Mac kicked himself for saying something to her. He should have just turned and left when he realized who she was. He saw the beautiful woman looking around as though she was lost and wanted to help. The gentle sway of her hips and the curve of her figure had only a little to do with it.

Then he had to go and insult his boss. No, not his boss. His boss’s boss. The one person who controlled everything. The CEO. He was such an idiot.

He had to go after her and explain, but what could he say? That the other guys he worked with talked about how she was a cold fish and she barely gave anyone the time of day. How she barely even looked at them, let alone had ever been out with any of them. They’d all been shocked when she ended up pregnant, wondering who would ever sleep with her. He kept her confidence, not revealing her daughter’s father’s identity, but he knew some of the things they’d said sunk in.

If it hadn’t he wouldn’t have been so cruel to her. She didn’t deserve it. Just because she’d ignored him since he became her employee didn’t mean she should be treated like shit.

It didn’t mean he should be either though.

Mac finished his shopping and decided he’d send her an email or something next week and apologize for his behavior. Assuming he had a job that long. But for the night, he would just avoid her.

He filed into line and loaded his groceries on the belt. When someone stepped up behind him he didn’t turn to look, just moved his cart forward when it was his turn to check out. He talked to the cashier, a woman he’d gone out with a few times when he worked at the store. She asked about his new job and he told her how much he was enjoying himself, even complimented the CEO on her forward thinking and new ideas.

Then he heard her snort of disbelief.

He spun and saw Christine watching him, absorbing his every word. And obviously not believing him.

He kept his eyes locked on hers as he continued his conversation. “The CEO is an amazing woman. I met her before I started working there but had no idea who she was. It’s hard to believe someone who has so much on her plate had time to date, but I was one of the lucky ones from what I hear. She doesn’t date much, but she’s stunning and smart and kind and a great mother and a very good boss.”

“I’m not your boss.”

He ignored her and kept talking. “I believed some of the stupid shit I heard about her at work, some stupid guys who believed she wasn’t the warm and loving person she is. Guys who were probably jealous that she’d never looked their way twice. I was the dumbest one of them all though. I had her and instead of holding on to her, I jumped for the job. I love the work, but I’d give it up any day for another chance with her.”