My Grumpy Boss (Alphas in Charge #1)

Chapter 1

ONE

Hazel

Twenty more freaking minutes.

I glance away from the clock, sighing as I look around the office. Everyone is logging off and gathering their belongings. Some shoot nervous glances in my direction, and I know they’re looking for our boss.

Hudson Cole.

He’s been quiet today, sticking mostly to his office. Everyone seems relieved by that, but not me. I’m bored when we’re not bickering and sparring. The day drags when we don’t interact.

I hate feeling like this. I should be happy that my demanding boss is ignoring me, but I’m not. I’m grumpy as I sway side to side in my chair.

As much as I try to convince myself I can’t stand the guy, it’s not entirely true. The truth is that I may have a teeny tiny crush on my grumpy boss.

I shouldn’t. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it.

I can list a hundred reasons why my attraction to Hudson is a mistake.

I mean, the guy is cold, demanding, and wears a perpetual scowl.

He’s a workaholic who seems incapable of having fun.

Even if he were interested in me, everyone knows he doesn’t date. I’m sure he thinks it’s beneath him.

I sigh again, willing myself not to turn and peek into his office.

None of his previous assistants lasted more than a few days, maybe a week or two. Not me. I’m stubborn as hell. I’ve been here for ten months, and I’m determined to make it to a year before I quit this job. I need to, so it looks good on my resume.

I’ve spent the last ten months organizing Hudson’s schedule, answering phone calls and emails, and doing everything else needed to keep his billion-dollar company running smoothly.

Two more months, then I’m out. Two more months, and I won’t have to fight this insane attraction anymore.

As if he can hear my thoughts, I feel Hudson’s eyes on me. I straighten in my seat and turn to meet his dark gaze. He’s watching me intently. I raise an eyebrow, giving him a stoic look. He frowns slightly, and I make a mental tally in my head.

Point one for me.

I’ve been playing this game a lot lately. Every time I can break his usual scowl, I score a point.

I turn to face him fully, swiveling in my office chair. He watches the movement, seeming to catalog everything about me in seconds. That used to unnerve me, but now I feel a secret thrill every time his eyes are on me.

What does he see when he looks at me? What does he think about me? Does he see me for who I really am?

An orphan, abandoned by her parents when she was seven.

A stubborn tomboy.

A virgin.

My cheeks heat, and I look away before Hudson can see my blush.

I glance back at the clock and take a deep breath. Ten more minutes.

A few of my coworkers inch toward the exit. I silently urge them to hurry as they hit the button and bolt into the sleek elevator. The doors slide closed behind them.

I stand to gather my things.

“Uh-hum.” Hudson clears his throat behind me.

“Your voice wouldn’t sound like that if you talked to people throughout the day,” I inform him as I shove my phone into my purse.

“What’s wrong with my voice?”

“Nothing at all, sir… if you’re happy to sound like a rusty tractor.”

I straighten my shoulders, trying to hide any hint of my attraction to him as I turn to face him. Not that I need to bother hiding it—there’s no way my perfectionist boss is interested in me.

I’m too curvy, too short, too much. I don’t fit into his monochrome life, and I have no idea why he hired me to be his assistant. I’m the only thing in this place with any color.

Smoothing my hands over my dark purple skirt, I meet his blue eyes. Hudson glares down at me, and I give him my most innocent look.

I take a deep breath, wincing as the buttons on my shirt strain over my boobs. I do not need a wardrobe malfunction right now.

Now is not the time to flash my boss!

Hudson’s eyes drop to my chest before he quickly looks away, seeming almost angry.

“Is the Miller report done?” he growls.

My nipples tighten painfully in my bra as his voice rumbles through me. “Yep. I emailed it to you half an hour ago.”

He nods and retreats into his office. I frown as I watch him go, wondering at his strange behavior. Shaking my head, I grab my belongings and step onto the elevator with two coworkers.

As the doors close, I gasp as I see Hudson watching me intently.

Only two more months.

I swear he can read my mind as he glares at me. He shakes his head, a muscle popping in his jaw.

The doors glide closed, and I let out a deep breath, sagging against the wall. My coworkers give me odd looks, but I ignore them.

I walk home, pushing all thoughts of work and my grumpy boss from my mind.