Page 27 of Quarantined with the Billionaire

I considered protesting more, maybe because I didn’t want to seem as eager as I felt. Instead, I decided to be practical. “So Monday? I’ll bring all my stuff with me then?”

“No. Today. Make a list of the food you’ll need and I’ll have Simon fetch it before taking you to your place to get your things.” His eyes examined mine. “Are you okay with this?”

“Yes. It’s just a little sudden.”

“To you, perhaps. I’ve been giving it a lot of thought.”

While it would have been nice if he’d shared those ideas with me earlier, I’d get over it. “I should probably visit my mom and stepdad this weekend. If they’re feeling better.”

“I don’t want to tell you what to do, Bailey, but…have they been sick?”

I dodged the question. “They’re both struggling right now. They can’t work. I’m really worried about them.”

His voice was soft, kinder than I’d ever heard it before. “Would money help?”

Suddenly, I felt suspicious. I didn’t want Maddox to think I was saying anything of the sort, even if it were true—because I never wanted him to think I was using him. It didn’t matter that he had more money than he could ever spend. The rumor was that he had officially achieved billionaire status around the time I’d started working for his company.

That was, of course, a rumor—but, having worked from his house, I began to suspect it might be true.

My pride made me search my brain for a good response. I took so much time answering, though, that he figured out the truth. “How much do they need?”

“No, Maddox, I’m not asking for money for them. I’m pretty sure they’ll be able to draw unemployment.”

The frown on his face furrowed his brow in the loveliest way. “Have you been paying attention to the government, Bailey? Even here in Colorado. The number of people filing for unemployment spiked earlier this month. It’s been so bad, their website is having technical difficulties. Have your parents applied for it yet?”

“I have no idea, Maddox. Honestly…I try to avoid talking to them as much as possible.”

Taking the hint, he drew a slow breath in through his nose and nodded his head. “The offer stands—so just let me know.”

When Simon reappeared in the dining room, he looked at my plate. The tiramisu was all but gone. “Did you enjoy it?”

“Oh, very much so. That was amazing.”

“Let me know when you’re ready for me to drive you to your apartment.” It was then that I realized what a coordinated team these two were—and I didn’t know if I should appreciate it or feel a little uneasy. “Sir, I’m going to be stocking up in general for you, but is there anything in particular you’d like me to look for?”

Maddox cocked an eyebrow, melting me with his gaze. “Do you like popcorn?”

“Sometimes.”

“Get some microwave popcorn, if you don’t mind. Oh, but also make sure I’ve got kernels.”

Simon nodded. “Consider it done.”

“Do we still have ingredients for S’mores?”

“Yes.” Simon’s eyes looked like his soul had shriveled up inside him. Without a trace of humor in his expression, he turned to me. “I make world-class tiramisu, cheesecakes, crème brûlée—and Mr. Steel wants to eat burned marshmallows between two pieces of sweetened cardboard.”

I pursed my lips together, but I knew my amusement would show in my eyes—and Maddox let out a loud belly laugh. “Don’t forget the chocolate, Simon. That’s the best part.”

“Processed milk chocolate. Indeed. Most definitely the best part.”

Maddox grinned at me while scooping up more of Simon’s creation. “It’s only because I taste plebian delights that I’m able to fully appreciate your refined creations.”

Simon was smiling now, but I didn’t know if he truly found Maddox’s teasing funny. “Anything else, sir?”

“Just whatever Bailey wants.”

“Let me know when you’re ready.”

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