The Boss Project by Vi Keeland

“Close your eyes,” I said.

I heard the smile in his voice. “Okay.”

“Now, imagine it’s nighttime. There’s no light coming from anywhere, except the stars twinkling above you.” I was quiet for a moment as I pictured it. “Now imagine those twinkling stars and listen to the sounds all around us.”

We were quiet for a long time. When I finally opened my eyes, I looked over and was surprised to find him watching me.

“You’re supposed to be looking at the Big Dipper,” I said.

Merrick’s eyes dropped to my lips and lingered before returning to meet mine. My belly did that little flutter it often seemed to do around him.

“You’re pretty amazing, you know that?”

“Does that mean you like my treehouse?”

He chuckled softly. “I do. But I’m referring to the whole package. You’re smart and funny, didn’t think twice about hopping on a plane to help Kitty, and you seem to care deeply for your patients’ well-being. But more than that, you’re probably the most resilient person I know. You grew up around abuse and anger. Most people would have carried that with them like a shield and used it to keep people at a distance. But instead, you built sanctuaries where people can come and escape life—with all of the profits donated to a domestic violence shelter.” He paused and looked away. “Your ex was a goddamned coward who couldn’t handle the woman you are, so he acted like a boy.”

Merrick’s words seeped into me, making my chest feel full. I shook my head. “No one has ever said anything so nice to me. I’m not even sure what to say…”

Merrick smiled almost sadly. “If that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you, then your ex was more than just a coward. He was also a fucking idiot.”

I rolled onto my side to face him, tucking my hands under my cheek. “Can I ask you sort of a forward question?”

He raised a brow. “I’m intrigued…”

My heart pounded, and I shook my head. “You know what? Let’s just forget it.”

“You can’t pack a question like that back in the box. Spit it out, Vaughn. It’s not like you to tiptoe around something.”

“Well, Kitty sort of… Well, she thinks you’re attracted to me.”

Merrick smiled. “My grandmother is a wise woman.”

I hadn’t expected him to admit that. I thought maybe I’d misunderstood. “Are you saying she’s right?”

“I think you already know the answer to that.”

I nodded and looked away a moment. “So how come you…”

He lifted a brow. “How come I haven’t mauled you?”

I laughed. “Yeah, that.”

Merrick slipped a curled knuckle under my chin and tipped my head up so our eyes met. “Because while I think the attraction might be mutual, I get the feeling it might be something you’d regret after. Am I wrong?”

I looked into his eyes. “It’s not you. I have some big trust issues, obviously. Not to mention, you’re my boss, and I really like my job. And you…you lost someone you loved.” I shook my head. “With all of that going against us, of course I’m nervous.”

Merrick smiled sadly. “If it’s meant to be, you’ll come around when it’s time.”

“How will we figure out if the time is right?”

His eyes darkened. “I guess we’ll know when my tongue is down your throat—or better yet, something else.”

I laughed and play-smacked his chest. He sat up from the bed and offered his hand. “Come on. We better get out of here before it’s too late.”

“Oh, there isn’t anyone checking in today.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Why do we need to rush out of here then?”

“Because five more minutes of lying on this bed with you, and I’m going to have your clothes on the floor.”





CHAPTER 17

Merrick



The next morning, I woke up early. Kitty’s house was still dark and quiet, so I didn’t bother pulling on a shirt before I headed to the bathroom. As I reached for the doorknob, the door suddenly opened.

Evie stood before me, wrapped in only a towel. Her hand flew to her chest. “Shit. You scared the crap out of me.”

“Sorry. I didn’t think anyone was up yet.”

“I wanted to shower before Kitty woke up, so I wouldn’t be in the way. But I realized I forgot my conditioner in my bag.”

“Do you mind if I use the bathroom while you get it?”

She shook her head and tightened the corner of her towel. “No, of course not. Go right ahead.”

After I relieved myself, I found Evie waiting in the hall outside. I didn’t mean for it to happen, but my eyes surveyed the contours of her body. The towel only hung to the top of her thigh, and the way it was wrapped around her chest, her cleavage really wanted to spill over. I might’ve gotten stuck in that area for a few heartbeats. When my eyes finally found their way back to hers, she offered a knowing smile.

“Pervert.”

My brows shot up. “I’m a pervert? You’re half naked, and you’ve already shown me your ass. Actually, I saw you in your bra in that dressing room, too. You really need to stop coming on to me like this.”