Page 38 of Billion Dollar Mistake

I nod, unable to respond because my mouth is full. But also, I’m a little lost for words. Jeremy is too much. Other than my dad, I haven’t had a guy in years worry about taking care of me. I know the bubble will burst soon. Both of us are terrified of losing someone we love. It’s not worth falling for someone who will leave you one day.

We should enjoy tonight as friends. I passed my first task at work successfully, and he signed the contract.

Thinking about work, a question for him comes to my mind.

“Do you ever regret the path you chose?” I ask, his dark brows pinch so I add, “Your life path. Like what if you stayed working as a doctor.”

He shrugs off his jacket, and it’s captivating. My own personal show under the dim lights. I can’t drag my eyes away. His strong body fitted with only a snug white shirt. Every vein on his arm outlined and drawing attention.

“Not at all.”

He drapes the jacket on the back of his chair, giving me a second to think.

“How did you know to take that risk?”

I meet his eyes, and he rubs his jaw, looking thoughtful.

“One choice can change everything. It’s both terrifying and exhilarating. But without risks, there’s no change.”

“And do you think it’s changed you?” Curiosity laces my tone.

He leans forward, arms on the table, a subtle pause emphasizing his openness.

“Definitely. I’m more mature than I was, say, three years ago. Why’d you ask?”

“Being here with you is not what I had planned.”

“Do you regret it?” His eyes hold a mixture of curiosity and concern.

“No. It’s scary to go off the path and off expectations, you know?” I admit, the weight of my choices and the unpredictability of the moment hanging in the air.

He nods understandingly. “I do. But vulnerability is where our true strength lies. It’s the courage we share to be imperfect.” He reaches forward, laying his hand on top of mine. The touch is intimate, a silent reassurance clasping my hand, and his gaze softens as he looks into my eyes. “You’re good for me.”

My body tingles with warmth from not just his touch but his words. My eyes drop to his fingers that are mindlessly skimming my hand in a soft pattern.

“You’re good for me too,” I murmur under my breath.

I’m surprised by how much he makes my dad’s cancer journey less lonely.

I look up to find him watching me with his lips parted.

He grabs his drink and his gold and diamond cufflink catches my attention. It makes me giggle.

His brows draw in again. “What?”

“Your cufflinks. Cards. Really?”

He twists his wrists giving both of us a better view. A flair of playing cards, gold with black details.

“Custom made.”

I roll my eyes playfully. “I bet the pens on your desk have Jeremy engraved on them.”

He sucks in a breath, shaking his head. “Close.”

I raise a brow.

“Just Lincoln.”

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