Page 52 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“No,” he replies, glancing up at me, his face unreadable. “I don’t have experience with them, and I wasn’t expecting him, so I freaked out.”

“I remember how you tried to shake his hand,” I say, before falling into a new fit of laughter.

He immediately shoots me a mock glare, his brow furrowing. “Hey!”

Trying to stop the giggles, I wave my hand in apology. “I know, I’m sorry. I shouldn't be laughing at you.”

“No, it’s mean,” he grumbles, but there’s a twinkle in his eye. He’s not really mad.

“Oh, did I hurt your feelings?” I tease, a grin tugging on my lips.

“No,” he says quickly. “I’m actually tough. Nothing fazes me.” There’s that cocky grin.

“That’s a good thing. Life is tough, and having thick skin helps. I dread the day Chad comes home telling me something bad happened to him.”

“Chad’s incredible, and that’s a testament to you. If he has half of your resiliency, he’ll be okay,” he says, settling back into his chair, his hands relaxing on the armrests.

“Thanks.” I smile as my body temperature rises from his compliment.

“We're learning something new about each other today,” he adds.

Earlier, I only saw his body as a problem. But now, as we talk, he genuinely seems interested in getting to know Chad. For a moment, I indulge in pretending. He’s so good at making me feel seen and heard. Whether or not it’s for his own gain, tonight’s been a surprisingly pleasant experience.

“We are,” I murmur.

Tension rises in the air, and our eyes lock in a strange connection. Why did I tell him so much? I feel exposed because he knows some of my hard truths in life. He knows things that he could use against me, which has the power to break me.

I move to the kitchen sink to help clean up before heading home. As I turn to grab a towel to dry my hands, I find myself inches away from him, staring into his intense blue eyes. They pierce me, and instead of shrinking away, I feel my body giving in. His gaze drops to my lips as he leans closer, briefly licking his own. That simple move sends an ache between my legs, and I hitch a breath that nearly makes me cry.It’s been so long. Just once, I want to forget about everything and feel good.

No matter the consequences or that I once thought he was the devil for always disputing me, I want him. If he’s looking at thistired mom in her forties like he wants her, then why the fuck am I fighting it? Let him kiss me.

As he leans down, I close my eyes, but a rattling sound at the office door snaps my eyes open, and I automatically step back.

I turn toward the sound, my heart beating in my throat, and see the cleaner.

“Oh, sorry.” she says, clearly realizing she interrupted us.

But it’s enough to wake me up.

“It’s okay, we’re finished for the day,” I mumble.

The cleaner is used to seeing me here, but not him. Not a guy and girl alone, looking at each other like we were.

“Goodnight,” I say as I brush past Harvey, heading to my office to get my bag, ready to make a quick exit to the safety of my car. Just as I’m about to leave, Harvey steps into the doorway, holding a container with a knowing smirk. “Don’t forget Chad's pie.”

“Thanks.”

He leans forward and whispers in my ear, his breath warm on my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. “Next time, buttercup, we won’t be interrupted.”

Freaking hell. It was a good thing she came in.

I don’t glance back at him; I just finish tidying up and go greet the cleaner, asking how her family is doing.

We often share a cup of tea while I work, chatting about her teenage kids and family. She knows about my husband’s arrest and my efforts to save this business, but she always asks about Chad.

She gives me a funny look tonight, and I brace myself. Another person looking at Harvey with a glimmer in their eyes. I shake my head at her in a silent no. But she just smiles, clearly not believing me.

“See you tomorrow, Harvey.”

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