Hate Notes: A Grumpy Boss Romantic Comedy by Penelope Bloom

Author:Penelope Bloom [Bloom, Penelope]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-01-06T00:00:00+00:00

23

ORION

"You're staring again," Remmy said, appearing at my elbow with two glasses of champagne. She handed me one, grinning. "That's the third time in ten minutes. I counted."

Most years, I had to practically beg Remmy to attend these events. Most years, I did beg her because her presence helped me feel more at ease in the social chaos. Remmy always teased that she loved coming, but loved hearing me beg even more.

This year, she hadn't even waited to be asked, and I was fairly sure I knew why. My little sister had a keen eye and seemed to know I was infatuated with Ember.

"I'm observing my employee's networking skills," I said stiffly.

"Uh-huh. And I'm sure that's why you keep looking at her like she's water in the desert." She bumped my shoulder playfully. "Mom's thrilled, by the way. She thinks Ember's perfect for you."

"There's nothing between us," I said automatically, though the thought of our nightly exchanges made heat crawl up my neck.

"Right. Just like there was nothing between you at the art gallery? Or at dinner?" She raised an eyebrow. "I saw how you looked at each other that night."

"Remmy—"

"No, listen." Her voice softened. "You know, it's okay to want something for yourself sometimes, Ry. Dad wouldn't have wanted you to spend your whole life just... providing for everyone else."

I tightened my grip on my glass. "The company⁠—"

"Will still be there if you take a chance on being happy." She touched my arm. "I remember how you were after Dad died. How you started wearing his old ties even though they were too big. How you insisted on paying the bills even though Mom had it covered. You were twelve, Orion. And now you’ve given me and mom so much security it’s silly. But when will it be enough? When can you finally relax and think about yourself?”

“Someone had to step up,” I said, ignoring most of her points.

Remmy gave me a look that said she knew I was being evasive, but didn’t press me on it. “You did. You always do,” she added with a sad smile. "But we're okay now. Mom and I are okay. Maybe it's time you let yourself be okay too."

Before I could respond, a familiar and unwelcome voice cut through the crowd.

"Orion Foster," Cole Northman said, striding over with his usual smug smile. "Quite the party. Though I expected nothing less from Manhattan's most... rigid CEO."

A young woman in a designer dress preened at his side. She met my eyes and seemed to push her chest out, as if daring me to look.

I kept my gaze on Cole.

"Northman," I said coldly. "I wasn't aware you were invited."

"Oh, I donated generously to the cause. Cancer research, isn't it? Very noble." His eyes drifted to where Ember stood, and something in his expression made my jaw clench. "I see you hired new talent."

"Miss Hartwell has been an excellent addition to our team," I said carefully.

"I'm sure she has." There was something knowing in his tone that I didn't like.

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