Page 17 of The Runaway Bride and the Billionaire

Kayla knocked and walked into my office after I told her to come in. “I’ll be leaving now, sir,” she said.

I glanced at the clock in the corner. It was nine, way later than she’d ever left the office. I appreciated her dedication to helpingsolve the problem and I made a mental note to give her and everyone else a bonus once all this was over.

After Kayla left, I sat in my office staring at my laptop for a few minutes. When I’d finally had enough, I grabbed my bag and drove home. The elevator ride up to the penthouse gave me more time to think about the situation but when the doors slid open and I stepped into the living room, all thoughts of Ryx Cements and Fitzroy Corp were gone.

The room was dimly lit but I could still see Amelia laying on the couch. The slow rise and fall of her chest told me she was sleeping. I walked over to her and bent to check on her. Some of her dark hair was splayed over the cream couch but the rest of it covered her face.

I reached out a hand to brush her hair away. Amelia stirred but she didn’t wake up. Instead, she seemed to relax. Her plump lips covered into a peaceful smile that warmed my heart. As I looked at her, I found myself in awe of just how beautiful she was.

She was truly stunning.

I straightened so I could place my briefcase on the other side of the chair. Then I bent and lifted Amelia into my arms. Once again, she stirred slightly before relaxing into my hold. I carried her to her room and laid her in bed.

I was pulling away when her eyes fluttered open. Her eyes widened when she saw me. She blinked as if she was remembering where she’d fallen asleep. She realized that I’d carried her to bed. Amelia didn’t say anything and neither did I. We simply stared at each other, our eyes saying all the things our lips couldn’t say.

I wanted to kiss her but I knew I couldn’t. Amelia’s teeth tugged at her bottom lip bringing my attention directly to that spot. I pulled in a deep breath as I met her gaze again. I could feel my defenses wearing down and I knew I was about to do something I would regret.

I forced myself to back away even further. Then with great effort, I left her room. I returned to the sitting room where I grabbed my briefcase before heading to my bedroom. I placed it on the chair in the corner like I always did when I got back from work.

Only this time, I sat on the couch beside the chair. As I sat there, I thought back to my moment of weakness in Amelia’s room. I couldn’t believe I was so close to kissing her. I hated my undeniable attraction to her.

It made no sense for me to feel that way after everything. I felt angry at myself for even thinking about kissing her and I was glad I didn’t make that mistake. We might not be able to come back from that.

The next day, I woke up even earlier than I usually did. I was determined to leave before Amelia got up. After taking a shower and getting ready. I picked up my briefcase and headed out. The elevator doors were sliding open when Amelia walked into the living room.

She seemed just as surprised to see me as I was to see her. From what Agnes told me, she never got up this early let alone got dressed to leave this early. She was also dressed differently. She wore a blue button-down top and a pair of black pants.

Her hair was also styled differently. She typically left it to pour down her shoulders but today she’d styled it in a slick bun. She looked more professional than I'd ever seen her, almost like she was going to work. I’d never seen her dressed that way before. It looked good on her.

Everything looked good on her.

We walked into the elevator together and for a while neither of us said anything. But then she turned to me and said, “I have a job interview today.”

“Oh.” That explained the clothing.

“Two, actually.”

“I wish you good luck,” I said, and I meant it. I knew Amelia had never had an actual job and getting one was part of her journey towards independence.

“Thank you. I’m honestly really nervous.”

I turned to her and I saw the way she fidgeted with her bracelet. My first instinct was to reach for her hands. I wanted to hold them and tell her everything would be okay. Thankfully, reasoning rumored instinct so I ended up saying, “I’m sure you’ll do great.”

The elevator doors slid open and Amelia walked out first. She turned back to me and smiled. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

I watched her walk ahead. She waved at Eddie and he waved right back. “Have a good day, Eddie,” she called out.

“You too, Miss Pierson.”

She shook her head. “Amelia.”

“Right, sorry,” Eddie said as he smiled sheepishly at her.

“No need to apologize. I have to go now. Bye.”

There was no way I was letting her take public transport when I could drop her off. “Amelia!” She paused when she heard her name. She turned to me with a confused look. “Get in. We’ll drop you off,” I said.

“No there’s no need to—

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