Page 88 of Billion Dollar Dispute

Susie takes detailed notes. “I’ll design a concept and show it to you. Now, let’s discuss the rest.”

For the next hour, Susie goes over colors, textures, and design ideas. Jemima’s excitement is palpable, and I find myself captivated by her energy. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I watch her, mesmerised.

Before Susie and Molly leave, I show pictures of my own office. Their eyes bulge from their sockets. I appreciate finer things, which motivates me to keep working hard.

Returning to my office, I focus on organizing Oliver’s events for next year before switching to the new software system setup. I call up any new inquiries and schedule design meetings, eager to share the results with Jemima. I can’t wait to show her this.

The shift in the office energy makes my head lift, alerting me to her presence. She stands at the door, her back straight. I go to rise and greet her, but she gives me a subtle shake of her head.

“Chad is sick again. The school just called,” she says, her arms wrapped tightly around her stomach.

“Is he okay?” I ask rising, stepping closer, ignoring her earlier warning and gently touching her arm.

“He has a fever. He must be coming down with the flu,” she says, worry evident in her voice.

“Take a few days off to care for him. Fuck, look after yourself,” I insist, my concern genuine.

She looks from under her dark lashes at me as she whispers, “Thank you.”

“Give me your work to do.”

She hesitates. “No, it’s okay. It can wait.”

“Your tasks will only grow. Give them to me. Nothing is too difficult.”

“It’s not that.” She sighs, avoiding my gaze.

My brow furrows, not understanding. “What is it then?”

Her cheeks flush as she looks away quickly. “I don’t want to give another guy control over my finances.”

I pull her into a hug, her arms immediately wrapping around me. “I understand. But I’m not like him. I’m here to help. You can come back and take over when you’re ready. It’s temporary.”

Her head moves on my chest, probably feeling how hard my heart is pounding. She feels so right in my arms; I don’t want to let her go.

“I don’t have a choice, do I?”

“No. Chad needs you.” I want to tell her that I need her too, but now isn’t the right time. Even hugging her is hard to stop when her warm body is pressed against mine. Usually, I fuck a woman and she leaves as soon as we’re finished. There’d be no hugging or kissing. It was a scratch I needed scratching, but with her, I want to hold, kiss, and never let go.

“I better show you what I was working on so I can go pick him up.”

She pulls away, a visible shudder running through her. I follow her into her office, trying to behave and keep my hands to myself despite the intense urge to hold her.

As she sits down and starts explaining her work, my gaze drifts to her lips. Her focus is on the task at hand, but my thoughts are consumed with how much I want to kiss her again.

These thoughts are so inappropriate, and when I work, I don’t usually think like this, hence why I haven’t fucked anyone I work with. My casual fucks were always when I went out.

“You’ve been doing this all on your own?” I ask.

“Yeah, it’s a lot,” she admits.

“You're so stubborn. I wish you’d told me sooner.”

Her head tilts so her eyes meet mine, and the intensity makes my heart race. My eyes drop to her cupid's bow, and all I want is to close the distance and taste her again.

“Take over until I return.”

“I won’t let you down,” I assure her, as I hold her gaze. Her eyes flicker with torment as she murmurs, “I hope not.”

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