Page 16 of Triplet Babies for the Billionaire
I remind myself, like I have a hundred times since that first day,I can’t do this. I can’t let myself get distracted. This is my job.
When our hands accidentally touch while reaching for a bottle, I immediately look away, biting my lip to keep my focus.
Noah, for his part, doesn’t seem to notice how much he is affecting me. He’s calm and collected, as always. But I can’t help the way my heart pounds. I remind myself that this is all temporary. I can’t let myself fall back into those dangerous feelings.
If he asks me again, if he tries anything again, I’m saying no.
That’s the plan.
Nothing more.
I head into the back, searching for another bottle of Moscato. The kitchen is quiet, and I relish the brief moment of solitude. I just need a minute to gather my thoughts, to refocus.
Just as I reach the wine rack, I hear footsteps approaching, and I turn to see Noah entering the back room.
He gives me a quick nod of acknowledgment, and I force a smile.
“How’s everything going?” he asks casually, leaning against the doorframe. He’s so collected, so professional. He’s clearly fine with the way things are, but I can’t shake the feeling that we’re walking a fine line.
“It’s going well,” I reply, trying to sound normal. But inside, I’m nervous, my stomach churning. This is the moment. The moment I’ve been dreading.
I take a deep breath, put the bottle back on the shelf, and turn to face him. “Listen, Noah,” I say, my voice firmer than I feel. “Whatever happened between us before, that can’t happen again.”
His eyes flash with surprise, but he doesn’t argue. He just looks at me for a beat, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nods. “I get it. I’m not going to make this weird,” he says quietly. “We’ll keep things professional. For both our sakes.”
I nod, relieved but still uncertain. “Thank you. I just don’t want to jeopardize everything.”
Noah’s expression softens, his gaze flicking to the floor. “I agree. I think...it’s for the best. We’re both here to work, not to mix business with...whatever that was.”
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the conversation lift slightly. “Thanks,” I murmur.
“Let’s keep it that way,” Noah replies, his voice steady, his eyes meeting mine for the briefest of moments before he turns and walks away.
And I stay there, taking another deep breath, wondering if I’ve just made the right decision or the biggest mistake of my life.
Chapter Six
Noah
I step out of the elevator and walk into the lobby of the Hudson Hotel, immediately greeted by the buzz of activity. It’s always like this in the mornings: staff rushing about, guests checking in, the whole operation running like a well-oiled machine.
Then, just as I pass the reception desk, I spot the head chef, Miguel, rushing toward me with a look of panic on his face. His white coat is a little disheveled, and his normally controlled demeanor is frayed.
“Noah!” he exclaims, breathless. “The truffles you ordered—they haven’t arrived. We were supposed to have an hour ago for tonight’s menu, but they’re still not here, and I need them for the sauce. It needs to simmer for at least eight hours.”
I feel my irritation rise immediately. Truffles are supposed to be a specialty item, handled by our suppliers like clockwork.But, of course, something always goes wrong when I’m already juggling a thousand things.
“Let me guess,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “They’re saying they are delayed.”
Miguel nods vigorously. “I need themnow, Noah. If we don’t get them, tonight’s special is going to be ruined.”
“All right,” I reply, my voice tight. “I’ll handle it personally. Get me the address for the supplier. I’ll make sure they’re on their way.”
I turn on my heel, already making a mental note to deal with this disaster first. It’s another curveball in a long list of things I don’t have time for today. I pull out my phone as I walk through the hotel, looking up the address and quickly plugging it into the map. This is going to be a pain in the ass, but I’ve dealt with worse.
Walking through the bar, I scan the area.
Then I spot her.
