Page 37 of Love your Billionaire Boss

“I don’t know what that was,” said Nico, clearing his throat and looking toward the front door. She believed him.

“Did I do something?” asked Cleo.

“Nah.” Nico waved her off. “He was probably just in a bad mood or something.”

Yeah right, she thought.

She straightened up in her seat and tucked her hair behind her ears, trying to calm the feelings that were flooding her. She had to get out of there. This was embarrassing and hurtful, and she didn’t want Nico to see her looking upset. The last thing she needed was him telling Kenny she had gotten worked up. They’d probably laugh about it. Aww, the baker girl had a crush.

“Well, I should probably be going,” she said calmly, even though her insides were stirring.

“Are you sure? I’m sorry about that.”

“Yeah, I have to get home.”

Yeah, okay. I’ll walk you out.” He rose from his barstool. She could tell he felt bad about his friend, but didn’t know what to do since he was left to fend for himself.

Cleo took one look at where Kenny had been sitting and a replay of the night whizzed by in her head. His laughter. His arm brushing against hers. His looks he didn’t know she caught. All tainted by his sudden and unexplained departure. She let out a small sigh as she followed Nico out to the living room.

“Don’t worry about Kenny. I’m sure something just came up,” said Nico, as if reading her thoughts. He pressed the button for the elevator and leaned against the wall, looking at his feet.

Cleo knew he was trying to be nice and spare her feelings. She gave him a small smile and walked through the elevator doors as they slid open.

“Thanks, Nico. I’m glad we were able to finalize the menu. If there’s anything else you need, just let me know.”

He gave her a little wave before the elevator doors shut. Now she could let her emotions out. She backed up slowly until her back reached the wall of the elevator. She leaned against the railing and looked up, trying to blink back tears. Which was it? A bad mood or a sudden engagement? Or was it that he simply lost interest in her? Or was he meeting someone? Another girl?

She looked at herself in the mirrored wall of the elevator and laughed quietly to herself. Who did she think she was? She looked at the yellow sundress she had put on and the curls that hung loosely by her face. She had actually tried using a curling iron because she wanted to look good for him. Now she felt like a fool. A tear rolled down her cheek and she wiped it away gruffly, just as she reached the floor of the parking garage.

She got in her car and pulled her hair into a messy bun, as if that would make her feel like her normal self. The one who didn’t try, especially not for a guy. She turned the key in the ignition and was about to put it in drive, but she stopped. She didn’t want to go home. She didn’t want to be alone. She rummaged in her purse for her cellphone. It was just after nine. She didn’t realize she had spent so much time there. It was kind of late, but she texted Elle anyway:

Can I come over?

Elle: Of course. Is everything okay?

Cleo: Thanks. Be there soon.

Cleo tossed her phone on her seat and began driving to Elle’s apartment. In just ten minutes, she arrived. She found a parking spot and put change into the parking meter, then walked up to the door and pressed the button for Elle’s apartment.

“Hello?”

“It’s me. Can you buzz me in?”

She heard the loud buzz and the door click. She pushed it open and walked the two flights of stairs. Elle was waiting at the end of the hallway. She gave her a little wave and looked at her questioningly as Cleo walked toward her.

“Hi. Thanks,” said Cleo, out of breath, giving her a quick hug.

“Of course. You didn’t answer my question, though. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, everything is fine.” Cleo sighed.

Elle looked at her skeptically as she held open her apartment door. Cleo slid past her and walked to the living room where the TV was playing a murder documentary.

“You’re obsessed.” Cleo shook her head with a smile.

“This one is so good. Get this. The wife was innocent all along. It was actually their dog walker. I knew it. I called it in the first ten minutes. I’m telling you, I chose the wrong job. The Boston Police Department could really use me.”

Cleo laughed. She already felt a little better.

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