Page 33 of My Forbidden Boss

Tonight she’ll be with me. All night long. And over the weekend.

A better man would have a conscience about that. I’ve decided I’m not a better man.

“What about Bourke?” I ask.

“I made some discreet calls. Seems like he’s under some financial stress. Unpaid bills. Failed projects he’s kept under wraps. His bank isn’t extending his loan,” Tristan says.

I rock back in my chair. “That’s why he was at the gala.”

Tristan shrugs. “Maybe he was there for the same reason you were. Scouting the scene. Putting a word in the right ear. Moss Creek is a development he’d be interested in. He needs this one because it’s guaranteed to be lucrative.”

It’s the same reason I’m interested. It’s a pocket of land close enough to New York to commute and far enough away to provide a wholesome family atmosphere. The money will pour in on the plans alone. I expect the suburb to be bought out before the housing project is demolished.

“He’s kept that close to his chest,” I say.

“Paid off several people to keep quiet about it. I had to pull in some favours to get that information,” Tristan said.

I’m grateful he did. Bourke isn’t known for his ethical business endeavors. He’s ripped off enough people to ward off the contractors who know better, but not enough to keep roping new people in. He’s treading a thin line.

Tristan knows this information will go no further. I’m not a gossip, but I’ll use it to keep Blue Sky safe. “Bourke will be getting desperate then.”

“My thoughts exactly. The bank passed your loan for the tender, by the way. You’re all set to apply for the tender from our end,” Tristan says.

Not thinking it would be any other way, I nodded my thanks. I make a lot of money in interest for the bank and have never defaulted on payments. I prefer to keep my dealings legitimate and keep the best people interested and working for me.

“Jamie Taylor is going to Powerhouse Florida. I’ll catch up with him there,” I say. The conference goes for three days. Taylor is the land manager for the development. There’s no doubt he’s heard of Blue Sky, but I’ll make sure to press my case.

Tristan turns around as Adeline walks to her desk outside my office and sits. Her gaze finds mine and slides to Tristan. She buries her nose in the computer, getting her tasks done.

She’s a hard worker. Intelligent. I’ve only had to tell her how things operate once. She’s been true to her word since she begged to keep the job. That was only Monday, But seems like weeks ago.

She’s wearing the same skirt she’s worn all week, and it’s the third time she’s worn the same blouse. I make a mental note to take her out shopping for more clothes, concerned she obviously has nothing else to wear.

What woman has such limited items of clothing?

I’m glad I gave her Steph’s coat. But she needs more than a single coat.

I want to buy her a wardrobe.

“David?” Tristan says. I tear my attention away from Adeline and find him staring at me. “Anything you want to tell me about?”

“She’s my new PA,” I say.

“And what else?” Tristan says.

I’ve known Tristan for over twenty years. He’s Steph’s godfather, for crying out loud. What we don’t know about each other isn’t worth knowing, but he’s aware something’s up.

“She’s why you didn’t watch the game,” he says, and when I don’t reply speaks again, “How old is she?”

“She’s legal,” I say. I looked at her induction forms from HR. She’s barely legal. Not old enough to make my infatuation any better, but Tristan’s already worked that out.

“Fuck,” Tristan says.

“I’m not apologizing for her,” I say.

Tristan holds his hand up. “I’m not expecting you to. You’re old enough to know what you’re doing. Just be careful, okay?”

“She’s not after my money,” I say. She’s not like Samantha or the slew of women I’ve dated. I’ve always ignored what I don’t want to see, but the greed is simply not there in Adeline.

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