Dating the Boss (Blue Harbor #2) - Jaclyn Osborn Page 0,26

you.”

While we waited for Cole, Reed and I went back up to our room. I called Mr. Crawford and told him we were stuck in Ivory Falls for another day, perhaps two. He wasn’t happy, but as Reed had told me, it was out of my control.

“Shit happens,” Reed said after I got off the phone, tugging on his coat. “He’s the one who said you had to make this trip work whatever the cost, so he has no room to bitch about it now.” He looped a scarf around his neck before checking out his reflection in the bathroom mirror. Thin fingers combed through his bangs as he styled them with the hair paste he’d carried in his overnight bag, giving him a casual and kind of messy look.

“You do know he’s your boss,” I said, crossing my arms and leaning against the bathroom doorframe. “And so am I. You should watch what you say. It’s not professional.”

Reed cringed and looked at me with wide eyes. “Oops. It’s still true, though. It’s like making someone drive to get you something, then getting mad when they get a flat tire. We’re only human, Mr. Sawyer. We’re not like Heat Miser and the winter dude who can control the weather.”

“Who?” I stepped out of the way when he left the bathroom.

“Oh my god, you don’t know them either?” he asked. “You’ve never watched The Year Without a Santa Claus?”

“I don’t like Christmas movies.”

“Good grief.” Reed pulled on his gloves and sighed. “One day, I’m gonna make you watch it. Cinderella too. You poor, deprived soul.”

In a way, I liked how Reed felt comfortable enough around me to say things he would’ve normally kept quiet. But I also hated it. We needed to return to a strict business relationship. One without the familiarity of personal conversation and light teasing.

“When we’re back from town, I’ll need you to call clients and let them know what’s going on and to reschedule any meetings I had for today, unless they’re able to do it remotely.”

Reed seemed to sense my change in tone. The smile left his face as a frown took its place. “Yes, sir.”

Chapter Seven

Reed

Cole drove us to the general store, since it was one of the only places still open. I would’ve preferred a shopping mall so I could get more flattering clothes, but it would have to do.

It really is like a damn Hallmark movie town.

“I know it’s not much,” Cole said as we entered the store, “But I hope you’re able to find a few things to hold you over until you can go home.”

“It’s great,” Daniel answered. “Thank you.”

We found the men’s clothing section and rifled through the racks of boring shirts with way too much plaid. I held one up to my chest.

“What do you think? Can I pull off the lumberjack look?”

Daniel snorted and kept looking. He had two sweaters slung over one arm, as well as two black shirts and jeans. Catching me looking, he scowled. “Why are you staring at me?”

“It’s going to be weird seeing you in casual clothes.”

“Well, they don’t have suits here,” he responded, moving over to a table with a selection of plain T-shirts. “Might as well be comfortable. Pick whatever you like. I’m buying it.”

“You don’t have to do that. I would hate for you to pay for such…” I picked up a long-sleeved shirt and crinkled my nose at the horizontal lines on it before tossing it back down. “Wonderful clothes.”

“You could always try the women’s department,” Daniel said, adding several pairs of boxer briefs to his shopping basket. “I’m sure they’d have a selection that better suits your style.”

I blinked at him. He hadn’t said it in a degrading or mocking way. It had been a serious suggestion that lacked the disdain I sometimes got from other people when they saw my outfits where I sometimes combined women’s tops with skinny jeans and flats. I loved to play with fashion, regardless of gender.

“Really?” I asked.

Daniel seemed confused when our eyes met. “Did I offend you? I’m sorry if I did. That wasn’t my intention. I’ve just noticed you occasionally wear women’s coats and shirts.”

“You didn’t offend me,” I said, my eyes stinging a little. Why the hell was I getting so emotional? I had accepted myself years ago and needed no one else’s approval to be myself. Yet, Daniel’s suggestion caused a lump in my throat. I blinked back tears and turned away from him. “Good idea. I’ll go