Page 24 of The Billionaire's Marriage Dare

She was about to press Send when Sandy poked her head past their shared wall, asking, “Since when were you friends with the CEO?”

Jane almost dropped her phone in her shock. “Jesus!”

“Oops. Sorry.” But Sandy’s grin was sly.

“I’m not friends with the CEO,” Jane muttered as she hit Send. Looking up, she tried to explain, “He only knows someone I know.”

Sandy looked disappointed. “I was hoping for something juicy.”

Jane forced a laugh. “Do I look like I’d have something juicy to share?”

Sandy sighed. “You’re right.”

Jane’s phone vibrated as Sandy retreated back to her cubicle.

Christian: I told him I asked you out and that you turned me down.

Jane almost dropped her phone again. What the-—Did Christian Ravenhearst understand the concept of TMI? What if they were thick as thieves? What would that mean for her job if she chose to say no to his proposition?

Christian: He’ll join us for dinner later, by the way.

Jane glared at her phone. Wasn’t he even going to try asking her out first?

Christian: I’ll pick you up 5PM.

Jane angrily jabbed at the screen of her iPhone.

Jane: NO.

Jane: HELLO?

It took her an entire minute to realize that Christian probably wasn’t ignoring her. Most likely, this was what he had warned her about.

Jane: Okay. I got it. You’re with your other girlfriend.

She put her phone away, along with all distracting thoughts about Christian Ravenhearst, and focused on her work.

At exactly five in the afternoon, she was outside AMC and rehearsing her speech for Christian while she waited by the steps. He was to ask if she wanted to have dinner first. Her life didn’t revolve around him. If he couldn’t accept that, then he could go to hell.

Fifteen minutes passed.

Jane sighed. Since he didn’t strike her as someone petty or irresponsible, did this mean he was still busy with the third party?

“Hello, Ms. Cooper.”

She jumped, literally, at finding the CEO walking down the steps, and for one moment she was confused.

Didn’t the CEO always get in his ride at the basement for security reasons?

Then she saw his arched expression, and she flushed, realizing she had failed to return his greeting. “Good afternoon, sir,” she said hurriedly.

They looked at each other.

She asked uncertainly, “Shall I look for your chauffeur, sir?”

His lips curved. “I’m guessing Christian forgot to tell you.”

Oh. So she was right, and Christian was busy with his other girlfriend!

---