Page 92 of Billion Dollar Mistake

Jeremy: What about before then?

Nova: Who knew you’d be so needy.

Jeremy: Desperate, you mean. For you…yes!

Nova: I go boxing straight after work.

Jeremy: Send me the address.

Nova: Are you serious?

Jeremy: If it means I get time alone with you. I’ll take anything I can get.

I stare at his message, and I can’t help the smile that settles on my face. Here I was crushing hard on him, but I think he might be feeling the same way. That knowledge is overwhelming as much as it is thrilling. I never expected this to happen to me.

I send him the address and eat my sandwich quickly before returning to my desk. Going back to work is easier now that I can countdown to seeing Jeremy afterward.

I settle at my desk and back into work. I pull up a new client’s file and continue on with the numbers when Dalton’s voice calls out to me.

“When you were at lunch, Bentley came down to check in on you.”

“Does he want me to call him in his office or go see him?”

I really hope I don’t have to go up there.

“He said he’ll come back after his lunch.”

“Okay, well, I don’t plan to leave this level until the day is over. I’m sure he’ll be able to catch me.”

He shrugs. “It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t. We told him you were settling in fine. Isn’t that right, Poppy?”

She sighs heavily and twists ever so slightly. Clearly not interested in joining our conversation.

“Yeah,” she mutters.

“Well, thanks, I guess,” I say, spinning back around and returning to the spreadsheet.

“What are your plans tonight?” Dalton asks. I swear he doesn’t like to stay quiet very long. It’s like silence makes him antsy.

“Boxing and then I’m headed to the parents for dinner.”

“You box as a workout?” Poppy asks.

I pause typing.

“Ah. Yeah, I go to a gym around the corner from my parents. The owners know me.”

“Is it a class?” she asks another question.

What. The. Hell?

I shake my head. “Actually, no, I just use their bag. But they have classes there and I know the teacher, he's really good.”

“I might have to try it out. I’ve always wanted to learn, but I’ve never known anyone who does it.”

All of a sudden, there’s a loud clapping sound, and I frown and look toward Dalton. Why is he clapping?

“Look at this, ladies and gentleman. Poppy will hang out with Nova.”

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