Page 33 of Battle with a Billionaire

“No,” he said as he drummed his fingers on the white tablecloth. She allowed another beat of silence. “It’s just that I’m wondering if you’ve heard from Kyle. He wasn’t waiting at the office, was he?”

“No, he was not. And yes, I have.”

Grant heaved a sigh as he sent his eyes skyward.

“You didn’t expect him not to text me, did you?”

“No, I suppose not.” His jaw tensed as the drumming of his fingers sped up.

Julia reached across the table to stop them. “It’s fine. He’s been relatively normal despite the recent admission of his feelings. Which makes me think none of that was true.”

“Oh, come on, Julia. You can’t honestly believe he doesn’t have a thing for you.”

“I can, and I do. We have no idea if he’s just saying that to get at you or if it’s true.”

“Both. He likes you, and he delights in reminding me how awful I am. So, it works to his advantage no matter which way you slice it.”

Julia sucked in a breath as their meals arrived, waiting for the waiter to leave them behind before she spoke again. “You’re not awful, and either way, he’s being a bit better behaved. And let’s not get off topic. Do you have any idea why Sierra is so attached to this Metcalfe guy?”

“None. It’s not like her.”

“I agree.” Julia shrugged as she twirled her pasta around on her fork. “Well, we’ll see what happens with him. But let’s not spend our entire lunch talking business.”

They turned to lighter topics as they enjoyed their meal before parting ways. Julia returned to the office, the weight of her newly hatched plan weighing on her as much as the pasta. She wanted the information, but she dreaded the phone ringing with it. What would they find? And would it be what she expected?

As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across her floor, her office door burst open. Evelyn hurried in after Kyle. “I’m so sorry, I told him he couldn’t go in.”

“And I told you I’m expected. Julia, please tell her.”

Julia offered Evie a consoling smile as she collected a stack of folders from her desk and held them out. “It’s fine, Evie. And I’m all finished for the night, so you’re free to go whenever you’d like.”

“I’ll simply file these and be on my way. You’re sure you’re okay?” Evie slid her eyes sideways to Kyle, who rolled his eyes.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Kyle sank into the chair across from her as Evie shuffled out of the office. “You’d think I killed someone the way these people act.”

“You’re being a little dramatic.”

“I’m not. She gave me the evil eye and asked if you were okay like I’m some kind of killer. I happen to be a very respected physician.”

“Who happens to dislike someone she likes very much.”

Kyle heaved a sigh. “Let’s not bring him into this conversation. Did your plan work out?”

“Remains to be seen. He got the papers earlier today. We’ll see what he does with them.”

“How are we going to know what he does with them?”

“I have that handled,” she answered.

He leaned forward, a confused smile on his face. “How?”

“I don’t think you need the details.”

He slumped back in the chair, offering her a knowing glance. “Oh, it’s illegal. Julia, you said you weren’t doing illegal things anymore.”

“I’m not,” she said. “Mike Donovan is doing them.”

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