Page 82 of The Billionaire Boss and the Barista

Garrett yanked up his pant leg and crossed it in that weird male power-pose way. “You’re too sexy,” he said matter-of-factly.

“What?” Emma’s voice rose so high it squeaked.

Coughing to clear it, she tried again. “That’s crazy.”

Garrett laughed, raising a sardonic brow. “How many times has a woman taken an instant dislike to you?”

Emma opened her mouth to argue. She closed it slowly after counting in her head.

“It’s not your fault,” Garrett said, his tone kind. “Some women are like that. They see your face and figure and it triggers something. If they’re younger, it’s jealousy. If they’re older, like Kyle’s mom, it’s judgment. As if you could help what your body looks like.”

Emma scowled, glancing down at her breasts. She felt an urge to cover herself, but she hadn’t brought a wrap.

Across from her, Garrett sat up, putting his foot down and leaning forward. “I didn’t mean to make you self-conscious. But you seemed genuinely confused.”

Yeah, she was confused. He was telling her fellow women were threatened by her because she was toosexy. A code word for slutty.

Except Garrett had never tried anything. Not while he was conscious anyway. He must not find her sexy. Or he found her too slutty. She didn’t want to know which.

“Well, thanks for explaining things so clearly.”

His mouth opened. She sensed a lecture coming but he closed it. They rode in silence the rest of the way.

Inside the penthouse, Garrett ripped off his coat and tossed it on the back of the couch as he passed it on the way to his bedroom.

“Good night,” he said.

Emma bit her lip, hurt by the clipped tone.

Damn it.She chased after him, grabbing his arm. She stepped back when he turned to face her. “I’m sorry for ruining the wedding for you.”

Garrett’s jaw flexed. “You didn’t ruin it. The wedding was beautiful. Everyone laughed at my speech. It was great.”

“The end wasn’t.” She raised her hands placatingly. “And thatwasmy fault. I should have kept Kyle in check.”

He sighed. “That wasn’t your fault. He’s a grown man. You aren’t responsible for him.”

Grown man was a stretch. “If you’re not mad about Kyle, why are you so upset?”

“I’m not upset!” he shouted.

Emma froze, tears stinging the back of her eyes. “Of course, you’re not. Silly me.”

Garrett groaned, a whole world of frustration in the sound. “All right. I guess I am a little…”

“Upset.”

He thrust a hand through his hair. “Disappointed.”

Oh, that’s way worse.Emma would have preferred anger. “I said I was sorry about Kyle.”

“No, it’s not about the kid.”

She stared at him, waiting.

He lifted a shoulder. “Look, it was my best friend’s wedding. I was celebrating with the men I call family. We had amazing food and even better booze. Everyone who mattered to me was there and I…”

Emma held her breath, waiting for the next body blow.

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