Page 23 of Grumpy Billionaire Bad Boy

I roll my eyes at her dramatics. How could I not love her? There isn't much I wouldn't do for Ivy. I would die for her; I would kill for her. But I guess I draw the line at being able to show up on time or leave my apartment when she demands that I do.

"You know I do. I promise I'll make it up to you. Give me some time," I tell her.

"Fine. But you better be glad I love the bread here, because the carbs are making up for my missing date."

"I'll send you an edible arrangement of bread, how's that?"

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Arch." Ivy clears her throat. "I'll see you on Sunday," and then hangs up.

I exhale, the guilt adding to the festering feelings nagging at me from every direction. I did have every intention of meeting her today, I just lost track of time when London came fumbling into my life.

Returning to my computer, I type away until I find what I'm looking for, ordering Ivy the biggest breadbasket I can find to be delivered to her office. I add an "I'm sorry" note and punch in my credit card information. It's just bread, but I refuse to not follow through with another promise and disappoint her any more than I already have.

I run my hand through my hair and lean back in my chair, remembering the last words that Ivy just spoke to me.I'll see you on Sunday.

Here's to hoping I don't disappoint her again.

Chapter 9

London

Iwake up in Archer's bed, a bit confused but feeling better. My stomach growls as I catch the scent of something coming from what I can only assume is the kitchen.

Slowly, I uncover myself and slide out of his bed, careful not to get dizzy by getting up too quickly. My recollection is hazy, the argument Archer and I had by the door coming back to me as I make my way out of the room. My cheeks redden when I see him, the memory of asking him to stay returning to me, too.

Ignoring the thought, I lick my lips and continue toward him. "What are you doing?" I ask upon my approach.

"Just in time." Archer pulls a skillet off the stovetop and dumps some of the contents onto two plates near him. "You must be hungry."

I shrug. "I could eat." I step closer, trying to look over his shoulder at what he made. "What is it?"

"Go sit down, I'll bring it to you."

"That didn't answer my question."

Archer glares at me. "Do you want to eat or not?"

I throw my hands up in defeat. "Fine." And go to where we had breakfast this morning. It suddenly dawns on me that I haveno idea what time it is, and because Archer has closed every single window blind, I can't tell if it's still daylight.

He slides a plate in front of me, and another in the spot a couple of seats down. "You okay with water?"

"Yeah, that's fine."

"Ice or no ice."

"Ice."

I poke at the food while he gets our drinks. "Are you going to tell me what I'm about to eat or is this some weird game to add to your mysteriousness?"

Archer sets my water in front of me. "It's teriyaki tofu, brown rice, and sautéedBroccolini."

"You can cook?"

"It's as simple as following instructions. Anyone can cook."Archersits on his stool, grabs his fork, andpauses. "Do you have a problem with what I made?"

My brows rise and I shake my head. "No. Not at all. I'm just surprised, is all." I stab a piece of the tofu and pop it into my mouth, almost moaning at the taste. "This is good." I eat another bite. "Really good."

Archer and I eat in silence for the remainder of the meal, not that I care much, considering how hungry I was. He finishes before me, helping himself to another plate of food and topping off our waters.

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