Page 14 of Love your Billionaire Boss

She rode the elevator up to Elle’s floor. When the doors opened, she stepped out and ran right into someone, causing her to drop her basket. “Sorry!” she said, as she knelt down and began picking up the individually wrapped pastries. Whoever she had run into didn’t bother to help. Cleo stood up and was face to face with the bad date Elle had set her up with.

“Oh,” she said, trying to hide her annoyance.

“Hey…Carrie,” he said.

“It’s Cleo. How are you, Cole?”

“Shit, sorry. I’m good, I’m good. Heading to lunch.”

“Mmm.” Cleo looked around, desperate for Elle, or anyone, to come save her from this awkward situation.

“I never heard from you after our date…”

“Right. Uh… I, uh…”

“She’s seeing someone, Cole.” Cleo heard Elle’s voice approaching and gave a little sigh of relief.

“Is that so?” asked Cole.

Cleo nodded and tried to look convincing.

“Yep. He’s a baseball player. An all-star.” Elle looped her arm through Cleo’s and led her down the hallway to her office.

“Thank you.” Cleo let out a sigh of relief.

Elle giggled. “Did you see his face when I told him you were dating an MLB player?”

Cleo shook her head. “You really are pushing for that, aren’t you?”

Elle shrugged innocently. “Do I need to list the reasons again?”

“Please don’t,” groaned Cleo.

Elle laughed as she pushed open the door to her office and took a seat at her desk. Cleo plopped down in the leather chair across from her and set the basket on the desk, shoving it toward her best friend. She leaned back and let her head fall back so she was looking up at the ceiling.

“So, what happened?” asked Elle.

“Not one café was interested. The last one said, I might not be ‘good enough’.” Cleo raised her fingers and made air quotations.

“Bullshit,” said Elle.

Cleo sat up and shrugged. “Maybe he’s right. Maybe my small-town dreams are too big for the big city.”

“It was just an off day.”

“Elle, I tried five different bakeries.”

“So? Try five more. Hell, try fifty more. I know you’re good. Anyone who knows you knows how much heart you put into your baking.”

Cleo nodded, but was unconvinced.

Elle pulled the basket toward her and pulled out a muffin. She unwrapped it and inhaled.

“Banana nut. My favorite.” She took a big bite and sat back in her chair, closing her eyes and shaking her head. “If no one wanted you after trying this, then they don’t deserve you. Just watch, I’ll put these in the breakroom and they’ll be gone before you know it.”

“Please do. I can’t bear to take them home.”

“Done. Leave a business card. These big wigs’ wives are always hosting parties.”

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