Page 12 of Quarantined with the Billionaire

“In a few weeks, I’ll be eating out on the deck.”

“Doesn’t it get too hot out there in the summer?”

“Not at breakfast. Brunch, though, can be a little much in July and August.”

He placed the plates at a diagonal so that they both seats would be facing the windows. Beside each plate he placed a cloth napkin with a knife and fork. I took that as my cue to place the juice glasses down.

“Would you like coffee or water or anything else? Tea maybe?”

“No, I’m okay for now. Thanks.”

“Maybe I should have made toast.”

“I’m good if you are.”

“Then eat up,” he said, pulling out a chair for me. “These are best hot.”

I felt a little awkward, having him help me sit down, but I had to admit to myself it was kind of nice. Soon he sat beside me and I thanked him again.

“You’ll have to let me know what you think.”

He placed his napkin in his lap and I followed suit before picking up my fork. Then he cut off a corner of his omelet but he was waiting for me to go first, so I cut off a tiny bite and slid the fork in my mouth.

“Mmm.” My reaction was almost involuntary, as my mouth was assaulted with satisfying warmth, but the flavors were incredible. Slightly salty, a little sweet and a lot savory, a tad nutty, and not greasy in the least, that omelet was likely the best I’d ever tasted. Closing my eyes, I focused on appreciating every tiny sensation my taste buds were throwing at me.

“Was I right?”

“Oh, yeah. This is amazing. Thank you so much.”

“Thank me by eating it all, Bailey. That’s the best compliment you can give a chef.”

It was then, as I gobbled up that omelet as if I hadn’t eaten in days, that I realized Maddox Steel would have been ridiculously successful at whatever he’d chosen in life. It seemed that he’d made it his mission to excel at whatever he did.

And it was intoxicating being around that kind of confidence, that silent air of self-assuredness.

That sort of masculinity.

I tried to guess his age based on his looks, because I couldn’t tell. I only knew he had to be quite a bit older than I—but I had no way of knowing for certain. The man was gorgeous, and I wondered if eating in his presence made that damned omelet taste all the better.

Even the orange juice was the best I’d ever enjoyed.

Soon, I’d cleaned my plate. One of Maddox’s dark eyebrows lifted over an ocean-blue eye, and I could see a twinkle in it. “Guess your breakfast before coming here this morning paled in comparison?”

Grinning, I tried to stifle the blush threatening to cover my cheeks. “Guess so.” I dabbed at my mouth with the off-white napkin, ready to broach the subject I’d wanted to since arriving. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.” Maddox took a sip of his juice, nodding his approval.

“How hard is it to move up in your company?”

His brow furrowed in such a lovely way, making him even more handsome than he’d seemed all morning. “I’m not sure what you’re asking. Why don’t you give me a little background?” After taking another large bite of his omelet, he set his fork down.

Under his gaze, receiving his complete attention, I felt my courage waver. This man was nothing if not intense, and his scrutiny felt a little intimidating. But I’d brought it up and I wasn’t going to chicken out now. “Well…I’ve been with Essential Solutions for five years now, and even though I’m good at customer service, I don’t want to do it for the rest of my life. So I’ve tried applying for other jobs when openings come up, and I’m never chosen.”

He considered his words, not answering immediately, and I wished I could read what was in those deep blue eyes—but I didn’t know him well enough. “Bailey, just because you’ve worked somewhere for a while doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed promotions. You have to earn them.”

My feathers were ruffled now, so I had to fight to keep my voice steady. Emotional appeals would not work with this man. “I believe I have, Mr. Steel. I get excellent ratings on my evaluations. The last time I got passed over for a job, I asked the manager what I could do to improve my chances, and she told me I was an excellent candidate.” Maddox nodded, having all but flinched when I called him Mister moments earlier. “So why not me? I asked. And she said that the other person was just slightly more qualified.”

“Well, there you go then. Just keep trying.”

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