Page 80 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“I got a letter from my ex… I ended up forgetting about the cake,” I confess.

The muscle in his jaw pulses, but he remains silent, giving me space to continue.

I sip my drink, savoring the strong tequila, before leaning back. “It’s the first time he’s reached out since he went to jail.”

Harvey straightens.

“What’s worse is that I had no idea he was using. He was the father of my child, and I trusted him. I thought he’d always look after me and his son,” I say, laughing, but it lacks humor.

“What was in the letter?” he asks, then quickly adds. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

I hesitate for a moment, then find myself speaking. “He said he’s been working on himself.” I pause, staring into Harvey’s eyes. “What is it about you that gets me saying things I wouldn’t share with anyone else?”

He gives me a warm, crooked smirk. “Maybe it’s because I’m an open book. I say it how it is.”

I nod, feeling lighter as I rest my hands on the table. “A take-it-or-leave-it attitude. I love it. I wish Chad could be that way.”

“He’s still young. He’ll get there, especially with you guiding him.”

“Thanks,” I say. “I’m not responding to the letter, but I don’t want to throw it away in case Chad asks.”

Harvey nods, putting his hand on top of mine, understanding my predicament. “He didn’t deserve you and Chad. When Chad’s old enough to ask, I’d be honest.”

“He’s just made me so angry. He took all our money and got us into so much debt. I owe over three months of rent.” My eyes widen, and I cover my mouth at my outburst. He makes me feel comfortable that words just spill.

“Do you need?”

I drop my hand and shake my head. “Don’t even think about it. I want to pay back without owing you. You’re making it difficult…” I trail off, catching myself. I’m not going to date him.

“I’d say I’m sorry he betrayed you, but I’m not. I’m glad I can show you not all men treat women that way and that I can treat you the way you deserve.”

My cheeks burn, and I glance away, my fingers fidgeting with my glass. “Harvey,” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why?”

“What do you mean, ‘why’? Why what?”

“Why would you agree to spend dinner with me as the prize? Any other woman would love to be here.”

“Except you,” he adds with a playful smirk.

“I’m enjoying myself. It’s just hard to understand what you want from me.”

“There’s no hidden agenda.” His lips curve into a casual smile, but there’s an intensity in his eyes that makes my stomach flutter. “I’m attracted to you, and I think you’re attracted to me. We’re adults; why can’t we just have some fun?”

“I can have fun.”

“You said you used to be fun.”

He’s right. “I did.”

“Well, let yourself have fun with me. I promise not to let you down.”

The usual alarm bells that would ring through my body to say;I don’t believe him,aren’t there. It’s silent. Only desire floods my body.

Feeling my old self returning, I say, “Let’s have fun.”

He flashes me a wicked grin and waves down the server, ordering us a round of spicy margaritas.

“Have you heard from Danny?” he asks.

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