brisken. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t run as efficiently as I do.”
I squeezed her hand and peered down at her to see her biting her bottom lip. It was an apology sincerely meant for her, as it was meant for her father. “I’m sorry. Sometimes, I think you’re made of steel, and I forget you’re not like those cutthroat CEOs I battle with.”
I exhaled, and before I knew it, my hand cupped her cheek. “I’m sorry, Sonia. Know that I do appreciate you. I promise to be more conscious of my mood and to never take things out on you.” Because it wasn’t fair, and one of these days, I’d push too far, and I’d hate to think of what would happen if I did.
We were locked in a stare, and even though her whole family was in the room and I could feel the hostility oozing out of her father in waves, all of me wanted to kiss her, without hesitation and in apology. Just as I had at the wedding and in her apartment.
The urge was so strong that I leaned into her and brought her close but kissed her forehead instead. She smelled of strawberries. The sweet, light scent of her shampoo had me leaning closer.
Coos and awws echoed from the women in the room. It wasn’t a reaction I had expected or wanted because all that mattered was Sonia’s reaction.
She pulled my hand down from her face and tilted her head to look at me. “All’s forgiven.” Her eyes bled with sincerity, with forgiveness, and I eased up. “Just don’t be an asshole to me anymore, and I’ll no longer throw darts at your head at home.”
I smiled a little and nodded. At that moment, I promised to never give her a reason to forgive me. “I kind of like that picture of me. I was thinking I could practice, too, and get better at my aim.”
Sonia’s face broke into an irresistibly devastating grin. “We can work on that. I’ve actually become very good at playing darts. Constant practice and all.”
“See, all’s forgiven. Now, go shake his hand, Vinny.” Lydia gave her husband’s shoulder a shove. “If they end up getting married, you’re going to regret being a dick. Remember how my father hated you. You want to be him?”
Vinny flinched.
“Mom,” Sonia yelled, her cheeks turning a shade darker. “We’re not getting married.”
“Yet,” Aunt Chelsey finished, her eyebrows waggling.
Sonia groaned. “I hate all of you.”
Vinny stepped forward, and I took in his stature. His chest was three times the size of mine. He reminded me of one of those WWE pro wrestlers, and judging by the size of his fist, I’d bet he could knock me out cold. Still, I straightened and met his gaze straight on. I wanted him to know that I was sincere, but more than that, I wanted him to believe I was worthy of his daughter.
And the realization pushed through.
I wanted to be worthy of her because I wanted a future with her.
And because it was Sonia, and I wanted more of her. More than our platonic relationship now. I wanted all of her dislikes and likes. I wanted every one of her future kisses and arguments and annoyances. I wanted it all. All in.