Page 30 of Billion Dollar Dispute

Dressed in a matching beige sweat suit, while she's standing in just my shirt.

“Did you want a jacket?” I ask.

“No, I’m fine.”

“It’s cold out,” I persist.

“Harvey, enough. I’m fine.” Her voice wobbles slightly, but I don’t overthink it. She’s probably just tired and shaken up. I’ll crank up the heater in the car.

We ride in silence until we reach her apartment block. As I park, I move to unbuckle, but her hand lands on my chest, halting me. My gaze drops to where her hand touches me, igniting a fire beneath my clothes.

“Stay, please. You’ve done more than enough.”

I sigh. “Alright.”

She withdraws her hand away, dropping her chin.

“Thanks again… for everything.”

“Don’t forget to return my shirt.”

A faint smile quirks her lips, easing the tension between us. “Never. It’s mine now.”

“We’ll see about that.”

But deep down, I know it looks better on her than it ever did on me. As she exits the car, she pauses to say, “I’ll see you Monday. Don’t be late, pretty boy.”

With a smirk, she closes the door, heading up the stairs of her brick apartment building. I find myself exhaling and admiring her for a second before remembering I have a lot of work to do.

Chapter 10

Jemima

Molly’s eyes widen indisbelief, covering her mouth with her hand when I tell her what happened with Harvey. “You didn’t,” she says, her voice muffled by her palm. The boys are busy in the other room playing at her place, so they can’t hear our conversation.

With a slight chuckle, I raise my teacup to my lips and take a sip before responding. “Embarrassing,” I admit, shaking my head. My fingers twitch as I remember how hard and big he was.

Leaning forward, Molly’s curiosity gets the best of her. “So, how did you get home?”

I close my eyes momentarily, feeling a wave of awkwardness wash over me. “He dropped me off,” I confess, my voice trailing off.

Clearly amused, Molly lets out a low whistle. “Now that’s a story,” she remarks, eyes sparkling.

I feel my cheeks heat as I cover my eyes with my hands. “Right, it’s humiliating,” I mutter as a pang of self-consciousness washes over me.

“Did he seem bothered?” Molly asks, her expression filled with concern.

I drop my hands from my face, memories of the morning flooding my mind. “Not at all, which is the problem.”

“He’s young and hot. I can’t blame him for trying.” She offers a sympathetic shrug.

“I have a kid, and I’m not interested in dating. I can’t trust anyone right now.” A hint of vulnerability creeps into my voice.

As Molly stands to take her cup to the sink, she calls over her shoulder. “One day you’ll change your mind.”

I doubt that.

I offer her a weak smile in response.

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